I always loved a beer from my teenage years, actually think it might have been the craic I craved rather than the actual beer but I partied hard through those years right up to my mid 30s. I never missed a day off work though or 'had' to have a drink, it never had control of me. As time went on though I found that I resented drink and felt down/anxious after taking it especially on the now less frequent occasions I overindulged but still felt socially awkward when not having a drink...
A couple of years back we had a few setbacks in our lives and during this I was diagnosed by my doctor with depression. I stopped drinking completely, wasn't hard I had nearly stopped by that stage anyways!! I'm working my way through it and doing fairly well but it has set me thinking about the role of alcohol in our lives!!
Everything we do revolves around it, I sometimes feel like a pariah for not drinking within my peer group and I know I'd be (unintentionally) left out of some gatherings because of it. Recently a close friend got married and I was invited to the stag and after having no drink for 20 months I felt I couldnt go without taking a drink, so I went and had a good drink and had a blast in fairness, I also had a drink at the wedding but now I'm happy to give it a miss again but already the cracks have started, well meaning I know, ' so youre back to being a dry shite' etc..
Is drinking too important in this country?
PS I apologise if this makes no sense I just typed it off the top of my head while trying to avoid the Late Late.
Good thread Boycey. I love drinking but can go for a couple of weeks without one if not in company. During Tyrone's glory years I def thought I was taking too much in summer through the autumn. 10-15 pints match days and half a dozen just reminiscing after match days. You're 100% right that you feel a bit down a couple of days after a binge tho.
A lot of that resonates Boycey including trying to avoid the Late Late show!!!! Thanks for starting the discussion....will get into it at another time but just a little tired to do it justice tonight.
Great topic Boycey.
Before I moved to Spain my drinking had vastly decreased as my then girlfriend lived in Belfast and I was in Dublin. We were up and down to each other pretty much every weekend so the nights out with the lads disappeared and, with them, a lot of my drinking. I also wanted to get fit again as I'd done virtually nothing between finishing up football and hurling at minor and turning 26 or so. I discovered what Saturday and Sunday looked like before noon for the first time since leaving the parents' house! If we were out for dinner we might share a bottle of wine, of which I'd maybe end up having 3/4 and her 1/4.
Over here I might have the odd shandy with the lads after training on a Sunday evening, or a cocktail or glass of wine if out and about the place with the wife. Much more natural over here to be out and about and just decide to have one or two rather than all the planning that goes into it back home. I do keep a drinks cabinet with plenty of good whiskey and gin in it though. I might have a glass of whiskey or max two 2/3 times a month.
I'll very rarely go on a complete bender - big GAA club nights out or fundraisers, stags and weddings the likely sources. Maybe 5 or 6 a year at most. Occasionally if I'm home for a weekend I'll sit up drinking with the aul fella and have a few whiskeys too many.
I would never, and I mean never, decide to have a few beers sitting at home, e.g. whilst watching football or a movie. A few of my friends would have this attitude and they'd be the same ones who can't wait to race out after work on a Friday to have pints, because it's the done thing. One guy I know thinks nothing of going home and drinking six 500ml cans maybe three times every two weeks, along with a big night out at a pub on at a least one of the weekends. Most friends would be similar to my habits though, albeit with a few more binges thrown in. Any friends with kids would probably drink even less than I do. Once we have kids, I'll have no problem giving up the few nights out that I do go on.
Anyone coming out with "dry shite" comments and the like would want to have a long, hard look at themselves. Beyond immature.
Good thread. My relationship with alcohol is that I no longer have one and haven't had for over three years now. When I first quit I didn't even go to a pub for about 6 months. I never had a problem with the booze unless I had a drink. Then all bets were off. One was too many ten not enough. Anyway, I managed to quit. Went on my brothers stag do shortly after and was worried as my mates enjoy the booze. I messaged a few of them before going to let them know the score and they were all grand. The only place I've ever encountered the 'dry shite' malarkey was on tinder. Anyway, if anyone is struggling feel free to drop me a pm.
Quote from: gallsman on October 13, 2018, 12:02:55 AM
Great topic Boycey.
Before I moved to Spain my drinking had vastly decreased as my then girlfriend lived in Belfast and I was in Dublin. We were up and down to each other pretty much every weekend so the nights out with the lads disappeared and, with them, a lot of my drinking. I also wanted to get fit again as I'd done virtually nothing between finishing up football and hurling at minor and turning 26 or so. I discovered what Saturday and Sunday looked like before noon for the first time since leaving the parents' house! If we were out for dinner we might share a bottle of wine, of which I'd maybe end up having 3/4 and her 1/4.
Over here I might have the odd shandy with the lads after training on a Sunday evening, or a cocktail or glass of wine if out and about the place with the wife. Much more natural over here to be out and about and just decide to have one or two rather than all the planning that goes into it back home. I do keep a drinks cabinet with plenty of good whiskey and gin in it though. I might have a glass of whiskey or max two 2/3 times a month.
I'll very rarely go on a complete bender - big GAA club nights out or fundraisers, stags and weddings the likely sources. Maybe 5 or 6 a year at most. Occasionally if I'm home for a weekend I'll sit up drinking with the aul fella and have a few whiskeys too many.
I would never, and I mean never, decide to have a few beers sitting at home, e.g. whilst watching football or a movie. A few of my friends would have this attitude and they'd be the same ones who can't wait to race out after work on a Friday to have pints, because it's the done thing. One guy I know thinks nothing of going home and drinking six 500ml cans maybe three times every two weeks, along with a big night out at a pub on at a least one of the weekends. Most friends would be similar to my habits though, albeit with a few more binges thrown in. Any friends with kids would probably drink even less than I do. Once we have kids, I'll have no problem giving up the few nights out that I do go on.
Anyone coming out with "dry shite" comments and the like would want to have a long, hard look at themselves. Beyond immature.
I like having a can or two at home watching a game, especially a mid week Liverpool Champions League game, I certainly wouldn't be the type to go straight to a pub after work on a Friday though. I'd say I've been in a pub maybe 3 or 4 times this whole year.
Saying that I could buy a 8 can fridge pack of beer and I still wouldn't have got through it a month later,but I don't see anything wrong with having an odd drink at home. Myself and the wife might have a couple of glasses of wine on a Saturday night every now and then when the kids are asleep.
