Excuse for not drinking alcohol.

[Descendent1]

I live in a culture where alcohol is a huge part of life. Unfortunately I don’t have a great relationship with alcohol and suffer from memory black outs even when I don’t drink much. I do enjoy a glass of wine but if I don’t stop after one or two drinks, I regret it the next day. I think, for me, just stopping drinking would be the best solution.

However, I know if I say I’m not drinking, people will try to pressure me. I feel like I need an excuse to prevent that from happening because otherwise, I know I’ll end up caving and having a drink.

Any ideas?

I can really related to OP and the family issue. The person that gives me the most grief about not drinking is my mum!

I stopped 2 years ago after a breast cancer diagnosis, I have to take medication that doesn't mix well with alcohol. My mum doesn't know about the diagnosis so I can't tell her the truth. I just say that alcohol doesn't agree with me, I think it's the menopause it makes me really ill, she doesn't really accept this but I'm insisting and will stand up to her. To other people I just say I take medication that doesn't agree with alcohol.

What I would say is that the longer I have gone without drinking the more confident I have become in these situations. I used to find it very stressful, now I am confident in saying no or saying I'll have a coke or whatever and I think people pick up on the confidence and are less likely to give you hassle.

Hopefully it will get easier for you over time...hang in there, I'm loving being alcohole free!

say you're on antibiotics is always a good one they can't argue with, have a reason for why you're taking them (e.g. ear infection) some nosy person will always ask why!

You can drink alcohol with most antibiotics, so that won't wash (not metronidazole though, that would make you very ill)

IMO "alcohol make sme ill" is the easiest and most straightforward reason.

“I’m on antibiotics” is what I always used to say

now I just say “I don’t drink anymore” and stick to it