Some people like to have a response when others ask, and that’s perfectly OK. Over the past four years of sobriety, I’ve found there are a number of ways to respond in this situation. For example, you could say, "Hey, I appreciate the offer, but I don't drink for religious reasons." Kim Morgan Gregory from The Coast of The South Carolina Lowcountry on October 21, 2011: Matt Stark from Albany, CA on October 21, 2011: Hahaha, Simone you are awesomely hilarious. Ideally, it should shut down any further discussion, although you should be prepared for the possibility that you may have to put up with teasing or being asked if you have a drinking problem. Tyler Bracken from Berlin, Germany on October 21, 2011: I have recently realised.. The dangers of drinking and driving are well documented and it is never a good idea to drive after drinking alcohol. Simone Haruko Smith (author) from San Francisco on October 28, 2011: Hahaa, thanks y'all for the kind comments! This is particularly important for people who could be negatively impacted the following day by drinking too much, such as students during exam periods. Today, I just say, “Oh, I won’t be drinking because I’m an alcoholic. I think a follow up hub on the significance of 51(%) in the making of whiskey would be interesting. And I envy your assertiveness and authority! It's one of my staple excuses :D. waynet, I think that's one of the best ways possible to stop people from even OFFERING drinks- smart move! Thanks for the kind words! I'm sorry to hear your brother must deal with that struggle. Simone Haruko Smith (author) from San Francisco on October 20, 2011: Wesman My Man, we would make a great party pair. Just kidding. I’ve got to give up really early tomorrow. Thanks for the entertainment! I went through so much pain that I wanted to party and I wanted to drink. How you feel after a drink is an individual matter, and if you don't want another drink instantly, all it implies is good personal boundaries around your own comfort. I thought I’d share 51 of my favorites in case you might be looking for some ways to say no to alcohol. Whether it’s because they’re fellow non-drinkers, or because they have to wake up for work at 6 a.m., there will be people at parties who are not drinking. And I do care. Just send drinks his way. Thanks. My favorite: "Can't drink tonight; I'm the designated driver. GIPHY You see them once in a while, and every time they offer to buy you a drink and get mad when you don’t drink it. There are plenty of people who drink responsibly, but alcohol is a drug. I love the idea of going through life without making excuses. I wouldn't have thought of most of these excuses. But, I've never had a problem saying no to alcohol. This is the best response if you regularly drink with the same people, want to control your drinking, and have set a limit based on your blood alcohol concentration. Your video cracked me up, yet it seems you missed what I always say as a non-drinker to my drinking friends who just don't understand why I don't imbibe ... "I prefer to eat my calories than drink them.". Though it sure does take guts! Read our, By Elizabeth Hartney, BSc., MSc., MA, PhD, Medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE, Verywell Mind uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. ... A glass of wine or a beer with dinner now and again; perhaps a hot toddy if I have a bad cold; rarely, a straight shot if I really, really, can't get to sleep. It can be helpful to have a casual, polite response to avoid being asked further questions, offending your host, feeling embarrassed, or exposing a personal story you aren't prepared to share. Thanks for the offer, but I only drink Laings Ben Ewe Whisky. I used to drink a little for this very reason, since people get so upset when someone isn't drinking, but I don't like the taste or the effects. I don't drink today, generally with a few very infrequent exceptions, like bro offers beer at Thanksgiving or Christmas, company Christmas party (but I walk to it and walk home - sometimes, hiccup), and very seldom to remember why I don't. If it's someone that knows me, I ask the following question: "You know how I am sober. It’s no fun (and just not worth it) to live a life of counting drinks and feeling like you are missing out. I will straight out admit to the fact that I was an alcoholic. Woodard. Kristin Trapp from Illinois on October 27, 2011: Are you just filling in at HubPages while you wait for your big break in Hollywood? I don't have a drinking problem by any means, but it's really just not good for you, so I figure I can eat more junk food if I drink less and maybe my health will even out? Ironic. he he, I would recommend drinking for the person in this video :). No one would believe me now. This response is also great role modeling for others and furthers the important message to sober behind the wheel. I'm on a four drink a week budget. OK, enough about my past - smile. Totally big difference, right? Maybe with the comment section we will get it to 100 proof. If others don't get YOU that's not your prob it's theirs! Now I'm a little better at choosing friends, lol! It's so much fun! Christopher Wanamaker from Arizona on October 21, 2011: Haha those are pretty good. Others will learn over time that you will drink only a certain number of drinks within a certain amount of time, so they can enjoy sharing a drink with you within those limits. Hahaa, I appreciate the compliment, tillsontitan! Just. I love all those drinks and don't know what to to choose......hmmm maybe vodka, no no whiskey...ah no some wine maybe.... oh bother! Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on October 27, 2011: Some good and funny reasons. Of course, for some people who don't want to drink these reasons really do apply to them. Here's to using those excuses (this time with a nice cup of tea)! I've tried that one leroy64- of course, the problem is that people always respond with "YES I WANT TO SEE YOU DRUNK!!!". It really made me laugh to read the list. I've always found that saying "I don't want to drink" and refusing to drink any alcohol given to me worked just fine. You remain an alcoholic for life. (tried it) You should also be aware that being involved in an auto accident sober, hurts like hell. Furthermore, statistics prove that drink-driving is the top cause of accidents in the United States and many parts of the world. No one has ever insisted that I have a drink, so I must say whatever with some sort of authority because no one really challenges me. Gordon Hamilton from Wishaw, Lanarkshire, United Kingdom on October 30, 2011: Love it, Simone - the video is superb! They can be pretty fun ^_^. 2. Sadly, I don't have a driver's licence so I can't say I am the designated driver. Cope with situations you can't avoid . While this might not be the kind of companion you would choose as a friend, they are sometimes unavoidable in a social situation. Alcohol demands alcohol. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Now I have plenty of excuses for not drinking ;). And the idea that people tell me it is the same as other social networking sites probably would feel the same way if alcoholism were a problem in their family. Love it! What you realize is that most people don't care. My relationship with alcohol I’ve questioned my drinking, I’ve managed my drinking. 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