by MELISSA KOUTOUKIDIS
I drank diet coke on my 18th birthday.
Unlike the majority of my peers who awaited the chance to guzzle down alcopops, I shunned the teenage rite of passage like an egregiously high pair of heels.
With Aussies knocking back 10 litres of pure alcohol each year each year, approximately 2.2 standard beverages per day per person, we possess a national drinking culture so pervasive that beers and booze are as customary as beaches and barbeques.
Me? I would be lucky to consume 2.2 alcoholic beverages in one year let alone 24 hours and it has nothing to do with God, an ailment, or a bun in the oven.
I was just never interested in drinking. Contrary to many others, I didn’t grow up in a family where social situations were fuelled by liquor. Even as an adult engaging in gatherings which involve alcohol, I’m still not up for it.
Although girls hiking their skirts up to their ovaries kind of repelled me from the drink, it’s just not my thing. The taste, the effects, nor the empty calories quite do it for me.
Though, admittedly, the romantic idea of viewing a foreign film with a glass of red always tempted me, as did the mimosa which has something wonderfully ‘ladies who lunch’ about it.
But with a mimosa equating to a small donut in calories (and not tasting anywhere as delicious), I’m more inclined to wolf down the baked good. Unless I find myself along the white sands of a Caribbean island in the height of summer. And there are no patisseries within a 40 km radius.
According to the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education:
61 per cent of Generation-Y drinkers consume alcohol with the intention of getting smashed
95 per cent of all Australian drinkers are unable to correctly identify safe levels of liquor
The Windex of legal drugs, we invent a multitude of excuses to indulge in the hard stuff. It helps us unwind at home and to loosen up on the dance floor. It’s a nightcap as well as a party starter. It can leave us depressed, bubbly, aggravated, reckless, and lustful all in the same evening.
Unfortunately, if you don’t subscribe to this cultural more and choose to give liquor a miss you are often deemed a social pariah. Decline a second round of ABC shots? You’re branded a party-pooper. God forbid you attempt to make a toast with San Pellegrino – you won’t be invited out again!
Just writing this article proved somewhat of a struggle for me. I kept anticipating reader reactions, expecting a few people to cast off my perceptions from the very outset. Especially since many find it difficult to accept that someone could choose not to drink which, in turn, makes it difficult for non-drinkers to share their choice.
Too many times in the past have I attended a party and refused alcohol, only to be ogled at like a celebrity with botched botox.
What’s even worse is when the million-dollar question is asked and you’re forced to endure an unappetising selection of ignorance. Variations include, “Is it a religious thing?”, “Do you have some sort of medical problem?”, and a bewildered, “But…Wh-, WH-WHY?!”
Nowadays, I savour instead of dodge the reactions of those around me when I admit that I’m not really a drinker. Some people glance away awkwardly as if doing so renders them invincible, others’ eyes can’t help but outwardly boggle in a Looney Tunes type fashion (picture the moment before Wile E. Coyote is about to be hit by a safe), and my personal favourite: the slow, repeated head nod.
But in all honesty, what is all the hoopla about? A segment of society shouldn’t stumble across eggshells or have to justify a personal choice for the benefit of others. A choice is a choice regardless of whether it is in relation to shoes, hairdos, or booze.
This column wasn’t intended to be a non-drinking sermon to convert the population into soft drink sippers or mocktailers. However, the fun in describing to a friend all their shenanigans from the night before isn’t to be underestimated!
There’s nothing wrong with drinking responsibly or not drinking at all. You could quite easily crack out the platforms for a couple of hours or trade them in for ballet flats once in a while. After all, not only can you shimmy for much longer in flats, you avoid some icky side effects.
Plus, you won’t forget a thing!
Melissa Koutoukidis studies Arts/Media full-time at the University of Melbourne. You can follow Melissa on Twitter @_Youve_Got_Mel, or visit her online portfolio.
How much do you drink? Do you think Australia has a culture of binge drinking?
Comments
191 Comments so far
Hear hear! Having to explain is never fun and people look at you like you have some kind of obvious disability or something disgusting on your face.
Seriously, is it so hard to believe we’d simply choose not to? I don’t especially like flavoured drinks, nor do I like feeling drunk, and I hate wasting half the next day when I have other things to do!
Thank you for writing this.
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I really admire your take on alcohol.
I feel like I have a problem with it. I am only 21 but as time goes on, I can see more and more negative aspects to it. I feel like drinking has always been part of my ‘self image’, for want of a better word. The girl who drinks lots, is heaps of fun and does crazy things, goes beer for beer with the boys. I think this is part of why I have struggled to give it up, even though I want to.
I can be really nasty when I am drunk, and would always end up yelling at my ex boyfriends. I have no sense of moderation or control and often drink to the point of throwing up, embarrassing myself or putting myself in danger. I waste whole days hungover and genuinely think that if I keep drinking to excess I will get cancer or liver failure.
I really want to stop drinking altogether, and I think that I am just going to have to accept that I am not one of those people who can have a glass of wine or 2 with dinner, I always want more. I think I would lose weight, be healthier, have better friendships, get better marks at uni and like myself more if I didn’t drink. I’m just worried that I don’t have the willpower to do so!
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Good on you for showing such insight. Get some support behind you, and take professional advice, and you can do anything.
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Hey Petal, I am 36 but that could have been me writing that at 21. It could also have been me writing that at 31. By 33, the writing was on the wall. You’ve made the realisation that you and drink don’t mix, much MUCH earlier than I did. Get the grog out of your life now, before something happens that you just can’t get past – or until it irrevocably alters your life. I gave up alcohol without AA – one particular incident (after maaaaaaany) made me realise I had to stop drinking. I didnt need the help of AA but totally respect that many do, and how much it helps. I remember everything the next day, and I never want to curl up and die because I’ve overdone it or abused myself or someone else. Not drinking is wonderful. Do it.
