computers putin'
Member
" that guy won't have a drink, I think he's a rapist or something!"
edit: just poking fun at people, don't take my post serious.
edit: just poking fun at people, don't take my post serious.
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Why are people compelled to drink alcohol?
- Thread starter neutralgamer02
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I think I remember a thread here where some study found that people who never drank in their lives were more likely to die earlier than normal to high level drinkers and were only a slight edge above alcoholics in terms of life expectancy. Don't remember exactly but it was something like that.
To be fair, there are some situations where this isn't out of line - I don't feel bad for recommending against crystal meth without having tried it.
But yeah, I agree that straight-edgers are being at least a little unreasonable in most cases.
Honest question: what do you think they're going to do that keeps you from relaxing around them?
What about an incredibly mellow and agreeable person who chooses not to have a social drink? Or does the choice of not having a social drink automatically make someone uptight?
I was expecting heroin to be used, but heroin, crystal meth have high adverse effects to justify not wanting to try it.
Some of the shit that people are saying about alcohol makes it seem like Ethanol Madness.
Somebody's gotta keep early 20th century prohibition propaganda alive, man.
If the Prohibition-era-styled bars in Seattle are any indication, we need to keep something from that era alive - mainly, the cocktails.
Ya, like somehow alcohol has changed us and that we are never in control and just slaves to the alcohol parasite. I wonder if most of the people who will never taste alcohol also drive. If they are so concerned with control then driving would drive them insane as you can't control anyone else on the road.
Im just talking more about an after work drinks situation. You always get those one or two that either refuse to come out even to have a non alcoholic drink and get to know people or those that come out and act holier than thou, act like they are above it all and look down on everyone else getting on with it.
Getting together and having loose lips about the workplace and knowing that Sam Soberface is going to run to the boss after hearing some drunken conversation isn't cool.
But you don't have to drink to have fun, its just helpful for relaxing and letting off some steam
Professor Beef
Banned
Big-E is making a lot of assumptions about the assumptions of non-drinkers.
Prevent alcohol withdrawals, build my alcohol tolerance level and because of women. But yeah, depends on the day...midweek it's always nice to have a few beers over a game, weekends it's nice to get drunk sometimes. There's always that perfect zone somewhere between being buzzed and being completely smashed that you strive for. The ability to get there is an art.
How do I view people that don't drink alcohol? Depends. If I meet someone who's like 18+ and never had alcohol before...usually I'd think they're a bit off. But I know a lot of people who quit drinking because they feel better and are generally healthier without it, and I find that perfectly acceptable. Just don't preach to me.
How do I view people that don't drink alcohol? Depends. If I meet someone who's like 18+ and never had alcohol before...usually I'd think they're a bit off. But I know a lot of people who quit drinking because they feel better and are generally healthier without it, and I find that perfectly acceptable. Just don't preach to me.
Just based on every single never taste alcohol person I have met in my life and I have met my fair share. At least I am assuming from experience. Also, most of the people here who posted reasons mentioned something about control.
I mainly hate the taste of Alcohol, which is the main reason I don't drink often.
Sure, I'll drink every now and then, but I'm not the kind to down a beer or two every night after work like my old boss, or just have a can of bud light in my hands at all hours after 5 like my father and go though a 24 pack every few days, or have a glass of red wine with diner every single night like my Grandparents. I am not a casual drinker, plan up.
Sure, I'll drink every now and then, but I'm not the kind to down a beer or two every night after work like my old boss, or just have a can of bud light in my hands at all hours after 5 like my father and go though a 24 pack every few days, or have a glass of red wine with diner every single night like my Grandparents. I am not a casual drinker, plan up.
Well since you're wondering, I will never taste alcohol and I also drive. Driving doesn't drive me insane.
And for what it's worth, I don't know you but I don't think you or anyone else are a "slave to the alcohol parasite," (unless you or they are actual alcoholics, of course).
I think it's something along the lines of not trusting someone who doesn't drink because that person has something to hide. People will think: "What are you so scared of losing control over that you won't touch a bottle of beer with a ten foot pole?"
