London pubs are one of the defining aspects of British culture. From the historic pubs of Fleet Street to the sports pubs of central and west London, these establishments serve as the heartbeat of the local community and are the pride of the British people.
Though this may seem like a controversial claim, pubs also play an important role in recovery and reducing the rate of alcoholism within the UK.
Let’s take a look at the role of local pubs in addiction recovery, some of the challenges they face and how you can maintain sobriety while safely enjoying the pub atmosphere.
The Role of Local Pubs In Addiction Recovery
Social Support
Pubs serve as a hub for community integration. Social interaction provides those in recovery with emotional support, promotes accountability and reduces loneliness. Some research suggests that the sense of community provided by pubs also reduces the risk of problematic drinking and alcohol use disorder.
Hosting Sober Events
Many local pubs host sober events like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, fundraisers and sobriety nights. These offer a safe space for people in recovery to meet, share stories, and discuss strategies for maintaining sobriety. Hosting these events also reduces the stigma associated with alcohol dependence.
Some establishments have also joined the growing trend of sober bars. These are alcohol-free pubs which offer alternatives like mocktails, food and soft drinks. Sober bars create an environment where those in recovery can meet and socialize without having to worry about the temptations of drinking.
Promoting Responsible Drinking
Bars also play a role in creating inclusive spaces by promoting responsible drinking. These establishments train their staff on how to identify problematic drinking and underage drinking, as well as measures to take in such situations.
Education and Advocacy
Some pubs carry out advocacy campaigns and fundraising events aimed at dismantling the stigma associated with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and supporting local recovery programs. These are often organised in collaboration with the local AA and charities. They also educate the public on alternatives to drinking like sober bars and non-alcoholic events.
Job Opportunities
Pubs also offer employment opportunities to those recovering from AUD. There is strong evidence that having a job has a positive impact on your recovery journey. It brings a sense of responsibility, accountability, confidence and financial independence. Pub owners can also be supportive of their employees in recovery by offering flexible working hours to accommodate therapy sessions and sobriety meetings.
Challenges Pubs Face
Controversy
Despite these advantages, the idea of pubs being a pillar of community sobriety is quite controversial. Some individuals do not support the belief that pubs can create a safe, non-triggering environment for recovering alcoholics to meet. Many also see these establishments as one of the gateways to developing problematic drinking.
Pubs can challenge these beliefs by providing a safe space for those in recovery to meet and socialize. They can also show their commitment by collaborating with programs and charities dedicated to helping those struggling with AUD.
Risk of Relapse
The unfortunate truth is that pubs may be a triggering environment for many in recovery. Pubs can address this by making sincere efforts towards creating an accommodating environment for those with problematic drinking and offering sober alternatives as well.
Pub Safety Tips for Those in Recovery
Despite all its benefits, the pub may be a triggering environment for many people in recovery. However, there are some useful safety tips you can follow to make the pub a safe and sober place for you to socialize.
- Choose pubs which offer a variety of sober alternatives.
- Go out with at least one other sober friend who is more experienced than you at maintaining sobriety.
- Practice different ways of politely but firmly turning down a drink.
- It may be helpful to make it known earlier that you are abstaining from drinking.
- Don’t stay too long, aim to leave the event early.
- It may be wise to leave if it seems like most people are heavily inebriated.
- Do not be afraid to leave if you feel triggered, tempted or uncomfortable.
- It is not a good idea to enter a pub until you feel confident in your sobriety and have been sober for at least several months.
How To Recognize an Alcohol Use Disorder
This first step in recovery is identifying if you have an alcohol use disorder. Diagnosing problematic drinking or an AUD should only be done by a qualified healthcare provider. This typically involves using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria. This guideline also helps determine the severity of the alcohol use disorder.
The criteria include:
- Consuming larger amounts of alcohol than intended or consuming alcohol over a longer period than originally intended.
- Having persistent cravings for alcohol.
- Making repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control your alcohol use.
- Spending a significant amount of time on obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of alcohol.
- Your alcohol use negatively affects your performance at work, school, home, or social obligations.
- Avoiding important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of alcohol use.
- Using alcohol in dangerous situations or alcohol use leads to dangerous situations.
- Continuing to use alcohol despite persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problems caused or worsened by alcohol.
- Continuing to use alcohol despite persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or worsened by alcohol.
- Requiring increased amounts of alcohol to achieve the same level of intoxication or desired effect (tolerance).
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when drinking stops, which may lead to substance abuse to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Healthcare professionals diagnose an AUD if an individual meets 2 or more of these 11 diagnostic criteria within 12 months.
These criteria can also be used to determine the severity of an alcohol use disorder – mild means meeting 2-3 criteria; moderate signifies 4-5 criteria and severe AUDs are when you have 6 or more symptoms.
Seek Help
Pubs are deeply rooted in British culture and can also foster community recovery and support sobriety. By promoting responsible drinking and hosting sobriety events, pubs can become allies in the fight against alcohol addiction.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use, reach out to addiction recovery centres like PCP Londonfor support, therapy and guidance on your recovery journey.
