Do you need alcohol that much?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I completely agree, OP. The level of denial/defense in this thread is astounding and simply confirms my suspicion that there are so many alcoholics among us. If you don't drink, stay away from the crap - we all know that life is so much better/healthier when we are sober.

Wrong.
http://www.psmag.com/health-and-behavior/truth-wont-admit-drinking-healthy-87891

In trouble, we are.
~Yoda

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just wondering, OP - are you by any chance the child of an alcoholic? I can personally live without alcohol, although I do enjoy a drink once in a while. Where does your extreme viewpoint come from?

Op's position is only extreme if you can't imagine life without your alcohol crutch.

If you think that "a drink once in a while" is an "alcohol crutch" you have much bigger issues than the person having "a drink once in a while."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

It says a lot about our cultural relationship with alcohol when not drinking is more notable or offensive to people than is getting drunk and texting people inappropriate messages, bursting into tears, or driving. I have done all of these things and the only thing that garners specific attention is when I don't drink.

Only about 52% of Americans drink alcohol at least once per month. There are a lot of people who don't drink alcohol. Maybe you should branch out in your acquaintances -- and I mean that sincerely.

http://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-DetTabs2014/NSDUH-DetTabs2014.htm#lotsect2pe

I'd love to meet them. (OP of comment you responded to.) I hang out with people of different racial, ethnic, geographical and educational backgrounds, and I'm sure 100% of them drink at least once a month.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

It says a lot about our cultural relationship with alcohol when not drinking is more notable or offensive to people than is getting drunk and texting people inappropriate messages, bursting into tears, or driving. I have done all of these things and the only thing that garners specific attention is when I don't drink.

Only about 52% of Americans drink alcohol at least once per month. There are a lot of people who don't drink alcohol. Maybe you should branch out in your acquaintances -- and I mean that sincerely.

http://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-DetTabs2014/NSDUH-DetTabs2014.htm#lotsect2pe

I'd love to meet them. (OP of comment you responded to.) I hang out with people of different racial, ethnic, geographical and educational backgrounds, and I'm sure 100% of them drink at least once a month.

Once a month is an issue? How? I'm really curious how a glass of wine is such a big deal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:the cdc has shown that alcohol-related deaths due to over-consumption (so not drunk driving) has gone up over the last 15 years.

The drinking culture, especially in large urban areas, is out of control IMO.

Yep. And we all have to pay for it.

Please let a non-drinker do the driving.

[Anonymous]

Hey OP, I don't do either often, but I like to get drunk AND I like to get high!

Life is meant to be enjoyed. I'm not hurting anybody.

Sorry you think I'm a bad person but I have tons of friends who don't.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hey OP, I don't do either often, but I like to get drunk AND I like to get high!

Life is meant to be enjoyed. I'm not hurting anybody.

Sorry you think I'm a bad person but I have tons of friends who don't.

New PP. You're hurting your liver, your brain, your heart and probably your life expectancy. Definitely your memory and possibly your hearing.

[Anonymous]

I guess I've been in this world long enough to know that there is a certain amount of drinking that everyone can do w/o destroying their health or their lives.

In fact, if you have balance in your life you will find that there is a time and place for everything....including Margaritas. Cheers!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hey OP, I don't do either often, but I like to get drunk AND I like to get high!

Life is meant to be enjoyed. I'm not hurting anybody.

Sorry you think I'm a bad person but I have tons of friends who don't.

New PP. You're hurting your liver, your brain, your heart and probably your life expectancy. Definitely your memory and possibly your hearing.

Laughing and being silly with friends and loved ones is healthy. It's been shown that individuals with strong, long-lasting relationships live longer.

Everything in moderation.

[Anonymous]

My friends who don't drink fit into 3 categories: 1)?devout Muslims, 2) people with health reasons, including a personal or family history of alcoholism, and 3) the perpetually pregnant and breast feeding.

All three make more sense to me than folks who decide alcohol is THE DEVIL and no one can handle it responsibly.

[Anonymous]

Jesus turned water into wine at his first miracle, a wedding in Cana of Galilee. It was a celebration, and He recognized the importance of good wine as part of the festivities. If wine were as evil as OP suggests, would He have done that? Would He have chosen orange juice or milk? Moderation in all things. Many people can drink without drinking to the point of drunkenness. I'm totally against drinking and driving, but I don't see the harm in enjoying an occasional adult beverage if I'm not driving.

[Anonymous]

Alcohol is a liquid drug that alters the brain just like any other drug. Having a glass of wine is the same as having a Valium.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Jesus turned water into wine at his first miracle, a wedding in Cana of Galilee. It was a celebration, and He recognized the importance of good wine as part of the festivities. If wine were as evil as OP suggests, would He have done that? Would He have chosen orange juice or milk? Moderation in all things. Many people can drink without drinking to the point of drunkenness. I'm totally against drinking and driving, but I don't see the harm in enjoying an occasional adult beverage if I'm not driving.

People drank wine as water was often not safe to drink...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just wondering, OP - are you by any chance the child of an alcoholic? I can personally live without alcohol, although I do enjoy a drink once in a while. Where does your extreme viewpoint come from?

Op's position is only extreme if you can't imagine life without your alcohol crutch.

+1 The psychological, if not physical, dependence on alcohol in this area is astounding--and alcohol related deaths from all causes is on a pronounced upswing nationwide.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a nondrinker, I can not understand people's need to consume alcohol. Eliminate alcohol consumption and you eliminate many social evils and disease. What is this addiction in our society that makes it impossible for people to give up alcohol? Is it at all possible to have a great party without alcohol. If you need alcohol to enjoy life, maybe something is wrong.

Thoughts?

What do you do for fun with your friends on weekend evenings? Just curious.

OP here.
1. Go see a movie
2. Eat out at restaurants
3. Have dinner parties
4. Do potlucks
5. Go away for weekend trips
6. Go for a walk on a woodsy trail
7. Go hiking
8. Go kayaking
9. Go fishing
10. Go to a park / picnic with another family with kids
11. Go on a long bike ride
12. Attend book club meeting
13. Church events
14. Fundraising dinners

Too many things to list...

The bolded are always better with alcohol. Seems like OP in this thread had some serious FOMO (fear of missing out) and sought solidarity.