For non-drinkers, how do you avoid it when the thought comes up?

SPC James Harsh — Sat, 05 Nov 2016 20:06:11 -0400

Response by 1SG Al Brown made Nov 5 at 2016 8:12 PM

1SG Al Brown — Sat, 05 Nov 2016 20:12:42 -0400

Lots of practice and vividly remembering the consequences.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2016 8:43 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Nov 2016 20:43:45 -0400

"I don't drink."

I drank socially when I was younger and wasted time and brain cells. I decided aboutique 10 years ago that it was a waste of time and money. Anyone who has a problem with my desire for self-control and no hangover can _____ off. Plus , your can keep an eye on those who decide to get stupid and ensure they stay safe, which is the right honorable thing to do. Finally, watching drunk people while you're sober can be some of the best free entertainment you can get.

Response by SPC Phil Norton made Nov 5 at 2016 9:58 PM

SPC Phil Norton — Sat, 05 Nov 2016 21:58:58 -0400

I love my beer and Jim beam but I might have 2 drinks a year your question on how to fight the urge simply get older have kids take medication that you can't drink with but seriously I gave up drinking when my kids were born and I was responsible for there well being it's a matter of what takes priority in your life

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2016 10:14 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Nov 2016 22:14:01 -0400

I just consider what alcohol and my meds would do if I drank.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Nov 5 at 2016 11:35 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Sat, 05 Nov 2016 23:35:38 -0400

A lot of the micro-breweries also serve hand crafted Soda. Ask for one of those, some of them are very good. Otherwise I do not go to a bar. As you get older and your Kidneys start to age it will be easier as Alchol can trigger a very painful gout attack (which a unfortunately high amount of former Infantry suffer from).......which feels like your foot getting hit with a sledgehammer every time you put weight on it........so that is a pretty big incentive as well.

About age 40-45 your going to start to watch what you eat because your going to find that your digestive system is aging and not the iron clad, highly metobolic pot it was in your youth that could tolerate anything you ate or drunk before. Not a huge adjustment to the quality of life but it's comming.

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 6 at 2016 12:44 AM

SFC George Smith — Sun, 06 Nov 2016 00:44:50 -0400

get a Glass of water

Response by SPC Kenneth Koerperich made Nov 6 at 2016 1:25 AM

SPC Kenneth Koerperich — Sun, 06 Nov 2016 01:25:42 -0500

Choose friends who don't drink. Work a lot. Get a hobby. I work so much, I'm lucky to get a beer w/ dinner every few months when out on "Date" night w/ wife, and it usually sits 1/2 full when done.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Nov 6 at 2016 9:22 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Sun, 06 Nov 2016 09:22:11 -0500

Surround yourself with like thinkers. If you are going to go out with a bunch of drunks you are going to have a harder time than if you hang out with non drinkers.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2016 10:13 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Nov 2016 10:13:31 -0500

To not drink? You have to apply mental strength and while you are face-to-face with the drink, you don't give in; that's the pure idea of courage. While I do have an occasional drink, I have had some rather interesting memories of others and myself when I was 3 sheets to the wind from drinking. I keep those thoughts at bay when I just want to have a good time while I'm sober and conscious.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Nov 6 at 2016 10:21 AM

SSgt Dan Montague — Sun, 06 Nov 2016 10:21:57 -0500

Never liked the taste. So never had a craving.

Response by Cpl George Crab made Nov 6 at 2016 1:20 PM

Cpl George Crab — Sun, 06 Nov 2016 13:20:27 -0500

After having to see my wife die from an alcohol related disease, I find no temptation in alcohol. I remarried, and chose a non drinker.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Nov 7 at 2016 12:02 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 00:02:43 -0500

I don't drink that often, sometimes, a lot of the time though just have a coke or other soft drink, most people don't actually pay attention to what You drink and if they do so what ? Most the time i just don't want to and have better things to do than hang around in bars or drinking. I keep pretty busy anyway and it just doesn't seem to fit in.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2016 4:26 AM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 04:26:05 -0500