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Yeah what you are describing sounds like you need to get some help/support. I’ve been a long standing member of AA and have slipped several times and always the big sign for me was that after drinking just one drink I knew I had to slam it all the way to the end and that there was no stopping after that first one. And that is something that probably 95% of the commenters on this article won’t understand, how hard it is for some us to just stop drinking after one or two…I mean this article is discussing drinking from a totally different ball game to the one I have experienced through most of my life (sure drinking socially but most of the time drinking daily by my self)
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Thank you for writing this article! When I was a young teen I rebelled and drank illegally. Once I was 18 I was so over it and I realised in my designated driver nights how ridiculously stupid my friends looked stumbling over their feet or lashing their tongues over strangers faces. I, like you, might have one or two a year! Very rarely do I have more. Even on my 21st I hardly made it to the bar, the one night in three years I felt like more than one drink. But I don’t get the money wastage, or the feeling you have the day after. WHY do people want to feel like that for what may, or may not be a few hours of uninhibited bliss… It may also be a few hours of crying hysteria as I have exampled so often. I also get annoyed at the stigma attached with not drinking, if my friends are going clubbing as opposed to dinner they probably won’t invite me because I don’t drink, not that I’m upset because to be honest as much as I love my friends, they can be quite annoying when drunk. But I’ll happily drive people places of they are having some drinks in the sanctity of not getting a taxi, and getting home safely, but people my age (22) think I’m crazy sometimes, my partners friends who are almost in their 30s respect my decision & don’t try and rationalize why I should do it, unlike what my friends used to do. Although my friends have accepted it now.
So finally KUDOS for writing this article, it’s amazing to put it out their at your age, and you are definitely not alone! Cheers *with my eater* to not drinking
x
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This is me. I’ve never had much of an interest in alcohol – partly because I was always the youngest of my friends and was exposed to horror stories of their first attempts at binge drinking, but mostly because I just hate the taste. It all tastes like I’m drinking bad perfume – spirits, beer, even champagne! I don’t mind cooking with a nice bottle of red wine though
People are really, really weird about it, and being a non-drinking teenager was pretty awful (hello, peer pressure and social pariah status!), but I brush off any judgmental reactions now. It’s water or a nice glass of Coke for me 
Great article Melissa!
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I hate the taste too. And I’m French background, so I’m an oddity in borth cultures.
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I’m doing ‘dry july’ at the moment and have more or less avoided social situations where drinking may be involved not so much because I think I would be pressured by friends to drink but because I think it makes it easier to resist the temptation.
i’ve enjoyed the dry july experience. I feel healthier and more energetic/ productive with my workload so I’m thinking of keeping it up post July.
Given that I enjoy having wine with friends I’m wondering how I’m going to balance this as obviously I wont want to just avoid drinking events all together. What ‘lines’ are helpful when- say- you are out with 2 friends for dinner and they want to order a bottle of wine between the three of you? Also (and I know this is super dooper stingey) but right now I would tend to just split the bills when I go out with friends. But if I;m not drinking and someone orders an expensive bottle of wine what is the social etiquette when it comes to paying the bill?
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Hey Nina,
My two friend will share a bottle of wine. One will pay the bill on their card & I’ll give them the cash for my meal. It’s not a biggie, they know you’ve got the cash so no worries
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My friends are quite considerate, they know I am rarely going to partake in the wine. But you know what i find, if you work (and trust me i know what it’s like to have not much money, in that situation i think it’s fair to just say, can i just pay for my share – having cash on hand helping this) it really isn’t that much extra, so i just split the bill anyway. Things work themselves out if you’ve got good friends. Also, even though you didn’t drink anything, just think how much better you feel. It’s like not eating the rest of your meal, on one level it’s a waste, but it’s also a waste to eat something you didn’t want! Anyway, good luck with it, i find it all works itself out, so don’t avoid social situations because you’re worried about this.
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Just say ‘I’m not drinking tonight so I can just pay cash’! If your friends aren’t cool with this then I’d get new mates!
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Yeah it is always fine for me, see I drink scotch out of a hip flask most of the time so I always have to be worried that my amigos will want me to cut in on part of their lousy wine bill
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I don’t drink a lot either, although as I get older (I’m 29 now) I find that a glass of wine does help me to relax at the end of the day. But this is a really new phemomenon. Up until about a year ago, I would drink maybe 4-5 times a year, and even on those occasions, it was usually because it was offered or it would have been socially inappropriate to say no (how crazy is that?). Food, not alcohol, is my weakness. Like the author, I would rather scoff down baked goods than drinks!
I drank even less when I was younger. I drank lemonade on my 18th! As a political tragic, I was more excited about voting than drinking when I turned eighteen. I have two brothers, and one is the same as me (could count on one hand the number of times he drinks in a year), but the other one is a social butterfly with (in my opinion) a drinking problem.
For what it’s worth, both my parents are reasonably heavy drinkers. Not what I would call “problem drinkers” or alcoholics, but neither one of them can happily socialise or relax without getting on the wines.
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I am the same. I am 20, but when I was 17, I had a bad experience that turned me off alcohol for the rest of my life. I am so grateful that I had experienced that at such a young age. I still go out and dance and have just as much fun a the drunk person next to me. I love the loud music in a club but just simply choose to not drink.
May people offer to buy me drinks or I always get the whole, ‘why aren’t you drinking’ question. I simply order a water with a lemon/ lime wedge so people are off my case about it.
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I love this article! I am almost 21 and have never had any interest in drinking. Maybe a glass of wine once a year would be my maximum. It was never a problem, since I have great supportive friends who rarely drink themselves but I recently moved to the Gold coast where drinking & going clubbing (another thing I hate doing) is the assumed lifestyle. It makes me feel weird for my position and I often lie to get friends off my back.
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I ALSO don’t drink Melissa!
My old friends and my family know this so to them, it’s no big deal…. but if I meet someone new the first thing they ALWAYS say is… “Umm… do you mind if I ask why?” implying that there’s DEFINITELY some deep, disturbing reason behind it all…..
My reasons, like yours, are pretty “boring” i.e. no dark, scary past – My parents didn’t really drink growing up, I absolutely HATE the taste of ANYTHING alcoholic, I was always the “driver” in my group of friends as I had a car at 17 so never really acquired the taste…
In pregnancy I suffered morning sickness, I gained lots of weight, I felt tired etc etc BUT the one thing that was AWESOME was that when I met new people and declined a drink, they didn’t ask why, they just pointed to my tummy and I was like “Uh huh, yup, yep I’m pregnant, can’t drink!” It was so much simpler putting it down to being pregnant than having to ramble on about the boring truth!
Being a Phoodie I also cop a bit of grief as people say “How can you FULLY appreciate dining experiences without alcohol?” and I totally see where they are coming from….. I can COMPLETELY understand the concept of Wine enhancing a meal etc but unfortunately mine has to stay UNenhanced in that way as I WILL SPEW TO THE STARS and back if anyone puts wine within a 1km radius of me! Argh! The smell! *vomits a little*
I do understand which wines match what types of food etc and the difference in generic taste between types of spirits and wines as when I attended Le Cordon Bleu in London, part of our studies related to this (I was SERIOUSLY nearly ill from having to taste so many different types….gross….I MUCH preferred when we were tasting 100 types of cheese) BUT I’m just not keen on playing the wine-matching game in my real life. My husband on the other hand is very passionate about wine and I get great pleasure just from watching him enjoy the appropriate drop with whatever i have cooked!
