Sober girl’s guide to partying
Giving up alcohol doesn’t mean cancelling your social life. Model Adwoa Aboah shares her tips for alcohol-free happiness.
By model Adwoa Aboah
Without wanting to get boastful, there’s one skill I’ve acquired that I’m proud of: I’m the master of sober partying. This month, I’ll have been sober for over four years and, yes, there are lots of reasons for me giving up drugs and alcohol, but the basic truth is that it was simply time. Like lots of people of my generation, I have friends who are trying to stop drinking and taking drugs, and they often ask me how they can have fun without it.
These tried-and-tested methods have kept me sane through everything, from industry events to birthday celebrations. Honestly, it can be done.
FOLLOW THE MUSIC I used to be the first person on the dance floor, but when I stopped drinking and taking drugs I became hyper aware of my surroundings and felt like everyone was watching me. Then, one night, some really great music came on and I threw myself into it. As soon as Madonna’s ‘Vogue’ comes on, I perform an entire dance routine. I can’t be stopped. If you want to dance sober, ensure that you can depend on the DJ.
EMBRACE THE BENEFITS These days, I like being in situations that are a bit uncomfortable, like going to new places with new people. Before, I’d have been terrified to do that, but when you aren’t drinking you can start to challenge yourself in dierent ways. When I first went into rehab in 2016, we used to go on these weird outings, like bowling or karaoke. Doing that made me realise I can do anything sober, which was empowering. I’ve met some incredible people at parties while I’ve been sober – and I’ve remembered them, and our conversations, the next day. INVEST IN YOURSELF When I went sober, I bought myself a Prada coat in celebration. I never used to have any money because I spent it all on drugs and alcohol. Now I invest in myself. I just had a really good fourth year and celebrated by buying a beautiful ring from jewellery designer Solange Azagury-partridge. Use what you save to do something for yourself – it gives you a tangible reason why it’s worth it.
KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO GO HOME In the old days, I would go out and stay out just for the sake of it – even if I was having a bad time or the energy was o. Now, if I stop enjoying something, I get straight out of there; if I miss out, I miss out. So don’t be ashamed to call it a night. And when you’re scrolling through social media the morning after, always remember that things often appear far better on Instagram than they do in reality.
“Things often appear far better on Instagram than they do in reality.”