I can't relate to not being able to resist the urge to drink. I never made it a habit, though I really enjoy most types of alcohol. One thing that helped was when I turned 21 I took a course to certify me in serving alcohol at a restaurant I worked for at the time (they called it a TAPS certificate). It taught me how to gauge drinking, and how to prevent guests from over drinking. I took that knowledge and applied it to myself and was very prepared any time I went out downtown with friends. I normally have one or two a night, which I consider a very healthy relationship with alcohol. I'm not sure how something like this is achievable for somebody struggling with alcohol, other than to see if there's a local Alcoholics Anonymous they could check out.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Nov 7 at 2016 7:31 AM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 07:31:19 -0500

If you are truly a non-drinker, the thought never comes up. Like all the comments about getting hobbies, choosing friends, etc. They all work. I am a drinker but spent lots of time at parties when I was on alert and couldn't drink. Tonic or Club Soda with a twist of lemon or lime works. Even had a few commanders sniff my beverage just to be sure.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Nov 7 at 2016 8:34 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 08:34:15 -0500

Avoid what? Drinking? I have zero issues with alcohol consumption, but I'm very safety oriented. Unless there's someone watching over me, I won't consume. Normally in social settings, I'm the designated driver anyways.

Now if you're speaking from an addiction standpoint, then I would simply do something to get my mind off it. Time flies when you're engaged in an activity which would definitely help pass time without thinking of alcohol.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Nov 8 at 2016 12:14 AM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 00:14:36 -0500

I am not a drinker. I don't think about it and if someone asks if I want one, I simply tell them that I promised my wife and children that I would not drink. I really never acquired the taste for alcohol or hard liquor either. I made my decision early in life on reading articles and seeing what a drinking problem could lead to. So to avoid that dilemma I chose not to drink for my own health and safety of myself and others. I didn't want to end up as someone who would regret a bad decision. I still will go to social events however, drinking has been and will not be an issue for me. I simply just stay with my spouse and talk to people at social events.

Response by LCDR Doug Nordman made Nov 8 at 2016 5:22 AM

LCDR Doug Nordman — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 05:22:13 -0500

"Thanks, but my drinking days are behind me..."

Alcohol adversely affected the lives of my parents, especially when my father developed dementia and could't remember how many drinks he'd had.

Today I'm still occasionally tempted by beer commercials, but then I remember that I'd rather save those calories for chocolate.

Response by SSgt David Tedrow made Nov 8 at 2016 5:54 AM

SSgt David Tedrow — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 05:54:02 -0500

As a non-drinker, the thought does not come up. When I go out with friends I am comfortable ordering non-alcoholic drinks and also comfortable to say no when pressured by peers.

Response by SSG Patrick Michael made Nov 8 at 2016 7:04 AM

SSG Patrick Michael — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 07:04:43 -0500

If you recently stopped drinking and mean to stay stopped, you should probably be attending AA meetings, if not every day, several times a week. The obsession of the mind is a difficult thing to change. The information you need requires more time to address, and more than just a few hints. That said, difficult as it may be in military culture, you probably first need to change playgrounds and playmates. Keep busy doing things that don't involve drinking. Becoming better at anything requires practice. I've not had a drink in a long time, but it happens a day at a time, and on occasion it was a minute at a time.

Response by SPC Ted Landgren made Nov 8 at 2016 7:17 AM

SPC Ted Landgren — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 07:17:51 -0500

AA has helped me a lot

Response by SGT Randall Goedel made Nov 8 at 2016 7:19 AM

SGT Randall Goedel — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 07:19:02 -0500

Hold fast. I used to just offer to be the designated driver (and I still do that today even though I have been out of the Army for 15 years).

Response by Sgt Earle Wingate made Nov 8 at 2016 7:40 AM

Sgt Earle Wingate — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 07:40:08 -0500

I think the question hints at a concern about drinking too much. I did, for many years. AA has a pamphlet titled '44 Questions '. AA also has a booklet on living sober. 16 years without alcohol. Life is good!

