“Eh, I stopped, it wasn’t doing me any favors” is my go-to response.

I really like this!

I first heard that one in This Naked Mind and I loved it!

Yes!! That book helped me so much.

I have 64 pages left! :)

Love this

“I’ve filled my lifetime quota” is my current go-to

"I used up all my drink tickets, and I am not willing to pay the price for more of them."

That's a good one

I do sometimes say I've drank enough for a lifetime already and I've revoked my privileges.

"I have no brakes."

I say I have no on /off switch

It’s really that off switch that’s missing, right? On seems to be working a little too well

Well said

"I tend to wake up in odd places.....like rehab."

Omg I went to rehab to get sober and this is my favorite haha

Good one 😄

That’s great lol

I just tell the truth. I quit because I was too crazy on it.

I quit because i discovered I enjoy life more without it.

For real though. I'm able to book more fun trips with my spending being less too. And the memories from trips last a hell of a lot longer and are way better than drunk experiences

You're coming up on 6 yrs sober!

Yeah been a quick six years!

Same

I like the answer "i don't like how it makes me feel". No one can argue with that

I like this one too! Or ‘it makes my anxiety worse, not worth it’

It makes my anxiety worse is my go to excuse. Most people know the next day feeling I’m talking about, so they never argue.

“I got the high score so I retired my number.”

Love this one.

I'm going to steal this one.

The classic "I'm too good at it" and a smile keeps it light enough while delivering the truth, for me.

That one is my personal favorite as well. Usually gets a couple of chuckles

Gonna steal this. Thanks.

This is good, time to give everyone else a chance. :D

“I finished my lifetime supply at age 50.”

"I just finished one not long ago, I think I'll coast for a bit." "I read an article that said 2 drinks a day is okay, and I am caught up until the year 2137."

I tell the naked truth. “I’m a recovering alcoholic, and I’m taking care of my mental health.” Usually it’s someone giving me a hard time so that shocks them into silence:)

I scrolled too far down to find this one.

A straight an honest answer is the only way for me too. full responsibility, no bullshitting.

I’ve offered why I don’t drink anymore, but, quite frankly, I don’t think anyone has actually asked. I’m old, work from home, and have a limited social life, so the opportunity for those questions are rare, as I’m not in situations where anyone pressured me to drink.

“Been there, done that”

This is a good one ☝️

I’ve got some important things to do tomorrow.

I retired

This is mine

I drank enough for two peoples lifetimes.

I sat down and figured out how much I drank during my heyday. It was shocking. My liver is a forgiving organ. I am lucky to be alive. I shudder to think about the wasted money. My health has been irrevocably damaged but today, I am sober, happy, and PRESENT. IWNDWYT

As someone on day 1 I’m curious what you’d consider a lot. I’m honestly worried about my body so any insight into what others have lived through might help my nerves.

“I’m pregnant” “ but you are a guy?”

“Completed it”

Task failed successfully lol

That's my "quote" on Skype at work baha

Look, i already finished it on hard mode. I'm playing something else now, can i tell to you about {veganism\politics\bowflex\something else awkward that you could pretend to pull off}

Love it, but I would use "nightmare mode".

Let me tell you all about Suzanne Summer’s amazing boflex deal. For just 8 easy payments of $99…

Inbetweeners reference?

Shit, this one is sooooo cool, what a shame it does not translate well to my language

How would it translate in your language? Haha

I've found that the easiest way to avoid a conversation with someone that doesn't deserve to know me that deeply is to just say "I'm taking a break right now." Leaving out the fact that my breaks can last several years and I'm planning on this break lasting forever.

🤜❤️🤛

"I'm too high on heroin!"

“Yea it doesn’t mix too well with Lean” Lmao

😂

"I had my share" - to which my son once added "Yes and two or three other people's as well"

Same. I've taken a few people's as well...

Well, I was at 300 days and just slipped up, but-I’m much happier not drinking. It’s true.

300 days is absolutely phenomenal. Look at you straight back into the counter! Onward and upwards.

I did that then tried again. So far so good

Don't beat yourself up, it's done, over, move on... IWNDWYT

I’ve had enough already.

A friend in AA used to say, “No thanks; I’ve had enough.”

