Forums > Social Chat > Why Drink?
Login/Join to Participateambiguous
646 posts
Location: Mpls, MN, USA
646 posts
Location: Mpls, MN, USA
Posted:
Not to weaken my point, but this is essentially one of those "I'm mildly drunk and feeling like crap" threads, so be warned.
But yeah, as I sit here, I fail to see the benefit of drinking alcohol. I mean, nothing tastes truely good. You can get stuff that tastes a little less like bugspray but in the end it's all pretty unappealing. Even if you drink with some control the results are still not fun. I'm tired, my stomach is upset, and I simply feel bad. During the "up" times I was fighting not to barf so I could drink more and feel worse. Overall there is really nothing positive to it. Thank goodness I walked over to the party, at least I did that much smartly.
So why do people drink? I mean every time I go out and get drunk I ask myself this, than swear I'll just give it up, but later I'm back at it? Whats going on?
Must be like the whole pregancy thing, it sucks when it's happening but you completely forget all the bad and want to do it all over again.
So yeah, I don't know if it's possible, but I would like to really discuss this, maybe after I get some drunken sleep though.
Not to weaken my point, but this is essentially one of those "I'm mildly drunk and feeling like crap" threads, so be warned.
But yeah, as I sit here, I fail to see the benefit of drinking alcohol. I mean, nothing tastes truely good. You can get stuff that tastes a little less like bugspray but in the end it's all pretty unappealing. Even if you drink with some control the results are still not fun. I'm tired, my stomach is upset, and I simply feel bad. During the "up" times I was fighting not to barf so I could drink more and feel worse. Overall there is really nothing positive to it. Thank goodness I walked over to the party, at least I did that much smartly.
So why do people drink? I mean every time I go out and get drunk I ask myself this, than swear I'll just give it up, but later I'm back at it? Whats going on?
Must be like the whole pregancy thing, it sucks when it's happening but you completely forget all the bad and want to do it all over again.
So yeah, I don't know if it's possible, but I would like to really discuss this, maybe after I get some drunken sleep though.
_________________________________
Fuzzy Dice.......................................
member
340 posts
Location: Australia
340 posts
Location: Australia
Posted:
Here is one process that leads many people into becoming "drawn" to consuming alcohol.
1. The person has a alcohol for the first time and regardless of wether they feel shit later or not, they still have the experience of suppressed inhibition neurons (ie they loose some inhibitions and find it easier to "let go" of some fears.)
2. This experience is repeated over a time and the person starts relating (consciously or unconsciously) the consumption of alcohol to a feeling of release and reduced fears.
3. In many instances this then leads the person to "believe" that alcohol is the only way they can let go of these fears. Thus they depend on it for this escape from social fears. (Psycological dependence.)
4. Ironically this naturally leads to a fear of dealing with many social situations without alcohol.
This is something I've observed in many people but it does give me comfort to know I'm able to step out of my box without mind altering chemicals.
Here is one process that leads many people into becoming "drawn" to consuming alcohol.
1. The person has a alcohol for the first time and regardless of wether they feel shit later or not, they still have the experience of suppressed inhibition neurons (ie they loose some inhibitions and find it easier to "let go" of some fears.)
2. This experience is repeated over a time and the person starts relating (consciously or unconsciously) the consumption of alcohol to a feeling of release and reduced fears.
3. In many instances this then leads the person to "believe" that alcohol is the only way they can let go of these fears. Thus they depend on it for this escape from social fears. (Psycological dependence.)
4. Ironically this naturally leads to a fear of dealing with many social situations without alcohol.
This is something I've observed in many people but it does give me comfort to know I'm able to step out of my box without mind altering chemicals.
HOW TO FLY 101:
step 1. Throw your self at the ground.
step 2. Miss.
member
531 posts
531 posts
Posted:
I get drunk once in a blue moon just to get f**ked up.I am one funny motherf**ker when I'm tanked.
Anyone with the hangover blues just drink a large cup of water and throw up before going to sleep.
All you medical guru's out there don't ruin it for me,it has worked so far.
[ 27. January 2003, 00:04: Message edited by: poiaholic22 ]
I get drunk once in a blue moon just to get f**ked up.I am one funny motherf**ker when I'm tanked.
Anyone with the hangover blues just drink a large cup of water and throw up before going to sleep.
All you medical guru's out there don't ruin it for me,it has worked so far.
