What's the big deal about drinking?

[Kasawd]

I get drunk, on occasion. It really does improve the quality of a party when everyone is hammered, playing drinking games. Too "off their horse" to be shy.

I do, however, think that alcohol is viewed by those who cannot drink or have not drank before as some amber liquid of deliciousness.

Really, it tastes terrible unless mixed well. Such as my favourites, Rye & Coke or Whiskey & gingerale. People drink because it feels good and allows us to relieve our worries for a short time. It's a depressant, it relaxes us.

 

[Azaradel]

I've never seen the reason why people drink, myself, nor have I ever understood the common idea of "you have to be drunk to party". I had friends who used to try really hard to get me to drink, since they obviously had nothing better to do. I don't condemn people for drinking - if you want to drink, fine - but don't try to make me drink just because I'm not "fun" enough for you.

I reckon having really bad rolemodels is what really drove me away from drinking, as quite a large part of my family are alchoholics refusing to admit they have a problem. Also, I find anything with alchohol tastes just awful... and I find it hard to overlook the dangers of drinking. I'd rather be sober and boring, thank you.

 

[DividedUnity]

I think youre forgetting about saturday and sunday nights in dublin

and also tuesdays i think. students night

Tell you what, let's just say "every fucking day". I don't mind drinking, but we Irish can be apocalyptic with our drinking.

Yeah I know. Im sad to admit I fulfill the stereotype. I love the philosophy people here have that if you cant remember anything from the night before and you wake up some place wierd then it was a good night lol

 

[PRunba]

It's just people trying to be cool, the only reason why someone would drink is because they think it's cool, usually because of either the Media, or Parents, or Peers, or the combination of both. There is no REAL reason why to drink, it's pretty much bad for you, as much as smoking is, but it's all the "cool" factor.

 

[irishdude]

I just wish they'd hurry up and legalize marijuana here in the US. They'll do it eventually. It's less harmful than alcohol and far less addictive.

All I'd like to add concerning alcohol is: be careful. Take a look at your family, your grandparents, uncles, brothers, sisters, cousins, etc. If there's a large percentage of hardcore drinkers and alcoholics amongst them, you're in danger as well. Alcoholism tends to run in familes, although like any inherited traits, it can skip generations, siblings, etc.

god yes, when i went to holland it was fecking awesome, 4 days of the best highs every, and its not addictive, i fecking hate when people says it is

 

[Toasted Nuts]

When i was younger about 16 i started drinking. It was fun getting drunk was "cool" and i was just a standard kid who wanted to look "cool" along with his mates by getting drunk. It was fun yer going to a club every Thursday, Friday and Saturday getting really drunk and having a laugh.

I carried on doing so while at University. However now i have grown out of this way of thinking. It was fun at the time but im past it, i dont see the point in going out every week and drinking stupid amounts that makes me do stupid things, makes me feel awful the next day, makes me put on weight in the long run, and gives me long term health problems.

I now usually only drink 1 or 2 pints down the pub of a weekend because believe it or not i do enjoy a beer or two. But besides that i dont see the point of drinking. Very rarely i will cut loose and have 1 night were i get a little drunk and go out with friends but really i regret it the next day.

Most people go through this phase at a younger age, they start drinking mainly because well its the cool thing to do and to fit in. Its just the way our society is nowadays, but most people grow out of it and by there mid to late 20's will probably stop doing it apart from the rare occasion they cut loose and get drunk. People who continue to drink on a regular basis of a weekend into their 30's really just need to grow up because really its pretty sad and will hurt them badly in the long run.

Some drinks can be nice, others most people drink to get drunk. It can be fun and can lead to great times when your with friends at a younger age. However it can make you do stupid things and other people can be violent while under the influence. Really its up to you if you want to drink, but most people do it purely to fit in. Is this you? well thats something you will have to discover.

 

[Lambchop]

ya any where in ireland on friday is insane and now with national drinking day on the 17th aka st.paddys day its going to be mad craic!!!!!

The main reason I plan not to go outside much that day.

The amount of drinking on that day is demented, I really can't deal with that much drinking.

not looking forward to that day, for some reason over the last 3 weeks we have had to kick out EVERY group of Irish people that come into the bar male and female, dont know wtf happened but they have started breaking a lot of stuff and causing a lot of damage and trouble. its either going to be a really fun day or a lot of drama..maybe even both if we're lucky. i dont have to do crowd control though so i can just sit back and watch the show

 

[Mikkaddo]

This question came from me talking to my friend about what he was going to do during Spring Break he replied "I'm going to throw a Spring Break party at my house with so much alcohol." And I asked "Do you really need alcohol to have fun at a party?" And he replied with a "Of course; you can't have a party without beer." (He's 21 so he can legally drink)

And it got me thinking what's with all the hype about alcohol? Granted I'm 18 and the only alcohol I've had was a Bud Light that an uncle gave me. But when I drank it, it tasted horrible and said "Why do people like this stuff?"

So the question is What's the deal with drinking? Why do people drink at all?

