Common Excuses Most People Use To Avoid Giving Up Alcohol & Keep On Drinking!

Endless Excuses People Make for Drinking Alcohol (Or Why They Don’t Want to Quit Drinking)

When it comes to alcohol, it seems like there’s an endless list of excuses people make for why they drink—or why they can’t quit drinking. I’ve been keeping track of some of the most common justifications I’ve heard from friends, acquaintances, and even strangers when the topic comes up.

• If I wasn’t single and I was married instead then maybe I’d quit drinking.
• It was FREE or Cheap!
• It was just celebratory…
• I only drink at social gatherings…
• And let me tell you, the list continues to grow.

It’s almost as if the human mind has a near-unlimited capacity for rationalizing behaviors we know, deep down, might not be serving us. And while I’m not here to tell anyone what to do with their life or their drinking habits, I think it’s worth exploring some of the common excuses people use. Some of them might sound familiar, even to you. Plus they are probably a lot of excuses I use to make or at least think when it came to drinking too!

1. “If I wasn’t single, I’d quit drinking.”

Ah, yes, the classic “single and lonely” excuse. This one gets a lot of airtime, and I’ve heard it more times than I can count. The idea is that drinking is tied to socializing, and without a significant other or a solid social circle, the need for a drink seems to take over. But the truth is, being single doesn’t make alcohol any more or less appealing. It’s a crutch for something deeper—whether it’s loneliness, boredom, or something else entirely. The key to quitting is finding fulfillment without relying on a substance.

2. “It was FREE (or cheap)!”

Ah, the magic of “free” alcohol. If there’s one thing that can make even the most reluctant drinker indulge, it’s the promise of a freebie. We’ve all been there: someone hands you a drink at a party or event and says, “Don’t worry, it’s on the house!” It’s an offer that’s hard to resist, especially when it’s paired with a “Hey, it’s practically a waste to let it go to waste!” But here’s the thing: alcohol doesn’t have to be free to be good, and the need to get a good deal shouldn’t override your ability to make conscious decisions about what you put in your body.

3. “It was just celebratory…”

This is one of those excuses that almost feels acceptable—after all, why wouldn’t you drink to celebrate an accomplishment or milestone? Whether it’s a birthday, a promotion, or even just the end of a long week, many people associate alcohol with celebration. The problem with this excuse is that it assumes celebration requires a drink, and that’s simply not true. You can celebrate life’s moments in countless ways without reaching for a glass. Maybe it’s with a spa day, a dinner out, or simply being present with loved ones. You can still celebrate—just without the booze.

4. “I only drink at social gatherings…”

For some, alcohol seems almost necessary at social events. Whether it’s a casual dinner party, a wedding, or a night out with friends, the belief that alcohol is a social lubricant is deeply ingrained. “I only drink in social situations” is often a common excuse for occasional drinkers, and the assumption here is that the alcohol is what makes the event fun. But here’s the real question: if the only way to have fun with friends is to drink, are those friendships truly based on genuine connection? Alcohol can be a part of the experience, but it shouldn’t be the center of it.

“But hey, some of these are probably things I used to say too…”

Let’s be real for a second: some of these excuses are ones I’ve used myself. I’ve been in situations where I justified my own drinking choices with almost every excuse on this list. I know firsthand how easy it is to fall into the trap of rationalizing behavior you’re not fully happy with. It’s like a comforting little lie we tell ourselves to keep the status quo, even if deep down we know there’s something more fulfilling out there. Acknowledging these excuses for what they are—temporary rationalizations—can be the first step in moving beyond them.

The Truth About Our Excuses

The reality is, all these excuses stem from something deeper. Often, the reason we keep drinking isn’t because the event or situation requires it, but because we’ve formed a habit around it. Maybe we’ve linked alcohol to relaxation, fun, or social acceptance. Maybe it’s a way to cope with stress or anxiety. Whatever the reason, the key to breaking free from these excuses is to confront them head-on.

For some people, quitting alcohol might feel like a mountain too high to climb, but every step forward—whether it’s cutting back or simply becoming more aware of why you drink—is a victory.

So the next time you find yourself making one of these excuses, take a moment to ask yourself: Is this truly the reason I’m drinking, or is it just a convenient way to avoid confronting something deeper?

You don’t need to quit drinking overnight, but understanding the excuses you make can give you the clarity you need to decide what’s best for you, free from the lies we sometimes tell ourselves.

About Me:

Hi, I’m Blogging Brandi! I love to blog about RVing, Travel, Money, ReSelling, Entrepreneurship, Business, Blogging, my Dogs and Cat, Religion, Nomadism, plus Life Overall! ICYMI, I’m a blogger, business owner, and Beyond! 👩‍💻

#NeverTipsy #DryJanuary #DrinkingGame #NonAlcoholic #NA #NoAlcohol #AlcoholRemoved #ZeroProof #NoDrinking #AlcoholAlternative #AlcoholAlternatives #StopDrinking #Sober #Mocktails #QuitDrinking #Alcoholic #SoberUp #Sobering #sobriety #drinking

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