National Friendship Day: Tips for supporting your friends on a break from Alcohol

How to Support A Friend Who's on a break from, or giving up Alcohol: Tips and Alternatives

Supporting a friend who's chosen to stop drinking alcohol can be a rewarding and bonding experience. Whether they're taking a break for health reasons, personal preference, or any other reason, your support can make a big difference. Here we'll share some fun and thoughtful ways to be a great friend while respecting their decision.

1. Respect Their Choice Without Questioning

First and foremost, respect your friend's choice to not drink. Avoid prying into their reasons unless they choose to share. Simply being supportive and understanding is often the best approach.

2. Plan Activities That Don’t Revolve Around Alcohol

There are countless activities that don't involve drinking. Consider organizing a movie night, a hike, a game night, or a visit to a museum. The focus should be on having fun and spending quality time together.

3. Stock Up on Non-Alcoholic Alternatives

Having non-alcoholic options available is a fantastic way to show your support. You and your friends can still enjoy the taste and experience they love without the alochol. Here are some great alternatives:

• NA Brews: We offer tons tasty options for any malt beverage and beer lover out there. Beer is the category of NA sips brews that taste the closest to traditionally-made beers. 
• NA + AF Wines: Whether its a celebratory toast, or a relaxing glass at the end of a long day - there are so many options for non-alcoholic wines. Perfect for those who still want to enjoy a glass of wine without the alcohol.
• NA + AF Cocktails: Want to enjoy your favorite mixed drink without all the work? Our huge selection of "RTD's" (ready-to-drink) are a great choice. Simply pop open, pour over ice and enjoy! Think about elevating the experience with fresh and interesting garnishes. Grab a sprig of herbs from your garden or slice up some fresh fruit. 
• TCH + Cannabis Beverages: While we know they're not for everyone (must be 21+) some who are not drinking alcohol might still consider sips that contain THC as an alternative to help them wind down and relax. Our friends over at Elevated Beverages offer a great selection. 

4. Be Mindful in Social Settings

In social gatherings, be considerate of your friend's choice. Make sure there are non-alcoholic options available and avoid pressuring them to drink. If you're hosting, you can create a drink menu that includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic choices.

5. Celebrate Their Decision

Show your friend that you support their choice by celebrating it. Whether it's through a simple toast with your non-alcoholic beverages or a small gift like a new mocktail recipe book, these gestures can mean a lot.

6. Be a Good Listener

Sometimes, your friend might need to talk about their journey with alcohol. Be there to listen without judgment, offer encouragement, and remind them that they’re doing great.

7. Join Them in Non-Alcoholic Drinking

Joining your friend in drinking non-alcoholic beverages can be a great way to show solidarity. Plus, you might discover some new favorite drinks yourself!

Supporting a friend who's not drinking can be a fun and positive experience for both of you. By showing respect, planning inclusive activities, and embracing non-alcoholic alternatives, you can help create an environment where your friend feels understood and valued. Cheers to friendship and making memories together, with or without alcohol!

Hope you found these tips helpful and easy to implement. Supporting a friend is all about understanding and enjoying the journey together. Have fun experimenting with those non-alcoholic drinks!