[ 27. January 2003, 00:04: Message edited by: poiaholic22 ]
member
45 posts
Location: North Wales
45 posts
Location: North Wales
Posted:
one of my friends has been straight edge for about 7 months now, which is basically non drinking and bein a veggy, he says that not drinkin isnt a loss to him as he now feels alot better about himself, also he doesnt see ne point in drinkin or going out to all the pubs, i mean i agree with him, but going out is a social thing but there is absolutely no need for the drink, i mean ok it may give u more confidence, but not because thats the sort of person you are, its because ur under the influence and well, if ever you meet some one who is drunk who u thought wud never talk to you, u'll know what im on about, people are so fake when their drunk, even more fake than they can be, but thats only where i live. so yeh, i agree with ya, what is the point in alcohol?!
one of my friends has been straight edge for about 7 months now, which is basically non drinking and bein a veggy, he says that not drinkin isnt a loss to him as he now feels alot better about himself, also he doesnt see ne point in drinkin or going out to all the pubs, i mean i agree with him, but going out is a social thing but there is absolutely no need for the drink, i mean ok it may give u more confidence, but not because thats the sort of person you are, its because ur under the influence and well, if ever you meet some one who is drunk who u thought wud never talk to you, u'll know what im on about, people are so fake when their drunk, even more fake than they can be, but thats only where i live. so yeh, i agree with ya, what is the point in alcohol?!
Mike Buggins
BRONZE Member
the henna lady
6,193 posts
Location: WNY, USA
the henna lady
6,193 posts
Location: WNY, USA
Posted:
You obviously have never had a kid. I remember the pain quite vividly and fully know that one is enough for me!
I, can mentally equate it to a couple other things though. Body art...it usually hurts like a bitka but we still go back for more. And spinning/dancing. We do it until we hurt but then go back and do it again.
You obviously have never had a kid. I remember the pain quite vividly and fully know that one is enough for me!
I, can mentally equate it to a couple other things though. Body art...it usually hurts like a bitka but we still go back for more. And spinning/dancing. We do it until we hurt but then go back and do it again.
Pele
Higher, higher burning fire...making music like a choir
"Oooh look! A pub!" -exclaimed after recovering from a stupid fall
"And for the decadence of art, nothing beats a roaring fire." -TMK
ambiguous
646 posts
Location: Mpls, MN, USA
646 posts
Location: Mpls, MN, USA
Posted:
hehe
*mental note: damn! she called me on childbirth!*
Well, there are women who go back for more so something must outwieght the horribleness that is the expelling of a 7 pound mass out of a tiny hole in ones body. hehe, what a lovely picture, no?
Well, now that I'm up, I drank just enough to feel like crap but not get a hangover. Do I win a prize? where's my cookie? Really, I'm getting much better at that, knowing my limit.
I do acknowledge the social aspect of it, sometimes it's great to get together with friends and just go crazy. It seems alright at the time cause you're not alone, you're matching drink for drink with a good bud. (way to go peer preasure )
So as I look back on it, (here's where mind altering chemicals in my brain are causing me to forget all the bad), maybe drinking isn't that bad. In small amounts that is, maybe I should always stop after 3. Heavy drinking is definitly not for me, I'm not some linebacker who can down a keg and than proceed to run through a wall.
I don't know, odd thing booze is.
hehe
*mental note: damn! she called me on childbirth!*
Well, there are women who go back for more so something must outwieght the horribleness that is the expelling of a 7 pound mass out of a tiny hole in ones body. hehe, what a lovely picture, no?
Well, now that I'm up, I drank just enough to feel like crap but not get a hangover. Do I win a prize? where's my cookie? Really, I'm getting much better at that, knowing my limit.
I do acknowledge the social aspect of it, sometimes it's great to get together with friends and just go crazy. It seems alright at the time cause you're not alone, you're matching drink for drink with a good bud. (way to go peer preasure )
So as I look back on it, (here's where mind altering chemicals in my brain are causing me to forget all the bad), maybe drinking isn't that bad. In small amounts that is, maybe I should always stop after 3. Heavy drinking is definitly not for me, I'm not some linebacker who can down a keg and than proceed to run through a wall.
I don't know, odd thing booze is.
_________________________________
Fuzzy Dice.......................................
SILVER Member
100 characters max...
2,996 posts
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
100 characters max...
2,996 posts
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posted:
quote:*crosses legs and once again goes through the ritual of repeating to self: must never have kids, must never have kids*
Originally posted by Jello:
hehe
*mental note: damn! she called me on childbirth!*
Well, there are women who go back for more so something must outwieght the horribleness that is the expelling of a 7 pound mass out of a tiny hole in ones body. hehe, what a lovely picture, no?
