Just wondering - do you think that on the whole drinking alcohol is a good, or a bad thing?

It makes for a convivial evening, but it does have its down side.

For instance, in the last five years I have injured a toe and a knee, both times after a skinful.

And another thing - how many of us have at one time or another ended up in bed with someone after a few drinks, and it turned out later to have been a bad move?

Didn't I just hear on the news the other day that they have found that alcohol effects on your body are just as bad as cigarettes?

As most of you know on the board, I don't drink, I used to though. And I have found that I can enjoy a meal, evening or whatever and enjoy myself just as much. To be truthful, as I don't drink, I find it boring being in the company of those that have had quite a bit to drink. I'm not being self-righteous here, like I said, I used to drink also. It just doesn't do it for me.

What I don't understand is the fact that alcohol is a drug, can be very dangerous, people die from alcohol related illnesses every year, people are killed in alcohol related accidents, families are broken up from alcohol fuelled problems. What's good about it? It's fine if you are one of those people who can use it in moderation, but not everyone can, so why is it so readily available?

This is interesting and I was only thinking about the whole drinking thing the other day to myself. My thoughts are as follows, I like a nice drink of wine, and I know when to stop, but I am 42 years old.

It has taken 20+ years for me to go through all the horrors of hangovers and being sick, and all the embarrassing things to deal with 'the morning after' - but now that I have reached a plateau, learned my limit and know my own capacity, I love a glass or two of wine, or a bottle of bud.

Now that the Gov. and health experts are telling us that a glass of red wine a day is in fact, good for you - then I am happy to oblige my body with an obligatory glass of red [sometimes white].

But I do think that the majority of people have to go through the stage of 'learning and experience' to come out the other end with an understanding of their body and their bodies reaction to drink. Some people realise at the end of this road that alcohol is no good for them and stop drinking. Some don't ever reach the end of the road and continue to treat alcohol wantonly. And there will be many inbetween on the spectrum of teetotal to alcoholics.

My drink related injuries and escapades read like War and Peace - without the Peace - so I do know what you mean sf - but surely you have reached that age by now??:unsure:

Once again wise words from Ms Flip! :smartie:

I think if it were invented now, it would be an illegal drug. Alcohol is however a socially acceptable thing (even though the effects are frequently anti- social).

Effects Of Alcohol On Your Body

Alcohol is a drug. It affects the way you feel and it affects all parts of your body. Alcohol is a "downer," It directly affects the brain cells. Unclear thinking, staggering and slurred speech may result. Large amounts of alcohol may cause unconsciousness or death. Alcohol can increase the workload of the heart. Irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure can result. Alcohol can poison the liver. Prolonged use causes extensive damage and failure. Alcohol irritates the digestive system. Vomiting and ulcers may result. Alcohol can stop the kidneys from maintaining a proper balance of body fluids and minerals. Alcohol reduces your body's ability to produce blood cells resulting in anemia and/or infections. Alcohol can cause muscle weakness, including the heart muscle.

Car crashes, suicides, homicides and drowning am all associated with alcohol use and make it the number one drug problem for young people. In fact, the most likely cause of death for a 16-year old is alcohol-related.


After reading that, to me it is very obvious that Alcohol is pretty dangerous stuff, especially if you intend to drive.

I used to drink quite a lot on weekends in my teens, I loved it and found myself getting addicted to alcohol which possible led to many other narcotics.

My grandmother is an alcoholic, nobody really knows except family, she looks and acts completely normal during the day. Every evening she gets completely wasted all on her own, ending up in tears reflecting on the past as well as my grandfather who passed away etc. I think she may have recently stopped drinking, but I have seen a lot of damage it has done to the family, including me. Its kind of a catch 22 situation for some, drowning their sorrows seems the easiest option although it doesn't help matters and I think in cases like this, alcahol dependancy can cause depression.

When I fell pregnant, I stopped drinking and since, I have had my spurges. Occasionally I will go through a stage when I drink one or two glasses of wine every night, but then I find I am more likely to get really drunk on a Friday evening when theres no work the next day. I usually have little regrets about things I've said. The last time I got drunk was at my hubbys Christmas work party and I regretted it, I said waaaaaaay too much and felt like :pooh: the next day. I also usually smoke when I've been drinking and I've been a non-smoker for a while now. I always regret it!!

