Alternative to Drinking

L.Jenkins

I'm sure many people have been banging on about this stating, "I don't drink anymore (or never did) and there's feck all to do at night time!" I don't know if I should post this in Ranting or Raving, but since I don't drink, entertaining one's self through socialisation seems to be alittle more limited.

I don't like to frequent pubs and clubs as much, because the fun just isn't there anymore and what anyone can do past a certain time in the evening is very limited. So working most of the day and being some what busy on the weekends, I usually go to the gym and fill my time running and so on. I'm just wondering, how have people overcome the slight boredom caused by, lets say, not going to pubs and clubs any more. I was considering hill walking or some other interesting pursuits and Im more of a late evening, night time person, but I don't like the idea of sitting in front of a tv or going to the cinema unless something real good is on.

So any ideas or suggestions on reducing the boredom and replacing the pub crawl with some more liver friendly and enjoyable.

C_Dawg

I'd love to hear of some suggestions too as I'm pretty much shut in watching telly each night and on the weekends

Find things to do during the day at weekends. That should lower the temptation. That way when everyone is hangover you will be active. I'm no expert but that has worked for me in my stints off.

L.Jenkins

I tried organising a small 5 a side league just for the craic as I know a lad how owns all weather pitches, but couldn't get enough people together. In all honesty, at night, the only real options here in Athlone is the pub or cinema. I need more to do, I can only read so much in a day and go to the gym for only so only so long.

Tom Thorne

djhunter30 wrote: »

I tried organising a small 5 a side league just for the craic as I know a lad how owns all weather pitches, but couldn't get enough people together. In all honesty, at night, the only real options here in Athlone is the pub or cinema. I need more to do, I can only read so much in a day and go to the gym for only so only so long.

Agree re the gym - I go 3-4 times a week as it is. Despite my drinking I am in decent shape physically. Going to go back and pick up up the guitar again.

K4t

Develop a skill.

hupyago

I find there are always things to do if you just use your imagination
there are always jobs to be done around the house
which can be satisfying and give you a sense of accomplishment
Ireland is full of natural scenic areas worth going out to
and try an outdoor activity like hiking, photography, fishing rowing,surfing,birdwatching or join a local club
the internet is full of interesting possibilities and oppurtunities for everything and anything
you could look up your local volunteering centre
the radio is also quite good these days and you can interact with it through text twitter and e mail
taking up a musical instrument is a great idea
or anything creative such as various forms of art
you could go to music gigs around
you could get a programme for your local theatre which are usually packed of interesting events ,workshops etc
there are also loads of festivals poppin up all over the country these summer days
or you could just go on a holiday and check out the attractions
and theres sports , there are bound to be some in your local area you could get involved in
and if all else fails you can spy on the neighbours!
good luck

unreggd

Volunteer
Learn a language
Cinema
drive
exercise
cook!
Concerts / gigs
Comedy show

Is there a reason you don't just go out and not drink?

iPac

I don't drink anymore mainly because I don't like the effect alcohol has on me, being a college student it can be very difficult to avoid temptation on nights out but I still do okay. I used enjoy going to pubs and night clubs sober. However, I now find my friends drinking way too much and I don't find it fun to be keeping an eye on them when they get themselves into sticky situations. I've started looking for alternatives to going out. I've started going to the cinema, bowling, volunteering and have taken up karate to entertain myself in the evenings. I still feel like I'm missing out, and there is huge pressure put on me to drink by some of my mates and my family. Is there anything elso I can do in the evenings that I can involve my mates in so I don't feel so isolated?

WalterMitty

do a night job or night time activity like astronomy. Invite friends to a night in watching DVDs or playing poker or something but say non drinking event.

