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Drinking for pleasure or just to get drunk?

Posted , 9 users are following.

colin30375
colin30375

Who doesn't like the taste of beer? I didn't so I started on all kinds or liquor; I couldn't have a beer without a short when I had the preference and finances. The poorer I got, the cheaper the drink........ then all kinds of obnoxious substances. 

Who wants to drink just to be social and who really likes the stuff?

How many friends do you know who just don't drink? Some of my friends never saw the point of indulging. Happy cheerful people who didn't want to or need to.  

 

0 likes, 50 replies

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  • h1954
    h1954 colin30375

    Posted

    I really like red wine, that's what I drink (with the ocassinal gin and tonic or cocktail when on holiday).  There isn't a soft drink that comes anywhere near to the taste of it or the satisfaction of it with a meal.  Trouble is - I drink too much of it.  I enjoy it with a meal but then carry on drinking when the meal is over.
    • BK522
      BK522 h1954

      Posted

      I'm with you h1954, no soft drink comes close and I enjoy the taste. Red wine is my crutch. I love how it goes down, love the feeling, love how it accompanies meals - unfortunately a little too much, and again I carry on. Guinness is the only other drink I drink whilst out. Love the taste.
    • Misssy2
      Misssy2 h1954

      Posted

      Oh my...wine gave me such a blasted headache everytime! BUT, I used to drink it when it was the only thing I could get my hands on...so I guess I chase the BUZZ
  • Robin2015
    Robin2015 colin30375

    Posted

    Very interesting Colin. I do know people who are social and drink very little!! I was drinking anything and a LOT!! Had to stop since nearly destryoed my family but now 3 1/2 yrs no drinking...keep trying on the right path!! worth it!! Robin
    • Misssy2
      Misssy2 Robin2015

      Posted

      Congrats on 3.5 years....anything and alot? LOL.

      ​I HATE whiskey too....I used to drink my Dads...and always puked after.

    • colin30375
      colin30375 Robin2015

      Posted

      Well done Robin, sounds like you're on the right path - keep it up.

      I  have a (best) friend who likes his drink, he sometimes feels a bit rough in the mornings but gets on with things as usual - he must have the constitution of an ox. He sticks to wine and beer -

      I used to wish I was like him; he spends a lot of time with our friends and drinking usually plays a part........ I don't see him or other friends now as I've lived away from U.K. for years; I miss my friends but I don't miss the drink.

      When I gained sobriety, I did feel a bit left out but that changed over time when they started to feel more comfortable with me not drinking. At first, they thought I could return to my drinking ways; then they realised that I couldn' t. My problem was never mentioned again. In those days, I'd go out full of drink but I was told many times (when the truth came out) that they'd never have guessed.   

      Funny old boys tales; I had a friend who was embaressed when ordering a beer for himself and a coke for me at the bar.

      Anyway, all in the past.

      Keep it up; funny how we like different drinks; Misssy didn't like whisky but I couldn't get enough of the damned stuff. 

      I'm very happy to have gained sobriety; a long and tough road but worth it.

       

  • Misssy2
    Misssy2 colin30375

    Posted

    I used to LOVE the taste of beer....since I was a little kid.  My Dad owned a resturaunt,...I would sip my Nanas beer or sip out of the keg on the counter at the bar....just for TASTE. 

    ​When I got older...I noticed the buzz (didn't notice it when I was little about 8 years old).  At 13...I started stealing beers from the fridge of our landlord..he had a fridge packed with beer.  Then I loved the buzz.

    ​This last 2 years...I hated the taste beer...I would gag at the thought of it.  So I switched to vodka...really didn't have a taste but a "sting".  I hated that too...but could tolerate it for the buzz.  I would chase it with water.

    ​Now I like blueberry or grape juice!  Thank God.  Miss the BUZZ....Miss it almost every hour.

  • lorna01155
    lorna01155 colin30375

    Posted

    I had been doing so well but slipped up at the weekend. I kidded myself it was just once but have drunk twice since. I'm do desperate right now ..Had 2 glasses already tonight. I know I can't be physically addicted already again so what the he'll is the matter with me? Not an answer I know sad x
    • Sober_As
      Sober_As lorna01155

      Posted

      Hello Lorna.  I know how you feel.  I was sticking to the Selincro tablet ,for 2 weeks.  Now, blown it.  Drank without taking it, two days. Trying for the lost "effect", I think.  We know we must try again.  I had a bottle of wine today, at least it wasn't two bottles!  I hate being like this.  I hate the battle against it.  I hate being the loser. I will go back to the tablets tomorrow.  Do you have medication to help you?

