A teetotaler is a person who never drinks alcohol. They abstain from consuming alcoholic beverages either due to personal preferences, religious beliefs, medical reasons, or ethical considerations. Teetotalism is a practice that has been around for centuries, and those who practice it often choose to do so as a lifestyle choice. The term "teetotaler" originated in the early 19th century from a speech by Richard Turner, a British temperance campaigner, who used the phrase "T-total" to emphasize total abstinence from alcohol. The term has since become common English-language usage to identify non-drinkers.