My Story as a Sober Millennial.
Alcohol is one of the biggest aspects of our social lives, particularly in the Western World and it can be difficult to avoid, not impossible of course, but it's something that is very popular.
Not all of us choose to drink, can handle alcohol or want to drink and that's just as okay as wanting to drink or choosing to drink. I wanted to talk about my story about alcohol, why I choose not to drink, and what I think of others who drink.
For those of you who don't know my very short history with alcohol, it really is short and simple. I've only ever had two drinks before; half a glass of Peach Snapps (and I only found out recently you're not meant to drink it on it's own) when I was fourteen and a few sips of champagne at my formal when I was sixteen. Yes, it's really that short.
The number one question I get asked is "why do you not drink?" and even though I haven't had a bad experience with it, I don't feel like it's a complex answer.
Being out of control scares me a lot. I've heard the argument "one drink won't make you lose control" but even the thought of not being there 100% terrifies me. I have heard stories from friends in the past that they have no idea how they got home, what they said or who they spoke to the night before; that's so anxiety inducing for me and I don't think I could have fun knowing I wasn't going to remember.
But it’s just as simple as I don't have any interest in drinking alcohol. I like simple drinks, I love a glass of water with ice, I love a cup of tea, I don't need anything fancy, I just want something that keeps me hydrated.
Am I part of the sober community?
Being part of the sober community is something that I have found quite challenging to think about. I see the word "sober" as someone who has worked through their own challenges, whatever they may be, to become sober. For me, and I count myself so lucky, but I didn't have to work through problems or issues with drinking, because there were none. I almost don't feel entitled to be a part of the sober community for that very reason.
One of the misconceptions of being a non-drinker is that people can sometimes think that you don't want anyone to drink around you, and depending on your circumstances, that could be a perfectly acceptable request to ask. I don't mind people drinking around me, it's never bothered me; as long as people are respectful about it and not trying to give me a drink or try to "change my mind" then it's absolutely fine. I'm in a stage of my life where everyone around me understands that it's a no-go area and I'm strong willed enough to not have a person in my life who tries to change that.
Despite being a people pleaser ever since I can remember, peer pressure around alcohol was one of the few things that I never felt.
Sure, I got offered alcohol and still do from people who have maybe met me for the first time, but I've never felt embarrassed for saying no or asking for an alternative. It's simply a part of my life that really doesn't bother me. I have even been able to start up and join a few sober communities in my home city, going out for a lunch and a bubble tea (yes, it really happened and it was quite lovely) rather than a pint and a cocktail, and it's been really lovely.
Looking for an interesting read?
I was looking online to see if there were any articles that I haven't read before and I came across this one from Insider; it talks about the writer's first reason for giving up alcohol initially and now going further with it, it also gives us statistics on more millennials being more mindful drinkers or being sober-curious, and why it's now so much easier to drink less with the more alternative options available to us. I highly recommend giving it a read, even if you're not interested in giving up drinking altogether.
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With more awareness around alcohol and especially the impact it can have on our mental health, more than ever, it's important to share our stories, whether you choose to drink or not. I hope you enjoyed mine, and if you feel like sharing your story, this is your sign to do it. (Cheesy I know, but I mean it.)
Have a great week!