Involve your family and friends

Don't keep what you're doing a secret - despite what you might think, most people will be enormously kind and supportive if you tell them that you're not drinking. This will help you hugely. If they're not interested, or rude about it, then... well, do you want to be around them anyway?

We also know that telling people has a massive protective factor. Once you've gone public with what you're trying to do, you'll find that you're much less likely to relapse.

Try to be sociable

Drinking can be a self-absorbing, isolating and introspective business. After they've stopped drinking, many people seem to carry on with these habits. Try hard to face out rather than in. Try to look outwards, and concentrate on those around you rather than on yourself. Anything might fulfil this function, but whatever you choose to do, try to lose yourself in other people rather than in your own little world.

Getting along with people

Don't expect too much from others after you stop drinking. Trust can take a long time to regain, so don't get disheartened if people around you aren't giving you all the attention and support that you might think you need.

If you've really hurt and upset the people around you, try to focus on what you can do to make reparation, rather than thinking about what you think they should do to support you.

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