Ahh it comes again. Let me clarify something for you friend. Alot of people like to have tons of beer and such at a party not to drink, but to get DRUNK. Specifically beer is most often used for getting drunk . . . the reason is exactly what you said, it doesn't taste all that good . . . hell even GOOD beer doesn't taste very good . . . because people use it to get drunk since it's so cheap.

Now, something like Vodka, or Crown or such is different . . . because it has an appreciable flavor to it. People that like to drink for the flavor and such drink things like Vodka or Whiskey or hell, even Rum really.

It's why there are things like mixed drinks. I'm a vodka man, and very resolutely NOT a drunk man . . . I like my Vodka sure, but in moderation, a bit at a time you know? THAT is what the deal is with drinking.

 

[MurderousToaster]

Although despite this you cannot drink for 3 more years. The age limit is what causes the phenomenon of binge drinking which is unique to the united states. If you've always been brought up in life that *meh* alcohol is a drink like any other and as a kid you are allowed a glass of wine on occasion with your speghetti, there is no rush to finally become 21 and drink your face off.

Oh man, binge drinking is in no way unique to the United States. I know people from where I live, Ireland (which is currently the highest drinking nation in the world) who've basically been on a binge their whole lives.

Dublin on a Friday night is insane, I've seen people drink more than Oliver Reed.

I thought the country with the most alcohol consumption was Luxembourg?

 

[Vondrakenhof]

In Ireland drink is a big deal for 3 reasons:

1. Drink is part of our heritage. (Which bites).

2. There is nothing to do in this country that doesn't involve drink or sport. (Which bites more).

3. In this day and age being pleasantly drunk (key word: pleasently) is better than being sober.

 

[Gardenia]

Although despite this you cannot drink for 3 more years. The age limit is what causes the phenomenon of binge drinking which is unique to the united states. If you've always been brought up in life that *meh* alcohol is a drink like any other and as a kid you are allowed a glass of wine on occasion with your speghetti, there is no rush to finally become 21 and drink your face off.

Oh man, binge drinking is in no way unique to the United States. I know people from where I live, Ireland (which is currently the highest drinking nation in the world) who've basically been on a binge their whole lives.

Dublin on a Friday night is insane, I've seen people drink more than Oliver Reed.

Same over here, man. Binge drinking is in no way limited to the US.
OT: I get drunk once in a while, it helps me get in touch with random people etc. I prefer weed tho. I like being in control while intoxicated.

 

[Mana Fiend]

I don't like beers. I just think they taste vile. I like a little bit of white wine, sparkling rose and occassionally cider. Personally, I love cocktails, especially when fruit-based. However, too much alcohol and I go sleepy rather than lively. Being a student, that doesn't help...

I think most people love alcohol because it's considered one of those really 'grown-up' things, the same way cigarettes are. However, it tends to not have as much negative health connotation linked with it (cigarettes are portrayed as bad for you regardless, alcohol only if you exceed a guideline amount). Plus, people who've been drinking heavily tend to be total dicks who don't realise they're being dicks...

 

[MurderousToaster]

I thought the country with the most alcohol consumption was Luxembourg?

We continually overtake each other. I believe we're highest at the moment, I read it on the news a couple of days ago.

The solution: Pick high-drinking representatives from both countries and have a drink-off.

 

[DividedUnity]

In Ireland drink is a big deal for 3 reasons:

1. Drink is part of our heritage. (Which bites).

2. There is nothing to do in this country that doesn't involve drink or sport. (Which bites more).

3. In this day and age being pleasantly drunk (key word: pleasently) is better than being sober.

Yeah that basically explains it. I mean really there is very little to do here. And everything fun costs a load of money eg concerts (70 euro a ticket hahaha, 220 for oxygen hahaha no thanks)

 

[Sebenko]

The solution: Pick high-drinking representatives from both countries and have a drink-off.

We win, we have Shane McGowan and Poteen.

You've got a whole stereotype. I'd bet the other side would back out before it had even started.

 

[RagingScottsman]

Ask me about our "drinks for blow-jobs" program.

In all seriousness though I am hardly some manic depressive who can't crack a smile w/o a pint in hand, but I do embark on a weekly ritual every weekend up to the bar for a few pitchers, some pool, and flirting with a very lovely waitress from New Jersey. We don't exactly "party it up", just some good drinks with good friends. We work, and pretend to be professional all week, the whole time bearing our fake grins and pleasant dispositions for our customers. It's our opportunity to just relax and let it all hang out. There's not much to explain to someone who doesn't drink, nor is there anything I would apologize for. We avoid the "cool" spots for something more low-key and focused on having a good time more than impressing a bunch of other drunks.

Also, I would pose the argument that if all you've ever had is Bud-light, then you haven't yet had beer. Take it from a man who loves his ales and stouts: that stuff is not a proper representation of beer and is only for stupid kids who want to look cool and college students who want to binge drink without actually tasting anything. I would sooner surrender my testicles and enjoy a wine-cooler than drink that bile.