One of my greatest pleasures in life though is going for a pint or two with my aul fella. Doesn't happen as often as I like as it's a bit of a juggle now with me having 3 kids. It's not even the drinking part of it, we would have had a stormy enough relationship in my teenage years (all my own fault now that I'm old enough to realise,and have kids of my own) but the past 10-15 years he and me have been great friends. I'll really miss going for a drink with him when the days comes he is no longer here.
Apart from going with my Dad it really wouldn't bother me if I didn't drink for a few months. Unlike when I lived at home and I would have been out in Kilkenny usually every Friday and Saturday
Living in Dublin I wouldn't have many if any friends here that I can just ring to go for a pint. Sometimes I think it be nice to have someone like that to just to go for a pint with and have a chat or whatever but it's not something that I worry about.
I still have friends,former classmates etc down home who spend every Sunday all day in the pub, not something I'd be bothered with and it's something I can't understand as these guys have kids, so maybe I'm better to be away from it.
We've been going steady for nearly 40 years.
Personally it has a grip on me, has now for 10 years. I was like most in my early 20's lived for the weekends died on a Monday and that was me until Friday then away again. As the boom years developed and I had more income the Monday club came into play, then midweek till practically it was every night. I used to fool myself with sure I never drink in the house. Had a few personal and financial sets backs in the late 20's early 30's and things went down hill for me.
That's when the benders started maybe for 2-3 weeks at a time till the body could take no more. Then a week of hell in bed with sickness, paranoia, guilty. Theses benders used to be about twice a year then gradually every couple of months. I would know every early house between Belfast and Dublin This last 10 years has been a train wreck. At least 4 great jobs lost,either let go or quit in a drunken blur, kicked out of places to live, losing friends, broken relationships and treating my family like shit and a month in jail all through drink. I would estimate I have lost the price of at least 2 houses through drink or drink related crap such as missed flights, fines etc.
There is a fog descends on me and nothing will stop me drinking when it does there is nothing more important than drink in my eyes, no money, family on my back, important work events - nothing will stop me when I feel like that.
If I get to Wednesday I will be 100 days off this time, longest in 3 years. Working hard at the moment and have just bought my first new car in 10 years. The thing I have done different this time is I have joined a gym to try and lose weight and get fit which I do feel is helping. But I live in fear, fear of when that cloud will come over me again and I will blow this. I have attended AA meetings and I recognize the brilliant work they do but I feel that is not for me.
Yesterday like every Friday the lads at work where going for a pint and again I had an excuse not to attend but I did not feel I could come out and say look lads I would love to but I cant because i am an alcoholic. I would love to be able to go for one but I know that will end up with me knocking an early house door at 8am Monday morning and not caring about the job. There is a bit in the show the West Wing where they discuss alcoholism and Leo is asked can he not have a drink and he says the problem is he doesn't want 1 drink he wants 10 and he can never understand someone who goes for one drink. I totally get that sentiment.
But I get what Boycey is saying about been overlooked for invites to things when I am off, and the snide comments such as grow a set of balls and get this sorted or your a pussy.( 2 former teammates use that one to me a lot). My parents nor my siblings never drank but through my wider family on both sides there is an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. I am 40 now and my health does not reflect that of a 40 year old.
I hear the young lads (17-18) around the club on a Sunday morning telling about how drunk they were and done this or done that, and I smile and laugh along thinking I was there. But I would like that maybe through school or the club they could be shown where it can take you. We do need to address the attitude in the country as a whole on alcohol, win a cup drink for 4 days, weddings now 3 days sessions, funerals drink, school dances drink, going to watch the county play a day on the drink. I dont know if I had been told the dangers and horrors at 17 would it have been any different for me but I feel as a society when need to try.
It seems like a month a go my biggest worry was preparing for a minor county semi - final but as I survey the wreckage of the last 22 years I dont wish that on anyone.
Had a nice craft ale from a bottle last night
I felt one was enough
Sometimes I'd have 3/4 pints of a night, nothing too mad.
I like the odd whiskey over ice and hot whiskeys
I did drink a good bit in college though
I very rarely drink but then that's been the case for years, I drank plenty from i was 16 until about 20 until i bought a car and then the drinking sessions got less and less. I'm now 45 and couldn't care less if i never got another pint, I have to say I was a bit different to most guys as in when i got a pint i really enjoyed it but then the second pint wasn't as nice as the first and then the 3rd pint i'd had enough whereas other guys got 3 or 4 pints they couldn't be stopped and would be out for the night and i wanted to go home.
I would go to Glasgow to watch Celtic and most years they get into Europe i'd go to Spain or Germany to watch them and i'd be the only one not drinking, in fact when i see the state some of the supporters are in i feel like punching them and always ask myself if there was no alcohol available would you be still here.
I do believe our Irish culture of getting drunk on a regular basis is shocking and you do end up doing it because it's the in thing to do as everyone around you is doing it, I love when on Holiday in Spain or Italy and maybe a Saturday night you see the young ones driving on their scooters meeting up for a coffee and having a bit of craic then i'd say to the wife "if that was back home they'd be rowdy, drunk, fighting and probably breaking glass". Our culture may well change and it probably is changing slowly as the Irish drinking culture probably came from generations of having nothing and the only thing to do socially was to have a drink (dunno just an opinion) but hopefully our next generation and them beyond them take it less and less.
Statistics show that younger generations are drinking less - it was even in the news this week. Confirmed for me what I'd have seen in likes of Erasmus students coming to Barcelona each year. They might have one or two beers, as they were attending all their money on coke and K.
good luck pbat
As i've got older i'm pretty much a hermit, drink only really on occasions and I would resent having to go to these occasions most of the time tbh. I would have been a pretty typical bombscare by the sounds of it, but I always felt I'd a terrible relationship with drink. I was a typical Weekender, was never a social drinker, 2 or 3 pints was an anathema to me, I was after the result. I'd say it started in teenage social awkwardness and drink giving me the confidence with the opposite sex. I resent that i pretty much wasted my physical prime, fit as a butcher's dog now ffs in middle age. I'd enjoy a drink on holidays now but still be fit to get up and be active first thing next morning.
The bravest and most honest post I've seen here in years, pbat.
Four weeks off it today. Did my serious sessions over the years. This year, my dad died and my life has been in some personal turmoil since. Alcohol didn't help. I'm playing this abstinence thing purely weekend by weekend.
Fair play pbat you're doing well keep it going!!
I don't particularly like drink I mean I there was a pint of beer or a pint of coke or sprite out in front of me I wouldn't be picking the beer.
