Learn to say “ No thank you ”
Avoid your old drinking haunts . But at some point you will end up in a situation , such as at a work party or wedding , where you ’ ll come under pressure to drink . Remember that alcohol is alcohol no matter how it is presented . A glass of beer or wine contains as much alcohol as a measure of spirits . An important skill for you to develop before this happens is the art of refusing alcoholic drinks . There is a growing acceptance of people deciding not to drink because of health , especially when reducing , or keeping down , their weight . Alcohol is fattening . We all know people who try to force drink on others – even when their offers have been refused several times . Under this kind of pressure , it can take a lot more courage to say “ No ”, and stick to your decision . To become a nondrinker , you ’ ll find it necessary to learn new answers to the question “ What will you have to drink ?”. Some examples of what you could say are :
“ No thanks , I ’ m under doctor ’ s orders not to drink .”
“ No thanks , but I ’ d really like a juice .” “ Nothing thank you . I don ’ t drink alcohol .” “ No , keeping an eye on the weight .”
Practise saying “ No ”. Ask someone you trust to take on the role of a ‘ friend ’ trying to persuade you to have a drink . Your job is to find the right message to give to refuse the drink , politely but firmly .
The next step might be to practise ordering safe drinks such as the popular lemon , lime and soda that bar staff are very used to serving , or non-alcoholic cocktails , mineral water , or a cup of tea or coffee . It might be a bit awkward when you first start , but the exercise will prove its worth the next time you are under pressure to drink alcohol . You ’ ll find yourself able to refuse a drink or order non-alcoholic drinks with confidence . Why not make a list of non-alcoholic drinks that you enjoy ?
Out of the frying pan
While the aim is to help you to stop drinking alcohol , there are other substances in daily use that also affect your wellbeing , such as cigarettes , tea and coffee . The nicotine in tobacco products , and the caffeine in tea and coffee also act as stimulants . Don ’ t drink too much tea or coffee and don ’ t use smoking as a way to calm yourself down , or you ’ ll begin to feel edgy or anxious . This in turn might increase your urge to drink alcohol in the hope that it will help you to relax .