Response by CW3 Susan Burkholder made Nov 8 at 2016 8:10 AM

CW3 Susan Burkholder — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 08:10:34 -0500

My advice is professional counseling. You need support and tools to change your learned responses that induced you to drink. Avoiding drunk friends helps but you can't stay away from those friends forever. It's only a matter of time before you are in a situation where people around you are drinking and perhaps you had a bad day........ You will revert to your old coping mechanisms. You need to learn new ways of dealing with life and professional therapy can help. You can't simply will yourself to stop drinking, that's not how the brain works. You will fail and the cycle will start all over again and you will wonder what's wrong with you.......... If you combined AA with regular therapy; if you combine surrounding yourself with non-drinkers and therapy you will after time know how to avoid drinking when you are challenged by the urge. You will learn steps for success. You will learn how to respond differently to alcohol. Therapy will help you find out what works for you - it will be an individual plan for success.

Response by Cpl George Goodwin made Nov 8 at 2016 8:41 AM

Cpl George Goodwin — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 08:41:14 -0500

I have the occasional drink. But, when it is time to avoid it I just tell myself I don't need it.

Response by SrA A.A. Hall made Nov 8 at 2016 10:22 AM

SrA A.A. Hall — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 10:22:09 -0500

I often think about how many people I see that get way too intoxicated & how they act. Some get mushy, some it's like a truth serum, while others become downright mean/combative, & I figure that is not how I want to act or be seen acting. Besides, if you've ever been unfortunate enough to have to board an aircraft with just a small hangover, it's enough to detour me from ever making that mistake again.

Response by SPC Wanda Vergara-Yates made Nov 8 at 2016 10:28 AM

SPC Wanda Vergara-Yates — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 10:28:57 -0500

I don't. I'm a heavy drinker. I am a heavy drinker of coffee with cream or very slightly sweetened tea over heavy ice. On occasion (1 to 20 times a month) I get a craving for soda (also over heavy ice). Therefore it becomes a non-issue, and for non-drinkers, that is quite often how it is.

Maybe your question should be how a former drinker of alcohol avoids such a situation when they stress?

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2016 10:47 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 10:47:21 -0500

Was never a problem. I would go out with the guys and sometimes someone would ask, "So, you don't drink at all?" And I would answer no. No one ever bugged me about it.

During one assigned on an inspection team the rest of the team were hard charging drinkers and they loved it that I didn't drink because they always knew they had a designated driver.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2016 11:01 AM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 11:01:45 -0500

If you are a "social drinker" can take it or leave it - I have found that most people don't comment if you go out with friends and order a soda, etc. I have wine in my home, but for myself once I open a bottle - it usually goes bad before I can finish it, so I don't usually drink at home. If your friends pressure you to have a drink - say you are on meds for XX and can't mix it alcohol.

Response by PO1 Kaytee S made Nov 8 at 2016 11:31 AM

PO1 Kaytee S — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 11:31:55 -0500

I don't really understand your question. If you are a "non-drinker", then you don't imbibe. The "thought" to drink never comes up.

If your unit goes to "happy hour", and you feel pressured-- sit with the Mormons and/or under-21s, and split pitchers of soda with them. Cross your eyes and give a raspberry to anybody who suggests you have anything alcoholic, sniff their ethanol laden potion, then say "Ewwwww, nasty!" ... "I don't like rotten grape juice" ... "I only consume non-hydroxylized sugars".... I've done/said "all of the above" at one time or another, pre-, during, and post-military service. After awhile... people stop insisting that you consume metabolic poisons.

Response by SPC John Waisman made Nov 8 at 2016 11:40 AM

SPC John Waisman — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 11:40:34 -0500

The Little Woman keeps me in line. Last time I had a drink I was in a Vietnamese restaurant surrounded by Vietnamese people. Kim sat to my left and started interrogating me about my military experience. The place was noisy, but the noise stopped and everyone was looking my way. I said, "I change my mind, I'll have a beer." The beer came, I drank half of it fast, and the anxiety attack that had been forming melted away. Out of the Vietnamese restaurant now, and I haven't had a drink since.