It's the social thing for me of going out with the lads and having the craic I could honestly take it or leave it. As I've the family now the new mantra is "out early home early" so I really enjoy that 5-8 on a Friday evening with 5:6 pints but having said they I haven't done it in a couple of months as the lads I normally do it with are trying to get healthy.
I will still take a right bit at weddings and certain functions etc but would rarely if ever get completely shitfaced and could handle 5:6 pints along with the same in gin/whisky if I had to but would be conscious that more would destroy me for a couple of days.
Drinking on my own has no appeal so I'd never read to the pub just on my wine and my back fridge is still full of beer I got last Christmas and only gets used if we've visitors.
My wife would have a drink 3/4 nights a week and really enjoys it but it would never be more than 1 or 2 and maybe a bit more at the weekend.
Does anyone really enjoy the actual taste of it??
Quote from: pbat on October 13, 2018, 09:19:27 AM
Personally it has a grip on me, has now for 10 years. I was like most in my early 20's lived for the weekends died on a Monday and that was me until Friday then away again. As the boom years developed and I had more income the Monday club came into play, then midweek till practically it was every night. I used to fool myself with sure I never drink in the house. Had a few personal and financial sets backs in the late 20's early 30's and things went down hill for me.
That's when the benders started maybe for 2-3 weeks at a time till the body could take no more. Then a week of hell in bed with sickness, paranoia, guilty. Theses benders used to be about twice a year then gradually every couple of months. I would know every early house between Belfast and Dublin This last 10 years has been a train wreck. At least 4 great jobs lost,either let go or quit in a drunken blur, kicked out of places to live, losing friends, broken relationships and treating my family like shit and a month in jail all through drink. I would estimate I have lost the price of at least 2 houses through drink or drink related crap such as missed flights, fines etc.
There is a fog descends on me and nothing will stop me drinking when it does there is nothing more important than drink in my eyes, no money, family on my back, important work events - nothing will stop me when I feel like that.
If I get to Wednesday I will be 100 days off this time, longest in 3 years. Working hard at the moment and have just bought my first new car in 10 years. The thing I have done different this time is I have joined a gym to try and lose weight and get fit which I do feel is helping. But I live in fear, fear of when that cloud will come over me again and I will blow this. I have attended AA meetings and I recognize the brilliant work they do but I feel that is not for me.
Yesterday like every Friday the lads at work where going for a pint and again I had an excuse not to attend but I did not feel I could come out and say look lads I would love to but I cant because i am an alcoholic. I would love to be able to go for one but I know that will end up with me knocking an early house door at 8am Monday morning and not caring about the job. There is a bit in the show the West Wing where they discuss alcoholism and Leo is asked can he not have a drink and he says the problem is he doesn't want 1 drink he wants 10 and he can never understand someone who goes for one drink. I totally get that sentiment.
But I get what Boycey is saying about been overlooked for invites to things when I am off, and the snide comments such as grow a set of balls and get this sorted or your a pussy.( 2 former teammates use that one to me a lot). My parents nor my siblings never drank but through my wider family on both sides there is an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. I am 40 now and my health does not reflect that of a 40 year old.
I hear the young lads (17-18) around the club on a Sunday morning telling about how drunk they were and done this or done that, and I smile and laugh along thinking I was there. But I would like that maybe through school or the club they could be shown where it can take you. We do need to address the attitude in the country as a whole on alcohol, win a cup drink for 4 days, weddings now 3 days sessions, funerals drink, school dances drink, going to watch the county play a day on the drink. I dont know if I had been told the dangers and horrors at 17 would it have been any different for me but I feel as a society when need to try.
It seems like a month a go my biggest worry was preparing for a minor county semi - final but as I survey the wreckage of the last 22 years I dont wish that on anyone.
I totally get this mate. This was me to a tee. I went to AA for maybe 18 months and it helped me stay stopped as I had made plenty of attempts previously.
If I were you I'd pick a couple of close mates and tell them. People who you totally trust. Believe me it's easier when you have people who know. Drop me a pm if you want
Quote from: Fiodoir Ard Mhacha on October 13, 2018, 10:42:16 AM
The bravest and most honest post I've seen here in years, pbat.
Four weeks off it today. Did my serious sessions over the years. This year, my dad died and my life has been in some personal turmoil since. Alcohol didn't help. I'm playing this abstinence thing purely weekend by weekend.
You know where I am mate. Always have time for you
I was an early teenage drinker. Regularly drunk from 14 onwards. Lived in a house where drink was very easily available. Still worked at school and trained hard at football. We all did to be honest but as I was bigger and older looking than my friends and had more 'liberal' parenting i always able to do more. I actually made my senior debut for Cross after having been on an all night bender at an 18th. Illdecide might remember the game it was the league decider between us and them in Cross in 1993 and Barry O Hagan gave me a lesson that day 🤣.
By the time I got to university I had played schools football till I was sick to death of the sight of an O Neill's and took a year off football altogether. I drank like a maniac in my first year, fights, barred from the student union, police, hospital, you name it. I went mental. Did at least 2 exams drunk and somehow managed to get them. I returned to proper football about 3 weeks before we played Mullaghbawn in 1995, the infamous one where they beat us and there was a documentary done about it. They went on to win Ulster and this set us on a whole new pathway. As a group we sat down and Joe Kernan focused us on what we were to do. He spoke to me directly and gave me clear instructions. Buck up or f**k off. I did and the rest as they say is history. The next 10-12 years of my life were focused on football and that honestly kept me out of the pub. The girlfriend at the time was delighted as it meant I drove out every night and she could have her vodka and coke and knew I was there! I still enjoyed the pints when they were there particularly after big wins, but was never a weekender as such.
After i quit playing football my ex wife and I rarely went out. Glasses of wine in the house and the odd night out. Friday and Saturday night the. Started stretching to Thursday to Sunday. Next thingbye know between the 2 of us we were drinking 4-5 bottles of wine a weekend. I put on weight, struggled with work, had a lot of other stuff going on, so it was becoming a crutch. The one thing that helped me was that I had started coaching teams and this was getting me out and about butbthere was still a drinking culture around the teams so would have had a few pints with them after games etc. Drink became a problem within my marriage. I reduced my consumption significantly but it remained a problem. The demon of the middle class functioning alcoholic is a very hard one to deal with. When my marriage ended and I moved out I had a few months where I went off the rails. Losing weekends, inappropriate stuff, but I never went to the point of losing control.
