CONTEXT

A member of the team is leaving the company, and she’s having a leaving do by the pub near by.

I reluctantly go, as I kind of have to represent the team! I’m asked if I’m having a drink.. I respond and say yes, I’ll have Apple juice. I get the same response time after time, “you’re not drinking, why”?!

“No, I’m not”

I’ve never really been an alcoholic drinker anyway, but when I stumbled across Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO podcast, there was one episode on alcohol and what it does to the neuro divergent brain.

That was the moment where I promised myself I’ll not be drinking alcohol anymore!

Studies have shown that alcohol can have the following impacts:

• Increase risk of substance abuse

• Can impair executive function

• Cognitive decline

Because of the imposter syndrome symptoms, I’m slightly conscious that not drinking will jeopardise my career progression.

DEEP DIVE

Today we’re talking about avoiding work drinks (alcohol)

Mastering the Art of decline: Booze at work

The podcast I listened to was a key turning point for me. It made me think about my life and future as a neuro divergent individual.

Now I’ve never really been a work drinker as such, I’ll have a couple here and there. But below are the legitimate excuses I’ve used pre and post my ADHD diagnosis.

I’m not encouraging you to lie, but if the peer pressure is on and you don’t feel fully comfortable saying no boldly, here are some politically correct responses.

Especially if you don’t want to disclose any neuro differences:

1) Health concerns

This is probably the most straight forward approach to decline the booze. ‘No thank you, I have health issues, of which drinking alcohol will make it worse”

In my case of ADHD, drinking alcohol will definitely effect the health of my brain over the long term.

2) Fitness Goals

Heart rate:

I consider myself to be physically active. I aim to do at least 30 minutes of exercise three times per week.

I’m on a mission to get my resting heart rate to 50 beats per minute! It’s 57bpm at the moment.

Holiday planning:

When travelling on a beach holiday, I’ve had this habit of being possessed with the summer body. In doing so I tend to stay away from the booze, and immerse myself in the gym.

3) Designated Driver

There’s been a few occasions where I’ve needed to pick up the kids from nursery, which requires me to drive the car. So staying sober is vital, and any sensible colleague would probably encourage you to stay sober too!

If you’re scheduled to drive somewhere, probably safe to stay away for the booze.

4) Early Morning Commitments

From past experience, I’m a super light weight drinker. I know that the following morning, I’ll be sluggish and slow.

The last thing I’ll want is to attend a 9am meeting where I’m not on my best mental form.

I’ll just respectfully reply ‘No thank you, I have a meeting I need to prepare for in the morning’

5) Temporary Detox:

Have you heard of the concept “Dry January”?

Idea is during the Christmas holiday period, people tend to drink more.

The month of January is where people tend to ease off the booze.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Don’t be afraid to say no to work drinks!

• How you say no is entirely up to you

• Think about your brain health and mental faculties over the long term

LASTLY

Next week, I’ll take a break and the week after we’ll talk about having a mentor

Stay Different,

The ADHD Exec

Disclaimer: I am not your psychiatrist, coach, doctor. Neurodiverse Diary does not provide medical services or professional counselling and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Everything I publish represents my opinions, experience, not advice.