To ask if you don't drink, what are your reasons for not doing so?

[JustAskingForAFriend]

Chatting to a friend the other day and she was saying about a new wine shed tried and had I tried it. I said no, I don't particularly like wine or any alcohol for that matter.
She was like really? Why?
I said I just don't.
Then it got me thinking.
I used to drink.. A LOT. as a late teen early 20s. So to be honest I think it's the case of I feel like I've had 'my drinking days'. Coupled with the fact of a particular drink made me mega sick (. My fault for drinking more than I could handle lol) it put me off. So I think I've eliminated most drinks as th e thought makes me feel sick lol..
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I don’t really drink. Used to get leathered in my late teens now and again, but that was nearly 20 years ago. I just don’t find alcohol quenches my thirst, and I like my drink to quench thirst. I usually have soft drinks if we go out for meals. My husband is the same too. We have a scary amount of wine and spirits we’ve accrued over the years as gifts stashed in our house, we just never drink it.

I find all alcohol has an aftertaste I don’t like (I did used to indulge in some good old archers and lemonade back in the 90s though!).

I used to like the (very) odd glass of Baileys or cider. Being married to a violent alcoholic kind of put me off drinking. Don't think I've touched any alcohol since I kicked him out and pressed charges,almost 5 years ago.

I dont find it an enjoyable intoxicant
it is toxic compared to other mind altering substances

I don’t like it and it gives me. Migraines

Hangovers.
Taste.
Cost.
Weight.
Pregnancy.
Extended breast feeding.
Acting like an idiot.

All these reasons.

I drink very little now - maybe one or two units a month, tops. I used to drink more - always had a glass every day after coming home from work and more at weekends. I just thought it was becoming a habit and I wanted to stop. I found it very easy - I don't have an addictive personality -though did struggle to find something I wanted to drink instead. I have problems sleeping and it helps if I don't drink.

Anxiety, been teetotal for 2 decades. It makes me feel like I'm not in control, I don't find it relaxing in the least. Also been off caffeine for the same amount of time, for the same reasons.

Also, I'm on lots of meds for it, but I've got valium in case I feel really ill, I can't take all these meds AND drink. I chose the meds.

Close friend's lovely DM was killed by a drunk driver when we were 12. It put us both off and neither of us have touched a drop (we're in our 30s now!).

I don't miss what I've never tried and it doesn't bother me in the slightest what people think. Millions of people all over the world manage to have fun and lead happy lives minus alcohol. I dont see why people put so much emphasis on alcohol being a necessity in every social event or situation.

I have bladder issues. So many bladder issues. I only put water into my bladder. Wouldn’t even like to try anything else. Been that way for 15 years. Don’t miss it a all

I didn't start drinking until in my 30's. My Parents were almost daily drinkers and so I saw first hand how it changes your personality and how you Parent.

I then started going out after being Widowed and binge drank.

When I hit my 40's it wasn't good for my skin, weight or finances, so I only have a drink on really special occasions.

Don't like the feeling of it, or the taste. Plus I have had chronic long term kidney infections over the last few years so it's just easier to avoid

Drank a lot early teens to early twenties. Partied a lot. Mid twenties and I don’t feel the need. I might have a night when I drink once every four months or so but I won’t drink at home just because.

It's really, really not good for you. I'm particularly thinking, brain,heart and bones. Especially post menopause.Havent had a drink since 15 th September, not sure if I will again.

I'd really like to enjoy a drink now and again as it sounds lovely to relax with a glass of wine at the end of the day etc. Plus I struggle a bit in social situations so a bit of alcohol used to help me loosen up

but I don't like the taste of anything (except maybe Baileys), I get sick before I get happily tipsy, I get whopper headaches from most wines, I really don't need the extra calories and drinks out just aren't worth the price.

Love the idea of a sneaky drink, hate the reality

Hate the taste, hate the hangover/feeling the next morning.

I get my highs from exercise now.

Hangovers.

Makes me very depressed

I’ve only ever really been a social drinker but haven’t been to a pub in years so it’s not that I’ve decided not to drink, just that I don’t really get the opportunity to.

Will sometimes have a glass of wine or two at Christmas but for the past 3 Christmas periods I’ve either been pregnant or breastfeeding so again it’s lack of opportunity.

Pregnancy and breast feeding stopped me drinking then decided I didn't really like the taste nor the feeling of being hungover

Don’t like it. Tastes horrid

Don’t need it
Like having a clear head in the morning
As pp said it’s really bad for you - Affects every part of you brain internal organs teeth mouth digestive system skin.
Affects your mood. And your mental health

It Ages you
It’s Expensive

I can’t think of any positives tbh

Stopped when I got pregnant 9 years ago, then breastfed, then pregnant again, then breastfeeding again, then small children and not many opportunities to go out and unable to parent with a hangover. I don't miss it, so I just don't bother anymore.

Not drinking now due to pregnancy and that's been the pattern the past few years (pregnant, breastfeeding, pregnant, breastfeeding, pregnant)
I have had little drinking interludes but mostly regretted them. If I could have just one glass of rose of an evening I would, but I tend to overdo it and make a twat of myself and I can't get away with it the way I could before I was a semi responsible adult

It doesn't mix well with me. I would never say I'm not going to drink again ever but I have no intention of ever having a drink again either tbh.
I'll have kids, studying, work, a house, friends, a life etc even when I'm not pregnant or nursing so I don't really see the fun in it anymore
I prefer coffee anyway

Having been a very social drinker in teens and 20's I now rarely drink.

My anxiety and c-ptsd flares up unless I'm with someone I feel especially safe with if I'm having a drink.

I guess I'm scared of losing control of my mind and mouth in a way.

Other than that I just don't really like pissing/vomiting a lot of money away, I can have just as good a time sober.

Two reasons. First, I don't like how alcohol burns your throat. Secondly, I've heard from other peoples' experiences how miserable it feels when the hangover hits the next morning, and I don't want that to happen to me.

If I drink, I drink too much. So I stopped. 180 days and counting. I knew I had a problem. I just tell people any alcohol just makes me feel ill within a short time of drinking it, nobody bats an eyelid anymore.
It’s not been easy though.

Oh and also, I don't like the fact that after too many drinks, a person can change the way they act, and not always remember the next day.