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Abstinence from alcohol

76 durable postsStarted 2009-03-18Latest 2009-03-23
#67724Post 1 of 76

So I'm suffering today from a few beers last night and a late finish for me - fortunately I had today booked off work:)

I was wondering, is anybody on here completely teetotal? I am beginning to question why I actually drink alcohol? I certainly don't really enjoy the taste - on a warm day I'd rather have a cold soft drink than a cold beer to be honest. I just wonder is it worth the hangover the next day and the grogginess that that brings.

There is just one alcoholic drink that I actually enjoy, which is Guinness, but I reckon I could give that up if needed.

The thing is, peer pressure makes me drink - if I am with the lads there is no way I'd get away with having a soft drink!

I know one guy who is about 42 years old and is as fit as a fiddle, plays more football than I do and never ever drinks alcohol - he said that his body is an engine and he only puts good things in it - I can see his point

#1183598Post 2 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

[quote=GregWhelan;723791] I can see his point[/quote]

If you can see his, what make you think your friends can't see yours?

#1183599Post 3 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

today is probably the second day (in a row) in the last 2 years that I've not had a drink. it's not been easy. I dont drink a lot unless I'm with family / friends but I love my glass (or 2) of red with dinner

#1183600Post 4 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

I am, kinda. I'll drink once in a blue moon, meaning, maybe a drink once a month. But right now, even if i wanted to drink, I just can't; i've been on a liquid diet; whey and casein protein, 2.5 gallons of water a day, and copious amounts of supplements. I would get royally drunk after a beer or two. You friends makes a good point.

I don't think there is anything wrong with not drinking at all. First, you're saving copious amounts of money. Second, you're eliminating hundreds, perhaps thousands of extra calories every week. Third, there is very little nutritional benefit in alcohol (maybe wine is up for grabs?), compared to the alternatives. Fourth, who has the time to get drunk? Our jobs have become our assets in this economy, so staying on top of that requires a clear, focused mind.

my .02.

#1183602Post 5 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

One word for you Greg.

[SIZE=3]"Moderation"[/SIZE] :RTFM:

Must admit, I've cut down as I've got older ... but I do like a nice beer.

Nowt better than getting home and having a nice cold Estrella Damm while knocking up a nice Thai Curry with some sounds on - helps me unwind ... but I may just stick to the one bottle and am tea-total 4-5 nights during the week.

I do get dragged into the beer after work scenario, which means a couple of bags of peanuts for tea and about 6-8 pints :drink: .. but I stick to quality bitter, which isn't as strong or gassey. Its great to talk shop, put the world to rights or watch the footie.

That aside I may have a bottle of wine one night (always intend to drink the bottle over 2 x nights, but it never works out like that).

#1183603Post 6 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

i drink every day and it's awesome.

#1183604Post 7 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

likewise. a 40oz a day keeps the doctor away.

best of wishes though mate, on the abstaining. cheers.

#1183605Post 8 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

I don´t think I could man.

I mean, I don´t drink everyday, but am a pretty regular drinker, mainly beer and red wine, and now that summer and the heat is here, there´s few things which I enjoy more than getting out of work and go somewhere for a quick pint or 5.

I´ll even do it alone, so it´s not a peer pressure thing, it´s just that nothing else seems as good, really.

Besides, it´s really hard for me to get drunk on beer, or even hungover, I mean I drank 6 pints last night and woke up fresh as daisy, it helps that I´m tall and and have been doing this for years and years. Not much of a beer belly, fortunately, that would actually bother me more than the hangovers.

#1183607Post 9 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

I have had about....Mmmmm...1 Beer in the past 2 1/2 months.

Feel pretty good.

#1183613Post 10 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

[quote=GregWhelan;723791]I just wonder is it worth the hangover the next day and the grogginess that that brings.[/quote] Have you ever considered having just one or two drinks instead of ten to fifteen? ;) You might feel better.

[quote=GregWhelan;723791]I know one guy who is about 42 years old and is as fit as a fiddle, plays more football than I do and never ever drinks alcohol - he said that his body is an engine and he only puts good things in it - I can see his point[/quote] There are also plenty of well-documented studies that suggest that a small amount of regular alcohol intake - a glass of red wine a day - is actually good for you.

I suspect that people who are fit as a fiddle are doing more things right than just whether or not they drink alcohol, and that genetics plays a large role. I know old people who smoke and eat french fries who have outlived yoga instructors.

#1183615Post 11 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

i don't think i've had a drink in almost 3 weeks.

