Sayings such as “you won’t have a drink with me” or “it’s better to be a famous drunk than an anonymous alcoholic” are popular alcoholic phrases. It can be difficult to stay sober at times, especially when society is trying hard to convince you to stop sobriety. How to refuse alcohol assertively? Don’t be shy to say, I don’t drink alcohol today!
Why do you drink alcohol?
The positive effects of alcohol consumption are much more often mentioned than the negative ones. Even more so, the topic of assertive alcohol refusal is not usually discussed. According to research, only about 10% of the society declares sobriety and constant abstinence.
Usually, a person reaches for a glass in quite extreme situations. Drinking alcohol happens in moments of failure or sadness, and also when the moment requires triumph. In the case of young people, this activity is especially identified with the willingness to buy into the favors of their peers. It is also related to the fear of exclusion, as well as broadly understood pressure from the environment. As a rule, alcohol is supposed to relax you, give you courage, and make problems go away.
The consequence of consuming it, however, may be an addiction that leads to opposite feelings. Addicts often feel frustrated, angry and apathetic. They lose control of their lives and emotions. They become aggressive when drunk, unpredictable. Therefore, it is worth saying openly, do not drink alcohol to avoid negative effects.
Assertive refusal of alcohol
The harmfulness of alcohol consumption is usually treated leniently. The problem is not only the feeling of a hangover, but also alcohol abuse, and above all, alcoholism. In Polish culture, drinking alcohol during family celebrations is nothing unusual. Rather, everyone has a silent consent to it. Sometimes it is difficult to say that he does not drink and to refuse alcohol assertively. Remember, despite the requests of those around you, no one can force you to end your abstinence. It is especially difficult for sober alcoholics to give up drinking. In several points, we suggest how to refuse alcohol in a polite but at the same time firm manner.
How to refuse to drink alcohol?
Be straightforward – say firmly that you are not drinking alcohol.
No human has the right to be forced into intoxication. Use specific arguments. You don’t have to explain yourself to anyone. It is your decision and everyone close to you should respect it. The key is to be assertive about refusing alcohol. Saying “no, thank you” won’t always be effective right away, but it’s worth being consistent.
Try to change the subject
This way, you can distract someone and start a discussion about another aspect of the meeting. Talk about the atmosphere, food, and fun. You can also ask for another alcohol-free drink instead of alcohol.
Made up excuses
This is a solution for people who cannot assertively refuse alcohol and need to present a reason. You can always argue your sobriety by taking medications, a history of illness, or the need to drive a car.
Present the situation in a humorous way
Try to playfully demonstrate the advantages of your sobriety. If someone accuses you that your abstinence negatively affects the well-being of others while having fun – use a counter-argument and explain that such remarks are harmful to you.
Be consistent – stick to your position.
It can be irritating to keep telling someone about your sobriety and refusing to drink alcohol. Sometimes, however, especially in the case of drunk people, this is the only way out.
Remember never to be rude or rude when refusing alcohol. Everyone makes a decision for themselves and it is not worth entering into unnecessary discussions. If you choose sobriety, don’t be afraid or ashamed. Withdrawal from alcohol is only a benefit to your health and psyche.
Resources: GIA.miami
When should you go to addiction therapy?
If we notice typical symptoms of addiction – no matter what – this is the right time to go to a specialist. Therapists who deal with special classes and therapies are qualified and have the appropriate permissions, thanks to which they can conduct various types of therapies. Most often, when we go to a rehab center depends entirely on us.
Many people are left alone with their problem to this day. Quite often this is due to a lack of courage to take appropriate steps or simply to be ashamed of other people. Moreover, each person suffering from a particular type of addiction must in some way ‘mature’ to the decision to go to therapy.
Methods used by psychotherapists as a help
First of all, the very beginning of the therapy is the most important. Most often it is associated with the withdrawal of all addictive substances, such as drugs or alcohol. It is necessary to follow all treatment points and rules that prevail in a given addiction therapy center. Both experienced and completely new psychotherapists are able to choose specialized methods depending on the type of addiction, a given age group, etc. Currently, we can count on modern techniques and a better approach to the patient.
How to live after therapy?
Addiction therapy is a very important element not only for the person who suffers from addiction. This is an important step that can also relieve the addicted person’s family. There are many cases in which alcoholics or drug addicts pose a serious problem to their relatives. Life after therapy can be different – it depends on what effects we achieve after the end of therapy. Addiction is a very popular and, unfortunately, widespread problem. However, one should hope and pursue the goal of completely getting rid of addiction.
