I'm going to stop drinking alcohol, can you help me find long term excuses to explain why I don't drink ?

[Ratatouille1977]

Hi there,

I feel the need to stop drinking alcohol because I'm no longer in control. I drink one bottle of wine a night so I know it's too much. I'm pretty sure I can't cut down so I think it has to go completely.

I'm worried about when I'm going to go out...2 years ago, I have stopped for a year drinking, I got frowned upon, got called a social bore, had to justify etc...

Why is it that when you stop smoking (I did that 3 weeks ago), everybody cheers on you but when you want to do the same about alcohol you don't really get any support ?

A hell of a lot of people drink too much. When someone quits, it reminds them of their own weakness and lack of control.

Don't make excuses, OP. Just say you don't want to drink. People may scoff, but they will respect you really. And if they continue to mock, they're actually idiots.

Good luck!

Atkins diet? Or just say it doesn't agree with your stomach

Just say you are taking medication and cannot have alcohol with it. If anyone tries to pry, just say it is personal and you do not wish to talk about it. Well done for giving up. If you drive, you can also make sure you are the one driving...

I would say, I like alcohol, but it doesn't appear to like me anymore, that way you look like you had the decision taken away from you.

You're on a low carb diet till Christmas
You've given p booze for January
Lent

Just say ' I don't drink' and if pressed mention its for your new health kick ( seeing as you've also given up smoking)
I have nothing but admiration for you to recognise that you want to change your habits ... It makes me look at my own, which I suspect is what others do in social situations and why you may feel the need to justify. Being aware and looking after yourself can make others uncomfortable but ignore it and good luck !

Thank you !!! it really is silly isn't ? I shouldn't feel like that..it's just experience really

A friend of mine doesn't drink because it gives her migraines. Nobody gives her a hard time. I'd try that.

I think you're right in that you have to come up with an excuse. In this country whatever you say will often be met with further persuasion to drink, and if you're finding that tough, it's not fair on you.

I havent drank for 4 years and i dont justify myself to anyone.

I'm overweight so yes I could play the diet card...I know I want to stop for good, the only thing which is holding me back is the comments I get when I go to social events.

I don't drink. I just tell people I don't drink. Some make fun, most are curious as to why.

A lot of the time I make sure I'm driving so it avoids any questions.

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences about you and your friends of family !!!

I don't drink. I stopped for much the same reason as you 12 years ago now. I didn't like the person I was when I drank.
Now I just say I don't drink. If people pry with questions about why I just reply repeat myself with "I just don't drink". Never give them a reason. Its none of their business to start with and if you do give a reason then some people tend to try and get around your reasons ie: well just the one won't hurt etc.

I think you should tell people why. Say that you feel you were drinking too much for your health and it just seems easier to give it up than to bother with cutting down and counting units. Be proud of what you are doing and inspire someone else to follow suit!

I think its something to be proud of, not to be brushed under the carpet.

When other people tell me they don't drink for health reasons I always feel slightly in awe .

no advice, but good for you,and good luck :)

Also, op, I just want to say that some of my best nights out ever have been sober ones for one reason or another. There is absolutely no reason whatsoever why you can't have a good time drinking soft drinks ... you will be surprised.

Have a look at the brave babes battle bus ....sobriety in mind. a couple of threads down at the moment (sorry I don't know how to do a link). You'll get loads of support there if you want it. Have just discovered it myself.

I now have v low tolerance and generally don't drink much at all. If I am not intending to drink then I always drive - people don't mind so much when they realise they don't need to pay for a taxi home!

...I got frowned upon, got called a social bore, had to justify etc...

That's awful, you need new friends!!

Make sure you get your own first and drink something colourless and bottled - then if asked say it's eg gin and tonic. If someone offers to buy you one, tell them it's quite strong so could you just have another mixer so you can top up.

I'm so touched you took the time to post on my thread. I'll look at the brave babes. I'm so addicted to wine, I wish I could limit myself to 1 or 2 drinks but I cant !!

"I don't drink alcohol. I was drinking too much, it was becoming a problem to me, and now I would rather not drink at all. I'd love an Orange and Tonic/Sparkling water/tomato juice though"

Has worked for DM for 30 years