Need drinking advice (Adult Advice)

[king2005]

I've decided to learn how to drink. Not hardcore or anything like that, just a drink or 2. I just don't know where to start & how much is enough.

Tom thinks it would be best to drink beer (Keiths). So I'm going to pick up a 6 pack tonight. But how will I know if even 1 beer is too much? I'm not a very big person (5'2) & I've never had a drink in my life (I'll be 24 in Aug)..
My folks don't drink so I don't know how I'll react to it... Tom thinks it'll be best if I went to a bar for a drink (he said drinking alone starts a bad habbit & I agree). BUT I'm so darn shy I don't think I can go alone (I hope I can make it into the beer store). I don't know anyone in this city that I could go with. I know Tom wont go with me, I know I can drink with him at his place (I just want to learn how to drink before I go to his place as I'd rather not accidently get drunk off my rocker & be near him)...

another question.. How fast or slow are you suppose to drink? Slow like a tea (ok I'm not good at drinking tea slow, but I know the proper speed) or fast as in a can of pop (lasts maybe 10 mins)?

I'm a late bloomer in just about everything. Didn't even try to start to drive until I was 20yrs old (didn't feel like I was ready) & here I am almost 24 learning something else new (smoking & drugs will forever be off my list!)...

Thanks guys (feels stupid for even posting this)

[Karen]

Best not to go alone to a bar, as you don't know how alcohol will affect you. Drinking isn't a necessary socialability, so dunno why you'd like to start, but even if you are going to drink at home, invite a friend over, as if you get drunk, you won't be a good judge of your actions anyway.

If you can find a friend to go out with you, you can always make sure you have a snack before you go, so the alcohol won't hit you on an empty stomach, and alternate glasses of alcoholic stuff with nonalcoholic - bars always have gingerale, and I'd often order a ginger ale/orange juice combination if I didn't feel like getting harrassed about "not drinking," people just assume it's a screwdriver.

[carole]

Why even start, drinking is a waste of time IMO, you can live a happy life without it,if you must i would just drink a little , but then how many people can actually drink a little and not stop, believe me you are missing nothing, hangovers are not much fun, personally i now hate the taste of alcohol,so I am now a teetotaller,(and no i did not have a drinking problem) but if i had my life over again, i would never ever drink, one just does not need to.,but its your life and up to you,but remember you have no idea how alcohol will affect you, you could be one of the unlucky ones who cannot control your drinking, or then again you may have no problem, but why even take the risk.

My advice is DONT START. I don't mean to sound unkind, but I think to start now at 24 is plain foolish, if you have had no desire to drink before why now, ask yourself that? please.

I agree with the others, you seem to be turning to drinking at a time that is not a good one for you, please try and find another healthy alternative, you asked for advice, but reading your further post you dont really seem to be listening, however it is your life, so if you must, you must i guess, but i hope you change your mind on pursing a drinking habit.

I have been unlucky enough in my life to be in two relationships with alcoholic men, (yep i sure can pick em)so my experience is anything but good, and maybe i am being paranoid about it, but i am concerned for your welfare, please take care,you are only young with all your future ahead of you, I hope starting to drink does not become a huge mistake for you. HUGS.

[caseysmom]

This is just my opinion but considering all you have gone through lately I wouldn't think this would be a good time to start drinking. If you are curious just measure a half cup of beer and throw the rest out, alcohol has a way of creeping up on you.

You have been really strong through all this all on your own.

[king2005]

If you can find a friend to go out with you, you can always make sure you have a snack before you go, so the alcohol won't hit you on an empty stomach, and alternate glasses of alcoholic stuff with nonalcoholic - bars always have gingerale, and I'd often order a ginger ale/orange juice combination if I didn't feel like getting harrassed about "not drinking," people just assume it's a screwdriver.

Karen is there something besides Orange Juice? I cannot drink Orange or grape juices as I'm allergic (I can eat an orange & grapes, just not the juice, esp. the fake stuff).

I think I'll try 1 beer home alone tonight to see how I react to it. There are others in the house, so if I feel sick or have an allergic reaction, helps not too far away (& they have a car).

[Jessika]

Best for starters - do not drink more than 1 every hour. If you do only drink 1 an hour, you should be fine. Just don't over do it. If you start feeling a little lightheaded - stop.

Also, I HATE beer! It tastes SO gross. I prefer the "chick" drinks Like Smirnoff Ice, Bacardi Silver, my FAVORITE though is Smirnoff Twist Triple Black. But be careful with those, though. It doesn't taste like beer so you can easily drink a lot in one sitting, then stand up, and be like "WHOA".

I totally just sounded like a teenager with that last statement, but that's honestly how it goes.

If you think you're overdoing it, just stop.

Also -- beer before liquor gets you sicker. Liquor before beer and you're in the clear.

[Kfamr]

I'm just trying to understand WHY you want to start drinking, what's the point?


As others have said, with all of your recent down time, from whay you've told us this especially isn't the time to start drinking.

[critter crazy]

I havent had a drink in a long time and i cant say that i miss it at all!!!! Not saying that i drank alot, mostly just two or three with friends or family. But i stopped maybe over a year gao and i have felt so good about it! I wouldnt start. there is realy no real reason to. JMO!!

[lizbud]

I'm just trying to understand WHY you want to start drinking, what's the point?