My little conclusion: Drinking can be ok for some who find that having one or two is nice or helps them relax. It can also be a huge downfall for others and create family/ marriage problems as well as be deadly in some instances.

In the very first settlements where man started to grow crops the remains of mead (beer) making materials where found

Until these settlements man had been nomadic finding food where ever he could

So you could say that once he found the pub there was need to wander to far from it and so was found the bases of all civilisation
http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/28/28_3_6v.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxdm22755GB)


Even Jesus made and drank wine

And another thing - how many of us have at one time or another ended up in bed with someone after a few drinks, and it turned out later to have been a bad move?

:sad:...tell me about it! 20 years on and he still won't go home...:laugh:

I havent been pssssssed up for MONTHS!!!!!! Last August was the last time I went out on the lash and got trollied.......I still have a few at home, but I dont get in the states I used to........


As for injuries - hmmmmmmm 3 years ago last September - one of the lads at works 40th, I started on the double vodka and redbull at about 5.30pm (showing off as usual), I ended up leaving the party to go clubbing, next thing I remember, was being in heap in an ally and I couldnt put my shoes on - worryingly, they were flip flops, with my mate The Duchess trying all she could to get me in a cab.....

She DID get me home, for me to get a call of one of my Directors demanding that I went to his house for a party....which of course I did - would have been SO rude not too - at one point I was lying on his kitchen floor, with him and the purchasing manager, putting stuff up my nose that I shouldnt have and drinking shots of tequilla...........

I got home as the sun rose and the milkman delivered - and I looked like I had been in a car crash - my legs, arms and chest were COVERED in bruises from where I had fallen over so many times.....and I vowed then I would NEVER get in that state again - and so far I havent.........

HOWEVER, I will be going up to Leamington the weekend of the meet - its one of the birds birthdays so it will be a bit of a mad one - so far there are about 38 of us meeting up.........so I may have a tale to tell.....

And another thing - how many of us have at one time or another ended up in bed with someone after a few drinks, and it turned out later to have been a bad move?
THE most worrying bit is when you wake up and dont know WHO you are in bed with.......then you squeeze your eye open...just a teeny weeny slit, then breath a HUUUUUGE sigh of relief cos you are actually in bed with the b/f of the moment........ good old Diamond White hey!!!!!!!

I drink very rarely, and even then I only have one or two glasses of wine with a meal and that's it.

I used to drink much more when I was younger, but now I have no interest at all.

I did get really trollied on my birthday last year, which was a dreadful mistake I will not repeat.... :sick:

This is interesting and I was only thinking about the whole drinking thing the other day to myself. My thoughts are as follows, I like a nice drink of wine, and I know when to stop, but I am 42 years old.


I don't know when to stop.... but then I'm only 41 - another two and a half months to go before I know my limit!

I drink far too much on some occasions and feel absolutely dreadful the next day. Not hungover, but I just have a dreadful sense of guilt and shame that is overwhelming and completely depresses me for days ... but then again alcohol is an anti-depressant and that just goes to prove it's properties!

I have to say that I am much funnier and have a much better time when I am either sober or just had a few - so I often wonder why I feel the need to drink until I'm drunk and incapable of remembering what I did. I don't lack confidence either so I really don't know why I drink too much sometimes ... I suppose I must enjoy it .... at the time!

Cheers! :drinking: :beer: :wine:

I stopped drinking alcohol 15 years ago (when pregnant with Sam) and have just never started again. Alcohol never really suited me and, like Dol, I'd feel paranoid and guilty, as well as hungover the next day, this would happen whether I'd drunk one glass of wine or several.

I don't miss it at all and I'm happy to drive when we go out so that others can have a glass or two, the most tedious thing about it is the lack of non-alcoholic drinks available when we go out, I get sick of diet coke!

I get sick of diet coke!

agree with this, the times I have been out and not drunk alcohol and drunk diet coke- and the caffeine in it keeps me awake at night.

One problem with not drinking is when people continually ask what's wrong with you!

I get sick of diet coke!

I drink J2O now (is that what's it's called)if I'm not drinking alcohol. My kids got me on to it and it is lovely!

It's not so good for the figure as diet coke though!

I drink J2O now (is that what's it's called)if I'm not drinking alcohol. My kids got me on to it and it is lovely!

It's not so good for the figure as diet coke though!


I was just about to say that... I discovered J20 when I was pregnant and got addicted to the stuff.

