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[PaddyOCanager]

No, it just appears you’re having a hard time responding to what I said with something actually relevant, and the person having the overly emotional reaction to the discussion of alcohol here is you. Is it because you’re drunk?

Well you've misread me then.

OP asked a question about alcohol and is receiving responses such as "Naw its a shitty drug", "You are right. Not worth it. Don't listen if anyone tries to tell you otherwise, they don't know", "Drinking is a waste of time and only leads to bad stuff" and "It's bad for you, and can kill you if you overdo it, or if you try to quit while overdoing it. Shits poison in my eyes" and so on.

That's crazy to me.

 

[RJMacready73]

Jesus H Keeehrist reading some of these posts you'd think the op was talking about taking a wee shot of heroin and asking advice... Sure it can fucking ruin yee but let's face it if you let alcohol ruin yee you're not exactly in the best of place anyways and if it wasn't alcohol it'd sure as shit be something else, if you don't like it that's grand but don't be going off spouting shite like some vegan

 

[Lanrutcon]

Naw. You're not missing much.

I find it weird that alcohol is so important to society. We shit on drug users and then go hang out in beer dens? Heh.

 

[kurisu_1974]

I don't like being drunk at all, but I love the taste of some good French cider or a pineau. If you just have one with a meal or after dinner, I can't imagine it being a problem.

 

[TransTrender]

I've made this thread every couple of years on GAF (and maybe the purple place? I forget) and I'm still pretty adamant about not drinking. I feel like I'm missing out on a rich culture, especially since one of my main writing projects is about a bar. I only made it this far because I'm pretty sure alcoholism runs in my family. I also don't really think it's worth the expense and health effects.

What do y'all think?

Don't start.
It's not worth it.
If you want to get a 'buzz' or 'feel chill' then get a weed vape pen. Still don't drive though.

 

[Fbh]

I like to drink.
I struggled with it a bit a few years ago but quickly did a course correction when I realized it was starting to turn into a problem, and these days I enjoy it in moderation. That's really the key, even if you look at this thread half the answers seem to talk as if the only 2 options are to not drink or to get wasted, when there's a big middle point between the 2.

I like to have a beer after a long day at work or a glass of wine with my dinner, maybe a cocktail on the weekends. I like that point where it gives you a nice relaxing feeling, but I don't like being drunk nor have I drank to the point that I get a hangover in years (except maybe on new years eve).

I don't know, I think it's worth at least trying out just to experience it once. The vast majority of people I know have been drunk at least once and 95% of them aren't alcoholics.

 

[mindfreak191]

Hmmm, yes and no? Like, it's bad for your body definitely, especially if you're someone who can't control themselves. As a social lubricant, it's great, especially if you're having a hard time being relaxed at big gatherings. Now, are you missing out? Good question, but that can be said for everything pretty much. Never had that first heroin high? You're missing out, but in the long run you saved yourself a world of unnecessary trouble (I know that it's an extreme comparison). If you decide that you want to try it out, just get yourself buzzed and that's it. But tbh, if I were you and I already haven't touched alcohol in 30 years, why bother now?

EDIT:

One thing that might help if you do decide to try it. Have a simple rule of "Only drink when there's a happy reason to do so, never drink when you're alone or sad." lol

 

[Cyberpunkd]

Naw. You're not missing much.

I find it weird that alcohol is so important to society. We shit on drug users and then go hang out in beer dens? Heh.

It tells a lot if you hang around in beer dens. In France you get a good wine bottle, get home to your fancy apartment at 12 000€ / m2 and consume listening to good music.

 

[bitbydeath]

It’s amazing when you’re young and partying with friends. At your age now though, it’s still good but not in large quantities, just a chill drink every now and then to relax.

 

[Soltype]

Yes, you're missing out on some genuinely unique flavors.Just do things in moderation, and don't drink to get a buzz or drunk.The buzz should be an unfortunate side effect of enjoying something you like, not the goal.

 

[GermanZepp]

I'm trying to quit alcohol. You don't miss anything.

 

[manfestival]

I drink every once in a while but as for the OP? You aren't missing out. Funny enough, I actively avoid that stuff these days. Granted whenever I get fairly drunk I always end up hungover and start puking everywhere.

 

[SafeOrAlone]

I'd say try it. Being drunk your first time will be fun at best and interesting at worst. I rarely ever drink anymore but once in a while is fine.

 

[Deft Beck]

It’s amazing when you’re young and partying with friends. At your age now though, it’s still good but not in large quantities, just a chill drink every now and then to relax.

I was never really a party person in college. I only made a lot of friends well after college. Even then, they drank a ton at their parties but I never did. I am probably the only completely sober person in that friend group to this day. They all respect me for that.

In addition to sobriety, I have never had any marijuana or done any recreational drugs. I am as straight edge as possible.

The only real addiction I have is shopping, lol.

 

[BigBooper]

Not missing on anything worth the trade offs, imo. I've never been a heavy drinker at all, but I used to drink a few beers and mixed up some vodka occasionally before deciding I didn't care for it. It never was a big deal to me and I don't miss anything about it.

 

[Meicyn]

I partake now and then. There are moments when someone’s body language conveys that they’re looking for advice or… something else. Turning down an offer for drinks is shutting the door on that.

Some of the most serious talks between individuals occur over drinks. When you refuse to drink, it is a social cue that you are unwilling to let your guard down. Are you missing out? Absolutely, and it has nothing to do with the alcohol itself.

 

[Kamina]

drinking =/= getting drunk

I enjoy a glass of beer or wine every now and then, but alcohol should always be consumed with limits.

 

[spawn]

You're not missing out. In your 20's it can be fun, but I'm in my 30's and I'm turned off from it now

 

[rizm]

You are not missing out on anything,i have been alkoholic for 25 years..every fuckin Day is the same.you wake up,think where you can get few euros just to nyt feel hangover

 

[Scotty W]

Don’t bother.

 

[6502]

Missing out?? Well eventually, you realise the people you have to drink with to enjoy their company aren't worth the time or money

If you can get along without it and still be sociable you are doing fine.

I would say though that experience of being drunk is a life skill that like swimming, you should master just in case (avoiding alcoholism though is also mitigating a risk).

 

[zeorhymer]

No. Just drink a small glass of riesling once a year or something.

 

[StateofMajora]

Drinking in very small amounts is good for you.

I emphasize small amounts. I drink a tiny bit of bourbon every night.

A 750ml bottle of bourbon will last me at least a couple of months, maybe 3.

 

[Dark Star]

I only drink on special occasions or holidays like Christmas. A couple beers, ciders, a glass of wine. I don’t like the taste of hard liquor like vodka or whiskey, but I haven’t tried enough in my life to have an educated palate/taste for the stuff. I stick to cannabis for actual fun. Stoned > drunk

 

[BlvckFox]

Not really. On one hand, alcohol is a substance that’s wildly abused and is the catalyst for stupid decisions and toxic behavior. On the other hand, it can be a very enjoyable and tasteful substance when used in moderation. There are some truly maginificet experiences alcohol can offer and enhance. My two cents…If you’ve gone this long without it, you shouldn’t bother. Stay pure.

 

[Mistake]

I enjoy cocktails, beer just so-so. I think you’re missing out on wines, but that’s it. I had some really nice white wine from Portugal once, and plum wine is nice too. Some people say a glass now and then is healthy.

 

[Billbofet]

I got into bourbon a few years ago and I am so glad I did. I've taken a couple of trips to Kentucky's Bourbon Trail, enjoyed it with friends, and learned a ton of history behind it all. I'm in Milwaukee and my best friend is in Minneapolis and we take care of each other with rare finds for when we do get together.
Same with wine. Once you learn more about wine such as the regions, history, etc. it becomes a very enjoyable hobby - and not just for the drinking aspect.

 

[Romulus]

You're off to a great start. Anyone who tells you need it your life is probably miserable. Its not worth the risk of discovering that you're an alcoholic. I worked in bars for years and knew many late bloomers who wished theyd never started. "Oh but its cool just occasionally." But you have no idea what "occasionally" could turn into for YOU.

 

[teezzy]

It's strange to me how many people didn't grow up trying all kinda of messed up drugs and substances in their teens and twenties

I'm fairly sober now with only an occasional drink here or there but I used to he a wild child

I think that stuff is mainly for the youths

Lotta virgins here too, it's interesting

 

[wondermega]

Drinking is fun as hell and it has been a crucial part of some wild adventures for me. In my late 40s now and I am quite happy to have the heyday of all of that behind me (still fun, but not really worth the pull). However, I also can see how destructive it can be and I will never give anyone grief for not being interested or partaking - it is, and should be a personal choice. If you have made it this far in your own life and never had a real inclination to wet your whistle, then that is totally fine and you've done an admirable job of dodging one of the more aggressive societal pressures. I am more than a bit curious what other vices you DO have, however, and if they have wrought any kind of chaos in your life.

 

[Azzurri]

OP there is nothing like a good Old Fashion

 

[ConkerTheSquirrel.]

I'm usually the one taking care of the drunks after a wild night. People have said some funny shit to me while drunk.

But no, you can have fun and be fun without getting wasted and ruining your guts.

 

[20cent]

Videogames make you lazy, obsessed, skip work, social interactions and family obligations. They are also expensive and very addictive.
I knew a guy who took a sick leave for a new game release and spend his daily job browsing a gaming forum.

Don't do videogames.

 

[CrankyJay™]

I’d say if you haven’t tried it by now, don’t start.

 

[Winter John]

Well as a bar owner I'd encourage you to visit as many bars as possible. You might be surprised to find that most people aren't going to bars to get wasted. Most of them are just hanging out with their buddies, going to see a local band or watch a game.

 

[Ionian]

Alcoholism can't be passed on. I'm not saying this as a way to persuade you to start drinking, but if you're decision not to drink is based on that thought then you might want to rethink it.

I've had some of my best nights and worst nights pissed, but now I can take it or leave it

Bullshit, tolerance can run in genes and upbringing, peer pressure and simply being exposed to it.

Again, tolerance as the initial starting point.

Guess what becomes from tolerance? Remission after unknown abuse. The body goes into shock.

Also known as hangovers until it's too late, then it's just trying to feel normal.

Try saying your post post in an AA group.

It kills people but happy you think it's fake. Lost many, maybe more to follow but someone dismissing that. Naaaaaaah.

What's your age and what do you drink?

 

[Ionian]

Well as a bar owner I'd encourage you to visit as many bars as possible. You might be surprised to find that most people aren't going to bars to get wasted. Most of them are just hanging out with their buddies, going to see a local band or watch a game.

"Well as a bar owner"

Do you serve people over the limit? What is your limit?

Cash or collapse?

 

[Winter John]

"Well as a bar owner"

Do you serve people over the limit? What is your limit?

Cash or collapse?

No we don't serve people over the limit. It's bad for business.

 

[Ionian]

No we don't serve people over the limit. It's bad for business.

How do you judge that? Not a gotcha, just curious. What is the 'no'? Especially with loud music. In fact as a bar owner when should you feel people are over the limit if they seem fine after ordering X amount of drinks?

I love drink so not coming from that direction.

Had a missus that was Polish, cousin came over. Wanted to test me, it was a shot of Vodka and a beer each round. Thought he'd show me how Polish drink.

He was fucked up and needed to be nearly carried to his tram stop. After he was I laughed and went home. Had cans of beer in the fridge.

Not my fault, I told him it was stupid.

