What's so appealing about getting drunk?

[jamestl2]

First I wanted to say that I've never tasted (or plan on tasting) a sip of alcohol in my life. (Is that a world record? )

Anyway, I'm 21 and finished my junior year of college, and I've never attended any parties or contests or anything like that. So why do most people my age do these things?

Why do so many people like to go to bars, get wasted, among other things.

Also, what exactly "happens" to you when you get drunk? (I'm mean from a scientific and chemical standpoint.)

I just don't see the interest....

[mlc82]

It feels nice (makes me more relaxed, friendlier,etc) so long as it isn' taken overboard- when it is, you'll wish you were dead the next day.

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

While I'm not a huge drinker, I've been drunk a few times in my life. It can have the effect of making you forget your troubles for a time. If you can drink enough to get buzzed without getting drunk, it can be a nice feeling. For me the crappiness outweighs the benefits. I'd rather smoke weed. Ha.

In short, I wouldn't say you are missing anything. But I also don't have issue with people who drink unless it gets into alcoholism territory. Some people take it too far. And expecially on college campuses the results can be really bleak...lots of date rapes and assaults happen when people have more booze than sense.

As to the chemical/scientific stuff...I'm not qualified to comment...or maybe I've just lost the braincells that knew about it.

[jamestl2]

So it supposedly takes you to some sort of "zen" state-of-mind or something?

Are you really losing more control over yourself or gaining more?

Hangovers don't sound very appealing either

[Wanderer]

This may be a tad contrivertial (sp) but ...
I would say try it.
Its a good feeling. And it does help you to relax, I often go on nights out and don't drink, because I can relax without it. Sometimes though I do drink, and I relax with it. I haven't tried smoking, or harder drugs (e.g. weed) as they're addictive, but as I haven't tried them, I don't feel qualified to comment when people talk about them. E.g. I can say you don't need to drink to have a good time, but I won't say why don't you just stop smoking, because I haven't done it. Yes it's fun, no it's not necessary, but you'll probably learn quite a lot. Why not.

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Originally Posted by jamestl2

So it supposedly takes you to some sort of "zen" state-of-mind or something?

Wouldn't go that far

Originally Posted by jamestl2

Are you really losing more control over yourself or gaining more?

I'd definitely put it in the losing control category, which I think is the appeal for a lot of people.

Originally Posted by jamestl2

Hangovers don't sound very appealing either

Certainly not. I've never really gotten hangovers though. When I would drink I would have a glass of water in between drinks. I think that helped. But I did puke a few times. That is disgusting.

[PianoManGidley]

I would initially want to say that for many people (such as myself), it allows us to loosen up and be more outgoing and social. But if such an issue is a problem with a person, that person (including myself) should work on developing that in a sober state, instead of just cheating by creating a chemical imbalance and blocking certain brain functions from working.

[InterfaceLeader]

I think it's something that needs to be experienced to be understood. Rather like any other drug.

Drugs can be used, and drugs can be abused.... same with food. We all use chemical mood 'enhancers' to some extent... whether it be alcohol or coffee, chocolate or chilli.

The stronger the drug is, the less control you have. There are times when it can be good to lose control though. Having access to your subconcious is a good thing, and although I would generally argue that mediationis the least harmful and most beneficial route, sometimes that quick route to tears or anger is beneficial in its own way. It's cathartic. But it shouldn't be done on a regular basis.

A lot of people use it on a recreational basis, but it is a powerful drug, and I treat it with the same respect I treat all powerful drugs.

[InterfaceLeader]

Also there's plenty of sects and religions that never taste alcohol, so no, sorry, it's not a world record

[Jennihul]

Alcohol is yummy. I don't drink looking for relaxation or some "state change." In fact it totally bums me that my body betrays me when I drink because I LOVE drinks. If I could take a pill and not get buzzed or drunk, I'd take it.

Anyway, alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. Just google "alcohol effects physical" and you can learn all you care to know about the biology.

I don't know why people seek to get wasted. I always hated that part.

Jennifer

[Tasaio]

It sounds to me like you're interested in learning about the science and culture of alcohol, rather than the experience of consuming it. Good for you. You're well ahead of most people your age.

I recommend that you research alcohol in detail before trying it. Read about the negative health effects. Read stories of struggling alcoholics.