Response by SGM Bill Johnson made Nov 8 at 2016 12:02 PM

SGM Bill Johnson — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 12:02:02 -0500

The thought doesn't come up for a non-drinker so I don't understand your question.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2016 12:18 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 12:18:46 -0500

By keeping in mind that I control what is consumed by me and not the other way around.

Response by PO1 Frank Reiffenstein made Nov 8 at 2016 12:51 PM

PO1 Frank Reiffenstein — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 12:51:35 -0500

You are responsible for your own actions. If you don't drink don't drink. Nobody can make you drink.

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Nov 8 at 2016 12:56 PM

PO1 Kevin Dougherty — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 12:56:48 -0500

I went out a few times at my first unit, and discovered that I did not particularly like the feeling of getting drunk. The 3rd or 4th time I went out I had a hard time remembering what went on. I went out on the mess deck and the others there were discussing what a good time they had. I asked for details, and realized that they by and large remembered about as much as I did. That was the last time I went out. Oh I went with them from time to time as designated driver, but I never forgot that lesson, so while I enjoy the occasional drink, I'm never really tempted to have more than a drink or two.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2016 4:09 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 16:09:13 -0500

Can you elaborate your question? Non-drinkers can be many things. i.e. AA, religious choice, underage, ect. Thanks.

Response by SGM Harvey Boone made Nov 8 at 2016 4:22 PM

SGM Harvey Boone — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 16:22:55 -0500

I always ordered a soda with a piece of fruit no one ever questioned me I usually ended up the sober driver in the end.

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made Nov 8 at 2016 5:39 PM

PV2 Glen Lewis — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 17:39:04 -0500

I don't know how others do it but I just tell myself "Not today." It's not like putting the weight of forever on your shoulders. Forever is a long time; not today is just 24 hours. I got that advice from a once very hardcore alcoholic who had used it to successfully stopped. The reason I didn't say quit is because it too is so finite.

Response by SGT James Johnson made Nov 8 at 2016 8:06 PM

SGT James Johnson — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 20:06:41 -0500

As a Private back when, I drank enough for three guys. Every payday weekend we were all going out and killing it. After leaving the Army however, I found that I didnt trust anyone enough to get me back home. Not to mention the cost, both in the consumption, and if you get popped for a DUI. Now? I still dont drink and I dont enjoy hanging out with folks who do. Ultimately. Only you can stop yourself.

Response by PO1 Kevin Arnold made Nov 8 at 2016 10:12 PM

PO1 Kevin Arnold — Tue, 08 Nov 2016 22:12:44 -0500

Stay away from bars and just ask for something else to drink. Come up with an excuse or just say no thanks.

Response by MSG Mitch Dumont made Nov 9 at 2016 2:18 AM

MSG Mitch Dumont — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 02:18:44 -0500

Many of the comments are pretty good. My personal preference is surround yourself with like thinkers. Have you thought about furthering your education? Do you have a creative side? Simple things like model making or learning a musical instrument to take up your down time.

Response by Christopher Carf made Nov 9 at 2016 8:06 AM

Christopher Carf — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 08:06:30 -0500

Find something more important than the drink like career, family. Use the thought of losing those to help you say no. Really helps to have supportive friends.

Response by SGT David Wright made Nov 9 at 2016 9:58 AM

SGT David Wright — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 09:58:19 -0500

Surround yourself with the same caliber of people. If you imply dint drunk then volenteer to be the DD or the call guy. Of your a recovering alcoholic and need to separate yourself from it then fund an out reach program or volunteer to help the community.

Response by SGT Stanley Bass made Nov 9 at 2016 11:14 AM

SGT Stanley Bass — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 11:14:08 -0500

Personally been around drinking my entire life. Was stationed in Turkey (Desert Storm) 19 years old everybody would shove it in my face. Wasn't until Korea 1994 (23 years old) I started drinking. Did so for a while. Now it is Birthdays, New years, special occasions I might have 1 or 4. But SGM Steve Wettstein nailed it. Surround yourself with like thinkers. When I go to a fmaily reunion or family function, I am 1 of maybe 5 people 21 and over that does not have an alcoholic drink in their hand. I am not a public drinker, i am a private drinker. PO2 William Allen Crowder does like I do. When I go to bars to shoot pool I am drinking soda.