There a saying that you don't truly know a person until you've gotten drunk with them. It's a bit close-minded but I can understand their point of view.
computers putin'
Member
well, when you put it that way I can sorta see why someone would say that. Still though, I would hate for someone to assume such things about me over an issue that truly isn't a big deal to me ( anymore at least ).
This is such a ludicrous stance on something so innocuous that it blows my mind.
StalkerUKCG
Banned
1-2 Glasses of red wine is good for you it helps boost your immune system.
Google "French Paradox"
However im not a big drinker, i can drink and i can drink alot but honestly i dont like to, i get nothing from it. Im a very social person anyway drinking has no effect on that i find it difficult to get drunk and drunk people annoy me even when im drunk.
I think alot of people drink and then blame alcohol unjustly for acting on their impulses cheating, fighting ect. I know people who drink only to fit in so i suppose thats something else.
If I'm putting myself in their shoes, this makes the most sense. I still think it's unfair, though.
As computers_putin' said, I would hate for someone to assume such things about me over an issue that truly isn't a big deal to me.
I understand, man. But it's still a personal choice, and I would never judge anyone negatively for a personal lifestyle choice that doesn't affect anyone else in any way.
Not ever having a drink is like saying I'll never put on a yellow shirt. It's a preference, but if that constitutes a lifestyle choice....then wtf dude.
thetechkid
Member
I find it weird that other people think you're strange for not drinking. I'm not going around saying that its bad or you're stupid/whatever for drinking, but why is should someone whose not doing it be the so weird/strange to people?
I assume most people like to drink because it relaxes them, or allows them to relinquish control for a while. I do not particularly enjoy relaxation and have an extreme preference for a strong cognitive grasp of my surroundings, both in the banal and the profound details, whenever possible.
Alcohol is simply not what I find entertaining. However, I recognize that others do not necessarily agree and I'm willing to drink a beer at most parties just so other people feel at ease.
I find the peer pressure to drink to be extraordinarily frustrating (i.e. other people feel uncomfortable unless I drink), but it's not a battle worth fighting for me. I have ~70-100 years to live in total and I'll only have enough time to fight a discrete number of silly mores.
Alcohol is simply not what I find entertaining. However, I recognize that others do not necessarily agree and I'm willing to drink a beer at most parties just so other people feel at ease.
I find the peer pressure to drink to be extraordinarily frustrating (i.e. other people feel uncomfortable unless I drink), but it's not a battle worth fighting for me. I have ~70-100 years to live in total and I'll only have enough time to fight a discrete number of silly mores.
ConradCervantes
Banned
I used to be somebody who pledged absolute sobriety. Alcoholism is rampant in my family to this day, and I used to be terrified that I'd follow in my father's footsteps. But then as I grew up, I realized that as long as there were people around me that I trusted, then I could allow myself a few drinks and have a good time. Not the end of the world. And of course, not drinking every single fucking day also helped me out as well.
This blows my mind. I understand where you're coming from, because I feel the same way sometimes, but sometimes I just feel like I need to just let go and let things happen. When I hit that money spot right before sloppiness, I feel like I'm happy to be where I am, no matter where I actually I am at the moment, particularly in a social environment and/or around friends. I can just enjoy the situation and let things happen without worrying about whether I'll enjoy them or not.
Rice-Eater
Member
I almost never drink, when I do it's a special occasion like a wedding or get together with friends and we're hanging out all night. Even then I don't drink that much, I hate the taste and it doesn't do anything for me. When I drink a lot(which I've done quite a few times), I don't get loud, wild, or anything of that sorts, I just get sleepy. I was always that guy in the group that would volunteer to be the DD or drink far less than anyone else and I was OK with it because I didn't want to drink but I must admit I didn't want to be at a hang out either when the entire point was to get drunk and everybody was doing it besides me. I don't know, I guess I made up my mind long ago when I was a kid and since then I've never cared much for it. Everybody always got my case though and it will probably continue as I still try to dodge alcohol when I'm around friends or relatives and everybody is drinking besides me.
