The holidays call for celebration and indulgence, which is why alcohol makes its presence at the majority of holiday events. While some people are able to indulge in drinking over the holidays with few problems, others cannot. Some people must limit their drinking, while others must remain completely sober.
Now that the holidays are officially just days away, we thought it would be helpful to cover some of the ways that you can politely decline an offer to drink - and do so with confidence. Remember, don’t put yourself in situations that you’re not ready to handle. If you know that being around others who drink will be difficult, it’s probably best to do something different this year.
Below are some ways that you can say ‘no’ to alcohol with confidence.
Have Your Excuses Ready
No one has to know the backstory of why you’re not drinking. You can share with people what you want. The principle is that if you say ‘no,’ this should be the end of it. Unfortunately, not everyone will accept this response. So, it’s important to be armed and ready with some excuses.
Again, you don’t need to elaborate, but you might feel better about having an understandable reason for not drinking. Possible examples include:
- You’re the designated driver for the night
- You have to get up early the next day and wrap presents, visit grandparents, etc.
- You’re feeling hungover from the night before
- You have to get up early for work and can’t be hungover
- You are taking a medication that you can’t drink with
- You are trying the ‘sober curious’ approach
Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle
Sobriety involves living a healthy lifestyle with plenty of exercise, restful sleep, nutritious meals, healthy activities and time with loved ones. Some people might not mean harm when they offer you a drink - it just hasn’t kicked in that you’re serious about your new lifestyle.
If offered a drink, focus on your health kick. You can say things like:
- My doctor says I’m developing problems from my drinking and need to stop
- I have a lot more living to do, and I’d like to do it with my liver and mind intact
- Drinking gives me headaches or stomach aches
- Alcohol increases anxiety (hangxiety) or depression
- I’ve started a new exercise/diet regimen and don’t want to mess it up with alcohol
Own Your ‘No’ - and Be Ready to Change the Subject
Whether you give someone the truth or an excuse, you don’t owe anyone an explanation. Remember this, as this will give you the confidence to own your ‘no.’ And, when you’re firm in your answer, you’ll find that most people won’t care. They’ll continue on with the party and you can move onto a different subject, easing any awkwardness and showing that your choice to remain abstinent is not up for negotiation.
Choose a Festive Non-Alcoholic Drink
There are plenty of festive mocktails you can enjoy over the holiday season, as well as non-alcoholic beers. This way, you won’t feel like you’re missing out as much, and you’ll have a drink in your hand, making people less inclined to ask questions. And, to be honest, no one has to even know that you're not drinking alcohol. You can enjoy a few mocktails and then leave quietly.
Offer to Drive
If you are comfortable staying a while, offer to drive everyone home. You can always lead with something like, “I’m on medication and was planning on not drinking. Do you want me to drive you home?” This makes it look like you’re taking one for the team, and you get to hold yourself accountable for staying sober.
Enjoy a Headache-Free Holiday
These are some ideas for responding to the dreaded questions of, “Why aren’t you drinking?” or “Can I get you a drink?” Responding to these comments gets easier over time. For now, focus on choosing the right people and places to spend the holidays with, and choose how you want to handle yourself - with an excuse, the truth or a combination of both.
Recovery Cove is open over the holidays! If you need our help or support, contact us today at 484-549-COVE or fill out our contact form.
