what are your thoughts on alcohol?

[Deleted]

I have read that people who drink moderately live longer then those who do not drink or drink heavily.  Some articles attribute this to moderate drinking making socializing easier and more social people live longer.  Then there is the whole red wine mediteranean diet thing, which says wine is good for the body.

Some people obviously should not drink because they will overdrink.  Others just don't drink for I don't know what reason.  Do you drink for health reasons?  For social reasons?  Do you ever over drink, and if so how are you defining that?

I used to think that I shouldn't trust a non-drinker since they could not trust themselves to drink.  Again though, obviously some people should not drink.  I like the idea of drinking.  The thought of a beer on the deck is just calming.  I don't even drink pop now.

My own drinking was/is that I used to drink about 4 or 5 beers every day.  I had an old man living in my house who kind of stressed me, so I would go to my room after work, and get on the internet and drink some beers.  He moved out and I cut down to about half that amount.  Then I wanted to lose some weight and beer was easy calories to eliminate so cut back to about ~6 beers a month.  Then I started taking an anti-depressant and alcohol was recommended against, so I stopped drinking completely.  I sometimes think I might like a drink again some days, so that is why I am asking, though I still take the anti-depressants.

So to reiterate my question, what are your thoughts and beliefs on alcohol, especially the health benefits and if that is something worthwhile to consider when considering alcohol?

Thanks

[Shooby]

I kind of don't care all that much about it one way or the other.  I know people who are fairly heavy social drinkers, people who drink daily and complete tea totallers.  DH is a tee totaller and grew up with an alcoholic father so he just doesn't have an interest in it. As a result, I just don't bother with it either. Doesn't mean I don't mind going out with girls once in awhile or whatever.  So, I don't really see much of a problem either way, unless it is a problem and someone is driving.

[Deleted]

Mar 15, 2015 9:47:38 GMT -5 Shooby said:

I kind of don't care all that much about it one way or the other.  I know people who are fairly heavy social drinkers, people who drink daily and complete tea totallers.  DH is a tee totaller and grew up with an alcoholic father so he just doesn't have an interest in it. As a result, I just don't bother with it either. Doesn't mean I don't mind going out with girls once in awhile or whatever.  So, I don't really see much of a problem either way, unless it is a problem and someone is driving.

Does that mean he has no interest or that he opposes drinking?  Your attitude is the one I would like to have, but I overthink a lot of things and alcohol is one of those things.

[Blonde Granny]

I'm rather like Shooby, I don't care one way or the other.  The only time I do care is if a drunk gets behind the wheel of a vehicle. If that choice leads to an accident or death the punishments needs swift and  harsh.  I choose not to drink.  It is a personal decision and if it bothers anyone that's not my problem.

I have noticed however, that as people get older, many choose soft drinks as their choice of beverage.

[Deleted]

I was a social drinker most of my adult life; 2-3 drinks a week on average (mostly wine) while eating out.  I don't drink at all at home. Never really have for some reason.  In my work life I entertained a lot and that included alcohol, but I was the "host" so I was more restrained than the customer.
Like the OP I started taking an anti-depressant about three months ago and haven't had a drink since.  I miss it sometimes when eating out but so far it really hasn't been an issue.
To semi-answer the question; I never drank because of or even considered any "health benefits" from alcohol.  I still consider it a social function and will probably go back to my old regime after I get off the anti-depressants.
I guess for most people (there are always exceptions) alcohol is like a lot of other things in life,  taken in moderation it is neither a good or a bad thing.
 

[Shooby]

Mar 15, 2015 9:56:42 GMT -5 @hickle said:

Mar 15, 2015 9:47:38 GMT -5 Shooby said:

I kind of don't care all that much about it one way or the other.  I know people who are fairly heavy social drinkers, people who drink daily and complete tea totallers.  DH is a tee totaller and grew up with an alcoholic father so he just doesn't have an interest in it. As a result, I just don't bother with it either. Doesn't mean I don't mind going out with girls once in awhile or whatever.  So, I don't really see much of a problem either way, unless it is a problem and someone is driving.

Does that mean he has no interest or that he opposes drinking?  Your attitude is the one I would like to have, but I overthink a lot of things and alcohol is one of those things.

He doesn't care if other people drink.  He isn't on a mission to preach to people or anything like that.  It just isn't his thing but he doesn't care what others do.  But, of course, going to a bar isn't something that appeals to him and has never appealed to him. 