2 years ago I made a few calls about my life and they've all come to fruition so far. I still enjoy a drink. I'm in a new relationship and we do go out and have a few drinks. Have dinner and a bottle of wine and then maybe a few pints after it but I rarely go out for a feed of drink just for the sake of it. I love going to the pub and watching a Champions league game and having 2-3 pints with my son and heading home, or watching a Sunday Game match and doing the same. But I know I can leave the pub whenever suits.
Phat that is a very brave post and I wish you all the best. The fears of alcoholism is terrible. Stick to it. Break the 100 days. And then 150 and then 200. Next thing you know it will be years you will be talking about.
Like alot of people I would have been a big binge drinker. Absolutely no desire to drink in the house during the week and I wouldn't even drink if watching a match or that in the pub, unless I was going out. My problem was that I over indulged on nights out resulting in blackouts and getting labelled as a 'piss head'. It's all funny at the time and it's a good story for people but I got fed up with it and thankfully have started to cut back on my intake. Always felt I needed a 'few drinks in me' to be able to socialize and talk to women etc....it worked to an extent in my twenties, put I think in your thirties it can be a big turn off for people if you're coming across loaded on a night out. Nights out are few and far between these days, with alot of friends married etc and with a mortgage to pay I just don't have the funds to be doing it but I'm glad in a way and focusing on keeping active and in a shape.
A lot of people are functioning alcoholics. As BC1 said I'd be similar in some respect, but I enjoyed it, living in Belfast we would have been in town every night, providing the cash machine handed out money!
Even getting married never stopped the weekend binges, having kids probably brought about some degree of sense and for about 10 years during the weeks no drink would have been taken, wine at weekends yes and the odd weekend a month out with mates or wife.
Once the kids were reared (to a point) we'd have enjoyed a glass a wine at 9 o'clock which turned to two or more, followed that path for a while until recently when we did a sober September.. don't drink during the week at all, I've always trained hard and our diet is great but I'd be worried about the damage I've done, my relationship with drink is good, though as I write this I'm recovering from a poker night at a friends :o ! But I've a few refereeing engagements later and I've done my early 3 miler to get me back (mentally) on track
I wouldn't say I'd stop drinking, but I've cut it way back to where I was but I'd say it's probably over the weekly allowance, though not by much.
Some honest posts there, I've seen how bad drink can affect relationships and families.. so to anyone on the wagon keep it up, it's harder in this culture to abstain.
Have battled with alcohol for many years up until recently after starting up in a relationship which has got me back on track as such or giving me a reason not to go on 3/4 day benders at a time.
Normally my weekend would begin on a Thursday night and end up legless on a Sunday evening around the 7 o clock Mark haven been in the early house from 8am that morning. Fridays at work are normally grand to get through as finish at 1 every Friday and knew I would be in he pub for 2 and that was it. Saturday morning would consist of getting up and having some food and hitting the local at 12 and that was it until I could not walk and Sunday's was always an 8am start and that was for about 10 years.
Met a girl 6 months ago and I no longer do the Thursdays and Sundays (it's a start). I still go on the Friday and now hold off till around 6 and go out with her. Sunday's can sometimes be a struggle but by god I feel so good getting up on a Monday with no hangover. From binge drinking 4 days a week for 10 years down to 2 now has made me feel so much better about myself and I feel much happier in life.
Quote from: tonto1888 on October 13, 2018, 07:54:48 AMI never had a problem with the booze unless I had a drink.
I don't mean to be flippant, but I enjoyed that line.
Good thread and good testimonies. I drink too much. 50+ units a week. Mostly wine at home plus a few pints a couple of times a week. But my biggest worry is not directly about my own drinking but about a family member I fear is becoming a problem drinker and I'm not a great example to him.
Does anyone have any advice on how to intervene, advise, etc. Anyone familiar with Al Anon and are they to be recommended? The self-described younger problem drinkers here might have some good advice as to whether an intervention from a parent would help or hinder.
Good thread, and a subject I've been thinking about alot lately. The reason being, I consider myself to drink too much, and find that after a few days off it, I'm trying to engineer ways of getting myself into a situation where I can get a pint e.g. lets go out for a family dinner where the food would be secondary to me. I don't drink 7 days a week, I may drink 2 or 3 days a week though, and never to the point I'd be falling around the place, or off my head drunk. At the same time, I can go a month without it, but would admit it is a struggle. Work brings me in close contact with drink, and into situations where I'd find it hard to avoid it. So, I'd admit to having an urge to drink, and probably will have 6 or 7 cans in the house tonight if not going out. My thoughts lately have been to give it up, but until I make alternative work plans, that could be a challenge. Thanks for starting thread.
When I was 11 just around Confirmation age the local priest and teachers sat our class down and told us about the dangers of alchohol. That we should really commit to the pledge.
I had personally seen enough alcohol around me and it really put me off ever taking it. It wasn't easy. Different times especially going to night clubs from big matches ect where people would sometimes push it on you.
My come back excuse was only if Antrim win an all Ireland or we get a United Ireland would I take my first drink. Neither will ever happen and neither will I ever drink.
Quote from: Hardy on October 13, 2018, 12:21:58 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on October 13, 2018, 07:54:48 AMI never had a problem with the booze unless I had a drink.
I don't mean to be flippant, but I enjoyed that line.
Good thread and good testimonies. I drink too much. 50+ units a week. Mostly wine at home plus a few pints a couple of times a week. But my biggest worry is not directly about my own drinking but about a family member I fear is becoming a problem drinker and I'm not a great example to him.
Does anyone have any advice on how to intervene, advise, etc. Anyone familiar with Al Anon and are they to be recommended? The self-described younger problem drinkers here might have some good advice as to whether an intervention from a parent would help or hinder.
Honesty is the best policy Hardy......I have a very close friend who had it all, lovely wife and kids, big house, car etc......but drank too much and ignored the warnings and advice.......lost it all.
He rang me one day and it was obvious he had had a few......but I decided to go meet him and talk to him as my thought process was .....at least I will have tried. He started off by getting a bit testy with me over not returning a missed call......wrong thing to do with me....anyway I took him to a quiet corner and told him the truth......he was a fcking bollocks and that he wasn't going to find the answer to his problems at the bottom of a pint glass, and that he needed to admit he was an alcoholic and seek help...i.e. Sister Concilios......he was in complete denial.....but I told him he was my friend and that I was there for him.....drove him home that night to his fathers house and it was embarrassing.....so next day rang him first thing to check on him....cut a long story short he went on a bender, woke up on a beach, split head, no clue what happened.......realised then he needed help....rang a mutual friend who lifted him, got him into Concilios.....did the 12 week program.....fell off the wagon, got back on....but visited him recently and he is back drinking......'just a few cans and an odd glass of wine'. I told him that he's on a slippery slope but only he can do something about it. I really fear for him, as he is in complete denial again.
