How do you tell friends you no longer drink?

[Anonymous]

No big a-ha moment or disaster; it just isn't working for me anymore - messy sleep, hangovers, empty calories, not worth it.
I have some friends who love their cocktails and dinner parties with wine courses. They're good friends - I don't worry about feeling judged so much as sort of being a wet blanket...and also I don't want to play coy and claim some excuse. Anyone who's BTDT, how did you "come out" as a non-drinker to friends?

[Anonymous]

I quit drinking because it makes me feel like sh-t the next day.

thats what I say. It's no big deal at all.

[Anonymous]

Just say it up front...thing I have said:

I'm not drinking anymore since I realized I can't metabolize it well anymore

Im taking a break from drinking to focus on my health, but I love a good mocktail!

[Anonymous]

None for me, I stopped drinking.

[Anonymous]

Do you seriously need advice on this?

[Anonymous]

"Oh, just water for me" or "Actually, do you have a Sprite?"
Most people aren't rude enough to press but if they do I just say I don't feel good when I drink. I might make a joke about getting old. It's not that uncommon, IME.

[Anonymous]

Mocking friend: "Not up to drinking these days, Larla? Age catching up to you?"

You (big smile): "Yup, it's not working for me these days."

And then you change the conversation and ignore the ribbing.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, this just isn't a big deal. So over these threads.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yeah, this just isn't a big deal. So over these threads.

Then why are you lurking in them?

[Anonymous]

As a male I still feel ashamed/pressured/self conscious years after I stopped. They have much better non alc beers that really help diminish the “fake” beer stigma. But after a time or two my good friends say nothing. I’ve still got jokes and I always chip in on the bill regardless. The more I get hung up on it, the fewer events I say yes to. Your friends love ya - enjoy their company.

[Anonymous]

“I am going to have a sparkling water because I gave up drinking.”

[Anonymous]

My boss (male) used to be all about cocktails. He no longer drinks because he started to have trouble sleeping when he drank. The office went out for farewell drinks for a colleague who was moving, and our boss was just very upfront about drinking being more trouble than enjoyment anymore.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:“I am going to have a sparkling water because I gave up drinking.”

I think this is best.

To my friends I was a fun drinker that liked to tie one (well, many) on. The truth was that I had a drinking problem. Putting it out there front and center has been best for me.

[Anonymous]

“I just don’t feel great when I drink anymore.”

Totally not a big deal. No one cares.

(The truth: I take a prescription drug for severe peripheral nerve pain and cannot have alcohol. I’m very private, and only a couple of friends know this.)

[Anonymous]

True friends and close family: I quit long ago because my father died from alcoholism- related dementia.

Acquaintances and most everyone else:

I’ve grown intolerant of even the smallest amount of alcohol- it triggers migraines and anxiety. No, thanks.