As others have said, with all of your recent down time, from whay you've told us this especially isn't the time to start drinking.

Very good question. You might not even like the taste of beer. Why do
you want to anesthetize yourself to be in a bar? You can meet good guys
just joining a club certered around hobbies or something.

[beeniesmom]

I'm just trying to understand WHY you want to start drinking, what's the point?


As others have said, with all of your recent down time, from whay you've told us this especially isn't the time to start drinking.

I agree with Kfmr and also think that your question is a strange one.
Is this a request for help?
You really shouldn't drink if you are on meds, as others have said.
I don't drink regularly, but have an occasional beer. Maybe once every few weeks just because I like the taste and the coldness.

[*JTM*Coco*pi*Caramel*]

Hmmmmmmm if you haven't drank before, why start? I mean I do drink, I will be 21 in july, and I started drinking before I was legal to, (19 in Canada) so I really started when I was like honestly 14! Not proud of that! If I had never drank before like you, and brought drinking into my lifestyle/friends, I don't think I would really ever start. I don't really drink now except for a glass of wine at dinner or something and I don't go to the bar really either.

Drinking is a responsability and you have obviously thought it out and seem like a sensible person so if thats what you have your mind set on I guess then go for it. I wouldn't reccomend going to the bar first off, and I would drink with someone you trust. Your plan seems pretty good, except for the Keiths part I spent 2 years in Halifax going to university where Keiths beer was first brewed and it is not the best beer! Some ppl like it I guess but I think thats just cause they want to drink Keiths cause it's Keiths, not cause it taste good! You kinda have to have a tast for beer but try a light one maybe first. I wouldnt reccomend getting into the hard stuff though! Not now anyways! Hope that helps and good luck!

Edit: I didn't realize that you were having troubles in your life right now, so what I previously said would only apply if you are in a good emotional state and place in life. Because I drank so early, I learned the hard way, and I drank when I was depressed and when I was on medication and was irresponsible (then again I was too young). I don't want anyone to think I grew up in a bad family or anything because I didn't I had really strict parents I just rebelled and I live in a small town where drinking is the pass time. I regret starting and am so thankful I didnt become an alcoholic. Like I said I now only drink a glass of wine with supper occasionaly and thats it. Honestly, depression and drinking leads down a dirty road that you don't want to go down that caused me a lot of bad situations and messes (socially and physically). I really would not drink if I were you. I hope things are going ok with you and that you make whatever decision best suits your life right now

[catnapper]

Ok, just asking because I remember you saying you have anxiety -- are you taking any meds for it? Generally, anxiety drugs and alcohol should NOT be mixed.

Stop and think WHY you want to start drinking. It seems to me that you are in a low point. Hubby left you, your other support wants to go back to his hometown. You're alone and unsure of the future. All BAD reasons to start drinking. You could spiral into binge drinking and a drinking problem very quickly once you see that it tends to take the sting out of emotional pain. I can see how it might seem attreactive right now -- nobody wants to revel in the heartache you must be feeling. ((hugs)) to you, and know we are here to help you heal, alcohol is not.

I urge you to refrain from learning to drink at this time. Wait til your life is 100% back on an even keel before you try to drink.

[BOBS DAD]

Ok, just asking because I remember you saying you have anxiety -- are you taking any meds for it? Generally, anxiety drugs and alcohol should NOT be mixed.

Stop and think WHY you want to start drinking. It seems to me that you are in a low point. Hubby left you, your other support wants to go back to his hometown. You're alone and unsure of the future. All BAD reasons to start drinking. You could spiral into binge drinking and a drinking problem very quickly once you see that it tends to take the sting out of emotional pain. I can see how it might seem attreactive right now -- nobody wants to revel in the heartache you must be feeling. ((hugs)) to you, and know we are here to help you heal, alcohol is not.

I urge you to refrain from learning to drink at this time. Wait til your life is 100% back on an even keel before you try to drink.

I was going to respond but I have adealine to meet - this KRAZY work thing!!! But Catnapper seemed to have a similar slant on the subject as my own. YOU ARE DEF AT A LOW POINT IN LIFE - USUALLY NOT A GOOD TIME "TO START" DRINKING. I will add comments later - for what they are worth!

[Cataholic]

King, didn't you JUST say this a week or so ago????

Guns & Pit Bulls are a part of life & are not bad (like drugs, smoking & booze, bad no matter what you do).

I would really re-think your current ideas....they don't seem to be consistent with last weeks. AND, while I didn't go back and search every post, I **think** you are the person that repeatedly posts things about a sister that had issues, and how you would NEVER drink??? I might be confused, and if so, I apologize, but, your current actions seem to be in conflict with your past actions. I know you are resistant to professional help (as you have posted that), and that you thought Rob could see you through any issue...but, things seem to be a little unsettled in your life right now, and I just can't see how alcohol will benefit you.

[Sevaede]

Don't drink shots; they will sneak up on you too fast.

You have no idea how much I second that.

I once drank seven shots of vodka in ten minutes. Now, mind you, I am about 100 pounds and 4 feet 9 inches. I cannot even begin to tell you how miserable I was that night and the next day.

Now, I would have to agree with Jessika. I think alcohol is fine in moderation. Just don't let it get the best of you, 'kay?