[Discussion] Why do people drink?

[hypocritical]

The tittle pretty much says it, why do people drink alcohol?
I mean, its not like people are completely ignorant of how harmful it is, quite frankly its just like willingly consuming poison.
yeah life can be a bit*h, and alcohol offers a getaway from life's woes, but to what avail if its only temporarily?
Think of the humiliating things a well respectable person might do under the influence of alcohol (i've seen a professor pee his pants under it influence)
SO, WHY DO PEOPLE DRINK?

Edit: I don't understand why its consumption is legal, if its up to me, I'd say its just as harmful as narcotics.

 

[InfiniteMugen]

To distort reality around them..... or for liquid courage

 

[Melanin]

That's none of your business.

 

[Оdin]

A couple of drinks relaxes your mind and body. Do it in excess and, well, that's a completely different story.

 

[Chikombo]

It's tradition or something.

 

[hypocritical]

A couple of drinks relaxes your mind and body. Do it in excess and, well, that's a completely different story.

But, why do people do it in excess?

That's none of your business.

I assure you its nothing but my business, I used to have a great deal of respect for the professor, until...... Mayhaps you're one to drink so Much and pee your pants too...

 

[Awkward Linguist]

Any amount of alcohol (no matter how little your intake per week/month/year) increases your chances getting cancer manyfold. Unless you're making discoveries that benefits humanity, you are wasting your life.​

 

[Guardian of the Rain]

I used to drink to escape reality. Then I stopped once I realized that the hangover just isn't worth it lol my hangovers confine me to my bed for many hours

 

[Оdin]

But, why do people do it in excess?

I usually just drink fast and don't keep count so by the time I tell myself to stop... I'm already drunk.

 

[~Ethereal~]

I used to want to drink, but now that craze is over.

 

[Queen of Bananas]

To get rid of the thoughts, insecurities and anxieties that plague them.

1. existence is therefore painful and it feels better to be numbed
2. people find it easier to be themselves once their negative nancies stop breaking them down and this helps them socialize.

On the other hand;

3. some people do it for fun
4. others to fit in
5. and the rest for some arbitrary reason or the other.

 

[Yusuke Urameshi]

I'm in the same boat as you. I don't understand why people drink/drink to have fun/get drunk. My friends and I are perfectly able to be sober, have fun, and actually remember what we did. lol

Two of my other friends got super drunk together awhile ago, and I got stuck being the party mom that watched them. The guy said that he likes to drink because it helps bond people together and it helps him talk to people easier (liquid confidence). I think it's pretty sad that he needs alcohol to do that.

 

[Desmodus]

Buckle up, for I am from the Czech Republic. For you guys drinking might be a hobby, for us it is a way of life.

On a more serious note, here it is normal. You go with colleagues after work for a beer to relax. You like the taste, it changes your social perceptions and you are having fun. Furthermore, a pub is a good place to meet friends and have something to eat.

And I also like to decide for myself whether I want or do not want to drink, thank you.

 

[Queen of Bananas]

I used to want to drink, but now that craze is over.

OMG, I can't vm you

 

[Callypigia]

People have their reasons for adopting any maladaptive coping skills, and they are complicated. I'm going to focus on addiction, not just alcohol use. Most people who drink alcohol do not develop chemical addiction. I just had surgery, so I'm a little loopy, but let me crank out another list. If it doesn't make sense...that's why lol.



1. Teenage differentiation; if alcohol is introduced into an early developing child's brain chemical addiction can occur very quickly (as fast as 3 months of abuse for 13 year olds). That doesn't matter though to kids who are rebelling, or just having fun. Part of the reason for that is because the pre-frontal cortex of the brain hasn't fully developed (not until around 25 years old), which regulates fear and abstract thought. Most teenagers and pre-adolescents just know it is fun.

2. Modeling; If people grew up with an alcoholic parent they are 75% more likely to repeat that behavior. The other 25% eschew it.

3. Abuse; people who suffer emotional, sexual, or physical abuse often grow up coping with their trauma by hurting themselves (cutting, promiscuity, substance use, bulimia/anorexia, etc.), because that is their world.

4. Cultural standards; Alcohol use is ingrained in many cultures, and even a rite of passage in some places. It is intertwined in college life, and music, and even expected to some extent.

5. It is an escape; getting drunk feels good, and if there is something in your life that is painful (physical pain as well as emotional), it is common to use alcohol to avoid it. People suffering from PTSD may engage in heavy alcohol consumption to avoid painful flashbacks.

6. Genetics; Some people can go from casual alcohol consumption to abuse very quickly, and genetics plays a big role. If you have multiple alcoholics in your family, it is recommended to drink seldom, and not until you are over 21 (again it has to do with brain development, not so much maturity).

7. It is a mood enhancer and social lubricant; It is associated with having fun (cultural again), and it loosens the tongue (among other things). Introverts will often use it to help lower anxiety to better engage in social situations.

 

[Haochi]

It's one thing I couldn't live without- that and bacon<3

 

[Soulsnipes]

Free will, people can do whatever they want. Whether it may be good or bad to one person may not be the same effect it may have on another person, that particular person may not be affected by it at all.

 

[Greedie]

For me at least, When i'm sober i don't really like interacting with people i don't know very well, i'm quiet and very reserved emotionally.
When i'm drunk, i'm the complete opposite, I'm talkative, i'd talk to anyone, more open in general and so on. So for me and i'm sure others it's a way of relaxing and letting my hair down & my guard down and enjoying a night out without overly thinking.

It's very rare i do actually drink though and try not to make a habit of it because my father was an alcoholic when i was growing up.

 

[Hunty]

Cuz' you get lit.

 

[Jazzy Stardust]

mmm, i do it socially mostly or if it goes really good with a food im eaiting

when i was in high school i would do jaegger bombs, fireball, drinking 40's. but i had emotional issues and would drink just to get nice. i did it way too much though, which taught me moderation and the different levels of feeling, so i know when enough is enough

but you can drink without getting drunk and without it taking over your life. theres so many good flavors and tastes, just gives more things to experience. like most things, moderation is key