1 MIN READ
JULY 2025
Sober ways to have fun with friends
Being completely sober or taking a break from substances is a choice people make for many reasons. And it’s becoming more common — especially for Gen Z. It may feel like most social activities revolve around using substances. And while you can still attend events where there are substances, you have other options.
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Choosing to be sober doesn’t mean giving up your social life
Whether sobriety is a long-term lifestyle or you’re taking a short break, below are substance-free ways to spend time with friends and loved ones.
- Meet up at places that aren’t bars — Connect at a coffee shop, explore a museum or hang out at a park.
- Try something new together — Sign up for a cooking or dance class, or try a new hobby like painting or pottery.
- Enjoy outdoor activities — Discover the healing power of a hike or wander around a farmers market.
- Host your own gathering — Start a book club, or plan a game night, potluck dinner or movie marathon.
- Focus on connections — Meaningful conversations, laughing and making memories help you build a life that doesn’t revolve around substances.
If you’re looking to expand your social circle, Resources for Living® (RFL®) Worklife can help point you to activities that are happening in your local community based on your budget, interests and schedule. Call RFL to learn more: 833-721-2320 (TTY: 711).
Have social anxiety? Get help through counseling
Some people rely on substances to feel more comfortable in social situations, especially if they’re shy or don’t know many people at an event. Counseling can help you build coping skills so you can enjoy yourself — and even make new friends.
You have many options when it comes to the type of mental health support you’d like. For example, 8-week self-guided programs from AbleTo or anonymous peer-to-peer chat from Supportiv. Scroll down to the resources section to learn more and get started.
You can also view your Benefits Guide for a full list of options, including mental health resources.
Resources for you
Get connected to support
Resources for Living® (RFL®), your Employee Assistance Program (EAP), can help you navigate options for care or treatment for substance use concerns. They can even schedule appointments. This confidential program is available to all Costco employees, all members of your household and dependent children up to age 26. Find support for:
- Anxiety, depression, stress and grief
- Substance use concerns
- Family or relationship issues
- Making social connections
RFL.com/Costco | 833-721-2320 (TTY: 711) | No cost
Anonymous peer-to-peer chat support
Supportiv provides 24/7/365 peer-to-peer mental health support via small group chats. All participants are anonymous, and all conversations are facilitated by a trained moderator. Connect with others who understand what you’re going through, such as:
- Substance use concerns
- Self-esteem issues
- Anxiety and depression
- Family and parenting challenges
- Relationship conflicts
- Work stress
Supportiv.com/Costco | 24/7 | Age 13+ | No cost
Take advantage of counseling sessions to help with life’s challenges
AbleTo helps you take charge of your emotional and mental health with 8-week virtual therapy and well-being programs personalized to your specific needs and challenges. From one-on-one teletherapy to digital activities, this virtual program offers support in managing:
- Depression, anxiety and stress
- Grief and loss
- Infertility, caregiver stress and postpartum depression
- Chronic pain, diabetes, cancer, heart disease and more
AbleTo.com/Costco | 833-881-1444 | Age 18+ | No cost
Get connected to support
Resources for Living® (RFL®), your Employee Assistance Program (EAP), can help you navigate options for care or treatment for substance use concerns. They can even schedule appointments. This confidential program is available to all Costco employees, all members of your household and dependent children up to age 26. Find support for:
- Anxiety, depression, stress and grief
- Substance use concerns
- Family or relationship issues
- Making social connections
RFL.com/Costco | 833-721-2320 (TTY: 711) | No cost
Anonymous peer-to-peer chat support
Supportiv provides 24/7/365 peer-to-peer mental health support via small group chats. All participants are anonymous, and all conversations are facilitated by a trained moderator. Connect with others who understand what you’re going through, such as:
- Substance use concerns
- Self-esteem issues
- Anxiety and depression
- Family and parenting challenges
- Relationship conflicts
- Work stress
Supportiv.com/Costco | 24/7 | Age 13+ | No cost
Get connected to support
Resources for Living® (RFL®), your Employee Assistance Program (EAP), can help you navigate options for care or treatment for substance use concerns. They can even schedule appointments. This confidential program is available to all Costco employees, all members of your household and dependent children up to age 26. Find support for:
- Anxiety, depression, stress and grief
- Substance use concerns
- Family or relationship issues
- Making social connections
RFL.com/Costco | 833-721-2320 (TTY: 711) | No cost
Anonymous peer-to-peer chat support
Supportiv provides 24/7/365 peer-to-peer mental health support via small group chats. All participants are anonymous, and all conversations are facilitated by a trained moderator. Connect with others who understand what you’re going through, such as:
- Substance use concerns
- Self-esteem issues
- Anxiety and depression
- Family and parenting challenges
- Relationship conflicts
- Work stress
Supportiv.com/Costco | 24/7 | Age 13+ | No cost
Take advantage of counseling sessions to help with life’s challenges
AbleTo helps you take charge of your emotional and mental health with 8-week virtual therapy and well-being programs personalized to your specific needs and challenges. From one-on-one teletherapy to digital activities, this virtual program offers support in managing:
- Depression, anxiety and stress
- Grief and loss
- Infertility, caregiver stress and postpartum depression
- Chronic pain, diabetes, cancer, heart disease and more
AbleTo.com/Costco | 833-881-1444 | Age 18+ | No cost