#1183618Post 12 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

[quote=tiddles;723812]i don't think i've had a drink in almost 3 weeks.[/quote]

you suck at lying :p

#1183619Post 13 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

[quote=tiddles;723812]i don't think i've had a drink in almost 3 weeks.[/quote]

You're in Bourdeaux ffs !

Don't let the locals find out, they'll :Crucify: you.

#1183620Post 14 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

[quote=tiddles;723812]i don't think i've had a drink in almost 3 weeks.[/quote]

Living in Bordeaux? :shock:

That´s like pretending to be a eunuch in whorehouse.

#1183630Post 15 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

I first to cut down because of age and the effects that large amounts of beer would do to me, buuut my biggest problem was that i really enjoy a cold brewski, i mean, i just love beer so much, soooo the first thing i did was start looking for better quality beer, that way i replaced quantity with quality.

Ever since i started doing this, the hangovers have been less painful, and my drinking habits have been going down a bit, shit, i used to drink 5 out of 7 days a week, and now im only drinking one day a week, and most of the times, its with family.

#1183636Post 16 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

There was a time when I'd go out pretty much every night and really whoop it up. Those days are gone, but it's still pretty common for me to have a drink or two at night, most often a glass of wine or two with dinner or a little Captain and diet. What I have cut down on dramatically is drinking to the point where I'm feeling it the next morning. We have a newborn at home, and there is a direct correlation between the amount I drink and the amount it sucks when I have to wake up to tend to her in the middle of the night, so unless there's an actual event, half a bottle of wine tends to be my max. I do still go out and kick it old school from time to time, tho. Opening weekend of the NCAA Tourney, for example, will be just such an occasion.

I actually really enjoy the taste of most alcoholic beverages and as to wine in particular, if they made a non-alcoholic wine that was worth a hill of beans, I might consider keeping some around the house for instances when I just can't drink at all for whatever reason.

#1183639Post 17 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

I recon I drink pretty much every day, but have at least 1 month off a year just to proove I can and to save some cash. It's always a struggle - I used to smoke and gave that up very easily, and recon I could with most things, drugs included (nothing power, pill or herb based for over 3 months now) but i'd struggle to give up the grog

#1183640Post 18 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

I think if it's affecting your life in negative ways and you're sick & tired of it then you're answering your own question. My problem is I can't have 1 of anything. Life is good sober I gotta say much better than when I was getting wasted all the time. Good luck man.

#1183642Post 19 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

Once a week if even for me.

#1183646Post 20 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

Another problem I have is that I am just getting tired of the taste of the beers around here. It is getting to the stage where after just 2 pints I am looking for something different to drink because the taste is annoying me.

I went to Germany last year for a 3 day stag 'weekend' and drank pretty solidly all the time I was awake. The difference was that the beer actually tasted lovely, it came in a classy glass each time and it was actually a privilege to have a beer. It is not like that in the UK.

I think wine may be the way forward - I have always liked the taste of red wine, but only after a few beers. Can't say I've ever had wine with an evening meal so I suppose it's worth a shot.

#1183661Post 21 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

[quote=GregWhelan;723843]Another problem I have is that I am just getting tired of the taste of the beers around here. It is getting to the stage where after just 2 pints I am looking for something different to drink because the taste is annoying me.

I went to Germany last year for a 3 day stag 'weekend' and drank pretty solidly all the time I was awake. The difference was that the beer actually tasted lovely, it came in a classy glass each time and it was actually a privilege to have a beer. It is not like that in the UK.

I think wine may be the way forward - I have always liked the taste of red wine, but only after a few beers. Can't say I've ever had wine with an evening meal so I suppose it's worth a shot.[/quote]

Try PBR bro. it won a blue ribbon for good reason.

#1183666Post 22 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

[quote=Kamal;723815]you suck at lying :p[/quote] no, i'm serious. it wasn't really a conscious decision, i just haven't had any in a few weeks.

#1183670Post 23 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

[img]http://www.rupissed.com/prankplace/notadrunk.jpg[/img]

#1183673Post 24 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

[quote=GregWhelan;723843]Another problem I have is that I am just getting tired of the taste of the beers around here. It is getting to the stage where after just 2 pints I am looking for something different to drink because the taste is annoying me. [/quote]

As I live in Yorkshire at the mo, there's tons of proper pubs with guests ales and they seriously look after their barrels. I rarely drink lager unless I'm clubbing or abroad. Bitter seems to make me less hung over too.