I drink J2O now (is that what's it's called)if I'm not drinking alcohol. My kids got me on to it and it is lovely!

It's not so good for the figure as diet coke though!
Ohhhh I love that, in a long glass topped up with soda water....yum!

I drink soda water with a dash of lime when I go out and dont drink - always have, I dont like "draught" coke, its too sweet and sickly......and the soda and lime is CHEAP!!!

Ohhhh I love that, in a long glass topped up with soda water....yum!



I've only ever drunk it straight - next time I have it, I think I will try it your way Queeenie :D

I've only ever drunk it straight - next time I have it, I think I will try it your way Queeenie :D
It started off as my hangover cure :blush: ..............now its a pleasure!

for goodness sake where are all the alcoholics on this thread?

and you J20 lot for goodness sake you are all :offtopic:

for goodness sake where are all the alcoholics on this thread?

and you J20 lot for goodness sake you are all :offtopic:
Dol im a recovering one........I think I just went too mad for too long and burnt out - a case of the old body screaming at me to STOP FFS :wallbash:

I could regail you all with the ramblings of an ex "swiller" and the pickles I used to get myself in, then you will all realise what an old Lush I really am and I cant have that can I :shocking: :laugh:

Some of my best stories are related to drinking and often way too much. If I hadn't spent the first 6 months in Ireland in a pub then I would never have met anyone. To say it is a way of life here is an understatement. Over 700 pubs in the city alone. The many injuries I have sustained my drinking buddies term UDI'S (Unidentified drinking injuries) and so far they have all been minor. The only bad experiences of alcohol I have had are due to not stopping when I know I should, the term guzzling has been applied, and the hangover/vomiting purge that stops me from overdoing it for a while until I forget and....
The only real down side is Paddy's Day - the drinking is something else. BJ's, defecating, urinating, vomiting all on the street - it is a great incentive to monitor the alcohol intake!

"It wasn't me guv, honest" :devil:

Going back to the point of non alcoholic drinks and the lack of choice. I do not have a sweet tooth and if I am driving I always end up having tomato juice, with tons of worcester sauce and a dash of tabasco. But 3 or 4 of these and I feel like I have eaten a four course meal.

There really is not a great choice when you are at a pub. At home things like Schloer or Elderflower cordial, ginger wine [that Mr F makes and is 100% non alcoholic] are readily available - but just not in pubs.

And pubs charge a blinkin fortune for soft drinks - it really is not fair, cos there is no way is cost as much to make/purchase non acholic drinks as it does alcoholic ones.

I have tried J2O and they are nice - but far too sweet for a non sweet-toothed person.

then again alcohol is an anti-depressantThe opposite in fact. Alcohol has depressant, not stimulant properties. The thing is that one of the first things it depresses is your inhibitions, hence why it appears to be having the opposite effect.

I have never been drunk, but I do enjoy alcohol. Nothing about seeing others' experiences makes me want to be drunk. I'd much sooner just be slightly light-headed and leave it there. I can't see how going the whole hog makes an evening any more enjoyable than that.

Besides, my favourite tipple is a good single malt. And who can afford to get drunk on that?!

I love a drink me

But like Blink I don’t like to get to drunk I like to stay in control

And I love a single mort but make do with a blend



But I am cursed I have to drink at least two pints of beer a day
I have something wrong with my stomach after I have eaten four hours later I am in agony
I have had specialist look at me
Things stuck up me and down me to try and find out whats wrong
All kinds of tablets treatments and nothing worked for years
Then one night at three in the morning I was in a lot of pain and depressed I decided to get drunk
And it stopped hurting
Over the years I have discovered that two pints is all it takes to eat whatever I like
I told the doctors and they said well if it works fine

[QUOTE=Blink]The opposite in fact. Alcohol has depressant, not stimulant properties. [QUOTE]


of course you are absolutely right Blink ... I made a mistake - I realise it's a depressant and not an ANTI one!!! d'oh! another reason not to drink too much, it messes with your brain!!

But I do enjoy alcohol. Nothing about seeing others' experiences makes me want to be drunk. I'd much sooner just be slightly light-headed and leave it there. I can't see how going the whole hog makes an evening any more enjoyable than that.



