The year of her 26th birthday, Millie Good stopped drinking alcohol. Today, she has 33 and fully assumes her choice of sobriety. But that was not always the case. At the start, his friends had trouble understanding it: “When we went out, they said to me:” Come on, have a drink! ” Or “Why don’t you want to drink? You have become boring!” “confides the young woman at NPR.
If one of your resolutions for this year 2025 is to drink less alcohol, or to succeed in the challenge of Dry January, You have surely heard this sentence get out of the mouth of one of your loved ones. Millie Good, founder of the Sober Girl Society, a support group based in the United Kingdom for sober women or wishing to become it, responds to the problems of readers who find it difficult to overcome this social pressure surrounding the stop of alcohol.
“Why don’t you drink?”
“Have an honest conversation with your loved ones, and clearly explain them the reasons why you want to take a break from your alcohol consumption. Tell them that you need their support to succeed, because it’s already quite difficult like that ”advises Millie Good.
Regardless of your motivation to stop alcohol (fitness objective, mental health, addiction, etc.), most people will adopt a positive reaction to your approach, and will be ready to support you. “And if this is not the case, you have to ask yourself if you really want to be friends with people who do not appreciate your company if you do not drink”Abundes Millie Good.
“My friends always give me an appointment in bars, which makes me want to drink”
Many groups of friends tend to favor the bar to meet, because it is an easy option that suits everyone. But do not hesitate to offer a new place to do with your loved ones an activity that does not revolve around alcohol. Most will surely be ready, but may not just have been thought of.
Since you want to change your lifestyle, it’s up to you to shake up the habits of your loved ones and take charge of the organization of future outings. For this, no need to spend astronomical sums: “Go eat a brunch, attend a play, go hiking, organize a little dinner at home”offers the founder of the Sober Girl Society.
“It’s annoying not to drink at important events”
Starting pot at work, wedding: for special occasions, it is sometimes more difficult to say no to a small cup of champagne. In order not to crack, opt for an alcohol -free drink. Having something to sip while you get involved in others can imitate the ritual and the habit of drinking alcohol. “People also appreciate the comfort of having something by hand during a social event”explains Millie Good. This can also avoid comments such as “But where is your glass?”.
To help you in your choice, Denise Hamilton-Mace, former Barmaid and founder of Low No Drinker, a British magazine on alcohol thoughtful consumption, shares her list of best drinks without alcohol to order at the bar:
- Gaser water with a little lemon (simple and efficient)
- A SUREA FLOWER SUROP with sparkling water (refreshing and floral)
- A Virgin Moscow Mule (Ginger Beer, sparkling water, fresh lemon juice).
And if you are the type to drink to fight your shyness, think before a few questions that you could ask in a conversation with someone you don’t know to avoid whites. Millie Good testifies: “One of the reasons why I was drinking, it was because I had the impression that it facilitated conversation with the strangers.”
“My friends make me feel guilty not to go out with them”
If you cannot apply the previous tips, it may be better not to go out, to avoid temptation-less at the beginning, when it is still strong. “”You don’t have to force yourself to go to this party. You can say no and stay at home “said David Dorschu, director of a new Jersey detoxification center during an interview with 2021.
And don’t forget: you don’t have a drink to anyone, and there is no trouble refusing an invitation to take a little time for you!
