I dont drink Alcohol

caterpillardreams

I drink socially bit not much. I commend you for sticking to what you like.

Any time you decided to be different many people will be against you. Its not easy going against the grain.
I dont get wasted, I hate that feeling, I am not saying I have never done it, but even when I was in college, I only had a couple of drinks. I like knowing where I am and remembering where I was and what I did the night before.

I was so high on life when I was younger, especially when I first joined the military, and people drink alot when they go out in the military, not everyone. Anyways people always thought I was drunk because I was having so much fun. When I said " I am sober" They could not believe that someone could be so happy without alcohol.

I also believe when people look to get drunk and wasted all the time, its because its hard for them to loosen up, forget about all the stress. some People are very scared to be themselves. You are very blessed to see in yourself the strength to be yourself, and even stronger when you do not give in to peer pressure.

Buckeyt

I couldn't even tell you the last time I had any sort of alcohol.

Cannot stand the taste of wine, especially red wine.
Beer tastes ok but I'd rather have something else.

Isn't the real reason people drink for the effects of alcohol? that's the part I can't stand. I just hate that buzzed feeling.

Not necessarily. I drink beer because I like the taste.

Ditto, I enjoy the taste of beer and wine.

I mean, I'd be lying if I said I never drank to get a buzz, but I also enjoy the feeling so, ya know, to each their own.

I drink, but I have friends who don't, I don't see any point in pressuring somebody to do something they don't want to do. To me, trying to force a drink down a non-drinking friend's throat would be like trying to force a cheeseburger down a vegan's throat. They don't want it, they're not gonna be happy about it, so why force the issue? Plus, heyyyy, I get a DD when I party with my non-drinkin' friends!

Do you drink non alcoholic beer?

luv_lea

I couldn't even tell you the last time I had any sort of alcohol.

Cannot stand the taste of wine, especially red wine.
Beer tastes ok but I'd rather have something else.

Isn't the real reason people drink for the effects of alcohol? that's the part I can't stand. I just hate that buzzed feeling.

Not necessarily. I drink beer because I like the taste.

Same here. Ice cold beer...mmmm. Or margaritas. Yumm!

I think everyone has the right to decide what they want to do in thier lives. It doesn't mean someone is right or wrong in those decisions; it means we are all different and should be able to respect that about each other.

You could apply this not with just a drinker vs. a non drinker, but a smoker vs. a non smoker, or I drink soda and so and so doesn't~>etc. etc. etc. If we ALL did the same exact things in life....oh what a boring world it would be. It's just sad people have to judge so much for others who are 'different' or even worse, try to push their 'beliefs and decisions' down other people's throats.

prov31jd

I have a hard time accepting that:
1) that some people really don't want to drink alcohol
2) that people can have just as much fun without drinking alcohol

It's my problem, not yours. I get that. But, still, while I'm not a pusher, I really dislike when someone is not participating. It just makes it suck. So, that might be why people do that.

Additionally, most non-drinkers that I know would just prefer to not be around it. But, sometimes they have to be, like certain events and such, so they tolerate it.

Unless there is a specific health reason, or alcoholism or something, I don't understand why you wouldn't just have a few and enjoy life. But, whateves.

REALLY? :noway: Was this actually a serious response, or just intended to foment further conversation?

If serious, very poor argument. Zero logic. But, hey . . ."whateves."

larkiedeek

I have had 1 drink since 2nd of January 2012.

Being off it so long has caused most of my weight loss. I also feel sharper at work. I have also saved loads of money but I am not going out as often.

travisseger

I don't drink anymore. Think the last drink I had was probably around a year ago. Nothing against drinking, I've done more than my share of it in the past. It's just a choice I made when my oldest daughter started to realize that what I was drinking was alcohol. I let her know that there is nothing wrong with people of age drinking in moderation, but it just seemed to me that, as a dad, I needed to stop. Don't know that it makes any sense, but it was my thinking at the time.

