1 tequila, 2 tequila, 3 tequila, floor
Most people can say they have drunk alcohol at some point in their lives. To many people it's a fun, relaxing way to wind down with friends after a long day. We want to have an open and frank discussion about alcohol that focuses on what we can do to help keep drinking in moderation and focused on the fun times!
The main reason people enjoy drinking is also one of the major reasons that alcohol causes problems – it lowers inhibitions, producing a feeling of carefree relaxation. While this is not necessarily a bad thing in small doses, enough alcohol can bring out a person's less-controlled side, resulting in anything from throwaway kisses, jumping off funces to aggressive fights. Binge drinking is the type of drinking that causes problems - often a person may not even remember what happened the following morning – here's hoping you brought your non-drinking friend to catch you up on last night's events!
Unfortunately, for some people drinking goes from a supporter of good times to an instigator of some things that are dangerous. In the long-term, alcohol dependence can result in a variety of problems, and many people have lost families, jobs, and possessions as a result of their addiction. Cutting back becomes especially hard – alcohol addiction is known to be one of the hardest to crack, and withdrawal symptoms can be a nightmare. That said, if you or someone you know has a drinking problem, get help straight away! There are a number of services available to you, including your local GP.
All this is not to say that drinking is wrong, we just want to have a realistic convo that looks at all the possibilities. Done right, it can help make a good night into a great night, and alongside an awesome group of friends there's no reason not to have a few drinks. Just keep it safe, know your limits, and have a great time!
Want to share your experience and help others know more about alcohol and drunkenness? Maybe you have a few questions and comments of your own? Whatever it is, join us right here on Monday 16th September for the next Getting Real session – it's sure to be a great discussion!
Here's some info to help get your drinking with less risks!
Hah. Woops. I was a bit late there.
Enjoyed reading through this chat. Night all!
Thanks everyone for the really good and honest responses! It was a bit empty at the start but luckily, everything picked back up and went beyond it. Here's a summary of everyone's responses today:
I think alcohol is really popular because it helps people lose their anxieties or inhibitions during a social gathering so it becomes more fun. It's widely available and legal and is ingrained in our culture. As to the effects, contrary to what a lot of people may think, alcohol is actually a depressant so it slows down the body. This makes it much more dangerous to drive. As mentioned before, it loosens inhibitions so people become more open than their usual selves. Of course, it can also make us do things we usually wouldn't want to do.
People said that their first time drinking usually involved curiosity and having friends who were also trying it. It's important to have a supportive group with you if you do get drunk the first time so you're not in any danger.
Drinking with friends can be a lot of fun but there's a fine line between drinking for fun and drinking for the sake of drinking. While drinking can be fun, it's important to exercise judgement.
Everyone agrees that it's really different hanging out with drunk people when you're sober – they tend to be quite loud, sometimes annoying, and often you have to try to talk them out of doing something stupid/that they'll regret. It's even worse when they start being a jerk to you – however, it's not always a problem. If they're just a little tipsy, or 'happy drunk', they can actually be quite nice to be around. It all depends on the individual!
To many people, responsible drinking is being able to know your limits and keeping track of what you've had. Also, know what you're drinking – if you're having shots, take some time between drinks to stabilise yourself. Have some water! When people don't take care of themselves while drinking things can get out of hand, and the night can stop being fun for everyone.
If you find yourself developing a drinking problem, do your best to stop it as soon as possible! Some signs include developing a tolerance, having issues in social and work situations (including going to work hungover or feeling irritable all of the time). If you notice these signs, talk to your local GP or call up a quitting service to help you to cut down on your drinking.
If it's a friend, the best thing to do is to help them gain control over their drinking. Usually having an honest discussion with them, and even accompanying them to see a GP, can help. Otherwise, try to get them out of situations where drinking may become an issue. Go out for lunch at a restaurant or cafe, and get them out of bars/clubs when they've had too much. Keep them safe!
Ok guys, great responses again. Drinking is usually fun so let's not focus all on the negative side. Question 😎 Do you have a story about a good thing that happened on a night out? What happened?
I met my fiance drinking! We were at a mutual friends birthday and ended up having a food fight. He said he was always too nnervous to talk to me and a couple of drinks let him loosen up and talk to me 🙂
Great story chonty! I've actually met past girlfriends while drinking too, so it's pretty good for that 😛
Alrighty everyone, final question for the night! Tell us one positive thing you learned/got out of tonight's discussion!