You see now that is absolutely correct Blink and i am the same


But the trouble is some people don't know when to stop
And you have to look at why that is and it's near enough always that they are not happy with something in there life
drink may have in the past helped them to get over a minor upset like falling out with a boy friend or girl friend or losing there job
But then when a real problem arrives they turn to drink and it just compounds the situation and before they know it they can't stop
Which is why if I see this happening to someone I always tell them to see a doctor and get some help?

Well I love a good drink, always have done and probably always will. All my brothers and sisters do too, tis a family trait.

I love the humour that drink brings out, the things that are so funny that just arn't in the cold light of day. I like the way you like people more when you have had a drink and the comradary you feel.

Of course I don't like the morning afters and the sleep interuptions....but tis a small price to pay.

I do take heed of my body and keep quite fit, I gave up smoking 2 years ago too and try to have at least 2 days a week with nothing at all. Increasing this to 3 at the moment.

If I had to stop drinking totally I would be a very unhappy bunny indeed.

Amen.

Okay...

I do like a drink, and recently I have drunk with control, not spent too much and got to a nice level of drunkness... until last night...

Tried a new place in Manchester and I can't remember much apart from accusing the barwoman of stealing a fiver from me (honest mistake on my part)

I hate being as drunk as I was last night and I feel quite bad about it now especially when I don't know what's happened and I probably won't find out until about half four.

I like drinking enough to make me jolly, to have a bit of a laugh with mates, maybe open up and relax a bit more, and there's nothing like sitting down in a nice pub with a pint. But it's hard to find that nice level when you go to a cheap club or something.

I have nothing against people who don't drink alcohol, though sometimes when my friends go to the pub and have a coke or something I will say "What you playin' at!?" or something, but that's only because I'm used to them drinking. But if I know somebody doesn't drink/like alcohol I'm fine with that, it's a choice and I generally respect other people's decisions, as long as they don't make me feel as if I should not drink (which doesn't really happen).
And as a last point: I'm a student so I'm allowed.

On the one hand, alcohol means wasted days of my life that I have spent with dreadful hangovers, worrying about what I've said and done the night before; all the danger I have exposed myself to - getting into cars with drunk drivers (although I've never driven drunk myself); walking home alone through deserted wasteland; getting into arguments with the wrong people; and all the damage that I may have done to my body which may surface later.

On the other hand, there are times when alcohol has made life really worth living - I wouldn't have got close to so many people if we hadn't got drunk together and lost our inhibitions - and a few glasses of wine after a troublesome day at work really can put things into perspective and get me laughing again. Also, a chilled glass of beer or white wine outside on a warm summer evening is a real pleasure. I would be really disappointed if I could never drink again.

On balance, alcohol is great if you can manage not to binge.

a chilled glass of beer or white wine outside on a warm summer evening is a real pleasure. I would be really disappointed if I could never drink again.

On balance, alcohol is great if you can manage not to binge.

I think you have hit the nail on the head (my favourite saying at the moment if you hadn't noticed) Cayman eater.

I think binging does the damage, if you can enjoy one or two drinks every so often with out binging then it probably does more good than harm.

I have done my fair share of binging in my time, and made a big fool of myself on many occasions but recently I stopped this and I hopefully I will never get myself in those situtations again.

I have done my fair share of binging in my time, and made a big fool of myself on many occasions but recently I stopped this and I hopefully I will never get myself in those situtations again.
I wouldn't worry about that ils, I'm tee-total and still frequently manage to make a prat of myself. Thing is I don't even have alcohol to blame for it! :blush:

Re, the J2O, I have tried it but as Flip said, it's too sweet (and calorie packed) to have many.

I used to live with an alcoholic and it's made be a bit funny about drink.

If I drink what I consider to be too much I'll wake up hating myself the next day and feeling guilty over it.
I often go got months without drinking any alcohol, because if I have couple of drinks I'm ok, but once I get over 3 or 4 I can't seem to stop and want to carry on drinking and drinking - that's why I prefer not to drink at all. I suppose I'm scared of ending up like my ex.

I wouldn't worry about that ils, I'm tee-total and still frequently manage to make a prat of myself. Thing is I don't even have alcohol to blame for it! :blush: I suffer from the same affliction. :blink: But ain't it fun! ;)

Edit to say I hate the quote thingy on this board. :mad2:
Edit by VoR, I fixed it for you, you keep missing out the / in the last quote tags! :wink_kiss

Thanks V, I knew I was missing out something, I just couldn't be bothered to go figure out what it was.:)