I've not found it a problem in social situations. If someone offers me a drink, I politely decline. I don't feel a need to explain, I just say, "No, thanks," and keep drinking my water, diet soda, etc. No one in my circle would ever try to force a drink on somebody - we're all mature adults. I've never understood supposedly grown up people who insist on trying to force things on people who don't want them, be it alcohol, food, or anything else…those are not people I tolerate hanging around me.

Weathers58

I dont drink not out of choice but because I'm an alcoholic and so was my father, grandfather and further down my generation.

I say to people who think I'm boring ok I'll drink and then I'm not capable of controlling myself or my actions or what I'll do within a 100 yard vicinity around me

BUT it will definitely involve
the law
an ambulance
and a cell

OH and I probably wont stop drinking once started for about three weeks (going on last time) and I'll lose my mind sanity and probably take an overdose.

Fact is I dont like it, it doesn't like me, my kids aren't scared of me anymore. I do quite like myself now and ALL I dont to to achieve and avoid all of the above is not drink alcohol.

What could be simpler.

Plus I try and help my fellow alcoholics still out there drinking to get better if I can.

And finally I quite like myself again

Small price to pay for a life beyond measure.

PS I dont wake up anymore in my own piss, **** and vomit.

Forget everybody else live your life on your terms and enjoy it, thats what we are all here for.

Love and Peace

Dragonfly1996

Good for u!!!! I drink but hardly at all - perhaps one or two over a weekend but not every weekend. I am quite fussy about what alcohol I will drink too & most of it I don't like the taste. When I am training for an event I don't drink at all.

I drank more when I was younger but not to excess as it never really interested me much. I feel better health wise as I am & it totally works for me. Friends & family don't pressure me or tell me I am boring but some other people I know or come across do which is annoying!!!

I don't feel the need to drink, smoke or take anything else to have a good time!! It certainly doesn't make me boring or render me unable to have a good time.

Don't let anyone tell u your boring or anything - stick to what makes u happy & sod everyone else - u are an individual not a lemming!!!!

Best of luck with ur journey!! :flowerforyou:

TourThePast

When i say 'oh sorry, i dont drink' they have a face of dissapointment, buy me a alcoholic drink anyway, and i get really annoyed at that.

I drink a LOT, but I'd never try and persuade anyone to drink against their wishes. Only really immature people do that, the sort of people who find the concept of someone else being even slightly different to them far too scary to handle.

Never, EVER say "SORRY I don't drink" - it's not something you need to apologise for, or explain in any way at all. Just say "I don't drink" and do not offer any other explanation.

If someone buys you alcohol after you've stated clearly that you don't drink it, either place it on a nearby table and ignore it, throw it in their face, or make a point of pouring it onto the floor at their feet, depending on how much power they hold over you and the decor of the establishment.

claire7090

I very rarely drink - a champagne toast at a wedding reception is about the extent of my drinking since I was pregant with my son 9 years ago.

I always offer to be the taxi at work do's in exchange for a non-alcholic drink, this saves everyone money and stops them nagging at me to drink because I have to stay sober to taxi them home!

neverstray

I have a hard time accepting that:
1) that some people really don't want to drink alcohol
2) that people can have just as much fun without drinking alcohol

It's my problem, not yours. I get that. But, still, while I'm not a pusher, I really dislike when someone is not participating. It just makes it suck. So, that might be why people do that.

Additionally, most non-drinkers that I know would just prefer to not be around it. But, sometimes they have to be, like certain events and such, so they tolerate it.

Unless there is a specific health reason, or alcoholism or something, I don't understand why you wouldn't just have a few and enjoy life. But, whateves.

REALLY? :noway: Was this actually a serious response, or just intended to foment further conversation?

If serious, very poor argument. Zero logic. But, hey . . ."whateves."

Nope, it was real. I truly don't get it.

Sabine_Stroehm

I drink. I drank a bit when I was younger, because I liked the buzz. And it was social.
I drink wine now, because I like the taste. Because I like the relaxation. It's a nice feeling. I know what it is. I know what it means.

