I’m constantly surprised and disgusted by the frequent association of Poland and Polish culture with alcohol consumption, especially with vodka, which isn’t even the most popular alcoholic drink here ([according to the statistics, beer is](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_preferences_in_Europe#/media/File:Alcohol_belts_of_Europe_(actual_consumption_in_2016).svg)).

The most painful stereotype about our country is that when you’re in Poland, you have to drink.

No, you don’t need to drink, if you don’t want to. About 1/3 of the Polish society doesn’t drink alcohol.

Personally, I also don’t drink alcohol at all, and I never have. I haven’t even drunk half a glass of beer since birth. Interestingly, even in primary school, I was convinced that I never intended to use any intoxicants (alcohol, cigarettes, or other recreational drugs), and it turns out that I still successfully adhere to this rule, even though I’m almost 40.

It’s all about health. Alcohol doesn’t align with healthy eating, exercising, or ensuring proper sleep. It offers no health benefits, but when consumed regularly, even in moderate amounts, [it significantly increases health risks](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkS1pkKpILY), such as the risk of cancer. Even with red wine, the benefits from its resveratrol content don’t outweigh the potential harm of regular alcohol consumption – other antioxidant-rich products are far more beneficial.

But see, there are more and more people in Poland who share the same attitude as me. A healthy lifestyle is quickly becoming a thing in our country and alcohol stops being attractive in constantly growing social circles.

Now, the most crucial matter in a cultural context: I’ve never faced any discrimination for not drinking. On the contrary, I often receive very positive reactions and thumbs up. Jokes sometimes happen, but I respond to a joke with a joke – and it’s a draw. I don’t promote radical abstinence anywhere, I have nothing against people who drink moderately, but in my life, I consistently stick to my principles on this matter.

I don’t know, maybe I live in a unique social bubble, but I feel that Poland is quite a friendly country for non-drinkers, with little difference compared to Western Europe, and totally different from the former Soviet republics. The key is assertiveness, kindness, and a sense of humor.

Drinking is by no means a cultural imperative in Poland. If someone says, ‘You’re in Poland, you must drink’, please don’t believe them and treat their statements with a sense of humor.

([Here is the discussion in Polish on that matter](https://www.reddit.com/r/Polska/comments/1695j7i/jestem_polakiem_jestem_abstynentem/). The diversity in comments suggests that Polish society is incredibly compartmentalized when it comes to abstinence and drinking culture – almost like a clash of cultures, even if it’s the same country.)

by netrun_operations

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