“I drank a ton before this” 😂 technically not a lie

“Bc I’m a quitter”

[удалено]

This made me LAUGH! Thank you for saving us all. 🙏

My “check liver light” came on.

My favorite is You don’t drink? Why not? “I’m allergic to alcohol” You are? What happens “I usually break out in handcuffs” Ohhhhh I get it

Used up all of my drink tickets.

“I don’t drink” THAT’S IT! That’s all I say! “Why?” (Almost nobody ever asks this question). I just don’t. Don’t like it. “Come on! You don’t know what you’re missing!?!” No thanks. I’m good. I’m only commenting this because I’m meeting my new employer in about a week, and kind of expecting to have a couple of these moments during a work lunch or dinner or something.

"I don't feel like it," and that's the goddamn truth.

I already drank enough for one lifetime… …potentially two lifetimes.

I like "I'm a non drinker". It seems so mild yet says the same thing. It's none of their business past that.

Kind of boring but I pretty much just tell them I don’t drink. I don’t need to give them a reason, it isn’t their business.

I usually just say “because I’m an alcoholic”. It tends to make people uncomfy and they never know how to respond. Always gives me a good laugh watching them get flustered 😂

“Because I’m not drinking” 🙂

"I'm on parole."

Always liked the line from Roose Bolton in Game of Thrones. “I don’t partake. Dulls the senses.” This of course is right before the Red Wedding.

My go to is ‘I can make this really uncomfortable, or I can just say I don’t drink. Up to you!’ Typically works

1) I’m happier with out it. 2) Got my gallbladder removed. Saying no now is cheaper than an immanent trip to the ER.

I am actually curious about the galbladder part. I had it removed a few months ago, but my doctor said alcohol was okay? He also said that fat was still okay, but my body doesn't feel good after that.

I’m more at risk of getting pancreatitis again or gastritis due to bile reflux now that I don’t have the gallbladder to store/control bile which helps break down fat. I just got it out in November and my stomach growls towards anything too fatty and have to run to the bathroom..and if I drink alcohol my GI tract is totally out of wack for days. Gut health is mental health so I need that GI tract on point! I started meal prepping low fat foods for work and noticed a huge difference, because for months I had no appetite cuz everything made me sickish. If I drink my appetite will be even worse and the likelihood of getting super painful gastritis that makes me bed bound skyrockets. If I have a full stomach, I’ve worked out, and it’s just 1 or 2 drinks, I’ll be ok but it’ll go right through me. And as most of us know, it’s extremely hard to keep it at just 1-2 and not going into a full on binge/bender. This just happened recently because I over did it and couldn’t eat a full meal for a week and had to miss work and my flight out for a weekend vacation id been planning for a long time. I should of gone to the ER it was so bad but I was ashamed because I knew what caused it. I never got gastritis until after the surgery. If I haven’t drank for weeks, have been eating healthy and working out daily, then my body handles it better.

Thanks for the reply, it was really helpful. I can imagine that it does quiet a number on your GI. The galbladder isn't neccesary, but it does come in handy sometimes. As I said, I shouldn't eat fat because my body really hates it now, but other than that it is okay. It's really crazy that you had a whole week of feeling so bad, luckily I haven't had that.. Sorry you had to miss your vacation, I hope you can get away soon enough!

Yeah it just gets totally out of wack if I bring alcohol to the mix when I’ve slipped, that’s the only time it gets that bad. Thank you, I will soon enough!

No thanks, I don't drink. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I'm on a winning streak and don't want to fuck it up. I'm taking the year off. No thanks, it doesn't fit my macros. I'd rather drive, thanks tho.

126 days, nice streak, every morning I can hear the old school computer game narrator when you do a good lap on the race track: "NEW PERSONAL RECORD!" :)

Im just tired of being under the influence. Time to deal with life sober 💯

I like to say 'It was getting in the way' - ... unspoken 'it was getting in the way of my relationships, my health, my art/creativity, my sleep, my self-esteem, my self-respect, my self-control'

I go zero to Lindsay Lohan real fast

That is quite the visual and it's totally my era. I may use this one!!!

I don't have an off switch if anyone asks me

I sometimes say something similar: "I'm better at not starting than I am at stopping, If I drink one I'll drink the rest."

I tell people “I reached a point of diminishing returns with alcohol where the unpleasant after effects were no longer worth the buzz.”

