Drinking for pleasure or just to get drunk?

Who doesn't like the taste of beer? I didn't so I started on all kinds or liquor; I couldn't have a beer without a short when I had the preference and finances. The poorer I got, the cheaper the drink........ then all kinds of obnoxious substances. 

Who wants to drink just to be social and who really likes the stuff?

How many friends do you know who just don't drink? Some of my friends never saw the point of indulging. Happy cheerful people who didn't want to or need to.  

 

I really like red wine, that's what I drink (with the ocassinal gin and tonic or cocktail when on holiday).  There isn't a soft drink that comes anywhere near to the taste of it or the satisfaction of it with a meal.  Trouble is - I drink too much of it.  I enjoy it with a meal but then carry on drinking when the meal is over.

Very interesting Colin. I do know people who are social and drink very little!! I was drinking anything and a LOT!! Had to stop since nearly destryoed my family but now 3 1/2 yrs no drinking...keep trying on the right path!! worth it!! Robin

I'm with you h1954, no soft drink comes close and I enjoy the taste. Red wine is my crutch. I love how it goes down, love the feeling, love how it accompanies meals - unfortunately a little too much, and again I carry on. Guinness is the only other drink I drink whilst out. Love the taste.

I used to LOVE the taste of beer....since I was a little kid.  My Dad owned a resturaunt,...I would sip my Nanas beer or sip out of the keg on the counter at the bar....just for TASTE. 

​When I got older...I noticed the buzz (didn't notice it when I was little about 8 years old).  At 13...I started stealing beers from the fridge of our landlord..he had a fridge packed with beer.  Then I loved the buzz.

​This last 2 years...I hated the taste beer...I would gag at the thought of it.  So I switched to vodka...really didn't have a taste but a "sting".  I hated that too...but could tolerate it for the buzz.  I would chase it with water.

​Now I like blueberry or grape juice!  Thank God.  Miss the BUZZ....Miss it almost every hour.

Oh my...wine gave me such a blasted headache everytime! BUT, I used to drink it when it was the only thing I could get my hands on...so I guess I chase the BUZZ

Congrats on 3.5 years....anything and alot? LOL.

​I HATE whiskey too....I used to drink my Dads...and always puked after.

I had been doing so well but slipped up at the weekend. I kidded myself it was just once but have drunk twice since. I'm do desperate right now ..Had 2 glasses already tonight. I know I can't be physically addicted already again so what the he'll is the matter with me? Not an answer I know sad x

Lorna, don't beat yourself up, you have a disease. Most of us and some still are where you are in the battle. Stay positive and try again. Remember that we learn from our mistakes so stay positive.

I like the taste of red and white wine. Red with a meal is lovely and wine is refreshing. I like beer but can't drink more than one can as get bloated, though that was my fav drink for years, until I discovered wine! I don't like any spirits, though used to enjoy gin n tonic on hols. If I want to get really drunk and I'm sick of wine, then it's vodka, but it makes me really ill.

When I was young I drank to get drunk but now I drink wine as I enjoy it. Unless it's a binge! 

Its a shame it's so addictive..

Meant White wine is refreshing!

Hello Lorna.  I know how you feel.  I was sticking to the Selincro tablet ,for 2 weeks.  Now, blown it.  Drank without taking it, two days. Trying for the lost "effect", I think.  We know we must try again.  I had a bottle of wine today, at least it wasn't two bottles!  I hate being like this.  I hate the battle against it.  I hate being the loser. I will go back to the tablets tomorrow.  Do you have medication to help you?

Good Luck tomorrow,

Alonangel

I like the taste of certain drinks, but I know that I would drink absolutely anything to get the effect  I am looking for.  I suppose it is more like medication for me....I wouldn't sleep without it.  I never drink before 8pm and have no desire to do so.  But I don't know another way to wind down at the end of the day, I am already on antidepressants.  I just am so thankful that I have no desire to drink earlier on in the day.  It won't change because I have been that way for more years than I care to remember.

So....with me...it's not about the taste, just the effect.

Pat.

All the alcohol rehabs say, don't test yourself (i.e. trying to have the odd drink and stop) because you will most likely fail.

