"Party pooper", "One won't hurt", "This is a party!" It can be tough not drinking alcohol at a Christmas party. But if you have chosen not to drink, whether for one night or the rest of your life, you should celebrate that fact, writes Kellie Jennar.

The problem with alcohol is that it works too well.

This is what my psychologist told me the first time I met him ... and he is spot on.

Feeling stressed after a hard day, a few drinks will relax you.

At a party and too shy to talk to anyone, a few drinks will give you that Dutch courage you need, especially on the dance floor - we've all been there!

Life crumbling around you, a few drinks will make you invincible.

Add the fact that alcohol is legal, readily available, cheap and socially acceptable - sometimes mandatory in certain social situations. It is no wonder that Australia has a massive drinking problem.

There is no arguing that alcohol can destroy lives. My life was one of them and to remain sober is a struggle I must fight anew everyday.

"Why aren't you drinking?"

Pretty much the only acceptable answer to this question is, "I'm pregnant." Anything else will be met with calls of: "Soft", "Party pooper", "One won't hurt", "This is a party" and "Enjoy yourself".

Of course, you could answer a question with a question, "Why are you drinking?" But I doubt that will get you off the hook.

NOT drinking is often seen as a problem.

A close circle of my friends and family know that I don't drink and the reasons why, which has made socialising so much easier for me. It took about 10 years to get to this point, so it wasn't easier talking about it by any means, but now I feel blessed.

I can go out to dinner, barbeques and parties without the pressure of having to explain why I'm not drinking. Also, being accountable to people I care about takes away a huge part of the temptation to have, "Just one." It will never stop at one.

Being open and honest with those close to me has been one of the major factors to my continuing sobriety. Without them, I would most likely be in the gutter or dead and buried.

My standard response to the question, "Why aren't you drinking?" to people I don't know or who don't know my situation is, "For health reasons". I have found this very effective. Most people won't question you further about what particular health problem you have.

Also it's the truth. You don't need to justify your behaviour to anybody, but having a response that is true and effective can help give you the strength to go to a gathering where you know there will be alcohol. I stopped drinking for my mental health and safety - and to stay alive.

It was that stark a choice: alcohol or life. I chose life.

Alcohol works so well, that you don't realise the damage until the next day.

This is the silly season and it is impossible to avoid Christmas work parties, barbeques and family get-togethers where the booze will run as free as a river. Nor should you. This is a special time of the year and you should feel special, celebrate and join in on the festivities.

When I am going out somewhere, I drink something special that I wouldn't have every day. Be it Pellegrino in a wine glass with a fruit garnish, a virgin mojito or a jazzed up juice. Not only am I drinking something special that makes me feel good, I feel included in the occasion.

And, best of all, I get to wake up without a hangover and enjoy the next day to the max.

If you have chosen not to drink, whether for one night or the rest of your life, you should celebrate that fact.

You shouldn't be ashamed of trying to improve yourself.

Sitting in a corner feeling morose and left out is not necessary. You're looking great, you're an inspiration, you're amazing - so ask the bartender to make you the most exotic, extravagant, non-alcoholic drink they can think of and celebrate life. You deserve it.

This article is published as part of Open Drum, The Drum's collaboration with ABC Open. Open Drum invites readers to to have their say on social, political and news topics. Every week there is a new topic. Read other stories submitted in response to our question about drinking during the festive season.

Kellie Jennar is a screenwriter living in Dubbo, NSW. View her full profile here.