How do I meet people who don't drink?

Whether you are in recovery, sober-curious, or have never enjoyed drinking, social life can feel built around bars. The good news: alcohol-free communities are growing, and they are easy to find once you know where to look.

Not drinking is increasingly common, whether for health, faith, recovery, fitness or simple preference, and alcohol-free drinks and venues have become easier to find in many cities. Still, a lot of socializing defaults to drinks, which can make it harder to meet people. The key is to look for spaces and communities built around something else entirely, where not drinking is normal rather than notable.

Where to meet non-drinkers offline

• Morning activities: park runs, yoga, swimming, climbing gyms.
• Sober social events and alcohol-free bars, which exist in many cities.
• Hobby classes, book clubs and volunteering.
• Recovery communities, if that is part of your journey.

How to use Souldaters

1. Sign up free and set your drinking field to sober or non-drinker.
2. Join the sober tribe, and maybe health-oriented, runners or meditation.
3. Turn on the "sober or non-drinkers" filter, in dating, friends mode or both.
4. Post on the sober tribe board to find alcohol-free plans nearby.

Tips

• Suggest plans that are not built around drinks: brunch, a walk, a gallery.
• You do not owe anyone an explanation; "I don't drink" is enough.
• Notice who respects your choice without fuss.

More in our sober dating guide and how to meet people who share your interests.

Finally, be patient with yourself. Building an alcohol-free social life can take a little time at first, but the friendships that grow from shared mornings, hobbies and honest conversation tend to be the ones that last.