So for those unfamiliar with the acronym, fear of missing out. I definitely used alcohol as a crutch for socialisation (autism, and when I drink, I don’t feel so autistic). I have been out to a pub / karoake night and successfully not drunk alcohol, twice so far.
When I think about the future and the idea of ‘never drinking alcohol again’ it makes me feel a little sad. I imagine all the fun nights out I used to have, that I won’t have anymore… I imagine sitting around sighing, twiddling my thumbs while everyone has raucous fun.
I don’t feel like these are unreasonable worries, so hoping for some insights to puncture them. My main weapon to fight back is to imagine how I feel the morning after (nauseous, pounding head, sweating) and how that day is wasted; then to remind myself that drinking kicks me into a manic phase, with inevitable week+ of depression to follow.
I used to know a guy called Brian, friend of the family… he was always the life and soul of every party despite being teetotal. Always admired him, maybe that should be my mantra… “WWBD?”
I know what you’re feeling. Pretty soon after I stopped I was going away with some friends and I was so worried that it wouldn’t be fun as I wouldn’t be drinking. Not only were my friends amazing and totally supported me, it was a great week!
Maybe it would be useful to reframe it? Instead of thinking into the future and talking of “never drinking again” just consider the next day, or next weekend, or next night out? And then think of the next day and what you’ll actually be missing out on - the nausea, the headache, the wasted day… Easier said than done I know, but I hope it helps.
Keep going, you’re doing so well.