We’re at the time of year where many of us are starting to think about new year’s resolutions and ways we want to change for the better in 2025. Often, one of the key decisions made is to give up alcohol, even if it is only for one month during Dry January.
However, giving up alcohol isn’t easy. It’s why there are so many private alcohol rehab centres UK wide. Because it is addictive, it is an addiction and giving up isn’t simply a case of stopping and never picking up a bottle again.
Well, that’s exactly what it is, but it takes hard work, dedication and support rather than it being done “simply”. Strength in numbers can be a good approach and giving up as a team could be just the help you need. And here’s why…
Shared Accountability
First and foremost, you’re going to have shared accountability. If you returned to drink, not only would you be letting yourself down, but you’d be letting the team down too. You’re far less likely to slip up because others are counting on you to stay committed. This can create an encouraging and supportive atmosphere you may not necessarily get when taking on the challenge alone.
Encouragement and Support
What’s more, if you are struggling you’ll be able to seek encouragement and support from your friends and those joining you on your sobriety quest. Everybody has good and bad days and they can pick you up on your down days, and you can pick them up on theirs.
You’ll always have someone to lean on and while you work through the journey you’ll be able to share experiences and advice on how you’ve overcome certain situations and vice versa.
What’s more, you can share the good times together, and they become that bit more special. Reaching milestones, such as getting through a week or weekend sober can boost morale in the camp and reinforce positive behaviour.
It makes the whole process less isolating and creates a real positive atmosphere that encourages you towards your goals.
Healthy Competition
A little friendly competition can work wonders when it comes to making lifestyle changes. When you give up alcohol as part of a group, there’s often an element of competition that can drive everyone to stay committed. Whether it’s comparing how long each person has gone without a drink, who can find the best alcohol-free alternative, or who feels the most energised after a sober night out, this playful rivalry can be a powerful motivator.
Healthy competition encourages each member of the team to push themselves to stay on course, and it often brings a fun, light-hearted aspect to what can otherwise be a serious and difficult challenge. It can also make the group more engaged and invested in the collective success.
Shared Experiences and Learning
When you give up alcohol as a team, you can benefit from shared experiences and learning. Everyone approaches sobriety differently and will face different challenges along the way. By sharing your experiences, you can learn new strategies for avoiding temptation, discover alcohol-free activities, or even find the best non-alcoholic drinks on the market.
For example, if one team member finds it hard to go to social events without drinking, they can learn from another who has developed effective strategies for staying sober at parties. This collaborative learning not only helps individuals overcome obstacles but also strengthens the group as a whole.
Building a New Social Dynamic
One of the hardest parts of giving up alcohol is adjusting to social situations where drinking is the norm. When you’re in it alone, it can feel awkward or isolating to be the only one not drinking at a gathering or night out. However, when you give up alcohol as part of a team, you can create a new social dynamic where alcohol is no longer the focal point of events.
Instead of meeting for drinks, you and your group can plan alcohol-free activities that are just as fun—whether it’s a game night, a group fitness class, or a movie marathon. Over time, this helps to shift the mindset that socialising and drinking need to go hand in hand. Building new, alcohol-free habits as a group helps reinforce the idea that fun and connection don’t require a pint in hand.