Response by PO3 Hahn Ko made Nov 9 at 2016 11:45 AM

PO3 Hahn Ko — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 11:45:16 -0500

I just look at my bank account and remind myself I can't afford it. Lol! On a serious note, I remember my father being an alcoholic and getting the news if he doesn't stop drinking he will die of liver failure, it was devastating. I don't like the feeling of being drunk either, but that's just me.

Response by SSG Wayne NeSmith made Nov 9 at 2016 1:45 PM

SSG Wayne NeSmith — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 13:45:23 -0500

Always consider yourself as the designated Driver. It's a mind game but it works. It give you purpose and motivation. I was in the service for 20 years, spent plenty time around drinkers and never had the desire to start drinking. Not drinking takes so many other possible problems off the table. Plus it sets you aside. As a true Non-drinker, the thought never came up. You should be proud.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2016 1:55 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 13:55:27 -0500

One must stand his/her ground and not give in to drinking.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2016 3:53 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 15:53:33 -0500

First, the thought shouldn't really come up if you dont drink.
However, if you do like to drink and have decided to stop for personal reasons then here are some of the things to keep in.
- Reiterate to yourself why you're not drinking. Maybe write it down and read it when urged.
- Surround yourself with people who don't drink. Don't put yourself in a conflicting situation if you don't have the control to resist. You know your limits.
- If you have activities, foods, ect whih can be called triggers, that you would normally add a drink to then refrain from them.
- Everyone always needs a safe way home, also known as the designated drive (DD). Best excuse not to drink especially when offered.
Hope some of this can help.

Response by SFC Tom Carey made Nov 9 at 2016 5:12 PM

SFC Tom Carey — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 17:12:47 -0500

Awkward question. As a non drinker, the thought never comes up.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Nov 10 at 2016 12:23 AM

SSG Mark Franzen — Thu, 10 Nov 2016 00:23:23 -0500

WELL SINCE I WAS A HEAVY DRINKER I HAD TO SIT DOWN ONE DAY SAY WHY AM I DOING THIS TO MYSELF ITS COSTING ALOT OF MONEY ENOUGH THO WHEN I WAS GERMANY IN 1986 JACK AND COKE AT THE CLUB WAS .75 A GLASS MY TAB WAS AROUND 2,000 A MONTH AND SINCE THEN I DONT DRINK ANY MORE OR SMOKE ANY MORE.

Response by CSM Andrew Perrault made Nov 10 at 2016 10:05 AM

CSM Andrew Perrault — Thu, 10 Nov 2016 10:05:36 -0500

Man up and stand you ground, be the designated driver if you are going to hang with folks that drink.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2016 10:52 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 10:52:30 -0500

Do you go to meetings???

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2016 1:59 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 01:59:08 -0500

the "thought" of what?
or are you asking..... "How do I avoid drinking?"
Stay out of Clubs and Bars.
Now... if you are going out with friends, and they are drinking.....
just TELL them... "I don't drink"
You could be the "Designated Driver" ......
if the question comes up while At a bar.....
again.. "Designated Driver" ... that usually shuts people up.
(some bars give you free soda)
Now.... if you have "friends" that are trying to pressure you into drinking....
you're on your own......
you have to decide if they really are your friends, or not.
If they are truly your friends, telling them once "should be enough"
if they have already had a few under their belts....
you may have to tell them 2 - 3 times.
Always remember..... you don't HAVE to drink.....
don't let anyone tell you that you do.

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made Dec 1 at 2016 3:05 PM

PV2 Glen Lewis — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 15:05:03 -0500

I really don't think about it anymore. I say anymore because until 23 years ago I was a heavy drinker. Like cigarettes I decided to stop and did. Cigarettes I still have a thought of occasionally but this is as close to thinking of drinking I can remember thinking about since I stopped.