Its a pity there aint a website where people who dont wanna drink in different areas can post a profile and meet up with people with similar interests in the evenings/nights for chats/meals/activities. Most clubs etc end up going on drinking social nights out and those that dont are not on during the evening/night when you want to avoid boredom or temptation to go drinking.

bank

Hi WalterMitty

Thats a great idea. Why don't you set up a website and ask people in your area who are interested in socialising without drink to come along to a very informal meeting where you can all brain storm ideas etc. The meeting could be in a local cafe or home etc and it could be suggested that anyone coming along may have at least one idea that could work. Whats the worst that can happen. Nothing. If nobody turns up it's not the end of the world but even if one or two turn up, its one or two more people you may become friends with. Lifes too short to wait for others to make the move. Go for it.

xstatick

There are some good suggestions here. You seem like a social person so try to concentrate on that side of it.

Go for coffee with friends to late-night coffee places.

Go for dinner somewhere with your other half/mates. You're probably saving a bit from not going to clubs, so treat yourself. A nice meal and good conversation is better than a night out in the pub.

Someone suggested poker, which is good. Again it's a social activity.

Team sport/hobby? Join a football team, tennis club, swimming club, rowing club. Whatever you're interested in. You get to keep fit and unlike the gym, there's interaction with other people.

Try http://www.militaryfitness.ie/ instead of the gym. (Don't worry, it's not as bad as it sounds!) I've done it, and it's people getting fit together, having a laugh. Great craic.

mikhail

What age are you, ItsThatManAgain? Because if you're in your 20s, this could be an opportunity for you to examine your CV critically, and pour some of that excess energy into a night course or some other activity which will help your career in the long run. Think you might start a company some day? Learn bookkeeping and basic management? Think you'd enjoy moving abroad, or work in any kind of sales and support job? Learn Spanish, or French, or Arabic. Improve your speaking skills at Toastmasters. Learn to drive a lorry or a bus. Get qualified in event management. There are always options.

From a social perspective, I don't know Athlone, but if there aren't many alternatives to the drinking culture, you may have to take a little initiative and start a club. Find a parish hall or community centre or pub you can rent a room or hall from, a punter who can teach dancing/card games/martial arts/chess/whatever and advertise online and in the local papers for members. Drag along a few friends to get the ball rolling.

eviltwin

I find there is no shortage of things to do but its trying to get the drinkers in my group of mates to go along with it thats the problem. I'm fed up trying. I don't have a problem sitting in a pub but when you're drinking overpriced soft drinks watching the people around you slowly sink into a stupor you kinda wonder why you bother going out anymore.

I would love to be able to suggest any of the above and not get a "are you serious" look.

mickman

eviltwin wrote: »

I find there is no shortage of things to do but its trying to get the drinkers in my group of mates to go along with it thats the problem. I'm fed up trying. I don't have a problem sitting in a pub but when you're drinking overpriced soft drinks watching the people around you slowly sink into a stupor you kinda wonder why you bother going out anymore.

I would love to be able to suggest any of the above and not get a "are you serious" look.

this is funny, i know just what u mean with the "are you serious look" :-)

if you really want to kick drinking the friends you have had all along wont be your friends of the future. if you are hoping to keep them and not drink then you will fail and go back drinking.

mikhail

mickman wrote: »

if you really want to kick drinking the friends you have had all along wont be your friends of the future. if you are hoping to keep them and not drink then you will fail and go back drinking.

That's AA-speak, that is.

derealbadger

mikhail wrote: »

That's AA-speak, that is.

yes it is but its also been true from my experience what were the ties that bound you in the first place if it was alcohol then you probably don't have a lot in common with them if you are trying to stay sober

mickman

mikhail wrote: »

That's AA-speak, that is.

i have never been to AA and thankfully dont have a drinking problem. i used to have but a relationship fixed that and i pulled away from my old friends. its common sense

derealbadger

mikhail wrote: »

That's AA-speak, that is.

no its common sense

eviltwin

mickman wrote: »

this is funny, i know just what u mean with the "are you serious look" :-)

if you really want to kick drinking the friends you have had all along wont be your friends of the future. if you are hoping to keep them and not drink then you will fail and go back drinking.

Very true but oh my god so depressing. I have found that since I knocked drinking on the head my social diary is suddenly looking really bare. Its awful, kinda makes you wonder if there was anything other than alcohol that binded me to these people....