Non-drinkers - what do you do ?

[happypig]

For the last 30 years my social life has revolved around pubs and drinking but I've come to the conclusion that, for various reasons, I need/want to give up drinking for a while.
So, for those in a similar position, what do you do that doesn't involve going to the pub ?

 

[gullshark]

Still go to the pub, just don't drink!

 

[tinx]

I have a friend who doesn't drink but still goes to the pub with us when we go and drink soft drinks. No different just doesn't get pissed. Oh and he drives us home too.

 

[smudge]

Zero Tolerance while here on the ship for 3 months at a time. Just work, eat, exercise, sleep.
When I'm home it's really affected my tolerance for alcohol; I am a very cheap date! I find that if I'm socializing with some friends, say on football days, then I'll have to miss the odd round (no not mine) cos I just can't keep up.
In answer to your question though; I'm afraid socializing without a beer or two is extremely boring.

 

[slinky]

it is strange, with regards to myself, i will go weeks / months without drinking any alcohol, and then i will go out on a bit of a lash up, and still drink 15 pints. (no bullshit, i am a big guy and can stick them away). Last october i stopped drinking, and went through until 14th january before i had a beer (works xmas party, all day session 10:00 till 23:00 - free bar, stuck 21 pints away (with food as well). Then no alcohol until march, Lads went to prague for a week (averaging 20 pints a day, over 20 hours).

quite happy to do this, but boy is it a shock to ones system.

 

[Hillian1]

I should imagine they don't feel like I do this morning.

Banging headache,
Sweats.
Stomach doing somersaults.
Eyes feel like full of gravel.
Kidneys actually throbbing.
Mouth feels like I've eaten gog shit.

Add to this I've got to help a mate move in half hour then entertain 3 grandchildren this afternoon.

It is better I think to be a non-drinker.

 

[Tux the albion Penguin]

Still go into pubs but It's either the Coke or Pepsi. Depends whats on tap.

 

[throbinson]

I anit had alcohol in 7 years, still go the pub with family and mates, and i dont feel like shit in the mornings

 

[Super Steve Earle]

Do stuff with the family and Mrs Earle
Play a bit of sport
Go the the gym
Read and listen to music
plus, of course, read about and go to The Albion!!

 

[public school boy]

I have been dry for almost 18 years. You can still go to pubs but may be not so regularly if you feel comfortable whilst there. Look at it this way, If you spend your whole time in a barber shop, you will eventually have a hair cut.

 

[severnside gull]

Full time carer so gave up drinking but we still socialise and I get to drink gallons of Coke Zero although on a summer's evening (not that we have had many) I order a jug of lemonade and lime with angostura bitters.......lush


At footy matches I usually "enjoy" black coffee

 

[Return of the Rev]

kids football training mon,tues thursday,kids athletics tue,thur,boys both play sundays,albion saturdays and midweek and dog walking!

 

[ATFC Seagull]

Depends on your reasoning, but does it have to be the all or nothing approach? I have more or less given up getting drunk (the occasional exception comes along during the football season), but still have 2,3,4 pints quite often. Great socialising, no hangover.

 

[Napper]

kids football training mon,tues thursday,kids athletics tue,thur,boys both play sundays,albion saturdays and midweek and dog walking!

Not having kids maybe unfair but what you gonna do when your kids naff off . Seems bit top heavy about them . No offence meant just I work surrounded by people who have no life other than their kids .... In fact you have football so already incomparable

 

[catfish]

There are, of course, other ways to get high!

 

[getreal1]

Theatre, cinema, meals, bowling, loads of other things to do. Much better than drinking and smoking.

 

[sydney]

since i gave up drinking i frequently find myself masturbating in phone boxes or fitting booths in large chain stores.......you can't get arrested for that can you...

 

[Horton's halftime iceberg]

Theatre, cinema, meals, bowling, loads of other things to do. Much better than drinking and smoking.

This plus

Cricket (cricket membership also has free entry to Hickstead, Goodwood, Plumpton, Fontwell and Brighton racecourses)
Gigs
Away games
Bike rides around Sussex
Walks
Drive/train/bus to country pubs/resturants

 

[chimneys]

I guess they also save a shedload of cash!!

 

[Gully]

Gave up gradually about ten years ago when I ceased to enjoy the effects of alcohol, either on myself or others, haven't drunk at all since something like 2004 when I drank a ridiculous amount of wine at a party and felt hung over for about two days. At first I occasionally had a craving for a decent pint but that has subsided and even the thought of drinking alcolhol now makes me feel nauseous.

I still go to the pub/parties occasionally and there doesn't seem to be the stigma of being a non-drinker that there used to be, which must be a good thing, the only problem is that my tolerance of drunk people has evaporated completely and I usually bale out early. The positves are that I feel far healthier than when I was drinking, it is great to wake up at the weekend and head straight for the gym/pool without a hangover getting in the way.

Good luck with staying off the booze, it might be hard to start off with but eventually you might cease to miss it and wonder why you ever bothered in the first place.