You know how some young adults eagerly anticipate turning 21 to finally indulge in drinking? That was never me. When I hit 21, alcohol didn’t even cross my mind. Now, as I near 30, it still isn’t a priority. Even at events with open bars, I often opt for soda. Some might find that surprising since I run a site called Popcorn and Tequila, but drinking isn’t a significant part of my life.
A lot of my perspective stems from my family’s relationship with alcohol. I’ve never openly shared this, but before I was born, my father struggled with heavy drinking. I’m unsure if he was an alcoholic, and I’ve hesitated to ask, but my mother once remarked that his drinking contributed to our family size. Just hearing that hint made it clear he might have had an issue. And while I’m not going to dive into my family’s history, let’s just say that drinking problems run deep in my family.
I’ve witnessed the impact of alcohol on my relatives—many of my uncles drink excessively, and I have a cousin and half-brother who are effectively alcoholics, even if no one is willing to say it out loud. Growing up, I saw enough alcohol-induced chaos to recognize its consequences. Thankfully, I never faced harm myself, but observing the effects on others was eye-opening.
Given that alcoholism is prevalent in my family, I consciously avoid it. Sure, I’ll have a drink occasionally, like during a celebration or while hanging out with friends, but I never drink alone or when I’m feeling down. I’m keenly aware that turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism doesn’t solve anything; it often leads to more stress and problems, just as I’ve seen in my family.
Honestly, I’ve had a bottle of tequila sitting around for over a year, and it’s still untouched. It just collects dust. It’s good tequila, but there’s really no need to drink just for the sake of finishing it. So, it patiently waits for me to pour it with some lemonade.
But my aversion to alcohol isn’t solely based on family history. It also makes me feel sluggish. By the time my child is in bed and I could enjoy a glass of wine, I often find it pointless. I have no desire to risk waking up late the next day.
When my brother teases me about the nearly full tequila bottle, I just brush it off. Make fun of me all you want; I’m not going to rush through it. The truth is, the only reason it’s getting lower is because he helps himself when he visits. ahem The tendency to drink runs strong in my family.
Despite drinking occasionally, I take pride in the fact that I’ve never experienced a hangover. Yep, I’ve never been completely “drunk.” I can enjoy a night out, have a drink, and know when to stop. If I begin to feel a buzz, I’m quick to grab a glass of water and seek some fresh air. I’ve even walked home from parties just to cool off, and by the time I get home, I’m sober.
I stop drinking when I know it’s time to stop, regardless of what others think. Peer pressure can be intense, but I refuse to succumb to it. This is why I don’t question why some people choose not to drink; I simply respect their decision.
Throughout my 20+ years on this planet, I’ve realized that everything happens for a reason, and people have their own motivations, whether they choose to share them or not. It’s perfectly okay not to drink, even if someone isn’t in recovery or doesn’t have a problem. For many, alcohol can invoke feelings of anger, anxiety, or fatigue, and not everyone enjoys the aftermath of drinking.
Some individuals may be grappling with family issues they don’t discuss, and it’s not my place to judge anyone for their choices. So, the next time someone declines an invitation to drink or states that they don’t partake, don’t react in disbelief. Respect their courage to say no to peer pressure and keep the focus on enjoying time together. Don’t complicate things with unnecessary questions unless you’re genuinely curious and close friends, as the reasons can often be more profound than a simple “I just don’t want to.”
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Summary
This article explores the author’s personal choice to avoid alcohol, influenced by their family’s history with drinking. They share experiences of witnessing the negative effects of alcohol on relatives and acknowledge that not everyone needs to have a drinking problem to choose sobriety. The author emphasizes the importance of respecting others’ decisions regarding alcohol consumption and highlights that there can be many reasons behind someone’s choice to abstain.
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