Pressure to Drink
- Thread starter tkioz
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I feel the same way. I don't see anything real special with alcohol. I did have one drink of whiskey for the new year. My friends are the same so it helps. Either clearly state your not drinking and everyone get over it or get your own drinks and don't bring up alcohol. People don't care enough to keep track on what everyone is drinking. If someone does just tell them your not in the mood. If they pressure you to "just have one" tell them no and to get over it.
I'm... Well, 17, so technically I shouldn't drink. But I have tried a few things. Only thing I've found that I like is blueberry vodka cruisers... But really, I don't like alcohol. I rarely like the taste, I don't like the fact that it's a drug, I don't like the whole idea of getting drunk. I don't see why losing control of your common sense, embarrassing yourself, and forgetting about it all (probably a blessing actually) and waking up to a massive hangover is appealing...
But. I don't get pressured by my friends. There's some good natured jokes about me being a metalhead who doesn't drink. But they don't get annoying about it. Helps that they're the sort who drink because they do like alcohol, or just to get tipsy and hilarious. They do it for fun, not to just "get drunk".
But. I don't get pressured by my friends. There's some good natured jokes about me being a metalhead who doesn't drink. But they don't get annoying about it. Helps that they're the sort who drink because they do like alcohol, or just to get tipsy and hilarious. They do it for fun, not to just "get drunk".
While pressure to drink can be construed as irritating, alcohol is a drug that enhance life. Pressuring friends into consumption of mind altering substances is akin to trying to get your friends to watch a movie or appreciate art with you. It doesn't show that you have bad friends, it just shows that they want to help you in a way you may not understand.
My friends and even my family have been pestering me to drink for as long as I've been legally able to and even beforehand. However, I always have and always will refuse.
I simply stand firm on my position and politely refuse when offered (and I get offered plenty, even by those who know I will never drink). No matter what anyone tells you - the burden of proof is on those that want you to drink. Why should you be made to start?
No reputable health expert is going to recommend starting to drink over going without it. You don't need it as a social lubricant (you can have plenty of fun with friends without drinking a drop). Outside of drinking games, there's no activity you will be excluded from that a drinker wouldn't, and even then you can still talk with them. Besides, people always appreciate a designated driver if you have your license.
I've yet to be convinced that I should start drinking, and there are plenty of reasons for me not to. Either way though, it's ultimately each person's decision - and if your friends can't respect that decision, ignore them. However, keep yourself available for social events if you like the people - otherwise they have a tangible way to guilt you into changing your mind.
I simply stand firm on my position and politely refuse when offered (and I get offered plenty, even by those who know I will never drink). No matter what anyone tells you - the burden of proof is on those that want you to drink. Why should you be made to start?
No reputable health expert is going to recommend starting to drink over going without it. You don't need it as a social lubricant (you can have plenty of fun with friends without drinking a drop). Outside of drinking games, there's no activity you will be excluded from that a drinker wouldn't, and even then you can still talk with them. Besides, people always appreciate a designated driver if you have your license.
I've yet to be convinced that I should start drinking, and there are plenty of reasons for me not to. Either way though, it's ultimately each person's decision - and if your friends can't respect that decision, ignore them. However, keep yourself available for social events if you like the people - otherwise they have a tangible way to guilt you into changing your mind.
None of my friends are stupid enough to invite me to bring in the new year with them.
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*Doesn't aprove of fireworks (fire hazard, pollution, scares animals & the elderly, makes babies cry & dogs bark).
*Doesn't like the taste of hard drinks. Cannot be pressured to do anything.
*Germophobic in crowded surroundings; will punch anyone in the arm who bumps into me.
*Not dumb enough to stand outside for hours in 30* weather, especially when the weatherman predicts hail.
*Can't think of anything more boring to do than hang around some cold place with noisy pleople.
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*Doesn't aprove of fireworks (fire hazard, pollution, scares animals & the elderly, makes babies cry & dogs bark).
*Doesn't like the taste of hard drinks. Cannot be pressured to do anything.
*Germophobic in crowded surroundings; will punch anyone in the arm who bumps into me.
*Not dumb enough to stand outside for hours in 30* weather, especially when the weatherman predicts hail.
*Can't think of anything more boring to do than hang around some cold place with noisy pleople.
I don't drink much either. You're not the only one. I have a really low tolerance for alcohol, so what most people would call "heavy drinking" for me is a day I have a couple Smirnoffs.
They do ask to do other activities, it's just that they have to wangle in a drink as well. We went bowling once and about 5mins in they ordered cocktails. They just seemed to be on a mission to get drunk. I don't understand why they feel the need to drink to the point where they can no longer control themselves, or remember what they are doing and must have someone else to look after them. Personally I don't see a problem to have a drink in a pub where you can talk and meet people. Whether you drink or not is up to you, however it is depressing that the social norm becomes binge drinking every night and because of this people think they have no choice in the matter, especially to be socially accepted. As for age groups I know people of similar ages to those that you mentioned that share the "binge drinking attitude" and it seems to but the same social pressures and culture that drives them to do so.Faine said:By all means, rant away; I certainly did.
Actually, I just checked your profile and realised we're both British. Might explain the similarities given the fact the UK has a big drinking culture. As for the part of your post that I bolded: same here. I'm 19, 20 next month, and I can't find anyone of similar age to me who would be happy doing something that doesn't involve alcohol. It's not just my age range either; I know of people 30-40 who behave similarly. It's apparently impossible to drink and not over do it for a lot of people.
