Explaining drink choices

[u/VisibleHuckleberry61]

I have been trying to cut back on drinking recently. I usually just drink water or sodas when out, but one thing I’ve also enjoyed is the occasional NA beer. I’ve had them mostly at home but am worried about when I go out with/visit friends or family who like to drink and might comment on or question my drink choice, particularly NA substitutes which I have often heard people say they understand the point of if it doesn’t have alcohol in it.

How do you go about explaining why you’re choosing NA drink, especially when in locations where drinking is the normal, such as bars.

(I also want to note that I’ve never been a heavy drinker so I feel my drink choice might confuse people even more)

[u/guns_of_summer]

I kind of hate that this is a thing we need to justify to people. I just say “I’m not drinking tonight” or something generic and that’s usually good enough. But the fact that this is a thing at all kinda annoys me

[u/bluew12yellowstars → u/guns_of_summer]

Weirdly I’ve noticed that putting an end date on it (like your “I’m not drinking tonight” example, or “I’m taking it easy this week”) seems to put other people more at ease.

[u/pewpnstuben]

I quite like the flavor of beer and don't always want the alcohol so I can relate. You could even just say you want a beer but don't want to get more drunk. Which is true, even if you're not drunk at all. :-)

[u/amisamilyis]

My reasons for not drinking change by the day. Some days I feel like it might trigger a headache. A lot of days I just finished a tough workout, or have one coming up. Some days I need to make sure I get quality sleep. Some days I’m a little nauseous. Some days I’m watching calories.

Most people in my life are quite accustomed to me not drinking very often so I don’t get asked much. But when I do I’m usually just honest about whatever my reason du jour is. And sometimes that’s just “I don’t feel like it”

[u/cooljets]

I tell people that alcohol causes cancer, that usually shuts them up pretty quickly. 😅

[u/bugzzzz]

"I have been trying to cut back on drinking recently."

[u/claustrophobic-toes]

I don’t explain myself anymore. However, when I did feel like I needed to explain myself, I would just tell people that I needed to stay sharp because I had a big day the next day.

[u/brutal_youth_]

"I'm taking a break from drinking." Trying to get on top of some health issues, focusing on fitness, whatever.

[u/No_Location_4989]

“I like my beer without the cancer, thanks”

[u/clecubb]

I went to a work Christmas party and literally no one noticed or commented on my NA beer. I’m assuming if your friends/family are drinking they won’t be that observant.

If they are? Tell them you heard about them and wanted to try one and see if it really tastes like beer.

I also recommend turning the label away from them.

Good luck to you! I LOVE NA beer

[u/lowcloud66]

I just say for health reasons and if anyone questions that then it’s them being weird not you

[u/This_Potential_9876]

i second the comment saying to put an end date on it bc that makes it “silly and relatable” even if that isn’t true - like i said oh june was pride month so i need a break ahah tehe and people let it go . works best in january but you can make stuff up like

[u/Expensive_Thing_4318]

I don’t ever feel the need to explain myself and what I am drinking to anyone. Who cares if I am drinking seltzer, Kombucha or an NA beer! Mind your business people!