It was a day for screaming at inanimate objects.
What this calls for is a special mix of psychology and extreme violence...
BRONZE Member
the henna lady
6,193 posts
Location: WNY, USA
the henna lady
6,193 posts
Location: WNY, USA
Posted:
7 pounds?????!!!!
That would have been lovely.
Try 8 pounds 12 1/2 onces and 21 1/2 inches long!
I had an easy labour too, it was over in less than 6 hours. I remember every second. I stared at the clock and swore to god that the second hand was rigged to move slower than it was supposed to.
I think if ever there was a time in my life I would've drank to forget the pain, it was that particular 6 hours! LOL
Moderation is the key to enjoying everything, to tell you the truth. However, as gluttonous humans we forget the concept of moderation in the name of fun and/or progress.
7 pounds?????!!!!
That would have been lovely.
Try 8 pounds 12 1/2 onces and 21 1/2 inches long!
I had an easy labour too, it was over in less than 6 hours. I remember every second. I stared at the clock and swore to god that the second hand was rigged to move slower than it was supposed to.
I think if ever there was a time in my life I would've drank to forget the pain, it was that particular 6 hours! LOL
Moderation is the key to enjoying everything, to tell you the truth. However, as gluttonous humans we forget the concept of moderation in the name of fun and/or progress.
Pele
Higher, higher burning fire...making music like a choir
"Oooh look! A pub!" -exclaimed after recovering from a stupid fall
"And for the decadence of art, nothing beats a roaring fire." -TMK
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,136 posts
Location: Warwickshire, United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,136 posts
Location: Warwickshire, United Kingdom
Posted:
i could quite happily go without drinking if my friends didn't, but its a fact of life that in my culture at least, all the socialable places are bars and parties. It's no fun being sobar when everyone around you is drinking and if you don't go to those places as a student you will have a very sad and lonely existance.
Don't get me wrong, it is nice to get drunk sometimes, but 90% of the times i have a few beers its a social thing
i could quite happily go without drinking if my friends didn't, but its a fact of life that in my culture at least, all the socialable places are bars and parties. It's no fun being sobar when everyone around you is drinking and if you don't go to those places as a student you will have a very sad and lonely existance.
Don't get me wrong, it is nice to get drunk sometimes, but 90% of the times i have a few beers its a social thing
member
383 posts
Location: Brisbane, Qld, Australia
383 posts
Location: Brisbane, Qld, Australia
Posted:
ACK!!!! *follows Rozi's example and also repeats own mantra* ... I still remember the first time I saw a woman give birth (it was probably on A Country Practice or something in the 1980s) and I FREAKED. And really, I still can't ever imagine wanting to do it. I would want soooooo many drugs, which I guess ain't really healthy.. ack... bugger it.. nope... *shivers*...
I went to a party last night and didn't drink (again!) .. being designated driver means I need to be responsible, but its also enlightened me to the state where I know I don't need to drink to have fun or be on a level with my mates.
No one does- I too don't understand why people drink so much just to feel like crap the next day. And rinse and repeat. I mean, I'm completely happy for my mates to do it don't get me wrong, and I might have 1 or 2 on the rare occasion, but anything else I really don't see the point of.
The psychological inhibitions thing? I think when you're drunk, you're more likely to for sure, talk and be sociable. But you're also more likely to present yourself as someone you are not, or do something you might regret. I think you get used to getting over those inhibitions better if you are used to not drinking, and just being yourself. It's really not that bad... (being yourself!)
ACK!!!! *follows Rozi's example and also repeats own mantra* ... I still remember the first time I saw a woman give birth (it was probably on A Country Practice or something in the 1980s) and I FREAKED. And really, I still can't ever imagine wanting to do it. I would want soooooo many drugs, which I guess ain't really healthy.. ack... bugger it.. nope... *shivers*...
I went to a party last night and didn't drink (again!) .. being designated driver means I need to be responsible, but its also enlightened me to the state where I know I don't need to drink to have fun or be on a level with my mates.
No one does- I too don't understand why people drink so much just to feel like crap the next day. And rinse and repeat. I mean, I'm completely happy for my mates to do it don't get me wrong, and I might have 1 or 2 on the rare occasion, but anything else I really don't see the point of.