And for anyone who wants a bit more information on drinking and drug use (including tips for getting in control) here is a great bunch of fact sheets with a wealth of vital information - http://au.reachout.com/Tough-Times/Alcohol-and-other-drugs
Tell us one positive thing you learned/got out of tonight's discussion!
Berocca before bed! And it's been reinforced that being around annoying drunk people is no fun, hence I need to be aware of my limits to make sure I'm not that annoying friend.
Do you have a story about a good thing that happened on a night out? What happened?
My story isn't really 'eventful' as such, but I had a great time anyway. I went out with a few friends to a local pub, and for some reason we were all in a good mood that night. After a few drinks, me and one of my good friends starting chatting about some of the weirdest stuff, and we ended up bonding over something that I can't even remember (not because of the drinking, I just have a terrible memory :P). I guess my point is that, after a few drinks - but not too many - you can open up and chat with someone about pretty much anything, and maybe create a bond that you didn't have before. I enjoyed that night 🙂
Do you have a story about a good thing that happened on a night out? What happened?
While I was in Vegas I was out one night, and a bit drunk, and I went to a David Copperfield show with a few girls I'd met from my hostel. He was asking for volunteers and because I was tipsy and a bit obnoxious I was drawing attention to myself (which I wouldn't usually do) and was selected as a volunteer. And then MAGIC HAPPENED. It was great.
Also whenever I get a little bit drunk and come home I always want to make delicious food, and I've had some pretty great 4am meals in my time.
Do you have a story about a good thing that happened on a night out? What happened?
I wouldn't have met my girlfriend if it weren't for alcohol. Our mutual friends were out at a Muppets-themed costume night at a bar (haha!), everyone was drunk but she got a bit too drunk. Her boyfriend left hours earlier to go home and play video games online, everyone else had other obligations, her mobile battery was flat, so it fell on me to make sure she was okay. I'd barely shared two words with her on past occasions but that night I took her to a 24hr Tim Horton's, we got a couple of coffees and donuts, and talked until sunrise.
That was about a year ago; we're getting engaged next month.
Thanks guys, have a great night!
Oh, and lex - that's an awesome story 🙂 congrats!
Haha Gail, that sounds pretty great! I've never seen a live magic show before, even without alcohol I think that'd be an awesome experience.
@Nathan5653 wrote:
Do you have a story about a good thing that happened on a night out? What happened?
I have so many nice memories of nice dinners with a bottle of wine, nights out a a gig or playing pool with a few beers... mostly it's about doing something else, and the alcohol is a bit of a side issue....
In case yo udo get a hangover, I'v eheard that Powerade usually helps, though I've never tried it myself. Next question!
7) Is it possible to tell if you or a friend might have a drinking problem? How could you try to cut down (or help your friend) if you thought it was an issue?
Is it possible to tell if you or a friend might have a drinking problem? How could you try to cut down (or help your friend) if you thought it was an issue?
I think if you/a friend is drinking so much that it's having an impact on their day to day life (relationships, study, work, etc), then it's a problem, especially if you/a friend doesn't feel like they can control it. I would probably try to cut down/help a friend by first taking them out of the environment of drinking - so changing the weekly hangout from being at the pub to being lunch at a friend's place, or a picnic, or something neutral. I'd suggest that they find other ways to occupy themselves when they would usually be drinking... whether that's going to the movies on a Saturday night instead of out clubbing, or whatever. If they were struggling with doing those things or not feeling confident in their ability to cut down, I'd suggest that they see a doctor for some advice, and I'd offer to go with them.
@gail wrote:
I think if you/a friend is drinking so much that it's having an impact on their day to day life (relationships, study, work, etc), then it's a problem,
Yep this is a really good indication that there is a problem - calling in sick for work or missing uni/school, or if it's causing problems with your relationships, family/friends/partner
Yea, the last point really hits home. It sucks when one person ruins it for other people so they really have to recognise their own limits and make sure they're not stepping into the boundary where they start stopping other people from having fun.
What does 'responsible drinking' mean to you? What does it look like?
For me, it means not drinking to the point that I lose my head and start doing things I regret. I think it's different for everyone though.
Generally, I think responsible drinking is knowing your limits, and working with them. That doesn't necessarily mean that they don't get crossed once in a while, but it means that when they do, you've anticipated that, and made plans in advance to make sure you're safe. Like, if you're out drinking with mates and decide to have a big night - you give your keys to someone else, you let people know where you're going and when you think you'll be home, and you stay with people.