[Deleted]

Mar 15, 2015 9:58:21 GMT -5 Blonde Granny said:

I'm rather like Shooby, I don't care one way or the other.  The only time I do care is if a drunk gets behind the wheel of a vehicle. If that choice leads to an accident or death the punishments needs swift and  harsh.  I choose not to drink.  It is a personal decision and if it bothers anyone that's not my problem.

I have noticed however, that as people get older, many choose soft drinks as their choice of beverage.

Why do yo choose not to drink though?  It is a proven fact, I think, that moderate drinkers live longer.  If moderate drinking has proven health benefits, what is the reasoning for not drinking?  Kind of a personal question, I know, so forgive me for asking if you do not want  to answer.

[NancysSummerSip]

Don't care one way or the other, unless the consumption of alcohol hurts other people. I cannot stop you from using alcohol to hurt yourself, but if you get behind the wheel drunk, or you are someone who becomes mean drunk and throws punches (or heavy objects) at people or animals, that's something else. Then I have a problem with it. I left a longtime volunteer gig awhile back because of another volunteer who was showing up drunk and threatening other volunteers. I figured that as much as I enjoyed the work, nothing was worth a trip to the emergency room (or having to hurt the drunk first).

[Shooby]

Mar 15, 2015 10:03:35 GMT -5 @hickle said:

Mar 15, 2015 9:58:21 GMT -5 Blonde Granny said:

I'm rather like Shooby, I don't care one way or the other.  The only time I do care is if a drunk gets behind the wheel of a vehicle. If that choice leads to an accident or death the punishments needs swift and  harsh.  I choose not to drink.  It is a personal decision and if it bothers anyone that's not my problem.

I have noticed however, that as people get older, many choose soft drinks as their choice of beverage.

Why do yo choose not to drink though?  It is a proven fact, I think, that moderate drinkers live longer.  If moderate drinking has proven health benefits, what is the reasoning for not drinking?  Kind of a personal question, I know, so forgive me for asking if you do not want  to answer.

Well, I think it really doesn't taste that good for one. A Pepsi tastes a lot better. You've got the extra calories. And, you have the issue of driving as well. How many are OK to drive home? Most people arent' dragging a DD around everywhere they go. Who wants to even take a hint of a chance in that regard?

[TheHaitian]

I enjoy drinking and consider myself a social drinker.

I don't care really how others are and I don't push drinks on people, a simple no after I offer is good with me.

My wife drinks rarely , she has 1 favorite wine so I tend to pick that up for her while grocery shopping.

I can honestly say I don't know any alcoholics in my social circle of if they are they hide it really well. I know heavy drinkers but we are all relatively young, mostly single (if not SO is also young), no kids... So yeah that is what we do!

[Shooby]

As for the "living longer" crap. Who cares? I do plenty of healthful things like exercising, not smoking, maintaining my weight, etc. I dont' see how drinking every day really helps in that regard. And, my goal in life isn't to maximize my years. My goal is to maximize the LIFE in my years and live in a way that pleases me.  I don't have some burning desire to live to 100.

[Shooby]

As for pushing it on other people, once you are out of college, I don't see anyone pushing another person to drink if they don't want too.

[Deleted]

I don't think much about it either.  I've been all over the map with my drinking (kind of like with finances! LOL), when I was younger, as in late teens and 20's, I was a closet drinker...I think almost alcoholic.  Then I toned it down, but still drank a fair amount...pretty much daily.

After the birth of my first son I started to become more sensitive to alcohol and couldn't drink large amounts anymore.  After the birth of my second son it got even worse to the point that one drink would trigger a migraine and puking sickness.  Needless to say I quit entirely.  

That was about 5 years ago, but since last November I've been on a new preventative migraine med and I've found it allows me to drink again without getting sick.  However, after not drinking for so long, I find I'm not that interested anymore.  I've had 7 or 8 beers left over from a party in my fridge since last July!  I do have wine or beer when at social things, and love a good White Russian but these days it's just an occasional thing, not daily. 

I don't care how much or little people drink as long as they are responsible about it.  I have issues with anyone that becomes raging lunatics or drives when drunk, and I don't think I would ever get into a relationship with a heavy drinker anymore. 

[NancysSummerSip]

For some people, it is a taste and/or smell issue, especially if they are on certain medications that alter the flavor or smell of certain foods or beverages. Alcoholic beverages just don't taste "right" sometimes. And some medications don't play well with alcohol at all, like antidepressants and seizure control drugs, for example.

So there are a number of medical reasons not to drink, or rarely drink, aside from the obvious personal preferences. I've known a few control freaks who would not touch the stuff, for fear they would say or do something out of control. Even a sip made them afraid of looking foolish.

