Need drinking advice (Adult Advice)

[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.

[Rio&Nickysmommy]

I read most of the post but felt this was such an important topic.
I started drinking at a young age of 15. My parents were divorced so I had a lot of times with my friends. I admitt to myself know that I was and I guess still am an alcoholic- I havent drank in over 9 years. My Dad has been an alcholic for most of his life he is sober for about 4 years now.

Most important is that you drink responsibly. Sounds like you are a responsible person, so that is great. Many people can handle a cocktail or drink or two.

I think the problem with drinking when you have problems is that in numbs you. So it might not be the time to try it. I hate bars. I think its wierd to see the most beautiful girl walk in a bar and a few hours later- they look horrible. I know from my drinking I woke up and sobered up and I was married to a man I could not stand. Once I stopped drinking it took me years to get my self confidence back because the alcohol always made me strong and confident. I dont think I ever intended to get so heavy into drinking at the time but was what my friends where doing. Then one day woke up could not stand having hangover and stuff and quit. So if you drink think of me and never go the way I did. A old high school friend contacted me a few months ago wanted to go out and drink and said they wanted me to drink them under the table. I told them times have changed. Hence I think that label will stick with me forever. Believe me at 40+ not proud I was drunk almost half my life.

Not trying to scare you sounds like you knew all this already. What ever you do make sure you feel good about you and take care of you.
Rio&Nickysmommy

[slleipnir]

I am so sick of this bullcrap. Donna, go back and read what people have written, they have shared THEIR personal experiences with alcohol. Some people have added their input about the effects it has had on their lives. Why in heck's name am I forbidden from doing the same? I will tell you why- because I have a DIFFERENT opinion than YOU, and, than CAROLE, on alcohol. Sorry, but, that doesn't make MY post any different.

I only browsed this thread, but I feel I want to respond to this. I'm sorry Jess, this has nothing to do with the original post. However, I feel that in this forum, whatever the majority feels, must be right. Therefore no one elses opinions matter or are correct. I don't see why everyone can't post their opinions, even if it goes against what the majority feels. I can see where Johanna is coming from. I like to drink too, and see nothing wrong with it. I've never been drunk, but I know my limits. I think if Jess wants to drink, she can go for it, if that's what she wants. From what i've read, Jess is smart enough to know how much she can handle.

About the counselling. I'm not one to say you need it or don't. However, they aren't always a bad thing. I had it in my mind that they were evil, and would never see one. I was struggling with depression and was seriously thinking of killing myself. My dad pretty much forced me to go. It wasn't what I expected. The lady was very nice, and she listened to everything I had to talk about and sometimes gave me suggestions as to how I could feel better. I think even just having someone to talk to made me feel better. Anyway Jess. I'm not saying you need to see one, I have no idea. All I'm saying is they're not ALL bad. I understand how they can be bad though. Anyway, you can always PM me if you need to talk.

Anyway, just wanted to post that.

(edit)
Sorry Jess, I hope that didn't sound like I was saying you are depressed...cause that's not what I ment. I'm just saying my experience with counsellors.

[Lori Jordan]

I missed this post,There is nothing wrong to have a couple drinks once in awhile but not on a everyday thing,I grew up with a mother who was a alcholic and its not a nice thing to see everyday,I myself do not drink alchol can just as easily be a drug to someone im so scared by seeing what my mother went through i dont have any intrest in the stuff..I hope you accomplish whatever it is...Just be careful!!

[king2005]

I am thankful of everyones posts, I got the info I needed & tonight will be my first.

I NEED to make sure I know my limit this weekend, so I don't accidently get drunk at the Private Singles Party on the 13th & do something really stupid infront of 400+ people I already know water is involved so I'll be wearing a dark green T-shirt & jean shorts with a belt.

I want to have a blast, but not at my expence. I know many of the people will be swingers (creepy), & thats why I'm dressing WAY down! I know how to have safe fun & I really miss partying & hanging out in large groups (thats how I'm solving my shy problem).. I've missed so much over the past 7yrs & cannot wait to have fun & make friends again! as I lost all my old ones to Rob


If I find my limit this weekend I'll drink 1/2 that amount on the 13th.. if I don't find my limit, then I'll just drink pop on the 13th & figure out my limit in a safer place later on, as I'm in no hurry to drink.. I just want to do it safe & smart.


I'm so excited about the 13th!! If it goes well, I plan to go out more & hopefull I'll be far less shy & more out going again. Then I can save up some $$ & fly to PT meetings on my own or rent a car (if I can get my G beore it expires)...

[slleipnir]

I find I start to feel dizzy when I have a few drinks...that's when I stop. I don't feel drunk, but I wouldn't want to be driving or anything of that sort. It's not enough for me to do stupid things either.

[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?

[slleipnir]

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.

I think that would get most people o_O

[binka_nugget]

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?

Yikes! The first time I drank, I had no idea what my limit was and ended up drinking a mickey and a half of vodka. That alone would make most people sick. I've learned that I have to call it quits after one "sex on the beach" (even one is pushing it).. you can't even begin to imagine how sick I was after that.

Jess, if you do decide to drink, I recommend staying away from the hard stuff until you've got an idea of what your limit is. I don't see anything wrong with drinking so long as it's done responsibly.. but it's very easy to cross the line between responsible and down right stupid.

[Sevaede]

I think that would get most people o_O

Later on, that's what Troy said as well. Heh. That was something like seven months ago. I have not taken a drink since (of vodka or otherwise). Mostly out of the fear of ralphing and whatnot.

[Sevaede]

Yikes! The first time I drank, I had no idea what my limit was and ended up drinking a mickey and a half of vodka. That alone would make most people sick. I've learned that I have to call it quits after one "sex on the beach" (even one is pushing it).. you can't even begin to imagine how sick I was after that.

Jess, if you do decide to drink, I recommend staying away from the hard stuff until you've got an idea of what your limit is. I don't see anything wrong with drinking so long as it's done responsibly.. but it's very easy to cross the line between responsible and down right stupid.

Aw man! I wouldn't have felt so retarded if it had actually been my first time drinking but, alas, I had my fair share prior.

So, yes. Stay away from things like vodka and tequila until you know how you react to drinks with minimal alcohol in them. Smirnoff (I've never gotten even a buzz off of them, but, then again, I have trouble drinking actual drinks fast enough for a reaction.) are good! Space them out and you should be dandy. By the way, their Green Apple drink is so. freakin. awesome.