People may mention the supposed health benefit of consuming red wine, but this has been refuted by scientists. The negatives outway the positives by a large degree.

. . .

You aren't alone in having never consumed alcohol. Some of the most successful people live alcohol-free lives.

And as mentioned, there are plenty of abstemious orders of monks and priests. Notice how relaxed Buddhist priests are, without needing to consume alcohol?

Interestingly, there are minute amounts of alcohol in Coke Cola. But I wouldn't worry about that amount destroying brain cells.

. . .

Originally Posted by Wanderer

This may be a tad contrivertial (sp) but ...
I would say try it.

Check out Wanderer's profile.

He's eighteen; three years younger than you are, jamestl2.

Be careful when taking advice from someone who doesn't know how to spell "controversial".

Its a good feeling. And it does help you to relax, I often go on nights out and don't drink, because I can relax without it. Sometimes though I do drink, and I relax with it.

It also feels good when you're high on cocaine. At first.

But that good feeling comes at a cost. Both alcohol and cocaine will destroy brain cells and cause massive internal damage.

I haven't tried smoking, or harder drugs (e.g. weed) as they're addictive,

Alcohol is also addictive. Very much so. Studies have shown that, in many ways, cannabis is less harmful than alcohol. (Although both have negative effects and should preferably be avoided altogether.)

but as I haven't tried them, I don't feel qualified to comment when people talk about them. E.g. I can say you don't need to drink to have a good time, but I won't say why don't you just stop smoking, because I haven't done it.

I think it's something that needs to be experienced to be understood. Rather like any other drug.

What absolute rubbish.

You don't have to know what a hangover feels like to know that alcohol intake destroys brain cells and causes catastrophic liver damage.

You don't need to try LSD, ecstasy or heroin to learn why they're dangerous. Are you honesty telling me you wouldn't warn kids off serious drugs because you haven't experienced them yourself?

Yes it's fun, no it's not necessary, but you'll probably learn quite a lot. Why not.

I'd take my chances and forego this particular learning opportunity. There are better, more interesting things to learn that don't destroy your liver.

[syllie]

as an avid wine enthusiast, i really don't like being "drunk". i do, however, love feeling buzzed, relaxed.. with a hint of energy. it's very fun.. in moderation. drinking is definitely not just about getting drunk

[Rockchick26]

Originally Posted by jamestl2

Anyway, I'm 21 and finished my junior year of college, and I've never attended any parties or contests or anything like that. So why do most people my age do these things?

There are many reasons,to fit in,to experiment,to loosen up and have more fun,etc. I first drank out of pure curiosity,i wanted to know what it felt like. I had 3 or 4 beers and i LOVED it,it was like i didnt have a care in the world!

Why do so many people like to go to bars, get wasted, among other things.

Well,going to bars and getting wasted are two different things. I like(d) going to bars because you get the opportunity to meet all these new people,listen to music,hang with friends,its just a real fun loose atmosphere. You kinda feel like everyone there is one. Getting wasted,the reasons for doing that like i said are usually to experience what it feels like,peer pressure/to fit in,or just to loosen up and have more fun. People who dont like their life do it to escape reality,but a lot of things in life are like that (video games,music,overeating,doing drugs,etc.)

Also, what exactly "happens" to you when you get drunk? (I'm mean from a scientific and chemical standpoint.)

The alcohol gets into your bloodstream,and alcohol is drying,so it dehyrates you. What you feel are the effects of dehydration. You can feel the same way if you stay up for over 16 hours and dont drink anything. But it also affects your stomach and thats why you throw up if your body can't handle it.

I just don't see the interest....

And that's ok,you dont have to.

[Rockchick26]

Originally Posted by jamestl2

So it supposedly takes you to some sort of "zen" state-of-mind or something?

Not as zen like as being stoned,in my opinion. But it does make you happy (as long as you dont overdo it,then you get emotional and either depressed or angry,or both)...it makes music really good too LOL So i guess it is kinda zen like,like i said,as long as you dont overdo it. Getting a buzz is good,getting drunk is bad.

Are you really losing more control over yourself or gaining more?

