When you know alcohol will be served, it’s important to have some resistance strategies lined up in advance.
If you expect to be offered a drink, you will need to be ready to deliver a convincing “no thanks.”
Your goal is to be clear and firm, yet friendly and respectful. Avoid long explanations and vague excuses, as they tend to prolong the discussion and provide more of an opportunity to give in.
Look directly at the person and make eye contact.Keep your response short, clear, and simple.The person offering you a drink may not know you are trying to cut down or stop, and his or her level of insistence may vary.
It’s a good idea to plan a series of responses in case the person persists, from a simple refusal to a more assertive reply. Consider a sequence like this:
No, thank you.
No, thanks, I don’t want to.
You know, I’m (cutting back/not drinking) now (to get healthier/to take care of myself/because my doctor said to).
I’d really appreciate it if you’d help me out.
Consider asking a supportive person to role-play with you, someone who would offer realistic pressure to drink and honest feedback about your responses.
In addition to being prepared with your “no thanks,” consider these strategies:
Have non-alcoholic drinks always in hand if you’re quitting, or as “drink spacers” between drinks if you’re cutting back.
Keep track of every drink if you’re cutting back so you stay within your limits.
Ask for support from others to cope with temptation.Plan an escape if the temptation gets too great.
Ask others to refrain from pressuring you or drinking in your presence (this can be hard).
If you have successfully refused drink offers before, then recall what worked and build on it.
The AA Estcourt branch hosts meetings every Tuesday at Forderville Primary School from 7pm to 8pm. Contact Desigan on 082 849 3014.