      Good Luck tomorrow,

      Alonangel

    • RHGB
      RHGB lorna01155

      Posted

      All the alcohol rehabs say, don't test yourself (i.e. trying to have the odd drink and stop) because you will most likely fail.

      It is too soon since your detox, your body hasn't been alcohol free for long enough to be clear of it.

    • colin30375
      colin30375 lorna01155

      Posted

      Hi lorna,

      My view is that once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic so if you say you are - you are; it's always there waiting to pounce. If I did it, I would just carry on - I wouldn't be able to stop. No good trying to convince myself that I'm okay now, I can handle it. It just won't work.

      Did you think you were safe enough to have just a couple?

      I wouldn't experiment; I hope you can put it down and learn from the experience.

      You posted 19 hours ago; what has happened since?

      I learned today that a friend of mine was smashed up in a hit and run - she's now in intensive care; i don't know if she'd been drinking or the other driver (maybe both). She was on a moto and was hit by a large car. I don't know who, if either, was drunk but she does like a drink; knowing her, she'd probably had a couple of large vodkas. The well off car drivers here don't give a damn.

      We don't want to go there do we? Easy done! just one drink can lead to a disaster.

      i hope your anxieties have abated. Take care.  

       

       

    • Robin2015
      Robin2015 lorna01155

      Posted

      HI Lorna. Just curious how long you had managed to stay off drinking when you slipped up last weekend?? just trying to compare...careful and do try to stay off drinking if possible.....keep trying and we are behind you!! Robin
    • Paper_fairy
      Paper_fairy Robin2015

      Posted

      Hi lorna. My reply isn't to Robin but to you. Support is here for you. Don't feel ashamed if you have fallen. We all have and we want to get you back to where you were. Please keep in touch xx
    • Robin2015
      Robin2015 Paper_fairy

      Posted

      agree with all you. It is easy to slip or fall but can sometimes pick yourself up....all thebest Robin
    • lorna01155
      lorna01155 Paper_fairy

      Posted

      Thanks all. It had been 5 weeks just over. The up side is I know I'm not physically addicted as I've been ok since. Downside is I'm not sure I can be a person who never drinks if that makes sense? I get very depressed and feel fed up even though I'm physically so much better. I just enjoy it. Stupid I know. I also know that I NEVER want to go back to where I was again. Is it possible to be really strict with yourself and drink normally? X
    • RHGB
      RHGB lorna01155

      Posted

      In answer to your last question, yes, but it is very, very, hard to do. If you've used alcohol to give you a buzz, beat boredem, beat stress, deal with problems by blotting them out, there is always a good chance, that next time one of those hits you, you will resort to the time honoured fix, that short term, you will know works and makes you feel good.

      The alternative, is scary to most people, it makes them want to run a mile. Something they cannot bear, the thought of going through the rest of their life not having a drink. I don't have the answer, nor am I attempting to preach any solutions to anyone. I don't believe there is some simple solution, nor do I put much credence in psuedo cults, that have a one size fits all, my way or the highway approach.

      Each of us are individuals and we must find a system that works for us.

    • colin30375
      colin30375 lorna01155

      Posted

      Hi lorna, 

      I think it's a case of of not rattling your brain about whether you can drink again 'normally'. What you say does make sense but you have to decide if you're going for total abstinence or use modern methods to help you to drink 'normally' - whatever that means.

      For me,'normal' means people who drink with no problems, medication or programs at all.

      i've read on these posts about lots of different medications that seem to be popular to help with controlled drinking that can lead to total abstinence if you want to deal with it that way.

      i think that without some sort of program, medication etc. it will be nigh on impossible to be strict with yourself and drink normally. some can but not many in my experience.

      I guess it depends on many factors; i.e. How bad were you? How long did you have a problem? How strong is your willpower where alcohol is concerned? The list goes on........

      Good luck whatever you decideo to do.    

       

    • Misssy2
      Misssy2 RHGB

      Posted

      Even after being "clear" for 8 years...I had the same experience lorna had...I had a couple...and bam!!!...right back to drinking heavily in a very short time.

       

    • RHGB
      RHGB Misssy2

      Posted

      Yes, I did say it was difficult, nigh on impossible for most people. sad

      It takes a very strong will power to moderate it. Some people do achieve it, but many more don't.

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