Stephanie Meagher joined Kathryn Thomas on The Ray D'Arcy Show to discuss her sober social group, Babes Without Beers. Listen back above.
In January of 2023, following the end of lockdowns and social distancing, Stephanie Meagher decided to start an alcohol-free social group. Aptly named Babes Without Beers, the group is advertised as a meet-up for "women, non-binary people, and all members of the LGBTQ+ community who are sober, sober-curious, or want to drink less alcohol".
The Meath woman says she suffered from depression and social anxiety during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and was looking to take part in some fun activities outside of going to the pub.
"I was kind of using alcohol, first of all, because I was in a bad place, I was using it to forget about things and tune out for a while. And then I was also kind of using it as a way to deal with my social anxiety," she explains.
Although she found that alcohol would help with her short-term anxieties, Meagher soon discovered that drinking was making things worse in the long term, leaving her feeling "really bad and really anxious".
"When I was in therapy, I kind of realised that drinking just wasn't doing me any favours, and I just kind of decided to start practicing mindful drinking and periods of sobriety as well."
Mindful drinking, she says, means being self-aware and checking in with yourself as you drink to see how you're feeling, how you're acting, questioning why you're drinking, and if you really want another.
Mindful drinking tips include:
- Plan ahead (bring your own non-alcoholic or low-alcohol options)
- Don't panic at the bar (consider what you really want to drink)
- The alcoholic illusion (order a non-alcohol beer or glass of soda water with lime to avoid the 'why aren't you drinking' conversation)
- Check in with yourself (listen to your body and check in on your mood)
- Don't drink too much (Pause before you order another drink, say no to shots, and avoid rounds)
- Choose a mantra (a simple reminder as to why you're avoiding alcohol e.g. "I have decided to drink mindfully tonight to avoid anxiety tomorrow)
- Do what's right for you (don't give it to peer pressure)
- Find your people (try to find your own sober crew)
Starting with a simple walk up Bray Head, Meagher has held a number of sober social events and says the number of attendees is steadily climbing thanks to word of mouth.
With over 4,000 followers on Instagram, there are heaps of alcohol-free events from around the country being highlighted, with everything from kayaking and furniture upholstering to food tours and rollerblading on offer.
Meagher is currently trying to expand the group to events outside of Dublin and says that regional WhatsApp groups are available for those trying to find sober buddies in their area.
To find out more about Babes With Beers, listen back to the full chat on RTÉ Radio 1 above.