That said: seriously? You don't get why someone DOESN'T drink? Really? REALLY? That's hard to accept?
Sorry if that sounds mean, but why would you dislike someone "not participating?" Does it really make it hard for you to enjoy those beers? Does someone else's lack of drinking really affect your drinking?

I dislike cake. Does that affect how you enjoy birthday parties?

I have a hard time accepting that:
1) that some people really don't want to drink alcohol
2) that people can have just as much fun without drinking alcohol

It's my problem, not yours. I get that. But, still, while I'm not a pusher, I really dislike when someone is not participating. It just makes it suck. So, that might be why people do that.

Additionally, most non-drinkers that I know would just prefer to not be around it. But, sometimes they have to be, like certain events and such, so they tolerate it.

Unless there is a specific health reason, or alcoholism or something, I don't understand why you wouldn't just have a few and enjoy life. But, whateves.

neverstray

I drink. I drank a bit when I was younger, because I liked the buzz. And it was social.
I drink wine now, because I like the taste. Because I like the relaxation. It's a nice feeling. I know what it is. I know what it means.

That said: seriously? You don't get why someone DOESN'T drink? Really? REALLY? That's hard to accept?
Sorry if that sounds mean, but why would you dislike someone "not participating?" Does it really make it hard for you to enjoy those beers? Does someone else's lack of drinking really affect your drinking?

I dislike cake. Does that affect how you enjoy birthday parties?

I have a hard time accepting that:
1) that some people really don't want to drink alcohol
2) that people can have just as much fun without drinking alcohol

It's my problem, not yours. I get that. But, still, while I'm not a pusher, I really dislike when someone is not participating. It just makes it suck. So, that might be why people do that.

Additionally, most non-drinkers that I know would just prefer to not be around it. But, sometimes they have to be, like certain events and such, so they tolerate it.

Unless there is a specific health reason, or alcoholism or something, I don't understand why you wouldn't just have a few and enjoy life. But, whateves.

Don't know. It just bothers me. Why wouldn't someone want to relax, get a nice mellow buzz going and have some laughs with friends? It bothers me that someone is so uptight they can't just relax and imbibe a bit. That's all. It's simple. Life is short. Enjoy it. Everything in moderation.

Sabine_Stroehm

I drink. I drank a bit when I was younger, because I liked the buzz. And it was social.
I drink wine now, because I like the taste. Because I like the relaxation. It's a nice feeling. I know what it is. I know what it means.

That said: seriously? You don't get why someone DOESN'T drink? Really? REALLY? That's hard to accept?
Sorry if that sounds mean, but why would you dislike someone "not participating?" Does it really make it hard for you to enjoy those beers? Does someone else's lack of drinking really affect your drinking?

I dislike cake. Does that affect how you enjoy birthday parties?

I have a hard time accepting that:
1) that some people really don't want to drink alcohol
2) that people can have just as much fun without drinking alcohol

It's my problem, not yours. I get that. But, still, while I'm not a pusher, I really dislike when someone is not participating. It just makes it suck. So, that might be why people do that.

Additionally, most non-drinkers that I know would just prefer to not be around it. But, sometimes they have to be, like certain events and such, so they tolerate it.

Unless there is a specific health reason, or alcoholism or something, I don't understand why you wouldn't just have a few and enjoy life. But, whateves.

Don't know. It just bothers me. Why wouldn't someone want to relax, get a nice mellow buzz going and have some laughs with friends? It bothers me that someone is so uptight they can't just relax and imbibe a bit. That's all. It's simple. Life is short. Enjoy it. Everything in moderation.

Why must they relax how YOU relax?

meerkat70

I gave up alcohol entirely earlier this year. I did it because I wanted to support someone close to me who really needed to stop, and it's made it easier for him that I've given up with him.

It has certainly made it easier for me to stick to calories, and it's definitely improved my fitness. Used to be that if I'd had a drink Saturday night, I'd feel sluggish and a bit ick working out on Sunday. Well, not any more.

I miss it sometimes - particularly at social events - but by and large, I'm not really bothered.

