Need drinking advice (Adult Advice)

[PinkSunshine]

There are pros and cons to drinking - or to anything else in life!

Growing up around alcoholics my entire life, I'm honestly curious to see what the 'pros' to drinking would be.... Anyone care to elaborate?

[carole]

I can certainly understand why you would see no pros in drinking from your life experiences, however I grew up where alcohol was minimal, however i do remember my dad always having a few beers especially during hay season after a hot day baling the hay and having a sip now and then myself, I cannot say there are actual pros, as such, but if drinking is done responsibly there is no harm.,some people actually enjoy a drink or two and they say having red wine is good for the heart., I Guess that would be considered a Pro wouldn't it?

[Oggyflute]

Growing up around alcoholics my entire life, I'm honestly curious to see what the 'pros' to drinking would be.... Anyone care to elaborate?

Well to be totally honest, the only 'pro' for me as such, is that I am somewhat of a wine buff. I do have an extensive colection. When I was in the industry I used to have to evaluate vintages for our business. This involved tasting up to a dozen wines and grading them accordingly. That is not to say I had twelve glasses one after the other, just a sip and a swirl, and a check on the colour etc., then a spit into a bucket. Truly good wine is an aquired taste and it does involve training your palate to detect the various highlights or faults. I confess to say I find this a lot of fun. Nowadays being out of the corporate world and in an entirely different business, I still do the samething, but then find I consume the bottle with friends over a good cooked meal, being entertained in stimulating conversation. Of course you can do the above without drinking wine at all, as many of my friends do.
On this drinking matter, Carole and I have been together for almost nine years, and in that time she has seen me drunk twice. I could be tempted to say that it wasn't my fault. But it always is. I'm secure in the knowledge that I always know when to stop and call for coffee. (It's the biggest hint I know, to get your guests on the way out the door)

[K9soul]

In moderation there are pros believe it or not. There are horrible cons in excess of course too. For anyone interested, here are some pros and cons from the Mayo Clinic site.

Pros

Moderate alcohol consumption may provide some health benefits. It can:

* Reduce your risk of developing heart disease, peripheral vascular disease and intermittent claudication
* Reduce your risk of dying of a heart attack
* Reduce your risk of strokes, particularly ischemic strokes
* Lower your risk of gallstones
* Possibly reduce your risk of diabetes

Cons

Excess alcohol consumption can lead to serious health problems, such as:

* Cancer, such as gastrointestinal, oral, pharynx, larynx, esophageal and liver cancers, as well as breast cancer in women
* Chronic pancreatitis, especially in people with high levels of triglycerides in their blood
* Elevated levels of triglycerides in the blood
* High blood pressure
* Miscarriage
* Injuries due to impaired motor skills
* Sudden death in people with cardiovascular disease
* Heart failure
* Stroke
* Alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver
* Fetal alcohol syndrome in an unborn child, including slow growth and nervous system problems
* Suicide


I personally enjoy a glass of wine (Chardonnay is my favorite) or a bit of brandy from time to time. Sometimes when eating out at a Mexican place I have a margarita . I also enjoy Amaretto/coke as a treat. I have no alcoholism in my family. I don't think I'd say MOST people don't know when to quit but I would say definitely there are plenty who don't. There are plenty who do though too .

Edit: This article goes even more indepth about the benefits of moderate drinking and the risks of heavy drinking http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritio...e/alcohol.html

[Kfamr]

Growing up around alcoholics my entire life, I'm honestly curious to see what the 'pros' to drinking would be.... Anyone care to elaborate?

Coming from someone who has also grown up with alcoholics their entire life, I can see the pros for SOME people in drinking. I guess over the years I have opened my mind quiet a bit more than it used to be about drinking. A couple years ago I wouldn't have cared if some people enjoyed drinking, I thought it was repulsive and digusting. However, it's only repulsive and disgusting if people choose to abuse it.

Which what I meant as in pros is that there are enjoyable drinks and people who can enjoy them responsibly.


If someone wants to have a drink or two every now and then because that's what makes them happy, Great!


*edit* Thanks for that list, Jessica! Very informative.

[Catty1]

Even in the AA book, it is clear that there are 'normal' drinkers who enjoy alcohol, even go on a bender once in a while.

Just because someone drinks alcohol does not mean they are alcoholic.

Like with any disease, it's good to look at the family history. I have a friend in AA who hoped that the disease would "skip a generation". NOPE!

Nothing wrong with drinking - and definitely nothing wrong with NOT drinking. Some people never have tried it and are just not interested. Like me and smoking.

Just some two cents from me.

Catty1

[carole]

I think Jess has probably already made her decisions to try a drink and do it sensibly, I hope everyone who posted here helped you Jess and it was not to your detriment, hope all goes well, cheers.