Alcohol plays such a large part of society in Ireland, weather has a lot to do with it also IMHO.
Anyway, for those battling keep taking one day at a time, for those worried about someone please talk to them.....it beats not talking. Good luck all.
Quote from: Hardy on October 13, 2018, 12:21:58 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on October 13, 2018, 07:54:48 AMI never had a problem with the booze unless I had a drink.
I don't mean to be flippant, but I enjoyed that line.
Good thread and good testimonies. I drink too much. 50+ units a week. Mostly wine at home plus a few pints a couple of times a week. But my biggest worry is not directly about my own drinking but about a family member I fear is becoming a problem drinker and I'm not a great example to him.
Does anyone have any advice on how to intervene, advise, etc. Anyone familiar with Al Anon and are they to be recommended? The self-described younger problem drinkers here might have some good advice as to whether an intervention from a parent would help or hinder.
Haha. No problem. What I meant was I wasnt one who would sit in work all day counting down the minutes until I could get a drink. But when I drank, well to quite Bartley Gorman. "When I was drinking I was drinking. Wild horses couldn't get me away."
Drink on the odd occassion but never feel the need to drink it to have a good time
I drank a fair bit in college, like most people do/did I suppose.
Then I was diagnosed with epilepsy. My family thought it was drink related, as in I would go out on a Saturday night and have the seizure on the Sunday night. So I had to stop it. I didn't miss it, but I sometimes missed going on a session with the lads. I always was taxi man for people and I never said no. However the epilepsy never went away. So the night before my wedding, I had a pint, which turned into 4. I was waiting for a week for a seizure to arrive but it didn't. I have drank irregularly since then. I might get a bit tipsy, but nothing more. I'd limit myself to 5 or 6 pints whenever I would go out, I might drink a few bottles at home if I'm not out, maximum 3.
The seizures still come. I haven't had one since July, during which I hadn't taken a drink at all. I have found out since that stress is the main trigger. That's for a different thread however.
One of my big problems is that I have too good a tolerance for it. Called to the bar at a young age. The second would be that Irish tendency to mythologize the drink like a Clancy Brothers song, that it really is the water of life, how it brought Tim Finnegan back to life, how we should all the buried with a jug of punch at our head and feet and how the milk of the cow is alright for the calf but the juice of the barley for me. And speaking of barley and wheat and hops and all that good stuff that goes into beer and whiskey, it is all full of lectins the latest thing the fashion diets are saying that are causing all our health woes, killing all the good bacteria in our gut and so on. Now starting to question my relationship with drink and whether it really brought Tim Finnegan back from the dead after killing him in the first place. Still no plans to give it up yet but might make a bigger effort to switch to red wine which is a lot healthier tho rarely the subject of Irish folk songs apart from Rose Connolly, and the poor girl was murdered by the wine drinker.
Must say, excellent thread that seems to have struck a chord with quite a few people on here. I admire their honesty and good luck to them.<br>
Personally I drank the bit out at secondary school, university and for years later. Drinking to get drunk to enjoy the craic. Have to say I really enjoyed it but at the same time I wonder what could have been and where would I have been without it. <br>
Now I hardly drink at all but I do enjoy an odd blow out which only amounts to about 7/8 pints these days! Many of my friends still drink away and they look at me funnily when I say I don't drink in the house or I'm not bothered with just a few pints. It's all or nothing with me but each to their own.<br>
Now I'm married with kids I think I've alot more confidence. The nerves are gone. I wouldn't want them to see me with drink and I want to enjoy my time with them e.g. swimming, cycling etc. I worry what damage I did to myself previously but I've always been relatively fit and the drink never had the hold of me. Different for some of my mates.
Quote from: An Watcher on October 13, 2018, 05:39:41 PM
Must say, excellent thread that seems to have struck a chord with quite a few people on here. I admire their honesty and good luck to them.<br>
Personally I drank the bit out at secondary school, university and for years later. Drinking to get drunk to enjoy the craic. Have to say I really enjoyed it but at the same time I wonder what could have been and where would I have been without it. <br>
Now I hardly drink at all but I do enjoy an odd blow out which only amounts to about 7/8 pints these days! Many of my friends still drink away and they look at me funnily when I say I don't drink in the house or I'm not bothered with just a few pints. It's all or nothing with me but each to their own.<br>
Now I'm married with kids I think I've alot more confidence. The nerves are gone. I wouldn't want them to see me with drink and I want to enjoy my time with them e.g. swimming, cycling etc. I worry what damage I did to myself previously but I've always been relatively fit and the drink never had the hold of me. Different for some of my mates.
Were you drunk when you typed that?!!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RX2opvj7WE8
Well worth a watch
Haha, actually put a bit of thought into that today so copied and pasted it from elsewhere. Apologies for the code in there!!
I drink flat out. Not a problem. Get up for work and all good at home. Might drop dead but sure what the hell. 43 good enough. Sure what else is there to do. Long time fcukin dead.
Getting hammered in late teens and into twenties is a rite of passage in Ireland. I would have been a binge drinker back then but would never had the stomach for more the next day so long benders weren't my thing thankfully. I never drink during the week now and will always have a couple in the house on a Friday and a few more on a Saturday. To be honest I love drinking in the house at the weekend otherwise those nights would be the same as a week night. Was out last Saturday and had 6-7 pints of stout which is definitely my limit these days. Back in the day I'd have had that before I started drinking.
A poll would be interesting here
Best of luck to those who struggle.
Ireland needs to really get to grips with drink culture. Minimum pricing isn't the answer either. If you're serious about it, off licenses need to go. Never will happen though.
Personally never eeally got into drinking. Kind of annoyed me when I was looked at like I'd two heads when I said I don't touch it. But I'm comfortable with it now. I don't really give a shit what people think. The longer I went without the more I realised I don't want or need it, or coyuld be arsed with all it entails. I suppose seeing some family members struggle with drink helped in my abstinence from it.
Yeah Benny what would you or actually anyone like to see as the options in the poll. I think I have to create it?
