So I'm giving up alcohol ...

[Lord Mountbatten Reborn]

My papa quit drinking by replacing it with Irn Bru.

Luckily, you can still pass Irn Bru off as a manly drink.

 

[Zannah]

Best of luck to you and your intentions (though I can't share much advice, what with me neither going to pubs nor drinking, beyond the occasional bottle of wine shared with my boyfriend)

 

[Mukil]

did you know one of the signs of alcoholism is to stop drinking to show that you can.

 

[Eumersian]

I'm a Pepsi Max fan but I drink two litres of the stuff a day and couldn't stomach much more of it.

First of all, that's probably really bad for you.

Next, just ask what they have that isn't alcoholic. Or don't drink anything. If people hassle you, tell them that you're a designated driver so piss off.

That's all I can think of.

 

[CrikeyO]

I'm a Pepsi Max fan but I drink two litres of the stuff a day and couldn't stomach much more of it.

First of all, that's probably really bad for you.

Next, just ask what they have that isn't alcoholic. Or don't drink anything. If people hassle you, tell them that you're a designated driver so piss off.

That's all I can think of.

I am still in possession of a full set of teeth. Stomach lining unconfirmed.
Cheers for this guys, getting some good stuff.

 

[Antitonic]

... and I'd like some advice from people who don't drink or have tried the same.

Specifically, what would you drink in a pub or nightclub to replace alcoholic drinks? I'm a Pepsi Max fan but I drink two litres of the stuff a day and couldn't stomach much more of it.

Also, do you tend to find yourself getting less enjoyment as a night wears on and people start getting progressively drunker and you're stone cold sober?

Any thoughts are welcome.

I'm a non-drinker; never have, never will.

For replacement drinks, try to avoid things like Coke or Pepsi, unless you keep VERY close eye on it. Too many people have heard of bourbon+Coke or the like for it to be completely safe. (Although, that could just be my parties)

As for the enjoyment issue, it depends on how involved you are with people. Wallflowers are going to have a hard time, whereas people who are a little more social can enjoy the antics of the drunk and/or disorderly with a clear mind.

You see, when you're stone cold sober and those around you are getting drunk, it means you get to be the guy who tells his friends when they wake up 'Dude, do you remember what you did last night? You totally *insult embarrassing situation here*' and hilarity will ensue.

This, too.

 

[CrikeyO]

I drink occaisionally, and do find that there are nights where I have had, say 2 beers while everyone else has had considerably more. I sometimes wonder why I bother with the 2 beers. I would be a lot richer if I never drank.

Whenever I go to a club I just get tap water. Drinks are so expensive any way, I can go through the whole night and just spend the entry fee when everyone else has forked over £20+ getting drunk.

Btw, you didn't make it clear, is this a like "I'm an alchoholic and I need help to quit" or is it "I drink occaisionally but only to keep myself amused at social gatherings, what advice do you have for occupying yourself at parties when you are sober?".

Missed this - Probably more the former than the latter, I come from a family of alcoholics and I've began drinking quite a bit over the past year or so, I'd rather not go down that road.
Basically 'my friends are always drinking around me, how should I occupy myself in the pub when they're drinking and I'm not?'

 

[Treblaine]

... and I'd like some advice from people who don't drink or have tried the same.

Specifically, what would you drink in a pub or nightclub to replace alcoholic drinks? I'm a Pepsi Max fan but I drink two litres of the stuff a day and couldn't stomach much more of it.

Also, do you tend to find yourself getting less enjoyment as a night wears on and people start getting progressively drunker and you're stone cold sober?

Any thoughts are welcome.

Hell yes, the thing is the parties REALLY HAVE gotten that lame, it's just the alcohol has made everyone too stupid to realise it.

I hate nights out in the Uk, there is literally NOTHING TO FUCKING DO!

I had way more fun when I was a teenager in Adu Dhabi in the UAE, pretty dry there. Very hard to get a hold of booze, this importantly showed me you could have a lot of fun if you all were not drinking. You don't depend on artificial stupidity to find things funny, you all have genuine fun.

That and when I was an older teenager I was so skint I could barely feed myself let alone go out drinking so I never got into the habit.

