I never understood the reason behind drinking for a lot people, alcoholics and heavy drinkers to be exact. If anyone could explain to me the benefits behind excessive drinking, then please do play the master to this idiotic servant as I am totally clueless to that world consisting of often smelling like sour grapes, urine, poop and other unimaginable odour to make one puke to hell.
I do not consider myself as a puritan. I had my short bout on drinking beer and I haven’t considered trying out “hard” ones especially when I’m alone. I had experienced being tipsy and feeling that gleeful, heavenly, no-gravitation kind of atmosphere in my body that I have mastered the technique to recognize it, stop right there and go no-further for fear of hangovers and shaming myself in public.
I do not demean anyone who had experiences of taking more than they could take. Short anecdotes had reached my ears of how crazy everything felt and how their experiences will forever be etched into their minds as tribute to their growing years and social interactions. Some of my acquaintances had drunkenly slept on grass, skinny-dipped, drove a bit (thank God they’re still alive!), puked in public, told stories that shouldn’t have been told, etc. Yet, they’re still my friends and we understand each other probably because I know the reason behind their drinking.
They were heart-broken, they were hanging out with friends, they were celebrating, they had problems, stressed, etc. Drinking already has many reasons to happen. Social gathering will not happen without a couple of drinks, celebrations will not be complete without a toast, and people do need to loosen up once in a while to balance themselves against everyday stress.
What I don’t get is how come some people are letting alcohol TAKE their lives. It’s a well known fact alcohol can only do so much for the body. I snort in disgust whenever I hear an alcoholic give these reasons whenever they are asked why they drink so much:
- I have too many problems. I can’t sleep at night thinking about them. Drinking helps me sleep.
Okay, that’s a given. Life is HARD. Problems have a way of disrupting our minds to have any rest. If drinking once in a while loosens the tension a bit that’s okay but I cannot understand the concept of always excessively drinking so you could sleep EVERY night.
They say it makes them forget for the time being. So what? When you wake up did the problem go away? No. In fact, it just waited there waiting for you to wake so it could play with your sanity again and you are having a massive hangover you could not think straight. You had to postpone whatever plans you had for the day since you are too drunk to work. The cycle goes on and on and on… until one day you realize your brain is too weak to think and where does that take you?
- It’s fun especially drinking with friends.
For excessive drinkers this would mean gathering often and ordering cases of alcohol to spend the night (or day) away telling already told stories, playing cards, vomiting once in a whole then get another bottle, making too much noise to care about sleeping neighbours, etc. If this is done almost everyday… heaven forbid.
- There is nothing to do.
Then keep yourself busy for crying out loud. There are just too many activities that can be done in this day of age and with the internet being part of our lives, you could be online the whole day and still have more discoveries to nurture. The Internet has paved the way in finding home-based, part-time jobs too. Find a hobby, a recreational activity, something that would balance out your life. Don’t give me the reason of drinking as a hobby! Find something to do period!
- I have nothing left anyway, might as well be die happy with this bottle
Ah crap, this must be the worse. If you are telling me you want to die looking like ran-over dead rat then be my guest. I know people who has so many problems and yet looked so serene and contented you’d think they were stress-free individuals. They do drink once in a while but not to the extent it degrades their physique. They are aware of the effects and they know they have to work so they still take care of themselves and I applaud them for it! For those who continue still, even when others (friends and family) are telling and helping you to get over this ‘addiction’, then you are hopeless.
Who can help you if you don’t want to help yourself?
- Who cares?
Ha! No man is an island. You may not be aware but there are people who care. It’s either they aren’t the showy type (there are people like that) or your mind is deep in alcohol you can’t digest what is happening around you.
For excessive drinkers and alcoholics, are you even aware of the headache you give your friends and loved ones when they find you in your drunken state? Are you even aware of the patience and responsibility in taking care of you whenever you get home drunk? Are you aware of the messes (physically or emotionally) you make? Are you aware of any hurtful words you may have lashed out to your partner but forgot to apologize for because you were drunk?
And still you find pride in excessive drinking? I see it as BS.
I have friends who drink heavy… at the right place at the right time. They are pretty aware of the consequences and so they drink only once in a while. It’s okay with me as long as they don’t do to me in their drunken state that may ruin our friendship.
So to alcoholics and excessive drinkers, please do assess this perceived “hobby” of yours. It’s an addiction and everyone knows its effects when taken excessively. Everyone has a chance to live and be happy but in doing so, you need to have a good head (not dulled by alcohol) and a strong built to chase your dreams.