I do think people need to grow up about putting social pressure on non-drinkers. I've had a lot of people either assume I've given up because I'm an alcoholic (in which case I get the social embarrassment kind of response) or try to push alcohol on me. I've had a lot of people suggest that every time I get stressed or fraught, it's because I'm not drinking anymore, and I need it to chill me out. (Trust me, I was a stress bunny when I was a drinker too!). It puzzles me a bit why people feel the need to foist their own drinking behaviours onto others. I'm just as much fun sober as I was with alcohol in me. The only difference really is that I'm slightly less impulsive on a night out than I used to be. Not a bad thing. Plus other people can use me as their designated driver.

castadiva

The easiest strategy is to find a socially-acceptable reason - Designated Driver/on antibiotics/ a 'big presentation' first thing/no liver... OR ask the bar-tender for soft drinks in glasses identical to those used to serve mixed drinks. It's hard to tell from the outside if the high-ball glass has soda water and a slice of lime or gin and tonic in it... It's not ideal that you have to defend your choices aggressively, but sometimes it's just easier not to have the hassle. If someone offers to buy you the next drink, say that you're spreading out your drinks a bit this evening, and ask for a soft drink - preferably not tap water as some people (bizarrely!) have issues asking for this in bars. If they really push, and you're uncomfortable saying no, ask for a glass of wine - it's amazing how long you can 'sip' a single glass. Whether or not you actually drink it, or discreetly (gradually!) lower the level in other ways is up to you.

davert123

I don't drink - haven't had a drop since Jan 3rd 2000. I know Bill and Dr Bob and it just does't bother me now. It was hard to start with but now I don't even notice if people react to my drinking diet coke and the thought of drinking doesn't cross my mind.

foodfight247

I rarely drink alcohol too. Every so often I'll have a few and let loose so to speak. I understand your frustration at other peoples comments. I chose not to drink alcohol regularly because I'm always afraid I'll end up like my natural mum who was an alcoholic. deep down I know I won't because I won't let it - but still that small fear is still there. I've also witnessed first hand the damage alcohol can do to the people closest to me and the affect it can have. Another reason why I don't drink often.

Don't let other people bring you down - its your choice. You can still have fun.

BrackenPluckrose

I am 19 and a student and I don't drink so I really get this! I go out just as much as my friends but they used to be reluctant to invite me assuming that I don't drink so will be boring and not like a night out! It is ridiculous!! But I tell people that I don't need to drink to have a good time and that it frees up a lot of money and living on a student budget, any spare cash is great. Most people understand now, but there are the odd few that still insist on buying me drinks that my best friend benefits from haha.

selfishshellfish

Well, in answer to the original question, I'm quite hardcore about it. I won't even discuss it. At the very most I just say, "Thank you for your valuable input. I'll have my water now" and just get on with it. Usually I just raise an eyebrow and make an awkward silence.

Let's face it, we're not here for other people's convenience.

My motto in life is never judge, apologise, defend or explain. If you're doing what you truly want to do then it's never necessary.

PS If somebody buys me unwanted alcohol then I very publicly pour or give it away.

buckeye86

Hello,

I am a non drinker, not for the health reasons (although that's an added benefit of not drinking) but because i just dont like the taste of it, and i know people who abuse it and i dont want to be like them.

Im getting really tired of meeting people, going to events, seeing my family and having this pressure to drink alcohol. I have maybe half a glass of wine one a year on my birthday, just to stop people bugging me about it. I dont like how when i meet people for the first time, they put so much pressure on me, as if i wont be able to have fun if i dont drink, or that im miserable and boring, its very upsetting. (they call me boring to my face, even though im a very happy person with a sense of humour, without the drink doing it for me)

Is there anybody else who doesn't drink here? what do you say to people when they almost try to force it down your neck so you can 'have fun'?

When i say 'oh sorry, i dont drink' they have a face of dissapointment, buy me a alcoholic drink anyway, and i get really annoyed at that.

