CHEERS TO SOBERING UP

As Australians, there is a strong drinking culture pretty heavily ingrained in our social scene

People struggle with the concept of others spending a night out on the town not drinking — in fact, if you Google search “sober night out”, there’s self-help pages of how to enjoy yourself when not drinking.

However, lately, it appears that the social scene is sobering up, and leaving alcohol behind the bar rather than topped up and in our hands.

Many celebrities including Bradley Cooper, Robert Downey Jr, Eva Mendes, Andy Murray, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Lopez don’t drink alcohol. So, why is this becoming a trend? People are putting time into their bodies and, fitness is now a trend.

It’s hip to be seen drinking green juices, eating smoothie bowls and trying every new gym class under the sun.

By drinking and putting nasty alcohol and the sugary, calorie-loaded mixers that go with them in your body, people are wasting their time and hard work during the week.

However, it is tough to just ‘clock-off ’ and stop drinking.

So, if it appeals to you and you don’t know where to start, here are some tips.

START SLOWLY

You don’t have to go cold turkey — just cut back your alcoholic drinks, so that perhaps every second drink you have is replaced by a non-alcoholic drink.

BE THE DRIVER CASH MONEY

Get cash out that you would normally spend on alcohol but cut back on your drinks, and leave your credit card at home. Just spend this money. Once you’re ready to go home, put your remaining money away and keep that as savings. Keep this piggy bank and see how much money you save. This is a fantastic excuse for not drinking, and I guarantee your friends will adore you. Offer to be the designated driver for your pals.