‘I discovered some weren’t real friends, they were just drinking buddies’ – what happens to friendships when you quit alcohol

Social gatherings are a major part of Irish life, so how does cutting out alcohol affect a person’s close relationships? Arlene Harris found out

Samantha Kelly realised a lot of her friends were actually just drinking buddies. Photo: Patrick Browne

Arlene Harris

We may have a reputation for having a good time, but one in four adults in Ireland don’t drink alcohol.