This was something I was pretty concerned with early on.
After a couple years, it was no longer an issue. People seldom ask me that anymore. If they do, I have a variety of answers that come to mind - depending on the person and the circumstance.
"Because I don't have time to go to jail tonight" - levity
"Drank up my quota before I turned 41" - matter-of-fact
"Because Alcohol caused me more trouble than it was worth" - truth
"I've been sober for 6 years and it's working out really, really well for me" - owning it and hopefully inspiring a person who might need it.
"Well... why is it that you ARE drinking?" - just for the hell of it when it feels right (said with a smile, and walking away).
"I only drink when there's enough booze. There's never enough booze". - (with a wry grin) - witty
And many more variations on those themes.
Sometimes, when it really seems the right moment..... for the right person... who may really need to hear it;
"Because I came to understand my life was unmanageable and I was an alcoholic. I found a way out and my life is immeasurably better than it ever was".
