How Can I Reduce My Alcohol Consumption Without Feeling Like I'm Missing Out?

Question

I understand that at some point I will have to stop drinking, but I am concerned about being socially disabled. What do you recommend?

Answer 1

The issue of moderation is compounded by the fact that most people regard drinking as part of the social experience. One could perhaps consider, first, setting self limits, second, pursuing other equally interesting avocations that do not involve alcohol, third, engaging in social related activities that do not involve conferences around drinks, fourth, informing relatives and friends about your target. It is worth noticing however that the emphasis is not on the drinking or not drinking, but the ability to make a decision in relation to one’s health.

Comments

Loving these contents Dan. Currently on my own journey with health and fitness.. and that's what it is! A journey! I'm 27 and have cut down the drink massively to 1/2 drinks a week on average from 3/4 a day. I can see myself stopping completely in the not so distant future.

I think the social aspect is the biggest change but part of my learning has been finding who are friends and who are "drinking partners"! You also move into different circles the more active you are, running/cycling/swimming/gym/football pals!

Completed my first sprint triathlon this year and looking to do more in the future. Keep up the good work and all the best. Soda and lime for me, cheers!

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Thank you, and well done for the way you've approached this subject.
After battling alcohol addiction all of my adult life, I had my last alcoholic drink in February of last year.
Getting into cycling has been one of the most positive influences in helping me end my self destructive relationship with this highly addictive poison.
I now live a much happier existence, and I thank cycling for this.
That feeling of being on the summit of a big climb early in the morning certainly beats the feeling of self hatred I used to get when struggling to drag myself out of bed.

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Brilliant series Dan- thank you!  We are all cheering you on your journey!  

As someone in their late 50's, I am inspired by a member in our local triathlon club still competing nationally and internationally in his 80's - this motivates me to keep working at all aspects of my health to keep aiming for that target, not as a short-lived "fad" but as a lifestyle.

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Thank you. When I quit my job 16 months ago I decided to stop drinking my IPA.  I never let myself run low on bear and often neglected to drink water. Beer was my reward at mnt. Tops or at mid ride.  And at breakfast. I miss my beer but not my use patterns. Thank you for stepping up into talking about health. Love this concept.

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I gave it up a few years ago now and the bit in this content that really resonated with me was the part about socialising. I would always associate feeling good with a beer but that was often because it was had in company, at a restaurant or doing a bbq etc etc. You realise in the end that it has nothing to do with that and you can have just as good a time without it ... even better as you feel good the next morning. One good quote that resonated with me was that drinking is just stealing happiness from the future .. and it is soo true.

Answer 2

Many bars and restaurants offer delicious non-alcoholic cocktails, mocktails, or alcohol-free beers and wines. Engage in conversations, games, dancing, or other activities that keep you busy and less focused on drinking. Most people are focused on enjoying themselves and won't mind whether you're drinking alcohol or not. In the long run, your choice to abstain or cut down might encourage others to reflect on their own drinking habits.