I wouldnt use the words losing control over yourself,i would say you just become less inhibited. Something that normally is scary to you or normally hard to do,you will do without thinking twice. But it doesnt make you do something REALLY bad,i mean you wont like jump off a building just cuz youre drunk,you still know right from wrong and smart from stupid. But you just dont care sometimes,like having sex with a stranger type thing. But i've never done that so maybe i just have more control than most people,even when drunk.

Hangovers don't sound very appealing either

They're not as bad as having the flu though. And i've never had a hangover last a whole day,i usualy feel totally fine by the next night,and a lot of times i've drank again the next night.

[Rockchick26]

Originally Posted by {aspiring_to_clarity}

Certainly not. I've never really gotten hangovers though. When I would drink I would have a glass of water in between drinks. I think that helped. But I did puke a few times. That is disgusting.

I have this to say about puking. There are two kinds. Puking from the flu and puking from alcohol. Give me alcohol puking ANY day. At least you feel good up until about 5 minutes when you have to throw up,and then,you INSTANTLY feel like partying some more!

[InterfaceLeader]

Originally Posted by Tasaio

What absolute rubbish.

You don't have to know what a hangover feels like to know that alcohol intake destroys brain cells and causes catastrophic liver damage.

You don't need to try LSD, ecstasy or heroin to learn why they're dangerous. Are you honesty telling me you wouldn't warn kids off serious drugs because you haven't experienced them yourself?

Having experienced so-called 'serious' drugs, I would tell kids to do their research and then make up their own minds. You can't dictate to people, you can only inform them.

Heroin is an incredibly addictive drug that helps shut down the nervous system. LSD is something that most people would only want to do once or twice.

Most drugs are addictive to a greater or lesser extent (except for psilocybins) but people with an addictive personality WILL find something to become addicted to until they understand and take steps about their own inclinations. Equally, there are people who can try a drug a few times from curiosity, and then never return to it. There's people who have had valuable, life-changing experiences or had a shift to a different consciousness level (especially from the hallucinogens) and there's people who have destroyed their lives completely. Drugs can be very powerful, and that can be both beneficial as well as harmful.

Interestingly, there are minute amounts of alcohol in Coke Cola. But I wouldn't worry about that amount destroying brain cells.

No - but you might want to worry about all the other chemicals in coke. Do your research.

In fact, soft drinks are quite addictive in their own right, and sugar used in that way I reckon is a lot like a 'drug' - you get a 'sugar high' and a 'sugar crash'. You set yourself up for future health problems - and yet people regularly give it to very young children.

I am NOT advocating that people go out and get wasted, nor am I suggesting that jamestl2 should drink anything if he doesn't want to. But reading about the chemical effect of alcohol on the brain does not equate to understand why people enjoy getting drunk. The occasional glass of wine or organic ale/cider is not going to kill you - and it can be a pleasant and harmonious experience. Going out and drinking thirty pints and ten shots will land you in the hospital and in serious danger. Drinking to get drunk every night will do the same thing in the end.

In much the same way, occasional consumption of sugar is fine, and can be tasty, but excessive consumption of sugar is addictive, bad, and sets you up for obesity and diabetes. Eat too much sugar, and you'll be sick.

All things in moderation :P

[Trezker]

I'm the kind of person who does a thing to explore everything interesting about it and then don't do it again. (atleast I think I got something like that in me)

I went to parties almost every week for about two years while in university and got drunk every time, in varying degrees. But then I lost interest, I'd done stuff and experienced partying with the best partypeople there is. Now I just feel there isn't much to it, you basically talk about fluff and do something stupid and that's it. There really isn't anything of value in it.

I learned to appreciate the taste of beer though. It's really only the first beer that tastes really good. One beer is all you need to relax and appreciate a quiet evening, just drink it real slow but not so slow it goes bad... Beer comes in a wide range of tastes, it's like liquid bread. It can be consumed in great quantity without packing a huge punch. It's just perfect for taking a sip every other minute.

As for other forms of alcohol. The shots and strong drinks are to shortlived, and a while later they hit you hard. Cider isn't good for the stomach/chest, sometimes when I tried cider it felt like I was getting a heartattack or something. The exotic drinks like tequila, vodka, whisk(e)y, champagne, jägermeister etc are what make you sick. I recommend staying away from them.