The psychological inhibitions thing? I think when you're drunk, you're more likely to for sure, talk and be sociable. But you're also more likely to present yourself as someone you are not, or do something you might regret. I think you get used to getting over those inhibitions better if you are used to not drinking, and just being yourself. It's really not that bad... (being yourself!)
The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.- B.B.King
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
quote:Pele, the scales and measuring rulers are rigged to give falsely high weights and measurements. The clocks are rigged to go slowly. Your son was *does quick calculation* 8.3 inches long, weighed 6 pounds three ounces, and you were in labor for 34 minutes. We just rig everything like that so that mothers have something to brag about. ducks and runs for life
Originally posted by Pele:
7 pounds?????!!!!
That would have been lovely.
Try 8 pounds 12 1/2 onces and 21 1/2 inches long!
I had an easy labour too, it was over in less than 6 hours. I remember every second. I stared at the clock and swore to god that the second hand was rigged to move slower than it was supposed to.
quote:Noah would have loved it...
I think if ever there was a time in my life I would've drank to forget the pain, it was that particular 6 hours! LOL.
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,009 posts
Location: Bristol, UK
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,009 posts
Location: Bristol, UK
Posted:
Why drink? Because it can be really funny! I occasionally enjoy getting realyl quite ratted with friends, losing mental facualties and stumbling round a party or random city. Before anyone jumps on me here I'll point out that as someone with an alcohlic father and somebody who destroyed an amazing relationship partialy through drink I know the dangers of alcohol.
I only really get drunk if I'm in a good mood, otherwise alcohol is a depressant and it will easily make you feel a whole lot worse! I was almost completely dry for years - my university years. And I was down the student bar almost every night, for hours. I just didn't drink alcohol except very occasionally and everyone I knew was fine with that. I'd often be the one doing silly random things with the drunk guys, and my dancing was always just as bad as theirs.
So drink to relax and party if you want to and feel like it, but never drink just to drink or to just get drunk. There is a Russian proverb along the lines of 'A quiet drink is a bad drink.' Don't drink alone and if you're drinking make it a party!
As for the taste - I only drink the few drinks I enjoy, fail to see why it should be any other way. Nothing like a good Stoli vodka, or an aged rum.
Why drink? Because it can be really funny! I occasionally enjoy getting realyl quite ratted with friends, losing mental facualties and stumbling round a party or random city. Before anyone jumps on me here I'll point out that as someone with an alcohlic father and somebody who destroyed an amazing relationship partialy through drink I know the dangers of alcohol.
I only really get drunk if I'm in a good mood, otherwise alcohol is a depressant and it will easily make you feel a whole lot worse! I was almost completely dry for years - my university years. And I was down the student bar almost every night, for hours. I just didn't drink alcohol except very occasionally and everyone I knew was fine with that. I'd often be the one doing silly random things with the drunk guys, and my dancing was always just as bad as theirs.
So drink to relax and party if you want to and feel like it, but never drink just to drink or to just get drunk. There is a Russian proverb along the lines of 'A quiet drink is a bad drink.' Don't drink alone and if you're drinking make it a party!
As for the taste - I only drink the few drinks I enjoy, fail to see why it should be any other way. Nothing like a good Stoli vodka, or an aged rum.
member
184 posts
Location: London
184 posts
Location: London
Posted:
My extremely socially inhibited brother once asked me the best way to socialise and to his fury I told him he should get drunk. Perhaps not the most PC way of saying it, but there in a nutshell is the answer to why people get use alcohol.
I don't drink much, but I do find alcohol very disinhibiting - mainly because I know that no one could care less how stupid I act because they assume I'm drunk, and they're not going to remember my stupidity anyway, because they're drunk.
I remember watching a documentary on some monkeys in the carribean who love getting drunk - they steal alcoholic drinks and scavenge leftover alcohol. The thing I found most interesting was that studies of the monkeys showed that some monkeys were teetotal, others were moderate drinkers and others were pretty much alcoholics, just like in human populations. And even more interesting was that about the same percentage of monkeys fell into each category as do humans!
My extremely socially inhibited brother once asked me the best way to socialise and to his fury I told him he should get drunk. Perhaps not the most PC way of saying it, but there in a nutshell is the answer to why people get use alcohol.
I don't drink much, but I do find alcohol very disinhibiting - mainly because I know that no one could care less how stupid I act because they assume I'm drunk, and they're not going to remember my stupidity anyway, because they're drunk.