BocoDragon
or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Realize This Assgrab is Delicious
I gotta say that... as a moderate to heavy drinker... the idea that non-drinkers are being pressured to drink makes me uncomfortable.
I've hosted a few parties recently, and I've been telling my non-drinking friends, please, come, you don't have to drink. But others will be.
It's kind of a hard sell though.... aside from the consious or unconsious peer pressure of the drinking set, they are worried that it's expected to have fun, fit in, not be witness to a silly spectacle that they can never be a part of, etc. etc.
This is definitely like my father. He is more comfortable being FULLY cogent. Never drinks or does any drugs.
I am more comfortable when I can unleash my true desires, which are typically constrained by the filtered reality of the day to day mind. When I am drunk, I can actually do what I often want to do, while in my daily life, my mind/manners/habits usher me into a "false role." Or so I perceive it.
I don't think it's fair to make the comparison. Alcohol can have a direct effect on the functioning capabilities of the mind. That makes me uncomfortable. There are an infinite number of things I can do that won't have that effect. I don't often wear yellow shirts, but putting on 200 at the same time wouldn't have any effect on my abilities to perceive my environment.
200 shirts would weight about 110 pounds, you'd definitely have a problem.
This is why I don't drink. I'm also not a big fan of the taste of alcohol.
thetechkid
Member
Don't forget the heat of wearing so many cloths.
It is absolutely a real phenomenon; in fact, let me tell you an anecdote.
I am an admittedly unusual person. I do not enjoy almost anything in popular culture; I do not enjoy rock and roll or rap. I do not enjoy action movies. I do not enjoy most "hardcore" or "mainstream" video games. My interest in sports is limited almost exclusively to statistical analysis of baseball.
However, I am extremely passionate about science. I love physics. I love engineering. I enjoy statistics, economics, and general discussion about critical thinking. I am involved in a charity I run, and I routinely discuss poverty, the general welfare, and how to improve it.
These are things that many people find very boring, as I'm sure you can imagine. Most people do not enjoy discussing quantum field theory at a party or at a bar, and I accept that.
But despite these seemingly extreme and prohibitive social preferences, I can say that by far -- by far -- the most socially restricting quality I exhibit is my tendency to not drink. My overwhelming "nerdiness" and general disinterest in almost all the things most people care about are tiny problems compared to my unwillingness to drink (I'm in my twenties). When I drink at parties, almost all the other differences are mostly meaningless.
I wear 200 shirts to protect me against being groped by women at the bar when I am drunk. It's worked so far!
water_wendi
Water is not wet!
i think there is a lot of truth to this. That someone is so afraid of losing control can be unsettling. Its like a person that refuses to sit down to eat dinner and instead paces around checking the windows.
Me too. I will state that some of the most enjoyable "nerdy"/science-related discussions I had in college were very alcohol-influenced.
BocoDragon
or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Realize This Assgrab is Delicious
I see your point!
As someone who is into rock, rap, dupstep, knows pop culture, loves weed and copious amounts of alcohol....... (but is still simultaneously a nerd and could probably have those conversations with you) I bet you could subvert those crowds and not drink if you don't want to. Just own it.
I just think that you shouldn't have drink for anyone but yourself. If you own it.... others won't care. But I'm glad you're a good sport.
Drunk and high as fuck right now. This is why i'm compelled. it's awesome and I love life right now. Everything is chill, i'm relaxed, and I can't think of anything that would really piss me off right now.
I can definitely respect that (I used to be the same way), and whenever I'm somewhere where people get on somebody for not drinking, I always try to defend the sober person and change the subject to remove the peer pressure form them. If they don't want to then that's their business.
Edit: Also had a 2 hour conversation with some dude about Song of Ice and Fire while drunk and high as fuck.
I can definitely respect that (I used to be the same way), and whenever I'm somewhere where people get on somebody for not drinking, I always try to defend the sober person and change the subject to remove the peer pressure form them. If they don't want to then that's their business.
Edit: Also had a 2 hour conversation with some dude about Song of Ice and Fire while drunk and high as fuck.