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Originally Posted by Trezker

The exotic drinks like tequila, vodka, whisk(e)y, champagne, jägermeister etc are what make you sick. I recommend staying away from them.

Hahaha. I find it funny that you call tequila exotic. We drink that stuff like water down here in Texas .

I am sure you meant it in a different way, but it gave me a nice chuckle.

Cheers.

PS I think your description of drinking one beer is good. It can be enjoyed in moderation and still give you the benefits without the problems.

[Playlife]

Originally Posted by {aspiring_to_clarity}

Hahaha. I find it funny that you call tequila exotic. We drink that stuff like water down here in Texas .

Same goes to vodka and Eastern Europeans.

[The Cloud]

The appeal of alcohol is that it makes it hard to think. When you're not thinking, you're being. Since your thoughts becomes way too slow to catch up to the present moment, there is no choice but to do whatever it is you want to do at the moment. This is freedom that very few individuals have experienced in their sober life on a consistent basis. The freedom to be without fear of what people will think or what the future will bring, or what the past brought for that matter.

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Originally Posted by The Cloud

The appeal of alcohol is that it makes it hard to think. When you're not thinking, you're being. Since your thoughts becomes way too slow to catch up to the present moment, there is no choice but to do whatever it is you want to do at the moment. This is freedom that very few individuals have experienced in their sober life on a consistent basis. The freedom to be without fear of what people will think or what the future will bring, or what the past brought for that matter.

That's a very interesting take. I can agree with you, however, I feel like the kind of presence provided by alcohol is not the same as conscious present moment awareness. Take for example sexual assaults that occur when the parties have been drinking. It is a moment of freedom without concern for past or future, but I don't think it's a decision someone who practices presence sober would make.

Again, I find this point quite interesting. Do you think there's a distinction?

[Lauxa]

I don't know about the appeal of alcohol and drugs for other people, but for me I think it was about taking a risk, breaking away from my parents (and my church) and establishing my independence. Drugs, sex, and rock 'n' roll... though I never liked rock 'n' roll that much. My parents were VERY focused on NEVER trying drugs or having sex outside of marriage because GOD would disapprove. So when I stopped believing in God, I wanted to explore these new freedoms.

[Trezker]

Originally Posted by {aspiring_to_clarity}

Hahaha. I find it funny that you call tequila exotic. We drink that stuff like water down here in Texas .

I am sure you meant it in a different way, but it gave me a nice chuckle.

Cheers.

PS I think your description of drinking one beer is good. It can be enjoyed in moderation and still give you the benefits without the problems.

Well, Jägermeister is common around here. Maybe another term would be better...
The drinks I listed have always been followed by a day of great agony when I tried them.

The big danger with alcohol is that once you start drinking it's hard to stop. Unless you very firmly set a limit you just keep ordering one more and it goes faster and easier with each one.

[Jim11]

It turns off the voice in your head and lowers inhibitions.

Sounds like a good thing?
To anyone who has battles with their thoughts, or has trouble living with themselves, it will probably become addictive.

For those who just want to relax and can use it in moderation, it can be a good thing.

Personally, I seek other methods to calm my thoughts and relax. Some social drinking from time to time

[Buttercat Apocalypse]

Originally Posted by jamestl2

So it supposedly takes you to some sort of "zen" state-of-mind or something?

LOL yeah, it stops you thinking so much, something which meditation does much better

Also, it gives you an excuse to go crazy/shed inhibitions/have sex. I do these things anyway cos I don't mind people calling me crazy, but rest assured my social circle doesn't include any clergy in it.

Ay yeah, I want to add this: having something to put in your mouth casually is a good way of improving the vibes and not getting bored when you hang out. I think that's the thing about cigs too. "Going drinking" really is just a good excuse to hang out. It's like a social ritual.

[The Cloud]

Originally Posted by {aspiring_to_clarity}

That's a very interesting take. I can agree with you, however, I feel like the kind of presence provided by alcohol is not the same as conscious present moment awareness. Take for example sexual assaults that occur when the parties have been drinking. It is a moment of freedom without concern for past or future, but I don't think it's a decision someone who practices presence sober would make.

Again, I find this point quite interesting. Do you think there's a distinction?