I remember watching a documentary on some monkeys in the carribean who love getting drunk - they steal alcoholic drinks and scavenge leftover alcohol. The thing I found most interesting was that studies of the monkeys showed that some monkeys were teetotal, others were moderate drinkers and others were pretty much alcoholics, just like in human populations. And even more interesting was that about the same percentage of monkeys fell into each category as do humans!
Pooh-Bah
2,419 posts
Location: la-la land
2,419 posts
Location: la-la land
Posted:
MMmmmmm Stoli... Dom - I found some *really* nice choccies with Stoli centers in Tescos the other day...
MMmmmmm Stoli... Dom - I found some *really* nice choccies with Stoli centers in Tescos the other day...
I honour you as an aspect of myself..
You are never to old to storm a bouncey castle..
member
99 posts
Location: Surrey
99 posts
Location: Surrey
Posted:
I agree with the fact that alcohol has no good intentions. I got kicked out of the pub at the weekend, after having consumed far to much wine and sambucca. Then i fell on my knee's which are now really sore and bruised . And to top it all off just outside my house i fell on my face on concrete and now have a split inflatted lip, inflatted cut nose and slashed chin . I look like a cross between Leslie Ash and Jade Goodie (you will only get this if your a Brit)!! Not pleasent.
I agree with the fact that alcohol has no good intentions. I got kicked out of the pub at the weekend, after having consumed far to much wine and sambucca. Then i fell on my knee's which are now really sore and bruised . And to top it all off just outside my house i fell on my face on concrete and now have a split inflatted lip, inflatted cut nose and slashed chin . I look like a cross between Leslie Ash and Jade Goodie (you will only get this if your a Brit)!! Not pleasent.
The bigger the pants the better!
GOLD Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
2,617 posts
Location: Berlin, Ireland
Carpal \'Tunnel
2,617 posts
Location: Berlin, Ireland
Posted:
I drink to make other people more interesting!!
I dunno I live in Ireland and everyone drinks too much, all the time. It's a rule. We are even given free beer at work every 4th friday (this excludesx special occassions) to increase moral (honestly it true)
I drink cause I enjoy it. People relax and don't care what people think anymore, just wanting to have good honest fun. I accept that there is a LOT of bad in drinking to but hey, I'm in a good mood today, so I'll leave it at that.
I drink to make other people more interesting!!
I dunno I live in Ireland and everyone drinks too much, all the time. It's a rule. We are even given free beer at work every 4th friday (this excludesx special occassions) to increase moral (honestly it true)
I drink cause I enjoy it. People relax and don't care what people think anymore, just wanting to have good honest fun. I accept that there is a LOT of bad in drinking to but hey, I'm in a good mood today, so I'll leave it at that.
I live in a world of infinite possibilities.
Dreamer
4,308 posts
Location: York, England
4,308 posts
Location: York, England
Posted:
Stoli.......
Ok, ok. I admit i don't really understand the drinking thing perfectly. I like the taste, but sometimes i drink for rather unrelated reasons. And sometimes i really do drink to pick my mood up. It's weird. I think some people just start using it indiscriminatly, you can do the same thing with anything, alcohol is just more visible and popular.... it's an escape, plain and simple.
Stoli.......
Ok, ok. I admit i don't really understand the drinking thing perfectly. I like the taste, but sometimes i drink for rather unrelated reasons. And sometimes i really do drink to pick my mood up. It's weird. I think some people just start using it indiscriminatly, you can do the same thing with anything, alcohol is just more visible and popular.... it's an escape, plain and simple.
Keep your dream alive
Dreamin is still how the strong survive
Shalom VeAhavah
New Hampshire has a point....
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
Ok, so if I have a choice between drunk and sober, I stay sober. I hate drunk. I feel sick, I feel antsy, I feel dizzy, and I feel impaired. I don't like drunk at all.
I like wine, but that's a flavor thing, not a drunk thing. Though I will admit that a glass of wine or two can be very relaxing, and I'm sure that's the alcohol. But "relaxed" and "drunk" are two different things.
This is not to say that I don't enjoy altered states of mind. It's just that drunk isn't one of the ones I like.
Ok, so if I have a choice between drunk and sober, I stay sober. I hate drunk. I feel sick, I feel antsy, I feel dizzy, and I feel impaired. I don't like drunk at all.
I like wine, but that's a flavor thing, not a drunk thing. Though I will admit that a glass of wine or two can be very relaxing, and I'm sure that's the alcohol. But "relaxed" and "drunk" are two different things.
This is not to say that I don't enjoy altered states of mind. It's just that drunk isn't one of the ones I like.
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
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