[Deleted]

Mar 15, 2015 10:03:35 GMT -5 @hickle said:

Mar 15, 2015 9:58:21 GMT -5 Blonde Granny said:

I'm rather like Shooby, I don't care one way or the other.  The only time I do care is if a drunk gets behind the wheel of a vehicle. If that choice leads to an accident or death the punishments needs swift and  harsh.  I choose not to drink.  It is a personal decision and if it bothers anyone that's not my problem.

I have noticed however, that as people get older, many choose soft drinks as their choice of beverage.

Why do yo choose not to drink though?  It is a proven fact, I think, that moderate drinkers live longer.  If moderate drinking has proven health benefits, what is the reasoning for not drinking?  Kind of a personal question, I know, so forgive me for asking if you do not want  to answer.

Broccoli is good for you too, but I choose not to eat it.  I just don't like it.  Never developed a taste for it.  Some people just don't like alcohol.  Beer often makes me feel bloated and icky now. Plus, some people find the alcohol buzz unpleasant not enjoyable.

[Deleted]

If I buy a bag of potato chips (not healthy and I try to watch what I eat) it works on me that I have potato chips in the kitchen.  So every day they are there it is a battle to not eat the rest of the bag.  If I don't have half a bag, I am good on not eating potato chips.  Beer is kind of the same way for me.  I won't drink a case just because it is there, but I will probably drink every day until it is gone.  I used to get the four pack of tall boys, drink two one day and two the next.

[billisonboard]

I enjoy a good micro-brewery beer from time to time. The fact that it contains alcohol isn't a big deal one way or the other (unless I will have to drive and then I just limit the amount I drink).

[TheHaitian]

Mar 15, 2015 10:25:32 GMT -5 @sroo4 said:

MrSroo and I observe cocktail hour in our house

Sounds like an interesting habit/tradition for me to follow

[kent]

Moderation in all things. Although there was a time when I enjoyed it on a fairly regular basis but one day I decided not to write checks my body couldn't cash so I gave it up. Unfortunately, I have a daughter that has a "problem" with alcohol so I'm in the position of watching how devastating it can be for those that can't/won't recognize the potential dangers.

If you have any doubts at all regarding what constitutes a "problem" for either you or a loved one, here's a link to explore:

rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/

You can explore alcohol dehydrogenase and the increased danger alcohol poses for women at:

content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,153672,00.html

Just a PSA, no judgments intended.

 

[mmhmm]

Mar 15, 2015 10:09:56 GMT -5 Shooby said:

As for the "living longer" crap. Who cares? I do plenty of healthful things like exercising, not smoking, maintaining my weight, etc. I dont' see how drinking every day really helps in that regard. And, my goal in life isn't to maximize my years. My goal is to maximize the LIFE in my years and live in a way that pleases me.  I don't have some burning desire to live to 100.

Very few in my family were drinkers yet most lived well into their 80s/90s. Mother never drank alcohol (didn't like the taste and it made her dizzy) and lived to be 93. That's plenty old enough for me, thanks! I don't drink alcohol because, like you, I don't like the taste of it. I'd rather have fruit juice, or water. I'm not particularly interested in what others do as long as they don't cause problems for others with the choice they make.

[ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ]

I used to be a more social drinker a few years ago and imbibed more than I do now. DH and I entertained a lot, or attended several functions a year where the alcohol was always flowing.

I enjoy a glass of wine or two with dinner - but don't make it a habit to drink wine every night with my meal.

I also like a cocktail or two in the evening - but again, I don't imbibe every day (or evening).

I watched my DH go from a very sociable & well-liked person (who drank socially), down a long downhill spiral to full-blown alcoholic.

His (over) drinking also took over his life, and was a large contributor to his failing health & ultimate death.

There are some benefits to alcohol though. After my father had his heart transplant, he was given 1 or 2 bottles of stout/day in the hospital to help reduce the risk of blood clotting.

[TheHaitian]

Mar 15, 2015 10:31:53 GMT -5 @sroo4 said:

Mar 15, 2015 10:28:26 GMT -5 TheHaitian said:

Sounds like an interesting habit/tradition for me to follow

It's how MrSroo and I make time for each other.  On the days he's not working, I get home from work, in the winter we sit in the living room, in the summer on the porch, and we talk. 

I like that idea...

[thyme4change]

I am a drinker - nothing crazy.  A couple of glasses of wine during the week, and a few on the weekend.  After growing up in an oppressive environment where people who drank were bad, and you will be looked down on if you do drink, I struggle to hang too much with non-drinkers.  I know it is my own baggage, and I shouldn't hold that against people who take certain medication, or can't afford the calories, or whatever.  But, it is what it is.  Welcome to society.  You have to deal with people as they come - broken in some way.  