Great Article, thanks Melissa!
Phoodie
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you probably get asked this all the time but do you use alcohol in your cooking?
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Hi Old timer,
If a recipe calls for it, and I understand why it’s there, then sure, yup, i’ll use it….. if I think it’s not needed, then I won’t….
I’m a bit of a liar…..well not really a liar….but in the above post i just wanted to make my point that I reallllllly don’t like alcohol and that I don’t have it…….but the truth is, I do…..sometimes…..as in…..MAYBE once a year I might have Tiramisu and I will scoff it down and love it and I TOTALLY understand it is as good as it is because of ALL of its ingredients including the Marsala!!!!
So 99.999999999% of the time I feel the way about alcohol as I described above and then occasionally…….
But put it this way, not only did I, like Melissa, drink sparkling water at my 18th…. I had diet coke at my 21st and lemonade on my wedding day!
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do you smoke weed? that enhances food for me soooooo much. honestly dope is so much better for you than the drink…no violence, no hangover and all the ill effects are lies constructed by the government to keep you from all being happy and not wanting any more wars (which give governments money BTW)
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lol, wtf
Pot triggers some pretty bad mental illness in my family, which results in the opposite of ‘no violence’. Oh, but the government is lying to us all about how awesome and non-threatening it is, of course.
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I stopped drinking alcohol in my forties for health reasons and it took years for my friends to get used to the idea. It’s like people think something is wrong with you if you won’t have a glass. Seriously, our attitude to alcohol consumption is ridiculous.
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i think the premise of this article is such a sad situation, that not drinking makes a person a social pariah. well written, Melissa
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I’m confused about the stats. 10 Litres of alcohol a year is only about 13 bottles of wine a year. That’s like drinking one bottle of wine spread over 4 weeks. Which is less than 2 drinks a week (which is not very much really).
Sorry is this a typo? Where are you sourcing the relevant info?
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I assumed this statistic was refer to the actual amount of alcohol in an alcoholic drink (not the water, sugar, flavour, etc). So a 750ml bottle of wine which is 13% alcohol contains approximately 100ml of actual alcohol and 650ml of ‘everything else’. But I may be wrong! Working on that amount, 10 litres of alcohol would be equivalent to around 100 bottles of wine (2 per week) or 20 cartons of beer a year.
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ah thanks Dee- that makes a lot more sense. Thanks for clearing that up.
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Damn seriously??! shit i drink like 40- 50 cartons a year (alcohol is delicious and allows me to work better( MUSICIAN)
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I thought the same thing,
perhaps she means a spirit? a bottle of vodka spread over 4 weeks is a fair bit of drink…
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I think she means 2.2 standard drinks per day per person.
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And just the alcohol content, not all the other stuff.
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I got put off drinking by my mother who is an alcoholic. Watching her lose all her dignity and inhibitions during “an episode” would be enough to put any of you off. I might have a drink in a social situation to avoid questions but I just wouldn’t go out of my way to get a drink.
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I have stopped drinking totally after drinking since I was 17 – I am now 37.
People find it difficult to understand why I no longer drink at all, and I find that the most people that have an issue with me not drinking … have an issue with drinking themselves.
It’s sad.
The pressure to drink is huge in society – you cannot get away from alcohol at all – unless you lock yourself in your house and never go out.
So the strength has to be with you – particularly if you love drinking!
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“I find that the most people that have an issue with me not drinking … have an issue with drinking themselves.” – absolutely, sad but very true.
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This is so true. People feel really threatened by it, like you’re judging THEM for drinking.
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Yup and they need help, so help em, their problem is bigger than yours mate, think about it.
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I feel the same way about chocolate & cake, I just don’t have a sweet tooth & would prefer not to waste calories on it. When people offer me a slice of cake they go on & on about it, ” just have a small slice” etc & try & force it on to me. Sweet lovers are much worse than drinkers in doing this in my experience.
I LOVE having a champagne on a Friday night. It is such a ritual for me & I look forward to it all week! I don’t care if you drink or not but I feel non drinkers are very smug & judgemental. Each to their own.
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That’s a bit of a sweeping generalisation isn’t it?! I’m not smug and judgemental in the slightest. It would be unbelievably hypocritcal of me to judge anyone for their drinking, given my past. And believe me being a recovering alcoholic does not make a person smug, I wouldn’t wish my history on anyone. I’m proud of what I have achieved (almost 10 years sober) but it’s a very personal pride, not a comparative one that causes me to look down on others that drink. Drink whatever the hell you like, I really couldn’t care less….but don’t interrogate me in the pub as to why I don’t. I think that’s what the OP is getting at, she’s not being smug or judgemental and I think you will find a great many non-drinkers who are far from smug and judgemental.
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I’m just commenting on my own personal experience with non-drinkers, the ones that I have come across always make a big deal of it. Just decline the offer of a drink & move on, I don’t need a lecture on the evils of alcohol.
Congratulations on your sobriety, you should be proud of yourself. I can’t imagine how hard that battle was for you. All the best.
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Fair enough Snap. But I get lectured the other way i.e. why won’t you have a drink? Just a little one? It won’t hurt.
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It works both ways I guess. The issue really is respecting other people’s choices.
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Yep and I get bagged on by non-drinkers alot too. So you are right Snap!! the issue needs to go both ways. Maybe us drinkers are too busy having a good time to complain about the non-drinkers ragging on us HAHAHA
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i cop this too with cake a d other swets. it’s quite ridiculous!
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I don’t judge people for drinking. It’s none of my business what people do, just as it’s none of theirs what I do. I’m honest, I don’t understand what people find in getting so drunk they can’t remember what happened, going home with a random stranger and not even remembering their name the next morning, throwing up in the street and similar behaviour. And this isn’t a “lesson learned” kind of deal, some people choose to do this weekend after weekend. I’m not judging them but this just doesn’t seem like a good time to me.
Obviously this isn’t everyone but I’ve heard of countless stories directly from people through university and work where this was almost their weekend pass time.
And then they couldn’t understand how I had enjoyed my weekend by going to see a musical after a great dinner, done shopping or horse riding. They were so focussed on the fact that I didn’t drink.
I also find that people who drink often pressure me to drink. I have never pressured anyone not to drink. It is their choice but they can’t seem to understand my choice not to drink.
