An influencer has opened up about ‘sober living’ and how she goes “out-out” without drinking alcohol.
When Danielle Megaffin would finish a long, tiresome week she’d look forward to a weekend of drinking and partying.
But pretty quickly, while dating a rockstar, she noticed she was drinking more and more, and ended up in rehab three times.
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Now, the content creator is taking the internet by storm while sharing her story and tips on sobriety.
“Back then, the pain I was feeling inside was too great,” Danielle, from Nova Scotia, Canada, told What’s The Jam.
“I took the drink, and then the drink took the drink.
“And then the drink took me.”
At her worst point, when she and her ex broke up, she attempted an overdose and almost died.
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She said: “It was after this I knew I had to do something.
“I decided to go completely sober.”
Now, she is one year clean and sober.
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She said: “It was hard.
“I relapsed a couple of times and just found changing, challenging.
“I had to get rid of so many friends because, in the end, they were all addicts or alcoholics.”
Danielle shares her life story and tips with fans on Instagram, (@dannimega), where she has 104,000 followers.
In one recent post, which has gathered over 90,000 views, she shared eight tips on how to go “out-out” as a “sober girlie”.
FIND A FABULOUS OUTFIT:
Feeling good can have a massive impact on your evening.
She said: “Pick a great outfit you feel amazing and confident in.”
BRING YOUR OWN DRINKS:
If you can, carry your own.
She said: “If you’re pre-gaming or pre-drinking with friends, bring your own non-alcoholic options.”
HAVE A SOBER BUDDY:
It can help to have someone along, who is also not drinking or is in the same boat as you.
She said: “I always go out with my best friend, who is also sober.”
SET BOUNDARIES:
Some people may be afraid or embarrassed to do this, but in the moment, it will save you.
She said: “Have a plan to leave the moment you feel uncomfortable.”
BE PREPARED:
It is likely someone will ask you about your choice to not drink – it is up to you what you want to tell them.
She said: “If someone is trying to buy you a drink or peer pressure you into drinking alcohol, toss water in their face… joking.
“Tell them you’re not drinking. End of or leave immediately.
“Just be prepared to deal with this – cause sometimes your sobriety makes other people very uncomfortable.”
DRIVE YOURSELF:
If possible, this may be the best way out of an uncomfortable situation.
She said: “This way you don’t rely on anyone else to get home.”
KEEP YOURSELF BUSY:
This way, there isn’t time to overthink or worry about others.
She said: “Focus on all the other fun things around you, people watch, flirt, dance, whatever!”
LEAVE EARLY:
Be one of the first to go home.
She said: “Leave before everyone is super wasted.
“Really drunk people are zero fun when you’re sober.”
Danielle added: “If you have a fear that your sobriety means missing out on things your peers do, not to worry!
“When you are confident in your sobriety, going ‘out out’ is totally possible!”
Since going sober, Danielle has not looked back.
She said: “Sobriety gave me my confidence, friendships and mental health back.
“I had my therapist, programmes, friends and family to keep me going.”
And to anyone looking to start their sobriety journey, she advises cutting out bad influences.
She said: “My advice is start today, don’t wait until tomorrow.
“Just don’t drink tonight and do it again tomorrow.
“There will never be a good time. There will always be an excuse or party or celebration to drink.
“The days will add up, it will be hard, but remember the misery.”
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