Off the booze makes plenty of cents

KEEPING DRY: Deborah Davidson hopes going without alcohol for a month will show young people its possible to have fun without drinking.PHOTO/FILE

When youth worker Deborah Davidson told friends she was giving up booze for a month they were shocked - and wondered how she could contemplate it with such a full social calendar.

"They were like, 'but, we've got our work do coming up,' and 'but, we're going to Katchafire this month'," she said.

"I just said, 'Well, I'm pretty sure my dancing will be fine.'"

Ms Davidson, who works as youth development coordinator for the Southern Wairarapa Safer Community Council, is taking part in Dry July, where participants receive sponsorship for abstaining from alcohol for one month.

All funds raised go towards support and better services for adult cancer patients and their families.

Ms Davidson was partly inspired to sign up for Dry July as her mother has terminal cancer but also to inspire the young people she works with to enjoy life without the drink.

She said it has been her experience that New Zealand adults often use alcohol as a crutch in social situations and she worries about the example this sets for the younger generation.

"I've noticed adults bag young people and saying they can't talk to you unless they're texting," said Ms Davidson.

"But, on the flipside, I've found adults can really struggle to socialise without alcohol.

"We feel we need it to have a good time. As a culture, it's hard to bring people together if alcohol is not involved.

"Some of my mates were panicked about me going to Katchafire without drinking but alcohol has nothing to do with live music."

Ms Davidson said she isn't a heavy drinker but does like "a Baileys or a nice bourbon".

She is most likely to enjoy a "sunny Sunday afternoon drink" on the front porch, or have a couple of drinks before going to a concert or gig.

She admits breaking the social drinking habit could be tough but she's prepared to stick with it for the sake of her health.

"I told myself this would be the year I wouldn't wake up with any more hangovers," said Ms Davidson, who has also recently limited her caffeine intake.

"If you're hungover and feeling awful, it really limits all the things you can do with your day.

"Plus, I like to challenge myself. I've gone public with this thing, so I've fully committed myself."

So far, Ms Davidson's Dry July pledge has encouraged two heavy drinkers in her social circle - a good friend and a family member - to cut back on alcohol.

In addition, in her role as youth coordinator, Ms Davidson has helped a group of young people organise an alcohol-free youth event at King Street Live which she hopes will inspire teens and adults alike.

"The kids can show the adults that they don't need that Dutch courage, and can still have a blast.

"As for me, I'm looking forward to going to see bands, and just having water."