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Ugh ya know this is the problem right here with a lot of non drinkers. You start out with the fact that you don’t drink = FINE. BUT then you move onto statements like ‘ ooo wa wa i don’t understand why drinkers want to ‘not remember what happened’ ‘ look like fools’ ‘puke everywhere’. And then you say ‘ IM NOT JUDGING’ hahaha you already did that within your original statement. That’s called a close circuit argument so blah blah….it’s like saying hey you suck at everything and will never succeed oh but i’m not judging you or saying that WILL happen.
Take a look at the history of all great social movements and you will see that change was enacted by understanding and compassion not cold hearted judging from both sides….
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I don’t see how saying I don’t understand is being judgmental? I don’t care what people do, it’s their choice and their life. But I personally wouldn’t want to do that and for me, I don’t see the appeal. I wouldn’t ask someone why they like it, because it’s none of my business. I guess a similar argument would be I’m a coffee drinker and cannot stand tea! I don’t understand why people like tea but I’m not judging them for liking it!
I find people who are drink are much quicker to judge me. They think I’m a party popper because I don’t want to drink and usually try to pressure me into drinking, going so far as buying me a drink I’ve told their don’t want, which I feel is almost guilting me into drinking it. I never do, it just stays there and people get annoyed, despite that I told them don’t want it. I’m not saying everyone but I’ve met many people who are very judgmental about me not drinking.
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What is smug and judgmental about not drinking? I find it ironic that you complain about chocolate lovers pressuring you to eat sweets but then turn around and say something negative about those who experience the same pressure but to drink. Have your champagne I couldn’t care in the slightest.. Just don’t insist when I say no thanks!
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Um I don’t insist. I think you missed the point of my comment. Sigh.
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Hi, I’m an alcoholic and haven’t had a drink in almost 10 years. I didn’t stop going to the pub, the vast majority of my friends drink, my husband drinks, and I have nothing against responsible social drinking. I faced all the stuff you describe and worse, from randoms on the dance floor to senior management at business events interogating me. It was only when I became pregnant that the questions ceased, then breastfeeding kept people of my back, and now I’m pregnant again….so it’s an easier road to travel as I have “socially acceptable” reasons for not drinking. In my experience, it is people who have drink problems themselves who will question you the most – people who are so dependent (emotionally, mentally, whatever) on a drink to be able to manage a social situation, whether they admit that to themselves or not, that they cannot concieve of somebody manging, happily, to do without. People like us who do not drink remind them of this fact and make them feel uncomfortable and they will likely be intimidated by your ability not to drink at gatherings. People with balanced, non-problem drinking habits will not care if you drink or not, and your real friends will cease to notice that you don’t. On this issue, imo, society sucks. Young people are growing up in at an environment that revolves around drink, where getting pissed is cool, where “needing” that naughty beer or glass of wine as early as possible is the norm, encouraged, celebrated…I think it’s incredibly sad that this legal drug is taken so lightly. Society is perpetuating a dangerous dependence in each new generation.
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I’m pregnant and I’m finding some people are still judging me for NOT drinking! The first time it happened it really threw me but now I’m prepared for someone to say ‘oh come on just have one, it doesn’t do any harm’. It’s actually really beginning to annoy me!
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I know exactly how you feel. I’m now 21, have never drunk more than a mouthful of alcohol because of a few reasons. 1. Waste of money and 2. I don’t like the taste. On both my 18th and 21st birthday celebrations I didn’t drink alcohol. Going through school I got ridiculed as the “freak that didn’t drink” and hated going to “parties” because of this. But as you get older people accept the fact that you don’t drink. Hey, it saves me a hell of a lot of money!
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Absolutely Australia has a culture of binge drinking!!
I am not a drinker, don’t like the taste. Don’t drink wine, spirits or even champagne. When I tell people I don’t drink they say “not even champagne or wine?” No, I don’t! I feel like I need to justify my non drinking to those who do as if I am the weird one…and it shits me.
I choose not to drink as others choose not to smoke, eat meat, drive…whatever!
Respect my choice and don’t treat me like I am the freak please!
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I too am a non-drinker – I simply don’t like the taste. Through highschool, university and working as a nurse (on a ward that really liked to party!) this was not a problem and was accepted by my friends and work colleagues. Surprisingly the first time it did become an issue was when I was in my mid twenties and began working as a teacher in a Catholic school. A male colleague not much older than me could not understand why I didn’t drink and he was at a complete loss when he asked me if I had even gotten drunk and I replied no. My lack of drinking habits became his favourite topic of conversation at out of work functions where he would interrogate me with questions and comments, even despite other work colleagues telling him to leave me alone. It was embarrassing and humiliating and being small in staff numbers it was difficult to avoid him so I often found myself ‘conveniently’ busy when out of work functions were organised.
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How horrible for you Anon! I truly dislike those people who latch onto something and just won’t let it go. No one deserves getting harassed about their choices.
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I am a pretty big drinker. I started drinking in High School because everyone else was and it kind of escalated from there. By the time I got into my late teens and went to uni I was well and truly on my way to being a big drinker. Midday drinks at the uni bar in between lectures, wine with any dinners out and huge nights out clubbing and drinking copious amounts several times a week. I never really thought it was strange because ‘everyone else was doing it.’ I didn’t simply do it because of peer pressure but because it was fun and I found that when I went out and didn’t drink I felt bored and too inhibited. I also genuinely like the taste of most alcohol ESPECIALLY wine. At this age due to being so young the hangovers weren’t so bad, I bounced back pretty quickly and my metabolism was fast so I didn’t gain weight. Why stay sober and be boring if I could drink and have fun was my reasoning.
Fast forward a decade and I still drink a lot however unlike when I was younger I REALLY want to cut down. My hangovers are much worse than they were ten years ago and everytime I wake up with one I wonder why I drink so much! I also notice that my wallet is significatly lighter and feel guilt about where else I could’ve spent that money. My problem is that I find it very hard to say no to alcohol when I go out and once I have one drink I find it quite hard to stop drinking. Even if I have a glass of wine over dinner I start to get a taste for it and want to have more.
I broke my hand Monday last week and didn’t have any alcohol for a week and didn’t drink AT ALL last weekend (rare for me). I feel much more energetic and happy for it. I read a comment below about how sad it is when people think the scariest thing about being pregnant is being unable to drink and it kinda hit me hard because that is me! I know I would find it genuinely difficult to be in a social situation and be unable to drink and see everyone around me drinking which is quite sad.
