Arlington Heights Trailblazer Inspires Sober Socializing Through Fun-Filled Adventures

When members of Chicago AF gather to tackle an escape room or enjoy coffee, embark on a “No Booze Cruise,” or run a book club, every individual’s motivation for living without alcohol varies.

Some are in recovery from addiction. Some have never been fond of alcohol or are attempting a “Dry January.” Others have eliminated alcohol for a more healthful lifestyle.

Chicago AF, a nonprofit established by Arlington Heights resident Carrie May, embraces individuals choosing sobriety for all these reasons and beyond, with no membership fees required.

“It’s merely an environment of kindness and acceptance. That’s all. No obligations. Nothing at all,” May remarked regarding her group, which assists non-drinkers in connecting with others who are also alcohol-free. “I want them to feel assured in their sobriety and understand that it’s perfectly alright to abstain. It’s genuinely fantastic not to drink.”

Chicago AF isn’t a 12-step program for sobriety, and it encourages members needing that assistance to pursue it. Rather, it’s a community of individuals desiring to maintain a social life and have something to anticipate — without the drawbacks and addictive cravings associated with alcohol.

“I have observed that when individuals cease drinking or reduce their consumption, their lives improve on every level — and they flourish,” said May, 50, an emergency department nurse practitioner and a certified recovery coach. “Your entire perspective on the world becomes significantly broader when you possess clarity, enabling you to think, see, dream — and have the drive to act on those aspirations.”

‘Amazing experiences

Since its inception in October 2020, Chicago AF has attracted approximately 1,800 non-drinkers throughout the suburbs and the city. It has become recognized as a “quality provider of experiences,” according to one member, who has assisted in introducing an alcohol-free event named OkSOBERfest to Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago for the past two years.

Chicago AF, led by Arlington Heights resident Carrie May, is organizing its third annual NA Day event on Jan. 18. The nonprofit also arranges monthly gatherings and outings for non-drinkers.
Courtesy of Kate Scott Photography

“Carrie has excelled in establishing Chicago AF, not merely as a resource for those exploring non-alcoholic options but also in crafting remarkable experiences,” noted Beth Krauss, vice president of marketing and communications at Lincoln Park Zoo.

“It truly is an awesome group of individuals. Since relocating to Chicago nearly eight years ago, this has definitely been the most welcoming social environment that I have endeavored to join,” Krauss added, who has abstained from alcohol for a decade.

Fulfilling the “fun niche” of aiding adults in fostering friendships with other adults — without relying on alcohol for confidence — is a deep-seated passion for May. A self-identified “overachiever by nature,” May formed the group roughly four years into her sobriety because she desired more sober avenues for fellowship and enjoyment.

“I could not discover any other means to socialize or engage with other adults,” she mentioned. “For me, it was crucial to establish a life that wasn’t centered around alcohol.”

As Chicago AF commenced during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization initially held weekly support meetings via Zoom. These continue to this day, providing assistance to members such as Kerry Tuttle of Chicago in navigating a life free of alcohol.

“It’s a very inclusive group — receptive to diverse experiences,” stated Tuttle, who refrained from drinking in 2021. “You don’t need to hit rock bottom to declare, ‘This no longer benefits me. It doesn’t enhance my life, and it’s time to move forward.’”

No alcohol? No issue

As more individuals participated in the Zoom meetings, May gradually broadened Chicago AF to incorporate monthly in-person gatherings and excursions.

Some events — including the third annual NA Day, slated for Jan. 18 at Loft on Lake in Chicago — will feature a complete non-alcoholic bar with selections from the rapidly expanding variety of spirits, wines, and beers now being produced without intoxicating properties.

“You don’t want to dress up and dine out with friends, only to be served Coke in a children’s glass,” remarked Tuttle, who played a role in the inception of the NA Day events. “I desire to toast with my own version of a cocktail that aligns with my needs and still feels sophisticated.”

Mocktails — non-alcoholic beverages — are provided at some Chicago AF events, such as its annual NA Day gathering. This year’s NA Day is scheduled for Jan. 18.
Courtesy of Kate Scott Photography

Producers of non-alcoholic beverages, from local establishments — like Naperville’s Go Brewing — to national brands — including the rapidly growing Athletic Brewing — have conducted tastings at the first two NA Days, which sold out at 200 tickets the first year and 400 the second. Organizers state that tickets for this year’s event — available atchicagoafcommunity.com/upcoming-events— are selling rapidly as well.

Assistance to cease drinking

While some individuals who don’t consume alcohol enjoy recreating a bar vibe with mocktails, others prefer to avoid anything that resembles or tastes like their previous drinking experiences, May mentions. Therefore, Chicago AF also provides a monthly crafting group, culinary classes, ropes activities, or seasonal-themed celebrations.

Managing the group as it expands aids May in her journey after quitting drinking, she expressed. The encouragement of her spouse, Jonathan May, along with their 17- and 20-year-old children, who she describes as “live, eat, and breathe sobriety,” also contributes positively.

“Initially, when I achieved sobriety, I felt my narrative wasn’t significant. It wasn’t dramatic. I hadn’t endured any trauma. I enjoyed a wonderful life with my spouse and a job I cherished. I simply was drinking excessively,” May shared. “It unfolded gradually. There wasn’t a specific cause for it. Yet then, I found it impossible to halt my drinking.”

Anyone seeking to stop drinking now has the option to collaborate with a physician, attend rehabilitation, participate in a 12-step recovery program, or — unlike May when she ceased alcohol consumption — join an online chat, take part in a Zoom session, or even join the brunch group with Chicago AF.

“I desire for others to have a more positive experience,” she stated.