excuses for not drinking?

[craving]

What kind of excuses are you using to explain to your friends why you are not drinking with them?

Going on a conference in a few weeks and everyone drinks there. Since being on Bac, I am not looking to drink though. Not sure how to excuse it to them though

Thanks!

[Popeye]

excuses for not drinking?

Hi craving,
my personal method is to tell anyone who asks that I've quit and if they ask why, I just tell them that it's good for me, smile and change the subject. I find that people aren't really bothered about whether I'm drinking or not and I'm comfortable with my choice. Occasionally someone will try and get me to stop pooping on the party and see if they can get me to join in and I'll tell them once again, nice and slowly, so that they can understand, that I don't drink. Don't let yourself feel intimidated by anyone. It's a lifestyle choice and it's not as odd or rare as you might imagine for someone to want to make themselves a better person. More people should try it.
Good luck and stay strong.

[mario]

excuses for not drinking?

Popeye;797573 wrote: Hi craving,
my personal method is to tell anyone who asks that I've quit and if they ask why, I just tell them that it's good for me, smile and change the subject. I find that people aren't really bothered about whether I'm drinking or not and I'm comfortable with my choice. Occasionally someone will try and get me to stop pooping on the party and see if they can get me to join in and I'll tell them once again, nice and slowly, so that they can understand, that I don't drink. Don't let yourself feel intimidated by anyone. It's a lifestyle choice and it's not as odd or rare as you might imagine for someone to want to make themselves a better person. More people should try it.
Good luck and stay strong.

yes popeye that works for me to most people couldent be bothered if you drink or not,except maybe the ones who know they have a problem themselfs,

[startingover]

excuses for not drinking?

I have been to two conferences where I had decided not to drink. Both times was expected as I was known as a heavy drinker. So I said I was taking antibiotics for a nail infection. It seemed to work, no one questioned me other than to shoot me pitying glances because I couldnt enjoy the free bar.

[craving]

excuses for not drinking?

mario;797583 wrote: yes popeye that works for me to most people couldent be bothered if you drink or not,except maybe the ones who know they have a problem themselfs,
very true. most people complaining about you not drinking are having a problem themselves with drinking!


startingover;797587 wrote: I have been to two conferences where I had decided not to drink. Both times was expected as I was known as a heavy drinker. So I said I was taking antibiotics for a nail infection. It seemed to work, no one questioned me other than to shoot me pitying glances because I couldnt enjoy the free bar.

Good one. I was thinking about saying that I am taking a muscle relaxant against my back pain.

[JackieClaire]

excuses for not drinking?

Hi craving,
I'm another one that says I'm on meds. It tends to stop people in their tracks as they really don't want to hear about your illness.
J x
:l

[Sunbeam]

excuses for not drinking?

My favorite line is that my stomach is feeling "off". They won't push you on that, don't wan't the potential results!

[momof3]

excuses for not drinking?

Popeye is right...no one cares. We think they will care but they usually don't (unless they too have a drinking problem). Here's some lines I've used in the past.

It doesn't agree with me.
I'm on a diet.
I'm not drinking for health reasons.
I'm not having anything to drink.
I've had enough to alcohol to last a life time.
I'm on medication.
I don't drink anymore.
I've developed a bad relationship with alcohol.
I'll pass.
No thank you.

[momof3]

excuses for not drinking?

PS Craving

Just noticed the drastic reduction in your drinking. Congratulations. It looks like you're making great progress. The best strategy for being in social situations where others are drinking is to know what your goals are and to have an exit strategy in case it all gets to be too much.

[Doggygirl]

excuses for not drinking?

Hi craving and congratulations on your progress. I too have found that:

1) I'm usually NOT the only one choosing not to drink - far from it.
2) People really don't care whether I'm drinking or not.

I'm with the others up thread reminding that choosing not to drink alcohol is a perfectly acceptable life style choice, and it's the right choice for me.

When offered a drink, (i.e., What would you like to drink?) I suggest having an answer ready such as "Diet Coke" or "Club Soda" or whatever al free beverage is available.

If someone asks you why you are not drinking alcohol, which is probably less likely than you think, be ready with an answer. I personally prefer the truth in simple terms which is "I don't drink alcohol." (will add "any more" for those who knew me when..)

That's a good point to change the subject conversationally. But...if asked "why not" I am ready with "it doesn't agree with me."

I have never ever ever had anyone that I only know socially press me further than that.

Stick to your guns. There is nothing wrong with you or your choice not to drink.

DG

[craving]

excuses for not drinking?

my craving is totally gone. I am now entirely 2 weeks (14 AF days) sober and it feels great.
can't imagine anymore why I was drinking at all!

I had a fast result on TSM and then it blew all away, so although I have read it is possible to drink while being on Baclofen, I am afraid that my craving could become stronger again.

I think with some months without alcohol the whole subject might be easier, and I might as well "enjoy" a glass of wine. Although I feel no pleasure about it when thinking about it.

And that is really the funny part about it. I have absolutely no desire to drink.
When I see other people drinking, I wonder myself WHY they are doing that. I can not understand the positive effect anymore of drinking. It is like a switch went down in my brain.

It feels a little like a fraud. It is so effortless to stay sober on Baclofen, that I attribute all the positive effects to the drug rather than to myself.