When i hear about young people not drinking I think ‘good on them!’ I am even slightly envious because they are most likely in great health and saving a lot of money to boot! Thank-you for this article, Melissa, you are a very smart girl! I know from my own previous experience that if you are a big drinker while young it can be quite hard to give up that habit and lifestyle so i think you are off to a great start!
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I gave up drinking before I became religious. I was 22 I think. It was hard answering people too. Watching others drunk made me stronger in my decision. I view alcohol for what it is. A poison. If you were in a lab it would be would be treated that way too. But this is my decision and I wouldn’t try to force it on anyone else.
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Hahah okay and maybe their are people who think your religion is a poison that has corrupted society for 2000 years and caused the deaths of countless people and STILL impedes human beings from progressing into a state of pure peace…but hey can’t speak up against a majority because that’s the point of religious brainwashing right? watch this comment get deleted….
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I gave up drinking for non religious reasons. Simply my body could not process the alcohol very well. I had my drink spiked once. I didn’t like the taste or smell.
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Im 22 and dont drink, and have never used a single illegal drug. My friends do both, regularly. They have never excluded me or treated me like a tool for not drinking. When I go to parties I never get treated any different, because i just say “nah thanks ill just have a coke” and noone gives a fuck. If you dont think youre better than everyone for not drinking then they wont think youre a pretentious douche for not drinking. I also fucking hate people talking about calories, seriously in this weight obsessed world what good does it do making people feel guilty about having a glass of wine cos of the calories? youre just mean.
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I don’t think she is looking down on those who drink but rather she doesn’t like the effects of alcohol. Empty calories are a health concern. Don’t know if you have noticed the obesity epidemic. Please refrain from swearing as any valid points you make diminish in impact when you swear. This is HER opinion on how SHE views alcohol and HOW she gets treated. Maybe read it again.
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Eating disorders and disordered eating are also a huge concern in Australia.
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Refraining from alcohol because it has a high calorie content has very little to do with disordered eating.
The author wasn’t trying to make anyone feel guilty, which is clearly shown when she admits her preference for baked goods.
Whether you get your calories from cake or Corona, they’re still calories that you need to account for when deciding what to eat the next day and how much exercise you should be doing. That’s not obsessive, it’s responsible.
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She also mentioned drinking diet coke only. You have clearly never suffered from disordered eating. Comments like that can be incredibly triggering for someone suffering from ED/DE.
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HHAHAHA yep cause the obesity epidemic is not caused by the prolific fast food advertising and it’s pure smooth transition into our society based of puritans like yourselves wanting a nice easy option because you are so bored with your drink-less lives. Do you work for McDonalds? God this whole comments section is full of people saying ‘don’t prejudice against me’ while instantaneously prejudicing against everyone else.
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Sleepwalker, a lot of non-drinkers feel as though they are being looked at like they are aliens when they say no to a drink and that has nothing to do with being pretentious. Just because you haven’t felt pressure to drink, it doesn’t diminish the feelings of those who have.
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i agree in that this was one of first points i noticed in this post that set off alarms… So she doesnt drink as she doesnt want calories, yeah makes sense to the part of me that’s still and prob forever will be ED’D???
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This is timely and relevant to me. I was never a big drinker – a two pot screamer if you will – and the window between jolly drunk and falling asleep was very narrow. I also don’t particularly like the feeling of being drunk and my hangovers were always bad. However drinking came to a stand still for me when late last year after one glass of wine, I had a seizure. I had noticed progressively more severe reactions to wine, including nausea, and as an epileptic the previous seizure for me had also been after wine about 4 years prior. I had tried limiting myself to only one or two drinks when it came to wine, but still felt sick. On this night, I’d only had one glass and luckily was at a friends house and not out on the town.
So to cut a long story short, I gave up drinking altogether. Family and friends have been supportive and I no longer feel obliged to justify to them why I am not drinking. But I still sometimes find myself looking for excuses not go out, because still a lot of people are quite incredulous about the idea of not drinking and insist on almost interrograting me. Even if I do what Tara below suggested and say I’m driving, people still ask why I am driving. Leave your car in town, they say. You know you want to drink, they say.
Melissa, you are so right about the pervasive culture of drinking in Australia. Even when I was drinking, I was still constantly having drinks shoved in my face and had to put up with comments about drinking too slowly. I felt like I was being pressured to drink more and faster sometimes, and to join in rounds of shots even when I’d insist that I cannot do shots because I knew they’d make me sick. It is amazing how when people (men) are pissy they struggle to recognise that as a 5 foot nothing lightweight, I might not have the capacity to drink as much as them.
Anyway, good on you Melissa for not being pressured into drinking. I know feel good about being able to just say “I don’t drink”. And if anyone asks why, I just tell them the honest truth for me – I am epileptic and if I have a seizure I can’t drive for 12 months. The penalties for doing so are huge. And I choose to eliminate every possible trigger because my independence is important to me, much more important than drinking. Noone can argue with that!
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I hardly drink when I do it’s two drinks, rarely anymore. I think it’s because I was diagnosed with epilepsy at 26 and was put on meds which made me feel awful when I drink. My family revolves their social events around drinking or going out to dinner. My extended family also are in the uk where it’s the culture (like Aust).
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Sonia, I hope your family supports your need to abstain from drinking alcohol as mine does at least – I guess most social occasions in Australia do involve alcohol, and that doesn’t worry me in itself. The concern is that for many non-drinkers, when they are in those situations, just saying “I don’t drink” is not enough and we find we have to give a reason a for it. We shouldn’t have to have a reason for choosing not to drink.
I am not on medication, but I have often felt sick by the second drink in the past – which is not normal. I rather enjoy my coke zero or lemon, lime and bitters anyway!
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Go Melissa!
Great piece of writing.
I’m 35 years old. Your take on drinking reflects mine 100%. I will maybe have one drink twice a year – only if/when I feel like it.
Without going into detail, you are making one helluva FANTASTIC choice. Let those who don’t get it wonder
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Hi,
My husband doesn’t drink alcohol- doesn’t like the taste/ comes from a family who don’t drink- and he often has to explain himself. For some reason they think it is unusual. I only have a glass occasionally (parties etc).
What really bothers me is the group dinner out. We do this quite often. Some of our friends drink a lot of expensive wine. Then the bill is split at the end of the night. Occasionally we say something, but usually we are just polite and pay for their alcohol. Same thing with ’rounds of drinks’!
