The year she turned 26, Millie Gooch stopped drinking alcohol. Today, she is 33 and fully embraces her choice of sobriety. But that wasn’t always the case. At first, her friends had difficulty understanding her: “When we went out, they said to me: “Come on, have a drink!” or “Why don’t you want to drink? You’ve become boring!”, centrusts the young woman to 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 probably already heard this phrase come out of the mouth of one of your loved ones. Millie Gooch, founder of the Sober Girl Societya UK-based support group for women who are sober or want to get sober, addresses issues for readers who are struggling to overcome the social pressure surrounding quitting alcohol.
“Why don’t you drink?”
“Have an honest conversation with your loved ones, and clearly explain to them why you want to take a break from drinking. Tell them you need their support to succeed, because it’s hard enough as it is.”advises Millie Gooch.
No matter your motivation for quitting alcohol (fitness goal, mental health, addiction, etc.), most people will have a positive reaction to your approach, and will be ready to support you. “And if not, you need to ask yourself if you really want to be friends with people who don’t enjoy your company if you don’t drink.”abonde Millie Gooch.
“My friends always arrange to meet me in bars, which makes me want to drink”
Many groups of friends tend to favor the bar for meeting up, because it’s an easy option that suits everyone. But don’t hesitate to suggest a new place to do an activity with your loved ones that doesn’t revolve around alcohol. Most will probably be up for it, but perhaps just haven’t thought about it.
Since you are the one who wants to change your lifestyle, it is up to you to shake up the habits of your loved ones and take charge of organizing future outings. For this, no need to spend astronomical sums: “Go for brunch, see a play, go for a hike, have a small dinner at your place”suggests the founder of the Sober Girl Society.
“It’s embarrassing not to drink at important events”
A farewell drink at work, a wedding: for special occasions, it is sometimes more difficult to say no to a small glass of champagne. To avoid breaking down, opt for a non-alcoholic drink. Having something to sip on while you mingle with others can mimic the ritual and habit of drinking alcohol. “People also appreciate the comfort of having something in hand at a social event”explains Millie Gooch. This can also avoid comments such as “But where is your glass?”
To help you make your choice, Denise Hamilton-Mace, former bartender and founder of Low No Drinker, a British magazine about mindful drinking, shares her list of best non-alcoholic drinks to order at bar:
- sparkling water with a little lemon (simple and effective)
- elderflower syrup with sparkling water (refreshing and floral)
- a virgin Moscow Mule (ginger beer, sparkling water, fresh lemon juice).
And if you’re the type who drinks to combat shyness, first think about some questions you could ask in a conversation with someone you don’t know to avoid blanks. Millie Gooch testifies: “One of the reasons I drank was because I felt like it made it easier to talk to strangers.”
“My friends make me feel guilty for not going out with them”
If you are unable to apply the previous tips, it may be best not to go out at all, to avoid temptation – at least in 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.declared David Dorschu, director of a drug treatment center in New Jersey, during from an interview given in 2021.
And remember: you don’t owe anyone a drink, and it’s okay to turn down an invitation to take some time for yourself!
Source: www.slate.fr
