Learn your lines

Think about what you will say when you are offered a drink. Plan your response. If the person suggesting a drink is a person who knows you well and has enjoyed drinking with you before, then they may have a different reaction to someone who you have never met..

An old drinking buddy may be surprised and think you are joking. They might tease you and try to get you to change your mind. In this situation and in every situation, you need to be firm and you need to know your lines. You choose the exact words and once you do so, learn them and stick to them. Here are some possible responses you could make..

• Thanks but no thanks.
• I’ve given up the booze. I’ll have a fruit juice, thanks.
• I’ve quit alcohol.
• I’ve stopped drinking.

What you say is important but insisting on it being the case is more important. Some people will accept your position and respect you for it. Others will try and get you to change your mind. This situation is a test and is where you need to be rock solid and refuse alcohol using whichever one of the lines you have chosen.



For more information on how to stop drinking alcohol please go to the next article.