Quote from: Boycey on October 13, 2018, 07:59:01 PM
Yeah Benny what would you or actually anyone like to see as the options in the poll. I think I have to create it?
Maybe a range of frequency of drinking, units taken.
It nearly ruined me in my twenties. Seriously lucky not to be dead or had life altering injuries. A lot of scrapes and waking up with bloody noses and black eyes and cuts with no recollection of what happened. Worst happened abroad in Germany while at a music festival. Another lad died the same night at the festival and people thought it was me. I was so out of it I didn't wake up till about 3pm. I was penniless and lost everything bar my clothes which were soaked. Only for the generosity of strangers I don't know how I'd get home.
After that I decided to sort things out so I'm down to about 1 to 2 beers a month. I have kids now and lots of responsibilities personally and professionally that getting drunk just isn't worth it. Also I'm into my fitness now so every beers feels like a set back rather than a gain. I don't have time for a social life outside of kids parties or work nights out but they're pretty dry affairs these days.
Quote from: Boycey on October 13, 2018, 07:59:01 PM
Yeah Benny what would you or actually anyone like to see as the options in the poll. I think I have to create it?
Currently have an alcohol problem, drink too much and think it could become problematic, only take a few at the weekend or social occasions, can take it or leave it, don't drink. Something like that or else number of units per week which could be an eye opener!
I try to quit for a few weeks every Jan and Sept and I don't last a week. Been part of my life for so long now I wouldn't know how to live without it even though it fills me with guilt and regret etc etc. Plus waking up going oh no wtf did I post on gaa board fb etc last night and scramble to delete it in the hope no one has read it. Modern phones and booze don't mix well.
Quote from: charlieTully on October 13, 2018, 08:43:38 PM
I try to quit for a few weeks every Jan and Sept and I don't last a week. Been part of my life for so long now I wouldn't know how to live without it even though it fills me with guilt and regret etc etc. Plus waking up going oh no wtf did I post on gaa board fb etc last night and scramble to delete it in the hope no one has read it. Modern phones and booze don't mix well.
Drunken gaaboarding. Remember the time Ziggy declared his love for Syferus.
Had an epic drunken post one night back in the day. Would have resulted in a banning for sure and would have been a wanted man round south derry lol, thank christ it didnt send
I'm really shocked TBH about how many lads have drank the shit out of themselves but it's really good to see that majority realised that it can't be sustained and took action to either stop or reduce the intake, I've seen a few marriage break-ups close to me thru the alcohol and seen a few sights so maybe that's why i feel the way i do about it.
For anyone struggling or have a problem I really hope it works out for you and if posting up here and talking to some here with experience that can help you out then do it and best of luck
Quote from: BennyCake on October 13, 2018, 07:51:09 PM
A poll would be interesting here
Best of luck to those who struggle.
Ireland needs to really get to grips with drink culture. Minimum pricing isn't the answer either. If you're serious about it, off licenses need to go. Never will happen though.
Personally never eeally got into drinking. Kind of annoyed me when I was looked at like I'd two heads when I said I don't touch it. But I'm comfortable with it now. I don't really give a shit what people think. The longer I went without the more I realised I don't want or need it, or coyuld be arsed with all it entails. I suppose seeing some family members struggle with drink helped in my abstinence from it.
I could never get past 5 pints. I had a few pints a few months ago . That might be once a year but would drink wine if I was doing a meal for people. I can't stand spirits but would use them for cooking.
I never really thought about drink and Irish society until I spent a while living in a Muslim country. Alcohol and gambling are banned so there are no offlicences, no pubs and no bookies. In any population x% of people will have addictive tendencies. Cheap alcohol just distributes the risk amongst the population. The costs are very high and society bears them . Same as gambling.
The 3 lads who died outside Louisburgh last Christmas had been drinking
« The jury also heard the three men had called to the Gibbons family home earlier and were advised not to drive as they had too much to drink.
Mary Gibbons said in a statement the three men had vodka with them and were drunk when they arrived at her house. The three had met for Christmas drinks in Louisburgh earlier.
After the alarm had been raised, an emergency operation involving gardaí, members of the local community, Westport Coastguard, the Order of Malta and Rescue 118 helicopter from Sligo got under way.
The men's bodies were found by search teams more than 12 hours later.
I remember the lads were laughing and thinking it was a great laugh.
"The lads were starting to panic when more water began to fill the jeep. I thought I had to get out of the jeep now.
"I had to pull myself out of the jeep to get out of it. I got out of the jeep and swam over to the bank.
"I could hear screaming coming from the jeep which lasted only a few seconds. Then there was complete silence.
"I then went to try and get back into the water but it was too strong."
Martin's death at such a young age leaves us with a sense of an unfinished life, many things undone, many things maybe unsaid. We struggle very much to understand why. And the terrible reality of the extent of the tragedy has left us with nothing but our raw human emotions — a gnawing sadness, shock and disbelief, anger, helplessness and tears," said Fr Mattie, "so many tears." »
Just when you think this board is fucked a thread like this comes along. Serious honesty in the posts on this thread, brave as f**k. Made me think (as I stand here with a glass of red and a small can of beer). Time to wise up and live my life for my family and not for the next chance of a liquor.
Always loved getting out for pints and having the craic and many's a Monday missed at work, I still like getting out every now and then but Jesus the hangovers kill me, I thought when the kids got older I'd be out every weekend for a few but it just hasn't happened and I couldn't care less, the craic was far better in the pubs years ago when the weekend could have started on a Thursday night, the aul drink has a lot to answer for!!
I love a good drink, I rarely get out for one though. I would normally have two bottles/cans of good beer and a glass of fine red wine on Friday & Saturday nights. My one big blow out would be getting down to Portadown to have a few drinks with my mates on St Stephen's Day. I have always tried to be careful, my dad was an alcoholic, the drink eventually took him on New Year's Day last year and I would be heart scared of going the same road.
when you start drinking in the house, that's the beginning of the end, seen far too many people go this way and there is no way back for most.
the pub is meant to be a social meet up, not somewhere to get hammered or worse arrive there hammered.
young ones i know now go out with a fiver (which in my day bought 6 pints ;)), because they drink their fill of cheap booze from the off sales before heading anywhere
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on October 14, 2018, 01:27:54 AM
when you start drinking in the house, that's the beginning of the end, seen far too many people go this way and there is no way back for most.
the pub is meant to be a social meet up, not somewhere to get hammered or worse arrive there hammered.
young ones i know now go out with a fiver (which in my day bought 6 pints ;)), because they drink their fill of cheap booze from the off sales before heading anywhere
Shocking carry on altogether that a different generation has different values and prefers to do something a different way.
