[Lauramalina]

I think Joan means that she does not want to drink alcohol and is wondering about social situations where everyone drinks. The way to avoid drinking without offending anyone is to say "I can't drink" or "I am unable to drink" instead of "I don't want a drink." If someone offers you a drink and you refuse and say you don't want it they may be a little offended. If you say "I can't" everyone understands, even when it is part of a religious ritual. In Thai you can say:

gin lao mai dai- I can't drink whiskey
gin bai mai dai- I can't drink beer
sup buri mai dai- I can't smoke cigarettes

gin lao mai bpen- I am not able to drink whiskey
gin bai mai bpen- I not able to drink beer
sup buri mai bpen- I not able to smoke cigarettes

gin lao mai aow- I don't want to drink whiskey (not so polite when someone offers you a drink)