[Opti]

Mar 15, 2015 10:03:35 GMT -5 @hickle said:

Mar 15, 2015 9:58:21 GMT -5 Blonde Granny said:

I'm rather like Shooby, I don't care one way or the other.  The only time I do care is if a drunk gets behind the wheel of a vehicle. If that choice leads to an accident or death the punishments needs swift and  harsh.  I choose not to drink.  It is a personal decision and if it bothers anyone that's not my problem.

I have noticed however, that as people get older, many choose soft drinks as their choice of beverage.

Why do yo choose not to drink though?  It is a proven fact, I think, that moderate drinkers live longer.  If moderate drinking has proven health benefits, what is the reasoning for not drinking?  Kind of a personal question, I know, so forgive me for asking if you do not want  to answer.

I personally most studies and 'proof' of risks with a salt block or two. I know of no studies

that actually control for lots of factors so really I don't know IMO whether what they are

testing for really would have a similar conclusion in my RL life. How I eat and live.

In checking a few links, most of the moderate drinking live longer studies are observational

ones and not ones set up to divide populations into no drinking, moderate or high drinking.

So they are flawed from the start. Yes one can do data massage, but then one is making

still more assumptions. I don't take aspirin daily despite the studies and I eat chocolate my

way instead one or two squares a day everyday. (Who knows whether eating the same amount

of chocolate over 3 days and off 4 days is like the experiment results or different.)

"None of the studies that have examined the association of drinking and mortality and cardiovascular disease have been experimental studies in which a group of people was randomly chosen to drink a particular amount of alcohol or to not drink alcohol," observed Alison A. Moore, professor of medicine and psychiatry in the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles. "All have been observational studies, meaning those in which persons who consume varying amounts of alcohol are compared with those who don't. Because conditions in these observational studies are not controlled and the characteristics of persons who choose to drink varying amounts of alcohol or not differ quite a bit, it is impossible to prove that alcohol consumption causes reduced risks for coronary heart disease, diabetes or mortality."

"For example, socioeconomic status has been a consistent factor in the link between alcohol consumption and mortality. That is, those with higher income and/or education are less likely to be abstainers and to die."

"Our findings demonstrate that abstainers were significantly more likely to have had prior drinking problems, to be obese, and to smoke cigarettes than moderate drinkers and scored significantly higher than moderate drinkers on health problems, depressive symptoms, and avoidance coping," he said. "In addition, abstainers were significantly lower than moderate drinkers on socioeconomic status, physical activity, number of close friends, and quality of friend support and significantly less likely to be married than moderate drinkers. Moreover, all of these factors that were associated with abstention significantly predicted mortality."

www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100824161432.htm

(Needs a trailing l?)

Scientific studies give tendencies over large groups. It does not necessarily mean it will follow

you yourself would have an identical or similar result. In other words, the law of large numbers

does not work very well when applied to a specific individual.

[Abby Normal]

I drink alcohol like I drink anything else-  because I'm want the taste of it at that time.  But I can't drink beer and I don't like the taste of wine. So it's usually the hard stuff for me. Which means I generally have one drink - because I'm a control freak and don't enjoy the effect.  One will relax me- two makes me stupid.

But I don't drink that often, and it's usually at home because I'm too cheap to pay $8-10 for one drink out.

My dad is an alcoholic and many people in my family think (because I don't drink when we are out at dinner) that it's some kind of commentary on my dad's alcoholism.   And I suppose it is on some level.  I don't choose to encourage it.  It doesn't help that two of my siblings are also alcoholics so the fact that I don't drink around them stands out. They often try and encourage me to have one.  But I say fuck it.  I don't need it and I certainly dont need to encourage them to drink more.

But my opinion of more a few people has changed after I have witnessed them drink to excess on more than one occasion. 

[Cookies Galore]

I love all of the alcohol and wish to marry it.

[TheHaitian]

Mar 15, 2015 12:08:29 GMT -5 Cookies Galore said:

I love all of the alcohol and wish to marry it.

How does your husband feel about that

[Tennesseer]

"I like to have a martini,
Two at the very most.
After three I'm under the table,
after four I'm under my host."

Often attributed to American poet, short story writer, critic and satirist, Dorothy Parker.

[swamp]

I used to drink a lot in my 20's. Aint nobody got time for that anymore.

I drink sometimes. A glass of wine or a cocktail here and there. I can't drink beer anymore. It makes me too bloated. But I do like beer. I kind of miss it.

[billisonboard]