10 Creative Ways to Turn Down a Drink

Don’t want to advertise your Dry January? Try these quick responses instead.

So you’ve decided to put the drinks down for a while. Good for you! Maybe you’re participating in dry January or just trying to be a little better to yourself. It’s a decision that should make you proud and will come with many health benefits. But, it’s also a decision that comes with a lot of questions and whispers.

What do you say when someone offers you a drink and you’re trying to stay sober? Do you have to tell them the whole story? Absolutely not! Try these creative responses instead.

1. I’m on a new medicine and it doesn’t allow alcohol.
2. I’m doing a detox diet.
3. I’m driving tonight.
4. Alcohol gives me terrible headaches lately.
5. No, I’ve already had my limit.
6. I’m trying a cleaner way of eating and drinking.
7. Alcohol makes me sleepy.
8. Alcohol just doesn’t agree with my stomach.
9. I don’t like the way it makes me feel.
10. No, I’ve got a soda.

Most of the time, we stress over what to tell people for no reason. If you are not drinking, order a non-alcoholic beverage, or turn down a drink; you are probably the only one noticing.

Stay true to yourself and stick to your goals. Try one of these lighter excuses next time you just don’t know what to say.

Read more about talking about being sober here: