I like what you write. That’s generally true, and there is much in what you say here. Perhaps, while weighing your thoughts on this matter, you would enjoy the late Roger Scruton’s thoughts on it as well.
Love Scruton but he was also a major wino and, as Anna says, it showed in his face. This book is one of my favorites but as I approach 70 my alcohol intake is being drastically reduced and it is transformational
Though I am not yet approaching the storied heights of 70, I am well enough along to appreciate that the body’s interest in alcohol markedly declines with time. There are moments when I think I might enjoy a drink, yet my body tells me not to disturb the relatively fine balance on which my productivity depends. Having said that, put me in a Prague pub that keeps its Pilsner Urquell under precisely the right conditions, and I will heartily welcome the opportunity to pour that golden elixir down my throat, to feel its magical, curative powers radiate out through my body, as it makes its way to my stomach. That and some schnitzel and potato salad, or duck with red cabbage and dumplings…. Not something for everyone, but for those who can manage it, and in moderation, it’s a gift from the gods.
I went down this path six years ago for the entirely stupid reason of becoming more interesting at parties. Since then I've been discovering this list of real reasons for it and constructing the case for myself.
Thank you reinforcing many of teh reasons that I quit alcohol a few years ago. I really do feel, on a daily basis, like I have acquired superpowers. How great I feel has surpassed my highest expectations.
I started on the Sinclair method a couple of months ago and it seems to be working super well, and may be easier for you than cold turkey. Tries to disengage the connection from alcohol to your brain. Also interestingly I find myself far more critical of the flavor of drinks now especially with food.
if alcohol has been invented today it wouldn't be banned as a drug it would have been one of the more restricted was actually. this is not me, this is what drug experts say
"if alcohol has been invented today it wouldn't be banned as a drug"
This was tried for a few years, in North America, Scandinavia, and even the Soviet Union. Quickly reversed in each case, though consumption levels were lower afterwards.
Hi Anna, I want to share the non alcoholic beers like Athletic Brewing and spirits like Ritual as well as a mocktail book have really really helped. It may be contrary to some of your reasons, or a crutch, but it has been a lot easier.
I stopped drinking a while ago, except for the very occasional social *single* beer. My doctor asked (as they do) "do you drink" and when I said "yes" asked how much. My answer of half a dozen beers a year caused him to look at me for a while and then write down "no" on the form.
Good on you! Commit to it, even if it just ends up being reason #10 as the end goal. Once you've experienced life with and without, you can then better decide between the situations in which alcohol may be an improvement (pending a control on the level of consumption), and those in which it should be assiduously avoided.
Personally, I rarely drink, and have never had a problem with it. However, two glasses of red and I'm at my sociable best - because at zero I'm guarded to the point of standoffish.
I like what you write. That’s generally true, and there is much in what you say here. Perhaps, while weighing your thoughts on this matter, you would enjoy the late Roger Scruton’s thoughts on it as well.
https://www.roger-scruton.com/book-shop/wine-list-3/i-drink-therefore-i-am-2
Love Scruton but he was also a major wino and, as Anna says, it showed in his face. This book is one of my favorites but as I approach 70 my alcohol intake is being drastically reduced and it is transformational
Though I am not yet approaching the storied heights of 70, I am well enough along to appreciate that the body’s interest in alcohol markedly declines with time. There are moments when I think I might enjoy a drink, yet my body tells me not to disturb the relatively fine balance on which my productivity depends. Having said that, put me in a Prague pub that keeps its Pilsner Urquell under precisely the right conditions, and I will heartily welcome the opportunity to pour that golden elixir down my throat, to feel its magical, curative powers radiate out through my body, as it makes its way to my stomach. That and some schnitzel and potato salad, or duck with red cabbage and dumplings…. Not something for everyone, but for those who can manage it, and in moderation, it’s a gift from the gods.
Most of your points don't make much sense, honestly.
please expand.
Retiring from the drinking life is the best thing I ever did for myself
I quit drinking almost 25 years ago. I had a real reason to quit: alcohol was killing me.
I quit it last year, and I don't miss it. Good luck to you. Basically, it's poison.
3.5 years sober here. It's a great life experiment and experience. I'm still learning from my sobriety.
I’m sure Tyler approves too.
But would Tyrone approve?
I love this comment thread!
I went down this path six years ago for the entirely stupid reason of becoming more interesting at parties. Since then I've been discovering this list of real reasons for it and constructing the case for myself.
Go for it, it is a superpower!
Thank you reinforcing many of teh reasons that I quit alcohol a few years ago. I really do feel, on a daily basis, like I have acquired superpowers. How great I feel has surpassed my highest expectations.
sorry for you, cheers
Good luck - I’m 8 months in and the improvements have been almost immeasurably good
I started on the Sinclair method a couple of months ago and it seems to be working super well, and may be easier for you than cold turkey. Tries to disengage the connection from alcohol to your brain. Also interestingly I find myself far more critical of the flavor of drinks now especially with food.
lovely and 100% on target.
it's a societal delusion that alcohol is great.
if alcohol has been invented today it wouldn't be banned as a drug it would have been one of the more restricted was actually. this is not me, this is what drug experts say
"if alcohol has been invented today it wouldn't be banned as a drug"
This was tried for a few years, in North America, Scandinavia, and even the Soviet Union. Quickly reversed in each case, though consumption levels were lower afterwards.
yes. but only because the habit became so culturally legitimized and ingrained in so many things.
besides, let's differentiate between enforcement issues and inherent desirability
Hi Anna, I want to share the non alcoholic beers like Athletic Brewing and spirits like Ritual as well as a mocktail book have really really helped. It may be contrary to some of your reasons, or a crutch, but it has been a lot easier.
I stopped drinking a while ago, except for the very occasional social *single* beer. My doctor asked (as they do) "do you drink" and when I said "yes" asked how much. My answer of half a dozen beers a year caused him to look at me for a while and then write down "no" on the form.
Good on you! Commit to it, even if it just ends up being reason #10 as the end goal. Once you've experienced life with and without, you can then better decide between the situations in which alcohol may be an improvement (pending a control on the level of consumption), and those in which it should be assiduously avoided.
Personally, I rarely drink, and have never had a problem with it. However, two glasses of red and I'm at my sociable best - because at zero I'm guarded to the point of standoffish.