December can be a tough time of year, and just because we’re not drinking doesn’t mean we are anti-alcohol. Please share this message and help create a space that is inclusive for people who need it.

1. Don’t Pressure

Avoid playfully pressuring us to drink. Please respect our choices and personal boundaries. We might not be ready to resist that temptation, and you may not understand how complex our relationship is with alcohol.

2. Use Thoughtful Language

Be cautious with words. Avoid suggesting that not drinking isn't enjoyable or that sobriety is wrong. Language carries a stigma.

3. Respect Personal Choices

Avoid questioning why we are not drinking. If you need to have that conversation, keep it private. Just because we’re not drinking doesn’t mean we are anti-alcohol. We respect your decision to drink and just ask for that respect back.

4. Be Mindful of Jokes

Don’t make jokes about our decision to stay sober. Sobriety carries a stigma and whilst we might laugh it off, this attention can be triggering and unwanted.

5. Alcohol-Free Drinks

If you're hosting, try to have alcohol-free drinks options available. These can help us go under the radar and prevent those awkward conversations. They can be pretty nice too. ps - it’s 2023, there’s no excuse. :)

6. Inclusive Activities

Not drinking doesn’t mean we don’t want to spend time with friends. Plan events and activities with us that don't revolve around alcohol. You see, the mountains are pretty special this time of year...

7. Be Understanding

If we are not ready to be around alcohol, try to understand. Don’t we want the best for our friends, anyway? If we need to leave early or we are quiet, it doesn’t mean we’re not having a good time, it might just be a little overwhelming at the start of this journey.

8. Fair Split

Could you have our back when splitting a bill? If we’re asked to pay for alcohol we didn’t consume, call it out and ask for the bill to be split fairly. No one should have to pay for alcohol they didn’t consume, and we might not be ready for the attention it can bring.

9. Question The Stigma

Remember, not drinking is a personal choice, just like choosing not to smoke or take drugs. Challenging us on why we are not drinking is enabling the stigma. Please just stay respectful, let us find our feet, and enjoy these moments with you.