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on October 14, 2018, 01:27:54 AM
when you start drinking in the house, that's the beginning of the end, seen far too many people go this way and there is no way back for most.
the pub is meant to be a social meet up, not somewhere to get hammered or worse arrive there hammered.
young ones i know now go out with a fiver (which in my day bought 6 pints ;)), because they drink their fill of cheap booze from the off sales before heading anywhere
Wild generalisation. I keep Guinness in the fridge and maybe drink 1 tin every week. My wife drinks a glass of wine with her dinner every now again. Hardly the end of the world.
I used to drink a good bit in my younger days. Decreased a good bit when I met my wife, even more so when we got married and is minimal now that we have kids. Maybe 2-3 blowouts per year at a wedding, GAA function or odd stag.
Drink can be great socially but also a curse. Best of luck to anyone struggling.
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on October 14, 2018, 01:27:54 AM
when you start drinking in the house, that's the beginning of the end, seen far too many people go this way and there is no way back for most.
the pub is meant to be a social meet up, not somewhere to get hammered or worse arrive there hammered.
young ones i know now go out with a fiver (which in my day bought 6 pints ;)), because they drink their fill of cheap booze from the off sales before heading anywhere
A ridiculous statement to start of with
Working in a bar is a great education.......you see how people react with alcohol. You have the happy drinker.....the depressed drinker......the aggressive drinker.....the guy who wouldn't say boo now full of beans drinker. Back in the day if someone was drunk in public there were talked about......now it's so common hardly anyone bats an eyelid. Many people enjoy alcohol without it causing problems, but alcohol related problems are huge. Unfortunately there is no simple answer and I hope anyone struggling gets help and support.
Are Monday clubs still a thing?
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 14, 2018, 09:36:30 AM
Are Monday clubs still a thing?
Certainly in my home town.
Monday clubs alive and well in Towns and City's. More so older folk and the Sunday night drinker in for the cure. You wouldn't see as many builders about now. And the Friday evening packed bar is no more
Quote from: tonto1888 on October 14, 2018, 08:18:04 AM
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on October 14, 2018, 01:27:54 AM
when you start drinking in the house, that's the beginning of the end, seen far too many people go this way and there is no way back for most.
the pub is meant to be a social meet up, not somewhere to get hammered or worse arrive there hammered.
young ones i know now go out with a fiver (which in my day bought 6 pints ;)), because they drink their fill of cheap booze from the off sales before heading anywhere
A ridiculous statement to start of with
the only thing ridiculous is your grammar 8)
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on October 14, 2018, 01:27:54 AM
when you start drinking in the house, that's the beginning of the end, seen far too many people go this way and there is no way back for most.
the pub is meant to be a social meet up, not somewhere to get hammered or worse arrive there hammered.
young ones i know now go out with a fiver (which in my day bought 6 pints ;)), because they drink their fill of cheap booze from the off sales before heading anywhere
First point I agree on. If only to set an example to your kids
Quote from: BennyCake on October 14, 2018, 10:14:21 AM
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on October 14, 2018, 01:27:54 AM
when you start drinking in the house, that's the beginning of the end, seen far too many people go this way and there is no way back for most.
the pub is meant to be a social meet up, not somewhere to get hammered or worse arrive there hammered.
young ones i know now go out with a fiver (which in my day bought 6 pints ;)), because they drink their fill of cheap booze from the off sales before heading anywhere
First point I agree on. If only to set an example to your kids
Only a problem if you're getting hammered at home. Opening a bottle of wine with the wife on a Friday or Satuday night is nothing to be concerned about in itself.
Quote from: Tubberman on October 14, 2018, 10:31:53 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on October 14, 2018, 10:14:21 AM
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on October 14, 2018, 01:27:54 AM
when you start drinking in the house, that's the beginning of the end, seen far too many people go this way and there is no way back for most.
the pub is meant to be a social meet up, not somewhere to get hammered or worse arrive there hammered.
young ones i know now go out with a fiver (which in my day bought 6 pints ;)), because they drink their fill of cheap booze from the off sales before heading anywhere
First point I agree on. If only to set an example to your kids
Only a problem if you're getting hammered at home. Opening a bottle of wine with the wife on a Friday or Satuday night is nothing to be concerned about in itself.
Would agree with that. Alcohol should be normalised and show children it is possible to enjoy drink in moderation. I would rather they saw that than parents coming home from the pub hammered and/or spending the next day dying with a hangover.
Only coming back to this thread now
Fair play to the lads battling to stay off the stuff
As always it's good to talk. Even typing out your thoughts here can be a big help
Only seeing this thread now. I have a strange relationship with drink, I never drink at home and would never think of having a few beers at home. I also struggle to take 1 drink, even after football on a Sunday or that if I've work the next day I couldn't take 1 pint because I know as soon as I take one that's me on the stool till closing, I don't know if it's a lack of self control. I'm not proud of it but I can take a lot of drink, i could easily take 20 pints in one sitting. In fact, few months ago on a Saturday night it was a friends birthday and although I had a match on the Sunday I went out and said I'd have a couple of bottles and no pints, ended up on a rip and was going to go to the game on the Sunday having only got through the door, friend talked me out of it so I text an excuse and went back on it, 3-4 days drinking, still really annoyed about that. I love drink, I know I drink too much, have tried going off it, even this month said I'd do that sober for October, couldn't even get passed the first Friday. Alcohol has been a factor in me doing a lot of things I'm not proud of/ ashamed of. Hope everyone on here who's on their journey keep plugging away and get through t
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 14, 2018, 10:36:27 AM
Quote from: Tubberman on October 14, 2018, 10:31:53 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on October 14, 2018, 10:14:21 AM
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on October 14, 2018, 01:27:54 AM
when you start drinking in the house, that's the beginning of the end, seen far too many people go this way and there is no way back for most.
the pub is meant to be a social meet up, not somewhere to get hammered or worse arrive there hammered.
young ones i know now go out with a fiver (which in my day bought 6 pints ;)), because they drink their fill of cheap booze from the off sales before heading anywhere
First point I agree on. If only to set an example to your kids
Only a problem if you're getting hammered at home. Opening a bottle of wine with the wife on a Friday or Satuday night is nothing to be concerned about in itself.
