Will I grow out of my drinking habit?

Question

I'm in my 20's and I occasionally like to go out for drinks with my friends, usually about once a month. As much as I enjoy it, I also dislike it. I sometimes ask myself if it was really worth going out to a bar and spending all that time or money for something that really doesn't benefit me. I mean, what do I get from a night out at the bar-extra empty calories, no money, and an occasional hangover.

I don't mind drink while I'm doing it, but the next day I ask myself was it worth it (and no, it's just not the hangover speaking)

This is my last semester of college, I use to drink so much more, but I gave that up for good about 2 years ago. Will I ever get out of this phase of going to bars, regardless of the fact that I don't really like to anymore. I sometimes feel I have to go, especially if someone is celebrating a birthday, or trying to get over a bad breakup, etc. If I don't go, I feel like my friends will think I'm blowing them off. Is this a phase?

Answer 1

oh go ahead and get out there and party with your friends! voluteer to be the designated driver!
that way you are involved, you are out having fun, but you have a built-in excuse not to bother having a drink!
many bars and pubs will offer the designated driver free sodas for the evening! a good p.r. idea for them and a really cheap nite out for you!
have fun!!!!

p.s. in answer to your question, most of us do tend to outgrow the 'drinking' thing! while we were rowdy in our younger days we begin to realize our bodies aren't made to continue the silliness and we give it up gracefully!

Answer 2

Just go but don't drink alcoholic drinks. You'll still spend some money (although non-alcoholic drinks are usually cheaper) and prolly gain some calories but no hangovers, it's a lot healthier. If your friends think it's weird you don't drink, either ignore them, offer to be the designated driver, or make up some excuse about an appointment the next morning. Anything you feel comfortable with :)

If you do want to see your friends but don't like the bars, you can also make suggestions for something else to do. How about a movie, a dinner, something fun outdoors when it's spring again? If they still enjoy it you won't turn them off from going to bars entirely, and perhaps you'll still want to join them sometimes, but there must be other things y'all can do together too!

Answer 3

I've been in your shoes and in my opinion, we all eventually grow out of it. All the money that I have wasted with socially drinking, I regret. The hangover's sucked too. I use to go out all the time and now that I am in a new relationship, it has all faded away. It kind of sucks because when I do drink now, I'm a total light weight. Girl, I'm sure you will eventually get out the phase, but then again some of us don't. In my opinion, our 20's are the years that we are suppose to go out and party. I'm hitting 30 this year, so my priorities and outlook of life is on a different page. If this makes you feel better, I use to question myself too. Take Care!!!

Answer 4

The fact that you go out once a month says a lot, within itself. Once a month is not a lot at all. Most of my friends go out drinking about 3 times a week and we are out of college and have full-time jobs. When you graduate you will find lots of other activities to keep you entertained if you don't like going to bars. College is just kinda centered around drinking- oh, and going to class :) It's a phase. Don't worry. You sound very responsible and mature. You will make the right decisions for you.

Answer 5

Did you know bars offer other things besides liquor? Also a drink can last all evening if you want it to. I do not drink when going out with friends to bar I usually have coffee and feel great the next day.
Do not like the bar scene any more ask your group if some place else may be better like dinner or a movie.

Answer 6

Most likely. I'm in my 30's now and drinking just doesn't appeal to me that much. Same with my friends. We still go out for a beer every now and then but as you get older the desire to drink seems to diminish. Rather than chugging a six-pack (like I did when I was 20), I now prefer one or two good microbrews at a restaurant or a glass of vino at a wine-tasting event. The difference being that as you get older, you tend to focus on quality rather than quantity. I still have a couple beers in my fridge that are remnants of a six-pack that I bought eight months ago. You sound like you have a good head on your shoulders; there's no need to question your gradual dislike for the bar scene.

Answer 7

Well, maybe you just need more moderation. You don't need all your drinks to be alcoholic and you could sip them. It's only worth it if you enjoy these people and don't have anything more pressing. It sounds like you'll have a lot of studying to do to graduate and maybe you'll find yourself in a different kind of place after you graduate. Then you might want to date. That could change things. Also, if you're helping depressed people, get them away from alcohol. It could make them feel even worse. It would be better to get them doing something like dancing or singing . This would benefit you too because you could express yourself and burn some calories! Good luck!

Answer 8

You ask this question like you think your life is beyond your control. What do you want to do? If you don't want to hang out in bars, don't. It's possible to be friends with people, and not go to bars with them. If your friends dump you, because you don't want to go to bars, they aren't really friends. You can celebrate birthdays, and get over breakups in other ways. Good luck!

Answer 9

Contrary to what others may say, alcoholism changes your body chemistry and is addictive. Many studies have proven this.

You might try having a sparkling soda with lime or lemon, who is to know there is no alcohol. No need to apologize for not drinking alcohol. If they ask, just say you don't like the taste.

Good for you, save your money, bars are a bore.

Answer 10

You stated: "I like to go out with my friends." This is admirable and I encourage you to always keep the lines of communication open with these folks. But the drinking is another matter. You seem to be saying that you are abusing alcohol. Please consider very carefully the loong-term impact of your behaviour. It's fun to be young and wonderful to mix with your friends. But liver disease lasts forever and you must weigh carefully the impact of a night of drinking on your future.