Dating Without Alcohol
Dating Without Alcohol
By Harold Cohen, PhD
If you’re single and dating, you may find yourself spending a lot of time in restaurants or bars where alcohol is available. Drinking on dates can quickly become a habit, but the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism warns that even moderate alcohol consumption, under certain circumstances, can have serious consequences. Instead of automatically incorporating alcohol into your social life, become more sensitive to this issue by choosing to keep your dates alcohol-free.
Dining without wining
If you’re taking your date out for a meal, order exotic non-alcoholic drinks with dinner. You also might want to consider cooking at home, planning a picnic or meeting for lunch. Inviting your date out for coffee and dessert is another alcohol-free option.
Get moving
Ask your date to join you in a physical activity that you enjoy or have always wanted to try. An afternoon of horseback riding, hiking or swimming could be an exciting alternative to the typical “dinner-and-a-movie.” If your date has an adventurous streak, sign up for an introductory rock-climbing class or plan a day of white-water rafting.
Be a tourist in your hometown
Have you always wanted to drop by the local art museum, stop by that city memorial or investigate a historical site that’s practically in your backyard? Plan to become a “tourist” for an afternoon, and take a date to local points of interest. Your town’s historical society, public library or Chamber of Commerce can provide ideas.
Become a kid again
When was the last time you played miniature golf? Drove a bumper car? Tested your skills in a video arcade? You and your date might still enjoy some of these alcohol-free activities you loved as a kid.
Volunteer together
Find out if a local organization needs help for an afternoon or evening, and ask a date to join you for a few hours of volunteering. This could be a great way to get to know each other while helping a worthy cause!
The Have I Got A Problem website is a free online resource to help people better understand any issues or concerns they may have about mental health or addiction. The website includes resources specifically focused to; general Mental Health, Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Insecurities, Self-harm Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Anger Management, Eating Disorders, Coping, general Addiction, Alcohol, Smoking, Gambling, Drugs, Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana (Cannabis) Ecstasy, PCP, Mephedrone, Ketamine & Crystal Meth.
The site was created to give the public information to help them understand mental health and addiction issues and to assist people in making better informed decisions about their life and personal choices.
www.haveigotaproblem.com was created and is run by 'Advising Communities’, which is a UK registered charity (Charity No. 1061055)
Downloads
- Alcohol and Drinking
- Am I a safe drinker?
- Internet therapy versus internet self-help versus no treatment for problematic alcohol use: a randomized controlled trial
- How to Deal With Alcohol Addiction
- Overcoming alcoholism
- Signs and symptoms of alcoholism
- What causes addiction
- What is Alcoholism
- Social and economic problems linked to alcohol use
- Drunk Driving: The Dangers
Quotes
"For ten years I was a functioning alcoholic. Because I was constantly topping up, I never had withdrawal symptoms, but my health began to suffer. I regret putting my family through this but I feel optimistic about the future."
Loris
MoreSend us your QuotesTips & Hints
Ask for support
Tell friends and family that you’re trying to cut down on alcohol - they might be more supportive than you think. But beware, some pe...MoreKeep track of the alcohol units you’re drinking
The government advises that people should not regularly drink more than the daily unit guidelines of 3-4 units of alcohol for men (equi...MoreAvoid visiting bars and clubs with bars
Instead resort to amusement such as recreational areas, movies, sports events and family events where alcohol isn’t present. That inc...MoreDevelop an alcohol-free daily routine
Wake up earlier, include some exercise into the daily schedule, the potential is endless. Keep in mind that to stop drinking is to make...MoreSpend as little time alone as possible
For single people this can be a tall order. If you can’t surround yourself with people, get out more and help yourself to generate a ...More More Tips & Hints