Lots of people, like me, don't drink. Lots of people, like me, also go to parties where everyone else gets totally inebriated.
Non-alcoholics anonymous would be a support group where non-drinkers can go to discuss how they cope with their teetotality in various social contexts. Some may feel left out by not drinking, and others may simply be left at a loose end at such gatherings.N-AA groups could discuss what to do if everyone else has passed out in a heap on the floor, how to win arguments about why you don't drink, or maybe just what to do when everyone else is down the pub.-- Parvenu, Mar 08 2003 Alcohol is good for you http://tinyurl.com/740g [mrthingy, Oct 04 2004] Depression and anxiety in non-drinkers http://www.alcohol-.../papers/abstain.htmYou need help! Compared with drinkers, non-drinkers "were the most introverted and least fun-seeking and scored lower on drive". This may be linked to double the prevalence of poor health compared with moderate drinkers, and a tendency to anxiety and depression. Non-drinkers also typically have less "social support" than moderate drinkers. (This paper is frustratingly lacking in detail, however.) [pottedstu, Oct 04 2004] Temperance Movement http://www.loyno.ed.../1992-3/smith-r.htmWasn't this kind of baked in the 19th century? (If you read this, you will see there was much more to the movement than just campaigning against drinking: some organisations seemed more like the Freemasons.) [pottedstu, Oct 04 2004] Parvenu, it's never too late to start.-- thumbwax, Mar 08 2003 //This makes a mockery of support groups.// The same might be said of any idea in this category. I know, I know...."just because the category exists, that doesn't mean....etc."
//people who get pissed// I wonder if this problem could be leveraged into discounts for N-AA members at some establishments.-- krelnik, Mar 08 2003 So I guess there's no support group for Non-Anonymous Alcoholics?-- FarmerJohn, Mar 08 2003 Isn't this the Moonies or the Shakers or something?-- DrCurry, Mar 08 2003 The implication appears to be that everyone who drinks gets drunk; and further that every such person is, or is about to become, alcoholic. I drink socially, I occasionally drink alone, mostly in moderation. On the rare occasions that I get noticably drunk, I am never offensive or annoying (well, no more than I am normally). Why do you feel the need for a 'support group' simply because you don't drink? I don't gamble, but I feel no such need.[UnaBubba], I also despise those who 'get pissed and make life hard for staff'; I also despise those who stay sober and make life hard for staff. Drinking - drunkenness even - does not per se make a person annoying.-- angel, Mar 08 2003 Parvenu is very clearly looking for support for *not* drinking, even though s/he is a teetotaller not a recovering alcoholic. Depending on my mood, I often don't drink at social functions, but the pressure to drink can be enormous. (We have lost friends because my wife doesn't drink at all.)-- DrCurry, Mar 08 2003 //what to do if everyone else has passed out in a heap on the floor// (a) Go through their wallets. Leave. (b) Shave their eyebrows. Leave. (c) Leave.
//how to win arguments about why you don't drink// You can't. Don't try.
//what to do when everyone else is down the pub// Well, you've only left yourself with "women and song." That should do yer - form a girl band.-- my face your, Mar 08 2003 So does that mean we can have a Non-Smokers annoymous, a Non-drug takers anonymous, a Non-sheep-dipping anonymous, a Non-.... I think you get the idea. If you don't want to drink, don't! If you feel you have to explain yourself, your in the wrong company. Sorry but something smells fishy...-- silverstormer, Mar 08 2003 You need a t-shirt: I don't drink, I fall down. The problem is, I feel the pain immediately.-- thumbwax, Mar 08 2003 I know the feeling [Parvenu]. It's pretty boring being the only sober person in a room full of drunk people. Nice piece of satire (+)-- madradish, Mar 08 2003 Sheesh, you get that feeling around here all the time!-- DrCurry, Mar 08 2003 Sheesh! For people who spent two days making dead fish jokes ya'll are taking this way to serious.It is a pain in the ass to deal with pressure no matter where it comes from, and the twist in this idea, playing off the "whoa is me" "I'm a victim" aspect of our current cultural mindset is clever and well done. Would that I had more than one crescent to give. (+)-- ato_de, Mar 09 2003 // How can I lower the threshold of what's socially acceptable behavior and relax someone without getting them drunk? //
Sodium pentathol?
("whoa is me".. haha that's great.)-- waugsqueke, Mar 09 2003 jutta: sobering post. It is a feature of people with a drinking problem that they get intensely self-conscious around (and thus avoid or heavily pressure) people who do not drink.-- DrCurry, Mar 09 2003 <Yosemite Sam> Woe, mule! Woe! </YS>-- DrBob, Mar 10 2003 Love the idea, had this problem a lot of time. Same goes with drugs, and actually, any kind of group-like activities (sports, heavy metal, role playing games, trading cards, video games........)
The thing is: the goal of AA is to STOP drinking. Would N AA help people to START?
Now that would REALLY be great. "yesterday I stayed in front of my beer until it got warm. I just couldn't!!"-- sidi, Nov 13 2003 random, halfbakery