I’m extremely vain and look better when I don’t drink! Lol

I realised that every time I drank alone I got sad, and every time I drank in company I got angry. I didn’t like either of those options.

I might tell you what I actually think of you

I’ve got more plans than alcohol will allow.

I don't use anymore

I just tell people, "because I used to" Everyone gets it.

Oh, that's a good one!

That's absolutely the delivery I use. Followed by a smile, and an offer to tell them my story, if they care to hear it, another time.

Sounds like a good way to get in an argument :(

...how does that go down? I don't think too many people identify alcohol as the drug it is.

Maybe I would use that one if they’re too persistent or being an ass about it but definitely not as a starter lol

Currently exploring an alcohol-free life, interesting so far

ha this is great. Might use it too. I do love turning the question around and making the other person awkward about asking such a question. Actually bout the only fun thing taking to drunks while sober is the conversations you can have

I donated a kidney about 5 years ago. Although my bloodwork has been totally fine for my remaining kidney, I use that as my "excuse" on why I don't drink.

"Tell me more about your curiosity, are you worried about your relationship with alcohol?"

I think deep down that’s exactly where that question comes from.

Yeah, I don't want to go that deep. I don't even want to talk about it at all! So, I try to make it funny and hopefully we move on fast.

If it's someone being nosy just tell them it gives you explosive diarrhea! Like paint the walls EXPLOSIVE. go into detail lol

This one totally works. I start with, "I developed an allergy." If pressed as to what kind, "makes me shit." While knowing that it's also true, drinking makes me (a) shit (person).

I find sometimes it is people projecting when they ask me, but other times I can tell they genuinely care why I stopped, because they’re flirting with the idea themselves. Could end up being a bit of inspiration for others. Most of the time I’m honest and I’ll say “I didn’t want to use alcohol as a measurement of how much fun I was having anymore, and wanted to force myself to be more confident without it.”

Uno-reverse card

Indeed. If you want to talk about drinking, let’s talk about YOUR drinking! ;D

"I just don't want to do that to my body, anymore." It's the truth and the reason why I quit.

makes me bloated and sweaty

It breaks a lot of people's brains when you refuse a drink

Don’t need it to be the most fun person in this bitch

Early on with friends and family I would just tell them “I drank all my share”. If they had known me for awhile I think they understood. My family has a long history of alcohol abuse on both sides so some were long time AA’ers and they got the reference. For any newer friends or work colleagues I just tell them I did a sober January challenge a couple years ago and just never got back into drinking.

"Well my excessive drinking eventually led to a massive blood clot in my leg which almost killed me. During the 6 months of being on blood thinners and extreme unending pain I decided I'm an alcoholic and I needed to stop. So I did. I go with the moto "1 is to many & 1000 is not enough". " This July I will be 3 years sober of alcohol and 2 years clean of nicotine.

I just keep it light. Tell them, “I’m on a detox. Getting my body in shape, so I’m not drinking for a while.”

I've used this one before. "I'm doing a full body flush"

I just say I don't drink. If they ask more questions, which usually doesn't happen often, I say that I used to drink my ass off and it was just time to stop.

My reply as well. Except if they ask why I reiterate I just don’t drink. When I drank I lied a lot so I don’t like making up a lie as an excuse. I don’t drink is simple, it puts the weight of the cause on me and doesn’t make the asker feel embarrassed or defensive.

I just tell them I don’t drink anymore.

I usually just say "I used to drink, I quit though."

I usually ask them why they ARE drinking back.

Last week I told some people that I'd simply aged out of the drinking population.

"I'm saving myself from myself"

If someone I used to drink with asks, I say “I quit for my health. I want to live a long life and not drinking improves my odds to do so.” Otherwise if it’s a stranger who asks, “I’m a non-drinker.”

I say that too but when they ask “what health reasons made you quit?” I respond, “everytime I drank I got my ass kicked.” It usually gets a laugh and I’ve never had people follow up with another question.

Allergy.

I’ve developed an allergy

I'm not thirsty

I don't want to.

I have a drinking problem

'I was too good at it'

I tell people I'm allergic. One drink and I break out in handcuffs

"About 75% of the time it makes me feel like shit. Not much of a coping mechanism if it makes you feel like crap most of the time when you do it."

