You just left our alcoholic rehab in Pompano and have started to get your life back to normal. You go over to a friend’s house and the first thing they ask is, “What are you drinking?”
As a recovering alcoholic, you can expect a lifetime of people asking you what you want to drink. Most of the time they are not being rude, they probably just do not know. It can be frustrating and even overwhelming at first, but there are plenty of ways to say no to alcohol without being rude or having to dive into your life’s story.
How to Say No to Alcohol
There are a million ways to say no to alcohol or to turn down a drink, but as a recovering alcoholic, it may not always seem so easy. Knowing how to turn down a drink from a friend and knowing how to say no to alcohol at a party can be two very different things. To help you through any and all of these scenarios, our Pompano drug treatment center has compiled a list of some easy ways to turn down alcohol as a recovering alcoholic.
- “I don’t drink.” The easiest way to say no to alcohol is to simply tell someone you don’t drink. Most people will be kind enough to not ask any more questions.
- “I am sober.” Sometimes honesty is the best policy. If you are not afraid to speak up, then this is a good option.
- “Not right now.” This response is vague and may elicit more questions, but if you change the subject, you may be able to avoid the follow-up.
- “I’m not feeling well.” Everyone knows that being sick stinks, so they should understand why you wouldn’t want to add alcohol in your system.
- “I have a headache.” This is a more specific response instead of simply stating you aren’t feeling well.
- “I’m driving.” This is a classic excuse. If they tell you to take an Uber or invite you to stay the night, just add that you need your car first thing in the morning or say…
- “I work early tomorrow.” Most people will be understanding because nobody wants to go to work hung over.
- “I will get something myself.” This gives you the opportunity to fill a cup with a nonalcoholic drink and avoid more offers.
- “I don’t like/drink that.” If someone offers you a specific drink such as a mimosa or a margarita, you have the perfect opportunity to respond by saying you don’t like that particular drink. Be careful, they may offer you something else.
- “I’m done for the day.” This is an easy way to say no to alcohol and to hopefully keep someone from asking you more than once.
- “I just finished one.” People will typically leave you alone, at least for a while.
- “I put my cup down.” People will assume you are drinking and leave you be.
- “No, thanks.” This response is short, sweet, and most people won’t ask any questions.
- “No, but my friend might.” This takes the attention off of you and onto someone else. Just make sure they are okay with it.
- “I’m still feeling bad from yesterday.” If you are surrounded by big party people that you are not good friends with, this may be the best way to get them off of your back. They will understand.
- “I’m on medication.” Most people know that alcohol and medicine often do not mix well. Most people are often polite enough not to ask more probing questions about your health.
- “My doctor told me to cut back.” Once again, most people won’t ask you anymore questions about such a personal topic.
- “I’m following a strict diet.” This may elicit some comments on the topic, but you can probably shrug off what they say.
- “My liver needs a break.” Adding a little humor is a good way to avoid any tension or awkwardness.
- “Not tonight.” This response is vague, but also short and simple.
Be prepared for some possible push back from some people but remember to stay true to yourself. Don’t let a little pressure ruin everything you have worked so hard for.
If you are still looking for courage to enter into recovery or you recently relapsed, let us help. Our various programs, including our Pompano addiction stabilization program, are designed to help people in various stages of drug or alcohol addiction.
To get started or to learn more, call 888-280-4763.