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That’s poor form with the bill splitting. I drink a lot of wine and I like nice wine, but would never want the non-drinkers at the table to pay for it. It’s not like it’s the difference of a couple of dollars, either- the cost of a couple of bottles of wine adds up!
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What we do is split the cost of the meal but pay for drinks individually as some people drink heaps and others drink little. its really fair.
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Oh, Susie, that’s just shitty for you! Why should you pay for other peoples’ drinks??? I’m a 99% non drinker after many years of pre-teen drunkenness and I never pay for someone else. I hate the taste of spirits, have maybe a glass of wine once or twice a year (if I like the taste – HATE that awful alco afterburn in the mouth!) and the only cider I like is strawberry and lime Rekorderlig. Even then, 3x (maybe) a year and always with a friend.
And it costs so much…
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Hi Susie, my husband is also a non-drinker. His father and his brother are non-drinkers. They just dont like the taste. Like you, my husband’s biggest frustration is going out to dinner, usually with friends, who drink alot and expect him to split the bill. I think it is rude but he’s been doing it for so long that he just goes with it.
He is also a sportsman and he constantly has to explain himself as to why he doesnt drink beer. Apparently, its unAustralian to play cricket and not drink copious amounts of beer!
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I totally know how you feel! I am 21 and although I do occasionally enjoy a nice glass of wine, binge drinking and getting drunk every weekend is just not my idea of a good time. I am so sick of being called a party pooper!
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I have a glass of wine at 6oclock when cooking dinner and then another when the kids are in bed at 8oclock almost everyday (except when pregnant & breastfeeding). I never binge drink or get drunk and I’m always under the limit. I love wine with good food, at social occasions and with my feet up watching the tele. The point of drinking for me is that I really appreciate good wine and healthy food plus it relaxes me. I for one would never eat donuts or drink diet coke.
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I think you will find the reaction to non-drinkers is a fearful reaction from acknowledging that those who ‘like a drink’ when staring at a sober person, start to ask if they have it under control. I imagine a drunk person rolling up to an alcohol free picnic would feel the same level of awkward.
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It is the every day part that is the problem- having two days off a week gives your liver a rest.
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It’s really very easy – all you have to say is “no thanks, I’m driving.” I did exactly that last night. No-one can possibly argue with that.
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There are only so many times you can say that before people start asking more questions, and also suspecting that you have more serious reasons for not drinking, which the OP may not want. Plus, why should she lie? And why is it ok for people to question her?? As an alcoholic in my first years of recovery it was very hard to answer questions because you don’t want everyone to know your difficult business. People really should be more respectful of the decisions of others. It shouldn’t matter so much to them why you’re not drinking. It is not always so simple for everybody to just say hey I’m driving…
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While I’ll only drink something very occasionally these days, I spent a good chunk of my late teens and twenties getting smashed. Long boozy lunches several times a week and work events that seem to be just another excuse to get pissed are a big part of the industry I work in. Our office even has two of those double door fridges packed with booze that have open access and a separate storage room for red wine and spirits. So crazy.
If I could turn back time though I never would’ve drank at all other than the odd glass of Champagne at a wedding or celebration. When I think back to the money wasted, the stupid situations I put myself in, the arguments I’ve seen, how ridiculous I’m sure I looked to any sober people around at the time, the days wasted with a hangover, etc… it all makes me cringe and feel like an idiot.
A friend has resorted to telling people he’s developed an allergy to booze because he couldn’t handle the judgment and nagging from others any more. And while I don’t normally condone lying, I put this in the little white lie that hurts no one basket so I help to keep his story going. If someone is giving you a hard time about not drinking – and I’m ashamed to admit that in my younger days I might’ve been one of them – it’s because you’re making them feel uncomfortable for some reason. And trust me, that’s THEIR issue, not yours.
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I feel like this now i havent had a drink for over a year, the embarassment to myself and others, money wasted and danger i put myself in in my younger years, i look back and think, wow… I am ashamed.
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I’m not a big drinker anymore. When I was a teenager I got extremely drunk on rum and was vomiting for about 15 hours. Since then, I seem to get woozy very quickly when I drink and it’s not a nice feeling.
But I do enjoy a glass of wine a couple of times a week – it’s a small glass though. About 100ml. I like the taste and that amount doesn’t make me feel like I need to hold onto the floor for fear of falling off.
As I’ve gotten older, it’s become more acceptable for me to not be much of a drinker so hopefully it will for you too Melissa. I only tend to drink at home – restaurants and bars always serve up too much for me to drink safely so when out I stick with soft drinks and the occasional mocktail. People who don’t know me well think I’m either pregnant or a recovering alcoholic but my friends know that I’m not a big drinker and it’s not a big deal.
And yes, I do think Australia has a culture of binge drinking. Definitely among the younger generation, but I also think the older generations have a problem – it’s not unusual to see a couple down an entire bottle of wine over a meal at a restaurant – that’s 3.5 standard drinks each before you even get to the dessert wine or spirits which are taken at the end of a meal. (FYI: The health guidelines say that people shouldn’t drink more than 2 standard drinks a day.) And then there are the people who drink half a carton of beer or a bottle of wine! I don’t care if people want to ruin their livers through excessive alcohol consumption, I care that people like this think it’s okay to get in their car and drive or look after young children while drunk.
[ http://perthwife.wordpress.com/ ]
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I hardly ever drink either – maybe one drink every three months.
I just don’t really like the taste of any alcohol, drinking often makes me feel sick and I just don’t see the attraction in getting drunk.
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I’m the same – I used to drink to make myself feel more comfortable socially but would always end up feeling sick and getting flushed. If I drink slowly sometimes I don’t get nauseous but most of the time I can’t be bothered with it, so just don’t drink at all. My partner drinks quite a bit and sometimes at events with his friends I feel pressure to drink and do give in just to save the inquisition.
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I just tell people Im dangerous enough sober…..
Ive never really liked alcohol- just doesnt taste good to me, and I loathe the taste of wine. I’ll have a tequila when I feel like a drink, not often enough to matter and on the very rare occasion, a beer on a hot day. I’m not convinced all that drink actually enjoy it, it seems more like a fitting in thing for many.
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Not true. I LOVE the taste of wine
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Me too! Aaah!
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22 and rarely drink, if I do it’s one drink per night out. My main objection is- I don’t feel well after drinking! One drink is fine, any more and I get dizzy and don’t enjoy anything anymore. So why bother? Most of my friends don’t care, some try and pressure me into drinking but I just laugh it off. I think it helps that my boyfriend rarely drinks as well (not that I would drink if he did, but I think there would be more pressure to).