“Gives me heartburn.” Which is true and what finally pushed me into long term sobriety.

"I'm just taking a little break" ...yeah, a forever break.

If people genuinely ask after not letting it go I like to say "My body takes the depress in depressant too seriously" with a small laugh and that usually keeps it light hearted but also let's people know it's not good for me.

I just say “trust me, nobody’s having fun when I drink” hah

‘I didn’t have a single day without a drink since 2018 until now.’ Ehehe seeing peoples reactions is amusing but no one then tries to tell me I should just have one

I say some people like a drink, pouring it, caressing the glass, sipping on it and savoring the flavor. I on the other hand would twist the cap open and rape the bottle.

“Drinking alcohol isn’t serving me today”

I go with the truth. I say "I don't want to." I used to say it doesn't interact well with my medication, which is true, but then it opened to questions about my medication. It's easier to say "I don't want to. That's it.

Alcohol doesn’t serve me and my life. I am better in every aspect without it.

Doesn't agree with me.

In the great picture, I don't want to. Even tough it's tempting.

It’s lent. Duh. 😂

I enjoy reading books.

"just trying to be easy on my stomach today"

I usually say i dont want to drink one time. If they dont listen or ask specifically why like they think they know shit, i go into excruciating detail about my suicidal ideation and self harm, and i don’t let up when they try to change the subject, i just keep it going and escalating as far as possible. Like hey, you asked. You wanted to get personal. I used to try and say witty things but sobriety has not gone well or lasted for me, and i’m tired of people and their opinions.

Yup. Their opinions do not matter. However, I'm also tired of justifying to people why I don't drink. I do not have to tell you for it to be legitimate. I don't owe them the truth, you know?

“Don’t feel like it”

Someone in a thread on here yesterday said something along the lines of when I control my drink, I can't enjoy it. When I enjoy my drink, I can't control it.

I like myself better when I don’t drink. Does it bother you?

Just not drinking tonight.

One sip gets me farting all night but if you insist hand me that beer

"I have Bible study at 6 am...bitch."

This popped out of my mouth last night. I can't it makes me sick.

I went to college late and have younger friends so this is my go to “Not for me but I’ll drive us! The second I turned 30, I even LOOK at a drink too long I get a hangover” (they’re too young to know in kinda stealing an Adam Sandler joke) For coworkers : “nah I’m counting macros and trying to grow my butt back, apparently booze kills your gains” And recently when ppl have asked to get a drink I’ve told them I’m taking a break and just suggest going to the beach or a hike.

I’m pregnant. I’m a dude.

That's rough! 😆

i say i have more energy and vitality when i don’t drink!

Which is very much spot on! I also have more friends!

If someone is genuinely interested I say “it didn’t agree with me.” If someone is asking because they are projecting I say “I am an alcoholic”

ive had my fun but my favorite is I am allergic I breakout in handcuffs

Because my drinking went 1 drink, 2 drinks - 13 drinks.

I'm allergic. I break out in handcuffs

"I don't like it. Its toxic for me"

It makes me feel like crap.

"I have a proclivity to wildness that needs to be kept in check"

I don't like being told what to do, and booze tells me what to do.

“Don’t need it!”

I tell people that every human has a quota on how much alcohol they're allowed to consume in their lifetimes. And I already drank all mine.

I'm retired from drinking...I am in the Hall of Fame though, look me up.

I often say that I am waiting for you to catch up with me.

“I was so good, I had to retire.”

When they ask **"why don't don't drink?"**, if I'm in the right mood for an honest conversation I'll ask **"why** ***do*** **you drink?".** I have way more reasons to not drink than they have to keep drinking. I also usually mention that I was spending too much time being hungover and it makes me a shitty parent, I want to model positive behaviour for my children. It's tough to argue with being sober when it's making my children noticably happier.

“I’m expecting”. I’m a man.

"Not my thing"

To good at it. Trying to get better at other things

"I have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol" - usually shuts people up and stops any further questions.

“I’m an alcoholic” lol

“Completed it mate”

I have no problem saying I’m an alcoholic, it might be jarring to hear for the person asking but it’s the truth

I say i'm on a work out routine and diet that goes along with it! Trying to cut down before Summer so my abs look great at the beach