A lot of parties are boring if you don't drink, IMO.
I think for most of us, losing control isn't from fear or secrecy. I eat food because I'm hungry. I drink because I'm thirsty. I don't want something I ingest to cause me to slur my words, act irrationally, stumble around, or vomit.
I enjoy the respect I get from my peers for being articulate and intelligent. Letting that temporarily go down the drain wouldn't be fun for me. I want to be able to express myself thoughtfully. I don't want to be considered funny because my audience is too drunk to comprehend what I'm saying, I want to be funny because I put effort into making an entertaining joke, and it was understood.
I think what you're saying is you value your integrity. I pretty much feel the same way.
Most of them, actually.
I absolutely respect this, and a lot of my friends are just like you. I hang out with them when I drink/smoke and they don't, and we both respect each other's decisions and are able to have a lot of fun.
I hate people who peer-pressure others into drinking just as much as those who automatically look down upon those who do drink.
water_wendi
Water is not wet!
Well in what you describe here it seems like fear to me.
BocoDragon
or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Realize This Assgrab is Delicious
That's a fair argument, no doubt.
But I have the theory that so called "normal thinking" is governed heavily by social programming... I feel that is in some ways a "false" way of thinking. It's "acting" that we can't turn off. Even if someone WANTS to be this or that, they may be heavily constrained by deeply held intrinsic modes of thinking, probably imparted by society/parents during childhood. Alcohol might impart a less "intelligent" form of thinking... but it may foster a more honest form of thinking.
It's like in the realm of hooking up. Many of us are deeply programmed to treat potential mates as a "person", for whom we should respect their sovereignty and not make a move unless completely telegraphed that they are receptive to such affection. This is a perectly sane and rational approach to being in a modern society. The problem is that a lot of us can't switch that off, and in the game of mating, it's really BAD programming (look at girl-age). This is why alcohol is often called a "social lubricant"... it allows us to selectively subvert this programming and do the more primitive "male chases female" game (or whatever it may be for same sex couples, etc.)
And not just women, but closeness between friends is fostered, during times when people can say what they actually think, rather than the usual carefully manicured statements that are safe to say in a society.
In short... alcohol isn't just about being stupid (slurring words is kind of stupid, and arguments are often less well constructed)... but it also imparts the ability to be honest to one's truest, base desires... To get past our common programming, our "acting", in society. That has a time and a place in our world, to get certain things accomplished (closeness with other humans, mostly).
I meant fear of exposure. Is it wrong to fear a loss of integrity?
One of my roommates is at least as intelligent and well spoken as I am. I had never seen him drunk until a few days ago. He came back from his first big party while I was practicing guitar, and as soon as he walked through the door he demanded that I begin playing for him. I'd had it for about four days, and were he not drunk, he'd have taken that into account. When I tried to explain to him that I had nothing of performance quality, he interrupted me and asked me to play something else. This continued for a while. At about 3 AM he finally gave up on me and got on his computer. He took off his shirt and began calling girls on Skype and started flirting with them. Girls I know he hates. The next day he felt horrible and regretted it all.
I know this is a single case, and not even close to representative of what being drunk is like for everyone, but it was at best a huge annoyance. Every experience that has led me to come in contact with alcohol has been like that or worse. Why would I ever want to act toward someone else the way he did to me?
Dice
Pokémon Parentage Conspiracy Theorist
I like BocoDragon's theory, and would say that people often use it as an excuse for those purposes before they are even too drunk for it to have forcibly happened. Get a little buzzed and you're feeling good, the tension in your muscles feels unwound, you like the people you are with, and you want to be on the real with them, often even with total strangers. Trust is a little foolish, it's a risk that can pay off in value of understanding the underlying human experience we are all going through. I think alcohol is very often used as a catalyst and a scapegoat for taking that risk.
But even if not with others, it's so nice to have a couple beers and relax. Feels good.
But even if not with others, it's so nice to have a couple beers and relax. Feels good.
Couldn't agree more.
One could argue that if you're "doing it right" you wouldn't be drunk enough to do things you'll regret.
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