THE ART OF LIVING AN ALCOHOL-FREE LIFESTYLE
Tip: #13 BYODD - Bring your own damn drink
THE ART OF LIVING AN ALCOHOL-FREE LIFESTYLE
A series of one-off tips served with some straight talk, a bit of sass, and a penchant for not taking oneself or life too seriously.
Tip # 13: BYODD - Bring Your Own Damn Drink
I will keep this tip short and sweet because right now, you are most likely going crazy running around trying to do things for everyone else, and you probably don't have much time to read this. So, whether you are new to this lifestyle, trying it out, or haven't had a drink in years, the holidays can be rough on us, especially when attending a holiday party. I see a lot of narratives online about how people are offended that their family member, friend, or some random party host forgot that they didn't drink and were offered nothing but water. While yes, I understand the frustration, but also - No, take care of yourself and take responsibility for meeting your own unique needs. And by this, I mean - BYODD, bring your own damn drink.
Hosting is hard, and people are busy as hell. If someone forgets that you quit drinking, try not to take it personally. The world does not revolve around us being sober. I learned very early on that if I wanted my own unique NA drink, I needed to bring it. Otherwise, I would end up with a fancy cup of water. The best guests are the ones who bring what they need, and they never put pressure on the host to take care of their specific needs.

The NA world has exploded, and the options are endless. If you haven’t already, go out and purchase a few and play around. When I quit drinking in 2015, the only option I had was Odouls and Fre wine. Nowadays, you can have red wine, white wine, rose, champagne, bourbon, tequila, gin, aperitifs, and almost anything you can conceive of. This new world of NA can satisfy pretty much anyone who is into it.
Now, all that said, you might NOT be into it, and NA may NOT be safe for you. So, with anything and everything, please have discernment and know that no one here is telling you to drink something that may trigger you in any way, shape, or form.
Scroll down to read some of my favorite NA drinks, recipes, where to buy them, and what to be aware of before purchasing. Also, a personal note on who I support with my dollars and why.