I went for years not drinking alcohol. Wasn't 100%... I'd have a spirit out now and then but only if I wasn't driving anywhere. This limited me to conference/hotel setups where I was staying for a few days. So... I might have a few drinks 2-3 times per year. It was largely a health/safety concern, but also a financial one.

Partially due to covid/lockdowns, I started drinking at home more regularly. It's now 4-5 times per month, vs 2-3 times per year. Still can't do too much - heartburn in middle of night if I have more than a drink or so.

Part of the reason I felt more comfortable taking it up was financial. Denied myself this 'indulgence' for a few decades because the cost always seemed relatively high. I can afford it now more than I could 20 years ago, so I'm trying out new things and seeing what I like.

But I definitely felt some social awkwardness when you'd be the only person in a group not drinking. I think the social expectations have changed a bit over the decades - it's not as expected. And... I've changed over the decades - I care far less what people think of me in social settings like that.