BTW - wine with food is great ... a nice red with a spag bol, casserole or medium rare steak is the business ;)

#1183677Post 25 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

[quote=Miguel;723869][IMG]http://www.rupissed.com/prankplace/notadrunk.jpg[/IMG][/quote]

....drunks celebrate

#1183688Post 26 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

hell yezz .. ask me next weekend

#1183696Post 27 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

I've only been to the UK once but I liked the beer there, especially the John Smith's, because it was so light and refreshing. I could see how you could get tired of drinking the beer though because the alcohol content is so low it takes 4-5 pints before I even feel anything. Only had a slight hangover one night but I drank over a dozen pints hanging out with relative in-laws.

My personal tastes are 2-3 good beers (porters or stouts) or 1-2 gin and tonics 2-4 nights a week. Just enough to take the edge off. Even on the rare occasions I visit the bars these days I nurse a pint for at least a good half hour. Outside of being on vacation or the occasional soiree I hardly ever pass the point of buzzed.

Going to see Burridge this weekend though and I will surely throw a few down Saturday night. Moderation unless the occasion calls for something else :lol:

#1183700Post 28 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

I fear that I could keep up with the best of boozers on this board. While my consumption has declined over the years, I still drink 2 - 3 nights a week, more in the summer. Thankfully, I'm rarely hungover, but when I am....ouch! You know the point when you're so drunk most people would puke, well I don't do that anymore. It seems the old eject button ain't workin'. Sometimes I wish it did. That said, I haven't had a dring since Sat. but that'll change tonight. :D

#1183704Post 29 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

[quote=chanty;723903]You know the point when you're so drunk most people would puke, well I don't do that anymore. It seems the old eject button ain't workin'. Sometimes I wish it did.[/quote]

Yeah, I haven´t puked from the booze in fuckin´ ages and strange as it sounds, sometimes I´d rather have that happen. To make space for more booze.

#1183707Post 30 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

:lol:

#1183708Post 31 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

Well...I drink I think everyone on this board knows that :) But I prefer smoking so I smoke more than I drink and I drink maybe once, twice a week... I don't need to loose my inhibitions I just need to relax and let my mind unwind...

#1183729Post 32 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

[quote=highdesert;723899]I've only been to the UK once but I liked the beer there, especially the John Smith's, because it was so light and refreshing. [/quote]

That's actually kinda funny, because if there is one phrase I would never use to describe beer brewed in the UK, it is "light and refreshing." After my first visit to England, I remember saying, out loud, "Well, I loved England, but wow, the British can't brew a decent beer." :lol:

Hey, to each their own, though... :Cheerz:

#1183739Post 33 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

^^ if it gets me drunk then its good

#1183741Post 34 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

[QUOTE=toasty;723937]That's actually kinda funny, because if there is one phrase I would never use to describe beer brewed in the UK, it is "light and refreshing." After my first visit to England, I remember saying, out loud, "Well, I loved England, but wow, the British can't brew a decent beer." :lol:

Hey, to each their own, though... :Cheerz:[/QUOTE]

Fullers ESB, Boddington's Pub Ale. Delicious.

#1183755Post 35 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

+1 to boddington's

#1183761Post 36 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

[quote=Jenks;723949]Fullers ESB, Boddington's Pub Ale. Delicious.[/quote]

Boddingtons and Tetley's 8)

#1183766Post 37 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

[quote=Jenks;723949]Fullers ESB, Boddington's Pub Ale. Delicious.[/quote]

Now you're talking. But there are also tons of artisan brewers in the uk that take things to another level ;)

If you ever make it over here we can sink a few together :lol:

#1183776Post 38 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

i pretty much only drink jameson or bushmills on the rocks, 4-5 nights per week...i've learned to live with a hangover...is that excessive? ha

#1183790Post 39 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

each month I have between 2-5 drinks, usually stella, nice scotch or a good wine...

Some people have enough self control to drink like I do, but a lot of people I know simply do not and have to quit all together.

I think it is important to examine what triggers your urge to drink more than 2-3 drinks at one time. If it's a rare celebratory kind of situation then that is probably fine. But if you are unhappy about something in your life and whatever that thing is triggers the urge to drink until you are intoxicated, you are better off working on that area of your life rather than covering it up by drinking.

Last point, the best way to avoid drinking is to not hang out with those who drink more frequently than you are comfortable with. Sounds obvious, but it's true.

ps I drank plenty in college!

#1183796Post 40 of 76

Re: Abstinence from alcohol

would probably be a good idea!

saying i'm sat her and the misses is throwing her guts up!

she does know how to handle her drink! :roll: :evil:

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