I'd also suggest you stop going to pubs and nightclubs as apart from drink... those places don't have much going for them. Wow, a small, noisy and dark room filled with people you don't know, oh but there is alcohol there, so you can awkwardly stand around for ages and maybe dance and feel like a prick. I never say the bloody point.

OK, maybe pubs but ONLY with a group of friends you know and get on well with.

Video games are probably your best option, people don't tend to game when drunk and they are all about having the most amount of fun while sober.

 

[Jfswift]

If you can give it up you'll be in a unique position to demand things from your friends, like free food, gas, etc. (for being the designated driver). Just order a coke with some ice, I hardly drink anymore myself, I just don't feel that craving anymore.

Edit: I believe FargoDog above said the same thing, in that it's very entertaining to be around other people when they're more intoxicated than you. Good times =^.^=

 

[Treblaine]

I drink occaisionally, and do find that there are nights where I have had, say 2 beers while everyone else has had considerably more. I sometimes wonder why I bother with the 2 beers. I would be a lot richer if I never drank.

Whenever I go to a club I just get tap water. Drinks are so expensive any way, I can go through the whole night and just spend the entry fee when everyone else has forked over £20+ getting drunk.

Btw, you didn't make it clear, is this a like "I'm an alchoholic and I need help to quit" or is it "I drink occaisionally but only to keep myself amused at social gatherings, what advice do you have for occupying yourself at parties when you are sober?".

Missed this - Probably more the former than the latter, I come from a family of alcoholics and I've began drinking quite a bit over the past year or so, I'd rather not go down that road.
Basically 'my friends are always drinking around me, how should I occupy myself in the pub when they're drinking and I'm not?'

I hear predisposition to alcohol addiction has a genetic basis, ever look into the genetics of that much like sought if any university is conducting a study?

 

[Grey_Focks]

your giving up drinking, but you still plan to go to bars/pubs and nightclubs? christ man, that's asking for trouble.

OT: Don't quit, just practice moderation. That, or seriously, don't go to bars/pubs, the temptation will just be too great.

 

[the lapalminator]

... and I'd like some advice from people who don't drink or have tried the same.

Specifically, what would you drink in a pub or nightclub to replace alcoholic drinks? I'm a Pepsi Max fan but I drink two litres of the stuff a day and couldn't stomach much more of it.

Also, do you tend to find yourself getting less enjoyment as a night wears on and people start getting progressively drunker and you're stone cold sober?

Any thoughts are welcome.

start smoking pot. you actually function when ur on the desiered effect rather than stumble around spouting inchoherent nonsense

 

[AKmontalvo]

Drink some water, at the rate ur drinking soda it sounds like u could some
besides that, tea is good (hot, iced, whatever)
thirdly, keeping up a charade of drinking alcohol is gonna be much more taxing than the 'not drinking' itself, if ur gonna go through with this just order ur drink (whatever it be) and enjoy the time and company, if someone askes what ur drinking just tell'em, much more respect to the man with conviction than to the person weaving lies

 

[AgentNein]

... Dont go to pubs or nightclubs... NEXT!

Edit: *sigh* If you absolutely must. Just focus on hitting on all the drunk sluts around.
Though be wary. Some may consider this rape for some unknown reason.
Now if you will excuse me, my early morning irish irish coffee is calling me.

JESUUUUUUUUUS!

Sorry your avatar inspired me.

 

[TheYellowCellPhone]

Staying sober can be worth it just to see what the hell people around you do, or so my dad has told me.

Anyway, fill the addiction with another one, start some gaming or something you enjoy.

 

[Icehearted]

The key to beating any addiction is to fill the void with another vice. I recommend coffee.
Keep yourself entertained. Most people relapse when they're bored.

This is sound advice. I've seen it work pretty well with others, but it's important to know when to call it a night. Social drinkers like drinking socially, so temptation will come from all angles.

I do not envy you, friend.

 

[Blobpie]

Well think of what you can do with all they money your saving... THEN DO THAT

 

[Good morning blues]

I can think of few things less enjoyable than being the only sober person in a sea of drunk people. Just leave early if that's what it comes down to.