92. Solid (Not Liquid) Bonds: Redefining Friendship Without Alcohol

Friendship isn’t about what’s in your glass—it’s about what’s in your heart. In this episode, I dive into one of the most common fears that come up when considering an alcohol-free lifestyle: Will I lose my friends? I’m here to tell you that your social life doesn’t have to take a nosedive when you stop drinking. In fact, it can deepen in ways you never imagined. I’ll share insights from my own experience, lessons from seven and a half years of coaching clients, and practical tips to navigate friendships without alcohol as the glue.

If you’re worried that giving up alcohol will make you a social outcast, this episode is for you. I’ll guide you through a mindset shift, help you take inventory of your friendships, and give you actionable steps to build deeper, more meaningful connections—without booze.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The myth that alcohol is necessary for friendship—and why it’s time to let that go. 

• My own experience moving to Austin and realizing I needed new, more aligned friendships. 

• How alcohol keeps relationships at the surface level and prevents true connection. 

• A simple but powerful exercise to take inventory of what you want in a friendship. 

• How to shift the context of existing friendships to make space for deeper connections. 

• The importance of taking initiative in creating alcohol-free social experiences. 

• Why stepping back from certain friendships can be a natural and necessary process. 

• How to attract like-minded, supportive friends in alignment with your new lifestyle. 

Homework for You:

• Take inventory of your friendships: What qualities do you love? What qualities do you want less of?

• Identify friendships where you can shift the dynamic—invite a friend to do something alcohol-free.

• Step back from social situations that no longer serve you and be intentional about where you spend your time.

• Put yourself in spaces where like-minded, alcohol-free or mindful people gather.

Resources & Next Steps:

• Grab my book for a deeper dive into friendships, alcohol-free living, and personal growth: Get it here

• Want personalized guidance? Apply for my signature coaching program, Awaken Without Alcohol: Apply here

• Let’s connect on Instagram! @amandakuda

Next Week’s Episode: We’re diving into romantic relationships and how removing alcohol can shift intimacy, communication, and connection in ways you never expected. Stay tuned!

Loved this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show! If this resonated with you, screenshot the episode, share it on Instagram, and tag me @amandakuda—I’d love to hear your thoughts!