EDIT: Some people simply have a higher tolerance. As for hangovers that too but only for so long.

 

[Ionian]

No we don't serve people over the limit. It's bad for business.

What is the limit? It sure ain't 'well that's unhealthy' if you're a bar owner.

$$$

 

[Ionian]

I remember working abroad and there was a bar with pool tables out the back and a band out front.

You'd go at weekends, religiously. Nursing the nights before work the next day.

Laughing at the locals sharing and nursing a pint of Guinness while they watch the band (or not).

Same place I went to the Sangria bars and they were amazing. In fact even more fun even though the alcohol was piss-weak. Was just the vibe.

And guess what, one jug of Sangria to share per table.

Swinging it back to the OP, my point is it truly depends. I didn't drink until my 20's really but plenty of people are happy with a few yet plenty can work the next day after a lot. It really depends.

 

[TGO]

Nah ya not missing anything.
While I drink if it's presented to me I never drink any other time so I go very long periods without touching the stuff
And I've been like that since my mid twenties.
It's expensive & overrated.

 

[haxan7]

It's strange to me how many people didn't grow up trying all kinda of messed up drugs and substances in their teens and twenties

I'm fairly sober now with only an occasional drink here or there but I used to he a wild child

I think that stuff is mainly for the youths

Lotta virgins here too, it's interesting

I’m saving myself for marriage still

 

[Dai Kaiju]

I had my first drink at 15 and fell in love with it to the point where it almost killed me at the age of 27. 7 years sober now. Do yourself a favor and continue to leave the stuff alone.

 

[adamsapple]

No, OP. You're not missing on anything out, if you want to try it for yourself out of your own interest, give it a shot. But if you don't, there's no harm/shame in not caving to it just because you see others do it.

34 here. Only have had one evening of drinking under peer pressure and I honestly didn't even get buzzed. I might have some real good tolerance but the act of drinking alcoholic drinks themselves is unappealing to me and I have no interest in trying again.

 

[StreetsofBeige]

I barely drink, but you're missing nothing.

If anyone calls you out on it, it's going to be college age kids making fun when at that age everyone thinks they are cool (when in reality half of them will be broke deadbeats later in life).

Nobody else will care if you dont drink booze.

It's good to be sober because you get to see these laughs from friends, fam and coworkers:

- Puking
- Drunk and lying on the sidewalk outside of a club. And then you got to get them on their feet and into a cab. HARDER THAN IT SEEMS when they are like a sack of potatoes
- Their real personality comes out (the angry drunk)
- The guy who thinks he can open a beer without a bottle opener, but then asks for one
- The guy who brags he can drink all night but after a couple beers at dinner the guy is already shitfaced by 8 pm
- The guy who is always broke and asks if you can cover for him. You think all he needs is $20, but when the bill comes he asks you for $50. And he doesn't pay you back for half a year
- The people you drive home (because you will be pigeon holed as designated driver) telling you to pull over so they can barf on the curb and then apologize to you in bad breath as they wipe their remaining puke from the side of their mouths. You say dont worry about it, but in your head you're thinking "I hope the fuckers don't get any vomit in my car"

Good times.

 

[Chittagong]

Watch this film for inspiration

 

[Raven117]

Some of y’all have some really skewed view of alcohol consumption.

 

[It's all in the wrist]

Try it. Drugs can be fun if used responsibly.

 

[Alx]

If you’re not sure whether you’re missing out, then you are not missing out. The main context where an alcohol free life can be a hindrance is social interaction, and you would have noticed if it prevented you from spending time with friends and relatives.
I think avoiding alcoholic drinks in general is easy enough, there are always other options. I sometimes feel bad for people who have a very strict « no alcohol » way of life for religious or health reasons, because they miss out on some cakes or meals that shouldn’t create health issues, but that doesn’t seem to be your case. And in the end it mostly matters when you’re eating with other people and can’t have dessert, so again more of a social issue.