Boycott booze for a better Australia

So just as Australia and other countries once boycotted sport in South Africa to protest its racism, I boycott alcohol.  

Alcohol problems might be easier to reduce than commonly thought.  Most drinking is done by “initiators”, i.e. those who drink a lot and encourage or pressure others to do the same, and their “followers”, who drink because they think that “everyone else does”.      

If some moderate drinkers switch to being minimal or non-drinkers, and more non-drinkers remain non-drinkers, then the pool of drinkers will start to evaporate.    

This could result in a tipping point - an accelerated reduction in drinkers as more and more “followers” see that many people don’t drink. 

This process may have started.  High school students who abstain are now in the majority as more parents become better role models regarding alcohol.  We need to increase the trend because one road accident or violent crime caused or contributed to by alcohol is one too many. 

You may have made an independent decision to drink alcohol in moderation, and enjoy it.  If so, ask yourself whether you might get more satisfaction from being a non-drinker and knowing that you are contributing to the creation of a society where there is less alcohol-related harm.    

Most Australians think that the alcohol industry should pay to reduce alcohol harm.  We can make it pay by not buying its products and depriving it of revenue - rather than helping fund its promotion of beer to children who watch sporting telecasts.     

If you are turned off or bored by alcohol or would otherwise prefer not to drink it – don’t.  Don’t drink because your partner, friends or family drink.  Don’t drink because you think everyone does, because that’s not true, and because you owe it to yourself to make your own decision. 

Don’t be influenced by societal pressures to drink.  Do some do-it-yourself social change and influence others not to drink through your example.    

If you avoid alcohol, good things can start to happen.  I don’t just mean that you will feel less tired, depressed, regretful or vulnerable or that you will have more control, more money, better health, better sleep, less body fat, more muscle and no risk of accidents or legal problems due to drinking. 

I mean that you could have better social outcomes.  Respect from your peers as someone who makes their own decisions.  Greater ability to focus on conversations.  Being rid of the inconvenience of trying to calculate the alcohol content of drinks.  You may find that some who drink will go out of their way to provide you with non-alcoholic drinks, or that you will be in demand as a designated driver.  

Much of the supposed social benefit of alcohol is as illusory as the emperor’s new clothes.  Anything worthwhile that can be done with alcohol can be done without it.  And every activity has an opportunity cost.  Time and money spent on alcohol could be used for other ways of socializing and other positive activities and goals.