'I stopped binge drinking two years ago. I've learnt 10 things about partying sober.'

I used to love to binge drink.

I wasn’t about the wine at home on the couch on a Friday, or even the glass with dinner. I was the girl finishing my friends' drinks at pres because they couldn’t finish them in time, or asking them to go shot for shot with me at the bar. 

Eight to 10 drinks on a night out wasn’t out of the ordinary, and by age 25, I’d done my fair share of partying - from clubbing to five-day festivals and endless bar hopping.

I was a happy and friendly drunk, and I was probably the only one who noticed a problem with my drinking, but that’s also all that mattered - because only I had the power to change my relationship with it.

I started with 100 days no drinking in early 2020, and then decided to fully give up alcohol in July of that year. 

I told all my family and friends I was doing one year because I thought that would be easier to stomach and more believable than indefinitely. I also thought by telling people it would hold me accountable. 

It’s now been over two years, and I can’t see things changing anytime soon.

Watch: Your body after one year without alcohol. Post continues after video.

In my two years sober, I’ve been to countless gigs, bars, clubs, weddings, festivals and travelled overseas. My life hasn’t stopped because I don’t drink, and I will still be on the dance floor giving it my all.

People also rarely notice that I’m not drinking until I tell them.

Being sober has shown me that I am disciplined beyond what I ever believed possible. I’m more confident in myself and the decisions I make, and overall it’s made me a happier and healthier person, physically and mentally. 

I am also present at the moments that matter to me.

There are a few tips that have got me through many parties and festivals. So whether you’re sober curious, doing a 30-day challenge or off the booze completely, here are the hacks that help me when the dreaded "just one drink" comes up.

1. Make the decision early.

If you’re planning on going alcohol-free to an event - whether that be a wedding, festival, or just to the local pub - you need to make the decision well in advance. 

It also needs to be a firm decision. If you go into the night with a "maybe I will, maybe I won’t" approach, you're a lot more likely to slip up. 

If you feel comfortable, it's helpful to tell a friend you’ve made this decision and ask them to back you on it.

2. Decide what you're going to drink.

I’d suggest thinking about this before you get to your event.

If it’s a picnic, maybe you take a bottle of alcohol-free wine or beers. In a bar or club, you can usually get a mixer sans alcohol and no one can tell the difference.

3. Deep breathing, meditation and pump-up music!

Going to an event can be daunting in itself, let alone going sober. 

Before you get there, do some breath work and listen to a meditation, or play music that gets you pumped up and feeling confident.

Promise it'll help.

4. Have a drink in your hand at all times.

The moment you walk in the door, grab a non-alcoholic drink ASAP. 

Get through those first-drink jitters with something delicious. 

5. Be the designated driver.

Being the designated driver is good if you’re just testing the waters or you’re unsure how your friends will react to your decision to not drink. 

This option means they're less likely to peer pressure you into drinking since you’re their ride home, and if the bar you're at isn't a vibe, it also means you can drive somewhere else. 

Plus, it’s usually a lot cheaper to drive than to get an Uber or taxi. I can’t believe how much money I’ve saved since quitting drinking for that exact reason.

6. Caffeine, caffeine and more caffeine.

For me, this is probably one of the biggest ones.

If you want to dance all night and keep up with your friends, you may need caffeine. Whatever form works for you.

For me, it’s a long black. For you, it might be a Red Bull or black tea. 

If you’re at a DJ set or an event that goes into the am, I’d recommend re-charging with more caffeine halfway through.

Of course if you don't drink caffeine or need to avoid it for any reason, disregard this tip!

Listen to No Filter with Mia Freedman. In this episode, Sarah Hepola shares her story of going from 'blackout drunk' to sobriety. Post continues below.

7. Hydrate.

If you’re talking and dancing all night but not drinking alcohol, you’re still going to need to hydrate. 

Soda, mineral, or still water - add a lemon or lime and you’ll be glowing on that dance floor.

8. Wear comfy shoes.

When you’re not drinking but dancing, you’ll feel the pain of wearing high heels a lot more quickly than usual. 

Pack a pair of comfy shoes in your bag or keep them stashed in your car nearby, and don’t be afraid to pull them out halfway through the night.

9. Leave before 12am.

Nothing good happens after midnight; I repeat, nothing! 

Go home, get into bed, even watch something if you're still awake. At that point, everyone will start getting loud and messy and you’ll get drinks spilled on you… time to call it a night.

10. Make early morning plans.

Make plans for the next day with a friend you won’t cancel on. 

Go for a walk or swim, grab a coffee, brunch or all of the above, but make sure it’s locked in and early enough that the idea of doing it hungover isn’t appealing in the slightest.

Do you have any tips of your own to add? Share them in the comments below.

Feature image: Supplied.