What do i say when people ask why i’m not drinking?
“I’M DRIVING”
Stating that you are driving yourself and/or others can quickly shut down the conversation. Nobody wants someone to drink and drive!
“I HAVE TO BE UP EARLY TOMORROW”
Everyone knows it can be difficult to wake up the next morning after drinking, so they should understand your choice.
“I’M TAKING A BREAK FROM DRINKING”
Even if you don't plan on drinking in the near future, this is a great way to respond without too much explanation.
“I’M TRYING TO BE A BIT HEALTHIER”
This is a great answer if you're trying to reduce your risk for breast cancer. Alcohol has no health benefits!
“I’M ON MEDS THAT INTERFERE WITH ALCOHOL”
This is an easy out that can shut a conversation down quickly if you're feeling pressured.
“I JUST DON’T REALLY ENJOY DRINKING”
It's becoming more common for people to simply choose not to drink. Hopefully, this will shut down further questioning.
“I’M NOT IN THE MOOD TONIGHT”
Everybody's had bad days, and you don't always feel up to drinking. This is a great response.
“I GET REALLY BAD HANGOVERS”
Everybody hates hangovers, so most people should understand your choice to avoid that experience.
“I’M FEELING A BIT QUEASY RIGHT NOW”
Drinking with an upset stomach is not a great idea, so this should shut down more questions.
“I’M TIRED/IT’LL MAKE ME TIRED”
Explain that you want to be able to stay out as late as everyone else, so you don't want to get sleep early.
“I’M TRYING TO PACE MYSELF”
If you're trying to limit your drinks and take things slow, this is a great reason to bring up.
This campaign is brought to you by the Latinx Task Force of Los Angeles, with generous support from a City of Hope© Healthy Living Grant, UCLA Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Equity Community Seed Grant and a Breast Cancer Care & Research Fund Micro Grant.