Blog and News

By Erin Trauth

Summer: the time of longer days, sun-soaked gatherings by the water, and lots of time to be outside with family and friends. While summer, for many, prompts healthier habits, it can also, conversely, be a time of increased opportunity or pressure to drink alcohol. With barbecues, beach and pool parties, baseball games, and, especially, the 4th of July holiday, there seem to be alcohol advertisements splashed across every billboard linked to adult summer activities – and alcohol available in almost every cooler. Most every corner presents a chance to “cool down with a refreshing drink” – usually, of course, with an ABV that will actually leave you thirsty for more. 

Beyond the health and lifestyle ramifications of being around frequent opportunities to drink alcohol, there is also a marked increase in danger during this time period. The 4th of July, sadly, is known as the deadliest week of the year for DUIs and alcohol-related accidents in the United States. According to Money Geek, the 4th of July has a 77 percent higher-than-average risk for DUI-related accidents–second only to New Year’s Eve–and summer, as a whole, was the most dangerous season. For those who abstain or who are cutting back on alcohol, these statistics are but one reminder of why it might be better to find alternatives to alcohol – still, the temptation seems ever-constant in the warmer months. What, then, can one do to resist and be more mindful of drinking in the summer months? Thankfully, we have a few ideas to share:

1. Suggest and try gatherings that don’t involve alcohol to begin with. While the list of traditional summer activities – boating, beaching, and the like – often seem intrinsically tied to drinking alcohol – there are still a number of outdoor activities that involve less lounging and more physical activity available to you and your friends and family. Biking, hiking, or kayaking all come to mind. These activities all get you outside and can be done with a group, and you might find that you all naturally opt for truly hydrating drinks, such as water, as a result. Another bonus is that you will also get exercise in the process, leading to an all-around healthier activity and way to spend your day. 
2. Share your desire to drink less openly (and beforehand). If you’ve drunk alcohol at your family’s summer barbecues in the past, and you want to cut back or abstain this time, it can help to share your plans beforehand with a few trusted members of your group so they’re aware that nothing is “wrong” while you’re at the event but that you’ve made a pre-meditated and conscious decision to abstain or cut back. This tactic can help cut down on any unnecessary chiding or teasing in the moment and can help to have a few trusted people backing you in your plans. 
3. Pack your own cooler. When attending events of any kind, anticipate that the only choices might be water or something with alcohol. Mixers or sodas might be available, too, but you may want to have some more “fun” drinks on hand for yourself and/or to share. To make sure you have something that feels equally fun and celebratory, load your own personal cooler with refreshing, non-alcoholic drinks (we have plenty at Dray!) that will cool you down and taste delicious – without the lingering impacts or potential dangers of traditional alcohol. If you drink alcohol but are just trying to drink less, consider packing a cooler and alternating alcoholic drinks with NA drinks.
4. Make a plan for how to handle yourself if you’re tempted to drink alcohol. If you’re abstaining completely, it can always be a challenge to be around swathes of people drinking, no matter how long you’ve not been drinking. Try distraction techniques – such as deep breathing, removing yourself from the group temporarily (i.e. taking a short walk outside), or, perhaps, suggesting a side activity (for example, if you’re at the beach, and everyone is sitting around a cooler and drinking, be the one to suggest a game of beach volleyball). If the temptation rises to a degree where you feel overwhelmed, always remember that it’s okay to take yourself out of the environment completely. It’s absolutely okay to choose yourself and go home early over being unable to resist a drink and having a day or evening you’ll regret later. 
5. Celebrate your wins! If you do find yourself cutting back or abstaining, be sure to congratulate and reward yourself. While the sober and low-alcohol movements are growing, alcohol is still deeply embedded in our societal and cultural norms, and this is never more true than in the warmth of the summer months. If you make it through a large gathering – or even a small one – and you resist temptations, find alternatives, and, in the end, choose what’s best for you, be sure to reward yourself. You may have helped your health and mindset by cutting back or abstaining, but you probably also helped your wallet, too! If you’re in a position to do so, consider treating yourself with something that makes you feel healthy and happy to celebrate every win that you can. You deserve it!

We at Dray are always here to support you as you abstain or cut back on alcohol. We have a huge variety of fun, exciting, and refreshing zero-proof and non-alcoholic drinks – come visit us anytime!