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 ?

I am reading this thread in shame, I remember some years ago asking someone persistently why they didn't drink. I guess I was a big drinker at the time, and it was part of the culture at work, so it was rather noticeable if someone didn't drink. No excuses though, I was being an immature arse. Best wishes OP, be strong.

How are you doing, Ratatouille?

Say you've developed acid reflux disease which has damaged part of you oesophagus. You now have to take medication to control it and can't drink alcohol because it aggravates it really badly.

I don't drink. I did in my teenage years but I'm just not bothered by the taste.

I just tell people that I don't drink and they just accept it. Over time friends get used to it.

You will always get the odd person that sees you as a challenge and wants to ply you with alcohol but I just ignore them. I've been known to tip drinks in pot plants at parties.

Well done Ratatouille! I didn't drink fit 9 months whilst I low carbed - tell them that. Or drive and say even one goes to my head, I'll have a fizzy water

Hi Ratatouille, I was on the brave babes thread for a long time and have not had an alcoholic drink for nearly 3 years. I always say (if pressed) 'I felt I was drinking too much, so I decided to stop for a while'. The time span of 'a while' has never been specified, but thankfully is getting longer and longer. Do join the Brave Babes for amazing support and advice. If you want to pm me at any time I will be happy to give you support.
Good luck!

You don't need excuses. Just 'no thanks' or 'mine's a tonic water' should be all the explanation you need. I travel a lot and have noticed it's really only in the UK where the request for a soft drink or politely declining a glass of wine gets any attention. Anywhere else and sipping mineral water is not seen as unusual at all.

Hi everyone,

So far so good, I think reading the book really helped me, it was recommended on the brave babes thread. I'm not feeling sad but positive. It's early days but I'm feeling good. I'm also looking forward some good night sleep. All last week, I kept waking at 2 or 3 and unable to sleep.

Yes, I used to get that too, Ratatouille. Very common with alcohol use (of all kinds, not just problem drinking). The alcohol makes it superficially easier to get off to sleep but then you wake up and can't sleep properly - grim.

There's nothing to feel sad about, so it's good that you don't! You are making a positive choice. Keep it up!

Watching with interest, have the same problem, except I don't drink as much as you, but when I do drink, I often do till i physically can't drink anymore.

People think I'm boring at the best of times, sigh,,, so I really don't want to make a bad impression with new people, they'll think I'm a happy clappy Christian- weirdo type. And I'm not.

I don't know, tell them, know that you've tried cocaine, ecstasy etc, you realize just how shit alcohol is!

I don t drink because it nearly killed me giving up smoking and I'm worried if I drink I might smoke and I don't want to go through that again.

Sugarmouse1 - don't be so hard on yourself, I'm sure you are not boring !Don't make assumptions on what people must think of you !

I'm feeling much better comparing to when I have started this thread, I'm not going to let anyone get to me, I won't justify myself, If I'm asked why I don't drink, I'll say I just don't ! Honestly, I shouldn't give a shit about what other people's opinion. I don't tell people how to live their lives, what choices to make etc....

Good for you, OP. I've done the same. If asked why, I just murmur 'doctor's advice because of chronic catarrhal problems ...' Apparently there's a shred of truth in this, as it's reckoned that white wine contains a lot of 'histamines' which can aggravate allergies. Don't know how true this is, but it works as an explanation for curious friends. And yes, I feel loads better, no more hangovers, headaches ... and I've developed a passion for V8 vegetable juice which is almost as nice as a Bloody Mary!