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Don’t worry, you’re not the only one. I have never been interested in drinking and also only had soft drink at my 18th, and my 21st, wedding, and 30th. I don’t understand the point of getting drunk…
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I would like to stop drinking, I don’t drink at dangerous levels very often, but I do tend to overdo it on nights out (maybe once a month). If I drink during the week it will be one or two glasses of wine, but I’ve tried to cut that out so have been sticking to weekends only lately.
I agree with the writer, it really is a little bit pointless. I do rely on it as a crutch or a relaxant, but I should really be able to manage those things on my own. And think of the health benefits!
My grandmother has never drank a drop or smoked, and she’s fighting fit at 90 – so healthy! Could be a coincidence, but I think it’s related.
Alcohol is a carcinogen, just like many other things we avoid like the plague. I have friends who wont use mouthwash with alcohol as it is a known carcinogen, but will drink to get drunk multiple times a week – go figure!
Good on you for not drinking, I might try doing the same.
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I’m 19 years old, and the situation you describe with alot of your friends is exactly like me!
I drink alot when I go out, short skits, high heels… all that kindof stuff! I definately go out with an intention to get smashed but I do it because I like it!
If you’ve made that choice then good on you, keep it up, it’s certainely alot better for you health wise – no arguments there!.
What I am completely sick of though is my non-drinking friends making me feel like I am a stupid, blonde, drunk, bimbo-ish teenage girl for choosing to drink when I go out! I’m sick of the disapproving stares, and the real arrogance and air of superiority they give off when we go out and they’re choosing to drinking soft drink while we’re knocking back our 9th vodka coke!
Just because I want to go out and drink every saturday night does not mean i’m in any way worse than them. I excel at uni, make lots of time for excercise and am pretty all rounded when it comes to my friends. There is NOTHING worse than people acting like they’re better than you.
Not saying you’re doing this or anyhting, but just be mindful that respect for your individual choices on alcohol goes both ways
This article was well written though so good work!
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Please don’t take this the wrong way, but is it possible that your girlfriends are not so much concerned with your drinking, but more about the way that you behave when you are smashed?
There are all kinds of drinkers (the quiet ones, the gregarious ones, the obnoxious ones, the morose ones etc) and just maybe your friends are trying to tell you that they don’t like the person you become when you are drunk? Maybe, just maybe, you are a PITA-in-your-face-obnoxious drunk? Or maybe you are a girl-who-constantly-makes-dangerous-decisions-that puts-your-friends-in-danger-when-they-have-to-pull-you-out-of-it kind of drunk? I don’t know you from a bar of soap and don’t have a clue if any of those kinds of drunk descriptions would apply to you, and am sorry if you think I’m trying to offend by asking this question, but I HAVE known people like this and they aren’t much fun to be around. I’m just playing devils advocate for a moment in hopes that you have looked at all sides before deciding others should respect your decisions. When those decisions impact others, you have a certain amount of responsibility.
You mentioned having respect for others choices – when we are drunk it gets really difficult to make rational decisions. Have you tried asking (and being truly willing to listen) to one of your good friends and asking them what it is they object to? If you can try as hard as possible not to be defensive you might find the answer surprising, and there might be something in the reply that you can use constructively.
I’m not saying you shouldn’t drink – I’m just saying if you are constantly getting a message from the people around you it is just possible that this time it isn’t a case of ‘it’s not my problem, it’s THEIR problem’, and it actually is something that you need to seriously look at toning down for your own self respect and/or safety.
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Yeah I see your point don’t worry. I won’t lie, myself and my friends do get a bit loud when we drink, as does everyone when we’re at certain events.
I never make anyone take responsibility for me when I’m drunk, because I know how it feels to have to look after people when they’re smashed too!
I’m more sick of the stupid comments from them like “You don’t need to drink to have a good time!”
“Eh, I can’t stand the taste of alcohol, I don’t know why ANYONE would drink it”
“I don’t know why would waste your money on that crap”
“I drunk alot when I was 16 or 17 and I just think i’m too old now, i’ve outgrown it, I think it’s disgusting”
or the worse is back handed compliments like “I really feel like im fun enough of a person that I don’t even need to drink”
While most of those things probobly are true (you can still have a good time sober, it’s an aquired taste etc.) it’s just rude and quite un necessary alot of the time. If you don’t like the way drunk people act, then don’t go.
In saying that though there are plenty of people who are sober at events and can get on great with everyone and don’t complain and have plenty of fun! It’s just a few that ruin it!
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I’d much prefer a few annoying comments from a non drinking advocate than mobs of super drunk men leering, bashing each other up, saying stupid shit and girls screaming, throwing themselves at boys, vomiting in the corner etc. Drunk people ruin events WAY more than a couple of comments from sober people.
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Gaaack! I remember spending one entire evening looking after a smashed girlfriend because she was rolling around the club acting all slutty and some guys were eyeballing her quite seriously. I was fearful for her safety! Did NOT enjoy that night, let me tell you..!
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Why do you go out with an intention to get smashed? I imagine if I was one of your sober friends rather than trying to control or judge I would probably just be concerned about you. Drinking a couple of drinks and being responsible about it is very different from going out and having 9 vokda and cokes! I hate seeing friends drunk, making stupid decisions and not being 100% in control of their mind & body. I lose respect for them not because they choose to drink but for their behavior when drunk. Its also so unsafe! So hard to judge the surroundings and make sensible decisions when you’re so intoxicated.
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I’m a non-drinker – a combination of medication and simply not liking it enough to test those limits. I have found people my age (mid-20s) have no problem with it once they find out I don’t mind them drinking. My favorite reaction is still the time I was told that I was going to make some man very happy one day – because he would always have a designated driver! I get more negative responses from older people, like the Italian family members who really struggle with the fact I don’t want s glass of wine with my dinner or champagne to toast.
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Seems your fears have been put to shame; lots of support from fellow non-drinkers and not a nasty comment yet
I’m 35 and first objected to drinking when after graduating year 9 (yes, primary school) my fellow classmates were all about getting a case of beer and partying at someone’s house (this was legal in Denmark in the early 90′s).
I also don’t care for the taste and have never understood the idea of forcing yourself to drink or eat anything. Also, when I do drink I’m chatty and happy for a few minutes and them just wanting to sleep – yehaaw for a great party – but quite possibly related to my lack of practise with the substance.
I must say though, the older I get the more support I get from fellow party-goers. More than once have I heard sighs of relief from others who would then happily abandon their warm half-finishes drink for a cool glass of water. Or others would not saying ‘that’s so cool’. I worry for those who’s biggest fear of being pregnant is that they can’t drink. it’s not that big a deal people.