It is too soon since your detox, your body hasn't been alcohol free for long enough to be clear of it.

Hello Colin,

Just thought you'd like to know... I hate the taste and smell of beer.  That doesn't mean I can't drink it ! I can drink all sorts of alcoholic drinks, I wish I was not so versatile.  It is all about the effect, for me. I crave that effect.  Then overdrink to try to keep it going... but just get very drunk.  I always wish that I had never started drinking. Much too late. 

Alonangel

i agree that red wine is so nice and that is the only booze i miss!! never admitted to this before even to my wife but I DO MISS IT...however, i have not drunk any red wine or any booze and will not but the taste I do remember..Saint Emillion etc the list is long and I used to live in Bordeaux France and saw my lovely chateaux etc...keep trying and we will help and assist you and we NEVER miss judge drinkers like us!! Robin

Well done Robin, sounds like you're on the right path - keep it up.

I  have a (best) friend who likes his drink, he sometimes feels a bit rough in the mornings but gets on with things as usual - he must have the constitution of an ox. He sticks to wine and beer -

I used to wish I was like him; he spends a lot of time with our friends and drinking usually plays a part........ I don't see him or other friends now as I've lived away from U.K. for years; I miss my friends but I don't miss the drink.

When I gained sobriety, I did feel a bit left out but that changed over time when they started to feel more comfortable with me not drinking. At first, they thought I could return to my drinking ways; then they realised that I couldn' t. My problem was never mentioned again. In those days, I'd go out full of drink but I was told many times (when the truth came out) that they'd never have guessed.   

Funny old boys tales; I had a friend who was embaressed when ordering a beer for himself and a coke for me at the bar.

Anyway, all in the past.

Keep it up; funny how we like different drinks; Misssy didn't like whisky but I couldn't get enough of the damned stuff. 

I'm very happy to have gained sobriety; a long and tough road but worth it.

 

Hi Alon,

I drank beer of course but never did like the taste. I'm just glad I was sober when those 'mo*ste*s' introduced alchopops. Disgusting profiteering!    

It's never too late; finding the answer is tough, tough, tough but that has to be your first mission. Most of your dreams can come true if they' re realistic and you're determined enough.

You really can do this; I had similar thoughts - my mind playing tricks made worse the more I drank. I and others I knew during my worst times could hardly stand up, let alone use a computer.

What a disaster it was for us - I too thought it was the end of the line. It wasn't.

A cliche but be positive.    

 

Hi patricia,

 

I would drink anything too - I reached the point where I had to.

I was far from being on the ball with medicines; I remember when I'd been sober for about six months - the novelty of being sober had worn off, my partner told me I was more fun when I drank (she wasn't the only one).

So, I was diagnosed as being  depressed and prescribed anti-depressants (not for the first time). I was reluctant to take them; perhaps I should have seen a counsellor but that hadn't worked for me before so I took the medicine. I understand that it takes time for them to get into the system so I persevered but they made me feel awful. I told the doc' and he doubled the dosage. I felt worse; terrible in fact.

Obviously not for me or the wrong medicine. I eventually cut my name off the packets and took them back to the pharmacy.

I began to feel better.

 

 

Hi Colin,

I know that what you say is helpful and I take heart from it.  The trouble is that I have no "staying power".  I don't understand myself.  As for cliches...well, "the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak", just about sums me up.  Keep up your great sharing, Colin.  You don't realise how inspirational you can be.  I look forward to seeing your Posts.  You have achieved sobriety... Respect !  

Alonangel 🎇

Thanks Alon,

Neither did I; I could never finish what I started and I still get sidetracked but persistance and determination are key factors..... try to do something you don't want to do everyday - then your staying power will increase bit for bit.

I couldn't face what I had to do today but I knew I just had to do it somehow. It was hard work but people were relying on me and I knew that if I didn't at least have a go, I'd be sorry later. Well, most of it got done and it wasn't as bad once I got going. I'm glad I did even though I'm tired now.

Remember; do a chore or something everyday that you don't want to do....... apart from drinking.