Getting sober is one thing. Building a sober social life that feels real, supportive, and fun? Another challenge entirely. Whether you’re early in recovery, sober curious, or years into living alcohol-free, finding sober friends – people who genuinely support your lifestyle – isn’t always easy.
But there’s good news: You are far from alone in this boat, as the number of people embracing an zero-alcohol lifestyle is shooting up. One survey found that 49% of adults in the US planned to drink less alcohol in 2025 – up 44% from 2023. Another survey reported that 30% of its respondents participated in Dry January in 2025 – up 36% from 2024.
So, since more people are cutting back or quitting altogether, and there are more sober communities – both online and IRL (in real life) – than ever before.
Here’s a full guide to finding sober friends who actually get it – and who want to stick around for the long haul.
Why sober friends matter
Recovery, as you’ve probably already realized, is about more than abstaining. It’s really about rebuilding your life – and that includes who you share it with.
When you’re no longer bonding over drinks, you might realize how much of your socializing revolved around alcohol. Having true sober friends not only means zero pressure to drink, but also:
- You’ll get a break from having to explain yourself or why you’re remaining sober.
- You have people who can celebrate your wins (big and small), and understand how important they are.
- You have supporters who can talk you down when cravings hit, and hold you accountable to your sobriety goals.
Where to find sober friendships online (Reddit, Instagram, Discord, TikTok, Apps)
Some people find it easier to connect with people online before meeting up in person. There are numerous online support groups and communities where you can meet other sober people and receive invaluable support. Here’s a list to get you started.
Digital communities & support groups
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – The classic institution millions swear by. Not only does AA offer in-person meetings, but also virtual meetings worldwide. Free, anonymous, and based on 12-step principles.
- Celebrate Recovery – Faith-based 12-step program for various life struggles
- SMART Recovery – Non-religious, science-backed recovery approach
- LifeRing – Peer-run, secular recovery meetings
- Moderation Management – For those aiming to reduce alcohol consumption
- Women for Sobriety – Safe, supportive space designed specifically for women
- r/stopdrinking – One of the largest online sobriety forums. Honest, unfiltered, and highly supportive
- r/soberlifeprotips – A space where members share tips and life hacks around maintaining sobriety
- r/recoverywithoutaa – A forum for those pursuing sobriety without joining AA
Discord
- Recovery RAWKstars – A dynamic server supporting multiple recovery paths, including SMART Recovery, 12-step programs, and general life skills.
- Recovery Underground – Live Narcotics Anonymous (NA) voice meetings daily
- Patience in Sobriety – Gentle, nonjudgmental space for recovery discussions
- Dry Alcoholics – A quieter space for those reducing or quitting alcohol
Social media
- @sobermovement (Instagram) – Motivational posts and stories from the sober community
- #SoberCommunity (TikTok) – Hashtag with over 26 million views showcasing sober journeys, tips, and solidarity
- @thesoberscoop_ (TikTok) – A platform for people to find community in sobriety, emphasizing the importance of support groups
- @sobermotivation (Instagram) – Account and podcast sharing sobriety stories and motivation
- @creativesobriety (Instagram) – An Instagram community for sober and sober-curious people in creative fields
- @asobergirlsguide (Instagram) – A platform, blog, podcast, and membership program for sober women
Looking for additional options? Here are 75 more sober Instagram accounts and communities to check out.
Apps
There are a number of apps that can not only help you stay sober, but also help you make sober friends. A few top picks:
- I Am Sober – Tracks sobriety, offers motivational quotes, and daily pledges
- Loosid – Think of it like the sober Tinder. Combines dating, events, and sober chat communities.
- Reframe – Science-based app for habit change and alcohol reduction, with regular Zoom meetups
- BACtrack View – While not designed for finding friends, BACtrack View’s remote alcohol monitoring app (which pairs with a breathalyzer) is great for helping you or your existing sober friends hold each other accountable to sobriety.
Where to find sober friends in real life (IRL)
Get moving, get connected
Regular workouts have a positive effect on your mental health, especially in sobriety. Research indicates that strength training and aerobic exercise while in recovery can diminish anxiety and depressive symptoms, and lift your mood.1
- The Phoenix – A nationwide sober active community offering free fitness and social events to anyone with 48 hours of sobriety.
- Clean & Sober National Football Association (CSNSA) – A safe and fun environment for individuals in recovery to play softball. They organize tournaments and events across the United States, culminating in the Clean and Sober World Series.
You can also find local group fitness classes, hiking meetups, or sober sports leagues through Meetup.com.
Volunteering
Volunteering boosts mood and creates connection. And, believe it or not, research shows that volunteering during early recovery can significantly reduce relapse risk.2 Some places to start:
- Food banks
- Animal shelters
- Habitat for Humanity
- Faith-based community work
- Peer support in recovery centers
Sober social events
- Absence of Proof – Alcohol-free nightlife events with mocktails and DJs
- Sober Social – Wellness-centered mixers and dry gatherings
- Sober Black Girls Club – Events focused on joy and healing for Black women in sobriety
The bottom line on finding sober friends
Whether you’re sitting on your couch in week one of sobriety or looking to expand your circle years into recovery, there’s a place for you—and people waiting to meet you.
Start with one step. Click the join button on a Discord group. DM someone on Instagram. Go to a sober yoga class. That’s how it begins.
What grows from there can be powerful: real connection, real support, and real friendships that don’t depend on alcohol to hold them together.
Sources
- Brown, R. A., Abrantes, A. M., Read, J. P., Marcus, B. H., Jakicic, J., Strong, D. R., Oakley, J. R., Ramsey, S. E., Kahler, C. W., Stuart, G. G., Dubreuil, M. E., & Gordon, A. A. (2009). Aerobic Exercise for Alcohol Recovery: Rationale, Program Description, and Preliminary Findings. Behavior Modification, 33(2), 220–249. https://doi.org/10.1177/0145445508329112 ↩︎
- Rady, A., Moloukhiya, T., Elkholy, O., Shawky, E. (2018). Getting Involved In Volunteer Work Could Protect Against Relapse among Detoxified Opiate Patients: A Six-Month Follow-Up Study. Journal of Neuropsychiatry. https://www.jneuropsychiatry.org/peer-review/getting-involved-in-volunteer-work-could-protect-against-relapse-among-detoxified-opiate-patients-a-six-months-follow-up.pdf. ↩︎
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