Definitely. Being able to be present while sober gives you the option of thought, a powerful tool that is basically what separates humans from most other creatures. It is unquestionable that the ability to think is just as important as the ability to not do so. A drunk person does not have the option of thought, so he's existing more on the level of an animal. An animal is present because it has no choice. An inebriated person is similar, although the amount of alcohol needed to completely strip a human of their humanity would probably incapacitate/kill them. Even at bare minimum, a human operates on a higher cognitive plain than most animals. But basic instincts and behaviors do seem to surface more in the drunk than in the sober. This is all a perspective on alcohol, I'm not even sure if it's my perspective, but I think it is accurate.

[Trezker]

Originally Posted by Buttercat Apocalypse

LOL yeah, it stops you thinking so much, something which meditation does much better

Also, it gives you an excuse to go crazy/shed inhibitions/have sex. I do these things anyway cos I don't mind people calling me crazy, but rest assured my social circle doesn't include any clergy in it.

Ay yeah, I want to add this: having something to put in your mouth casually is a good way of improving the vibes and not getting bored when you hang out. I think that's the thing about cigs too. "Going drinking" really is just a good excuse to hang out. It's like a social ritual.

Yeah, the putting stuff in your mouth is really what it's all about, and holding something in your hands. A beer is a solution to that problem. If you don't want alcohol, a cup of some kind of nuts or other snacks are just as good.

[Lucas]

I just really like the taste of beer. Nothing like a good IPA!

I got ridiculously drunk a bunch before and I don't like it all that much. I don't like feeling like an ass when I say or do things, I don't like cheap beer and I am not going to buy a 12 pack of something good only to suck it all down in a sitting. Hangovers are the worst...its not worth 8 hours of partying for the day and a half recovery.

[jamestl2]

After reading through all the replies (Thanks everyone ), it just doesn't seem worth it in the end. It sound an awful lot like a struggle, and you're letting the alcohol influence your decisions and take over your body.

Although I've never taken it, the costs (loss of brain cells, hangovers, potential addictions) seem to far outweigh the benefits (umm..... tastes good and makes you feel loose?)

I've thought about maybe trying a beer in a controlled environment (at home), just so I don't pass up a potentially valuable learning experience, but something's stopping me. Fear of the unknown? Maybe. Enduring the Costs I listed above? To a degree, yes. Maybe I just don't see any reason to test it out at the moment.

The only way I'd think I'd ever "want" to try it is if it's absolutely necessary in a situation (what and where exactly though, I'm not sure, perhaps a social event or something).

[Tasaio]

Originally Posted by jamestl2

After reading through all the replies (Thanks everyone ), it just doesn't seem worth it in the end. It sound an awful lot like a struggle, and you're letting the alcohol influence your decisions and take over your body.

Well done!

Although I've never taken it, the costs (loss of brain cells, hangovers, potential addictions) seem to far outweigh the benefits (umm..... tastes good and makes you feel loose?)

Well reasoned. You've clearly thought this through. Probably because you still have all your brain cells.

I've thought about maybe trying a beer in a controlled environment (at home), just so I don't pass up a potentially valuable learning experience, but something's stopping me. Fear of the unknown? Maybe. Enduring the Costs I listed above? To a degree, yes. Maybe I just don't see any reason to test it out at the moment.

I'm not sure if my story applies to you, but you may want to consider it.

Some years ago, I considered trying alcohol as a means of personal growth. I told myself, I would be conquering my fear of addiction...

But then I had to admit myself the real reason I was interested: Procrastination.

At that time, my personal growth in other areas (school, work, etc.) had either stalled or suddenly become tedious.

So rather than correct these problems, I thought up easy replacement projects:

- trying alcohol
- trying a cigarette
- trying marijuana
- shaving my head
- losing my virginity

I ended up pursuing none of the above projects, because I realized they didn't hold any real value. They only appealed to me because they were so outrageously against my character.

These were an easy answers to a complex problem.

If you want to expand your horizons with a new experience, then choose something that resonates with your character. I decided to start learning my family's second language, Japanese, and that expanded my horizons more than alcohol ever would.

I also discovered that I needed a break. So I watched some movies and played some video games, to unwind.

Whatever your reasons...your logic and reasoning in this situation bode well for other areas of your life. Good luck!