I wish I'd seen this earlier. I've been in the same boat. I do drink occasionally, but more often than not I won't be drinking when I go out with my friends. For the first several months it really bothered me how some people reacted to it. I even had a boyfriend (didn't last long) who wouldn't take me to hang out with him and his friends because I'd be the only one not drinking and that meant what? I'm not fun? Usually when I'm out at the bar and everyone around me is drinking, I'm enjoying myself so they all assume I'm drunk, too. It's only a big deal to people who are self conscious about someone being able to pay attention to everything going on. Also, I think those self conscious people don't like to be the only ones acting stupid. Not drinking weeded out a lot of people I found weren't really my friends. My good friends enjoyed me either way and took advantage of the fact that I was able to help watch out for them.

Jigglebewie

I do drink but not too often. usually when I go out for a meal and have a mexican I do enjoy a few cocktails =D

But I think that's great, I don't know many people in 'real life' that do not drink ,so good for you hun =]

I drink as I enjoy the taste, but I don't enjoy the effects part, so I'm always careful when I drink to stay within my limits.

That's incredibly rude, I can't belive people buy you a drink, I bet then that they blame you for wasting their money. Tbh it's their own fault, you've said that you don't drink and it's like they don't listen. I think the only thing you can do is ignore it, I can understand that it may possibly be hard and the pressure overwhelming. But like so many others have said, as long as you keep strong, people will start to ignore the fact that your not drinking.

I belive people that don't drink can have just as much fun, if not more fun than people that do drink. I have a christian friend and she honestly is a saint, she has never drank and she has such fun whenever we go out, I feel very proud of her and you should too.

Jenncoc86

I don't drink, not for any other reason i just don't care for it.

Jacole18

I used to drink a lot of alcohol. I'm a binge drinker. I love the feeling and the taste of vodka. Since I started up on MFP again, I have cut out alcohol completely. Vodka decreases your metabolism rapidly, so it's not worth it to me to drink it. I only drink water and iced tea on occasion now. My friends think I'm weird but that's ok. lol

PanteraGirl

I used to be a drinker before I got pregnant. Can't say I know how you feel however I love that you don't fall into the pressures of drinking. It really sucks that people can be jerks. Good for you for standing your ground. I just wanted you to know that

I think people think I"m boring now because I don't drink, but I don't care! I'm like you...I could have fun without it and still have my sense of humor!

kokaneesailor

I just tell them I don't drink for religious reason's. That usually does it.

lauren128m

They sell wines and such without alcohol in it if that interests you! They sell them at your local grocery store.

chelsa1986

My friend NEVER drinks. He's been sober 4 years and goes out with us all the time. He's a blast! Whenever we go out he drinks Red Bull. The looks he gets from bartenders are priceless. They always double take and say, "Wait, no vodka? Just the Red Bull!??" He always smiles big and nods. He's proud not to drink and we're all SUPER proud of him for sticking to it. Hold your head high and don't surround yourself with alcohol pushers. It's hard to do, but if your friends aren't supportive of you the question begs an answer, are they truly worth having as friends?

chelsa1986

Also, I'm a total beer snob. I love the texture, flavor, everything about it. I do sometimes drink to chill out, but mostly I'm drinking because I love the taste and allow myself the indulgence of something I enjoy.

I would take a tall cold micro-brew over sweet any day.

hina_syed_3

I don't drink either, and it's only a few of my friends that will ask me why not? It's the same reply I'll give them every time we meet up which is every six months or so.
If you're so use to not drinking, and liking the taste of alcohol, why would you just drink for the sake of drinking? I know it's a choice and people do that but also just like someone chooses to drink because they feel like it, or they like it is the same for those that choose not to drink because of the same.

I like to be able to meet up with friends, have conversations with them without feeling the need to be intoxicated to have a good time. There are ways to have a good time without doing that, and it's different for everyone. I know it's worked for me all these years, so why would I just go into it if others can't understand. I still decline and people should understand and should not pressure you even if it's not what they'd do, it's what you do so that's your life.
hope you have a great week!