I've been fortunate in that I haven't found myself trying to get puking friends home as you have, mostly because I haven't let myself get into those situations in the first place. Of course, now I've just kinda isolated myself. Ah well. I've never been a big party-goer anyway; it's just not my thing. I just wish I could have a couple of friends who I could say "Hey, wanna go see a movie?" to and not have "Sure! But after we could go to this pub and that club and-" as a response. Sometimes I'd just like to watch a movie, y'know? Or invite a few folks over and stay at home eating crap food and playing stupid games. Maybe I'm just boring but I could actually have fun with that and I'd remember it the following morning.
The point i'm trying to make is that you do have a choice to make with how much you drink.
If I'm not gonna drink on a certain night. I'll say I'm not drinking tonight to my friends, and they understand. I just go around with a pint/bottle of water and the only questions I get are:
"Can I have some of your vodka?"
"You not drinking tonight?"
Can't remember anyone ever forcing me to drink. Except these two times where some guy poured beer in my water (whilst trying to sober up) or (the same guy, different party) put a bottle of jack up to my mouth and tipped it up (again while trying to get sober)
"Can I have some of your vodka?"
"You not drinking tonight?"
Can't remember anyone ever forcing me to drink. Except these two times where some guy poured beer in my water (whilst trying to sober up) or (the same guy, different party) put a bottle of jack up to my mouth and tipped it up (again while trying to get sober)
Ethanol, how deeply annoying you are. I don't like drinking as it just doesn't feel right having to use drugs every single time being out and social. To me, using alcohol is equivalent with using any other hard drug, and while I'm not against drugs (I absolutely lust after trying an entheogen), I'm strongly against using stronger drugs frequently.
But I run into a conflict considering moderate use could be equated to using caffeine or other mild intoxicants, which I consider fine. So I try my best to convince myself that it in fact is not bad to use low doses of alcohol.
I don't like depressants or any drugs reducing my mind (I prefer, in decreasing order, hallucinogens, anti-depressants, and stimulants). I really really like my brain, and don't want to slow it down. The fact that my brain chemistry in a normal state is so incredibly awesome, and that alcohol actually ruins this, I see no reason to use it. So when anyone state that it is universally wrong not to drink, I get quite annoyed. I find it quite an immature statement to make.
Even though I find the taste of some drinkspleasant interesting.
But I run into a conflict considering moderate use could be equated to using caffeine or other mild intoxicants, which I consider fine. So I try my best to convince myself that it in fact is not bad to use low doses of alcohol.
I don't like depressants or any drugs reducing my mind (I prefer, in decreasing order, hallucinogens, anti-depressants, and stimulants). I really really like my brain, and don't want to slow it down. The fact that my brain chemistry in a normal state is so incredibly awesome, and that alcohol actually ruins this, I see no reason to use it. So when anyone state that it is universally wrong not to drink, I get quite annoyed. I find it quite an immature statement to make.
Even though I find the taste of some drinks
I think you should just drink some whisky - it's actually the same price as beer because you'll be drinking a tenth as much. If you then feel thirsty, as a shot won't quench it - especially in Australia, you can then drink soft drinks or whatever. Now you're rehydrated, and you've drank something, actually something more heavy than your friends.
To be honest I think that's very true. Fears and emotional boundaries aren't a problem when you've consumed a bit, although I also think getting totally pissed, especially as a woman, isn't respectful to yourself, and usually shows weak character.rokkolpo said:
Being pressured to drink...
You know, people have been generally cool about it if I don't want to drink on a particular night. I kind of find it hard to believe that people would pressure you. The only time I ever was pressured even slightly was on my 21st birthday, and even then it was only like, "You sure you're not going to try anything?". I didn't drink any back then. I only started drinking beer because I discovered craft beer in all it's many brands and varieties of deliciousness (Dogfish Head is the best brewery period). I was 22 then, and only drank some Rum before that. I drink what tastes good, mostly. Every now and then I'll play some Beer Pong with friends and will get some PBR for it.
My three main drinks:
-Dogfish Head 90 minute IPA
-Bacardi Gold (Rum) and coke
-Maker's Mark (Bourbon) and ginger ale
You know, people have been generally cool about it if I don't want to drink on a particular night. I kind of find it hard to believe that people would pressure you. The only time I ever was pressured even slightly was on my 21st birthday, and even then it was only like, "You sure you're not going to try anything?". I didn't drink any back then. I only started drinking beer because I discovered craft beer in all it's many brands and varieties of deliciousness (Dogfish Head is the best brewery period). I was 22 then, and only drank some Rum before that. I drink what tastes good, mostly. Every now and then I'll play some Beer Pong with friends and will get some PBR for it.
My three main drinks:
-Dogfish Head 90 minute IPA
-Bacardi Gold (Rum) and coke
-Maker's Mark (Bourbon) and ginger ale
I understand your point, but the way I see it, our inhibitions are just as much a part of our personal character as our underlying desires. In sobriety I'm shy and reticent - that's who I am. I have sampled most chemicals (legal and otherwise) and found that being true to oneself is the only path to self-awareness not flanked with bullshit trees and disingenuous hedgerow.rokkolpo said:
OH my god, I am SO glad that I am not the only one who has this problem, I get this crap all the time, whenever my bf's friends want to have a party (which is a lot) I don't care if they drink (glad that my bf doesn't though) but they get on my case if I don't, like a few weeks ago, a couple of them were having a housewarming party or some crap, and one of the girls was literally screeching at me, begging me to have a drink, was the most pathetic thing I have ever seen....