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Not drinking alcohol is a personal choice. If you have made that choice then only an idiot or a fool would hate you.
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Congratulations Melissa on not succumbing to the Australian drinking culture. I am not a huge drinker myself (now 36), and my husband does not drink at all. It is hard for my husband in particular as all the boys tend to bond over beers and footy and he’s into neither. It doesn’t worry him, but he does get strange looks and they think he is almost from another planet. I have the odd glass of wine here and there, or a summer casual drink (1 or 2), but that is it. I am proud to be raising our four girls with responsible attitudes to alcohol. There is so much exposure to our kids on drinking. On Facebook you see mothers talking about wine o’clock and looking forward to friday night drinks or whatever, and that is fine, I just don’t think that a big deal needs to be made of it. It’s like life is only bearable if you can get to the end of the day relax with a few wines. I hate this attitude.
I grew up in a pub, but I don’t think this influenced me either way. I think we should be teaching our kids that every social situation does not need to include alcohol to be fun or relaxing. It is a bad culture and is harming society.
Again bravo to you for making your choices, stick to them, you are smart and wise beyond your years.
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I didn’t drink at my 18th. Infact I didn’t have a drink until my 20th birthday at my cousins wedding. Even then I wasn’t a drinker.
Then around 2 years later I did drink socially but not as much as my getting smashed friends. Got boring.
Fell pregnant. Stopped drinking all together and haven’t started again. Just not my thing. At 35 I’m constantly offered wine and many a raised eyebrow when I politely refuse. Just not that into it.
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My son is 19 and doesn’t drink. Doesn’t like the taste.
He parties every weekend, goes to a lot of gigs and festivals and has lots of mates who drinks. The hardest thing for him is to not always feel he has to be the responsible one or the designated driver but none of his friends have ever really teased him for his choices.
Shame his father did though. Refusing a beer on his 18th birthday was something his dad found really hard to understand. It’s still a cause for argument which is such a shame. Personally I think that as his taste buds develop he’ll possibly be someone who enjoys a glass of red with a meal but that will be it.
If his FB photos are anything to go by, not drinkng has never got in the way of my son having a good time.
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I am going to respectfully, point out something that you may not have considered – maybe he is doing drugs instead?
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No. And I’m not saying that because I’m his mama. We talk openly about him, his mates, drinking, parties, drug culture amongst his mates etc. He’s an acknowledged ‘cleanskin’ amongst his mates.
Don’t get me wrong, he’s tried drinking, got a bit tipsy and hated the affect it had on him. He’d simply prefer not to, and without going into any further details, I can completely understand his very personal reasons for wanting to stay as un-munted as possible.
Now, his sister on the other hand …
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My 20 yr old is the same and doesn’t drive so people can’t rely on him to be the designated driver. Many have tried to get him to drink, but he just doesn’t like the taste and says so, although he says he can ‘choke down a cider’
His friends are quite used to it now, and its not an issue.
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I’m epileptic and really need to stick to only a few drinks if I go out. That hasn’t often been the case though, I’m ashamed to say. Nowadays, I’m starting to put in a real effort to not get drunk and drink too much at parties. I only really drink white wine and champagne, and NEVER mix them with spirits. Also, I find that If I drink a little too much I sleep terribly, constantly waking up and not being able to get back to sleep.
I have been to so many 21sts and not drunk, as I often drive (damn you green Ps). I’d much prefer to drive and not have to worry about taxis/public transport to get home
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I’m 22 and I don’t drink. I’ve tried a bit in the past, but have never liked the taste of anything.
People always ask me if it’s a religious thing, and while that is part of it for me, I’ve just never had any interest in drinking.
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I’m fun without alcohol. At 22, I have a bank account that could choke a horse because I don’t go out and drink all the time. There are many perks to choosing sobriety. I’m in the process of purchasing my first home and I much prefer that idea to having night after night of being ‘smashed’ and coming home with an empty wallet.
By the same token, though, I will have a glass of wine at staff parties and in romantic circumstances. Other than that, I generally prefer to drink water or soft drink if I’m going to have a treat. I think you have made a fantastic choice.
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Hello Bec. Would you care to join me for a cup of jasmin tea ? We could discuss ways to invest that bankroll of yours.
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Never heard the expression “a bank account that could choke a horse”.
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I’m 23 years old and except for the odd sip of champers at celebratory events I don’t drink either. I still go out and enjoy my nights with friends, family and boyfriend and yes I get the odd looks and the same questions, but it comes down to being healthy and wanting to put the best into my body.
Entering the workplace I’ve met a lot of people that also don’t drink and haven’t for years. It’s a lifestyle choice.
Unfortunately being our age it’s just assumed that we get on the piss every weekend, but I’m glad there are more and more girls (and guys) saying no to drinking and excessive drinking. It sometimes only takes one or two, but the message might slowly get out there.
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I was 22 before I developed any kind of taste for alcohol, and it made my teenage years miserable. Small country town, the only non-religious kid who didn’t drink, I mostly just clung to the idea that I would graduate and move away for uni in a couple of years. Once I got to uni, things improved a hell of a lot because I was no longer the only non-drinker. Now, though, I quite like a glass of red wine every now and again. I have no moral objections to drinking, I just …don’t really do it.
I sometimes wish I didn’t hate the taste of spirits. I would be a much cooler person if I could drink a martini, or order something “neat”.
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Wonderful post! As someone who doesn’t drink much, I can relate to the “party pooper” label…I wonder when they will come up with a new line?
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I totally agree with everything you said! You are not alone. After having two pregnancies & breastfeeding for ages, I’ve hardly had a drink in 4 years. I feel so much healthier without it. I have no desire to go back to it yet. (people think I’m crazy!)
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Ditto Nina! Too many years pregnant and breast feeding meant I happily lost my drinking mojo. Don’t enjoy it so give it a miss entirely. The pervasive nature of Australia’s drinking culture is concerning, from teens drinking to get drunk, and parents hanging out for wine o’clock. Non-drinking as an option, with all its benefits needs a higher/equal profile. Alas too much $$ for the alcohol and hospitality industries to risk losing, I guess. Imagine the improved health care bill if drinking reduced nationally.
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Great post! As someone who drank A LOT as a teen and early twenties and hasn’t had a drink for 12 years (stopped at 23) I know too well about the effects booze can have on people. It’s a huge problem. I hope my daughters have your attitude to drinking.
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