Would agree with that. Alcohol should be normalised and show children it is possible to enjoy drink in moderation. I would rather they saw that than parents coming home from the pub hammered and/or spending the next day dying with a hangover.
Yes but it can go the other way too.
It can make it seem normal for kids to think it's fine to drink any time there's a match on TV, or at meal times. If there's always booze in the cupboard that's easy availability for youngsters. At least when there's a clear distinction that the pub Is where you drink, it may help foster kids habits later in life
Quote from: Insane Bolt on October 14, 2018, 09:29:24 AM
Working in a bar is a great education.......you see how people react with alcohol. You have the happy drinker.....the depressed drinker......the aggressive drinker.....the guy who wouldn't say boo now full of beans drinker. Back in the day if someone was drunk in public there were talked about......now it's so common hardly anyone bats an eyelid. Many people enjoy alcohol without it causing problems, but alcohol related problems are huge. Unfortunately there is no simple answer and I hope anyone struggling gets help and support.
I've family in the trade and would have helped out from time to time. One thing I've noticed is that regardless of age, class or background, anyone can go out and make a fool of themselves. I've seen middle class women claim their friend has been spiked when in reality they've been drinking for 8 solid hours and the friend just can't keep up. I've seen aggressive young men full of double vodka red bulls (and coke probably) start fights with doorstaff. I've seen daytime drinks sleeping over their laptop because they've had too many pints and not enough sleep the night before. They're all pretty normal people but like you say this behaviour is now more or less considered acceptable. When you consider the price of drink in supermarkets compared to pubs it doesn't bear thinking about what goes on at home
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on October 14, 2018, 10:10:22 AM
Quote from: tonto1888 on October 14, 2018, 08:18:04 AM
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on October 14, 2018, 01:27:54 AM
when you start drinking in the house, that's the beginning of the end, seen far too many people go this way and there is no way back for most.
the pub is meant to be a social meet up, not somewhere to get hammered or worse arrive there hammered.
young ones i know now go out with a fiver (which in my day bought 6 pints ;)), because they drink their fill of cheap booze from the off sales before heading anywhere
A ridiculous statement to start of with
the only thing ridiculous is your grammar 8)
Let's see if we can help you. Which part did you fail to understand?
Personally, I feel sorry for people that need alcohol in order to relax or enjoy themselves.
Quote from: Orior on October 14, 2018, 07:59:09 PM
Personally, I feel sorry for people that need alcohol in order to relax or enjoy themselves.
You're lucky mastrabation still does it for you😜
yez shud alL DRinK mOre
Quote from: tonto1888 on October 14, 2018, 04:06:32 PM
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on October 14, 2018, 10:10:22 AM
Quote from: tonto1888 on October 14, 2018, 08:18:04 AM
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on October 14, 2018, 01:27:54 AM
when you start drinking in the house, that's the beginning of the end, seen far too many people go this way and there is no way back for most.
the pub is meant to be a social meet up, not somewhere to get hammered or worse arrive there hammered.
young ones i know now go out with a fiver (which in my day bought 6 pints ;)), because they drink their fill of cheap booze from the off sales before heading anywhere
A ridiculous statement to start of with
the only thing ridiculous is your grammar 8)
Let's see if we can help you. Which part did you fail to understand?
Cmon. Yiz have both had enough.
Quote from: Orior on October 14, 2018, 07:59:09 PM
Personally, I feel sorry for people that need alcohol in order to relax or enjoy themselves.
Personally, that's the view of a p***k.
Personally, I feel sorry for those who take drugs to numb pain.
Personally, I feel sorry for those who avoid social occasions to avoid interaction.
Yes
Maybe what Orior is saying is drink is too easy to turn to when someoneneeds to unwind. Heard many people say "I dunno how I could manage if I couldn't have a drink". I'd say, well you'd just find something else to do : gym, walk, gardening, meditate etc. it's just the done thing to turn to drink when stressed, nervous, relaxed, worried, etc etc. If you were a recovering alcoholic, couldn't drink due to medical issue of in a Muslim country you'd find another way to relax, destress etc.
Quote from: BennyCake on October 15, 2018, 09:16:08 AM
Maybe what Orior is saying is drink is too easy to turn to when someoneneeds to unwind. Heard many people say "I dunno how I could manage if I couldn't have a drink". I'd say, well you'd just find something else to do : gym, walk, gardening, meditate etc. it's just the done thing to turn to drink when stressed, nervous, relaxed, worried, etc etc. If you were a recovering alcoholic, couldn't drink due to medical issue of in a Muslim country you'd find another way to relax, destress etc.
It can take the edge off people if they are feeling stressed... whether that is all in the head or not doesnt matter.. I prefer to go to the gym straight from work and that works for me, though if I want to have a beer then I'll reach for one in the fridge and not give it a second thought.
I do wonder about the having a beer/wine in the house and how my kids look at us, and they aint shy in telling us how they feel, we've a good group of friends that we call round to or they call to ours for a chat or catch up and its a case for reaching to the fridge, but when we had the month off we only tea to offer and found it strange not opening up a bottle and having a glass of wine!
Needless to say we are going to pick another month, probably Feb as January we have too much on and then possibly June.. If we can do 3 months a year no drink and no drinking through the week I'd be happy with that
Same as a lot of posts, i went mad for the drink from about 15 years of age. Couldn't get enough into me fast enough. Sick everywhere and carried home on a few occasions (thank god there were no camera phones). After getting married, having kids and settling down, my relationship with drink changed. I still like to have a blow out and a good feed of pints but only really at stags, weddings, parties or other events... and these are a bit of a rarity in fairness. I now couldn't even be bothered with normal weekend nights out.
I like to have a couple of beer in the house on a Friday or Saturday night sometimes but there is not the same need to fire it into me when I'm at home.
I was very late to the drinking game. probably early 30's or so and even now it's not a whole pile and mostly in the house at the weekend when the wanes are in bed.
In my mid teens all my mates drank to various degrees and were an eclectic mix, some were painfully shy and felt they needed a few drinks to interact with the fairer sex (and overshot the mark manies a time), some to feel part of the gang and all that and some grew into killing machines (in their mind) with a 2L of cider swilling in them and ended up getting a thumping the odd time. If they were being arseholes and deserved it I'd always let the other lad land one on them before breaking it up, just so they'd an abiding memory the next morning. By and large all came out the other side married, kids, settled down with no dependencies that I can see from the outside looking in but I do know of others that weren't so lucky and did develop a dependency and that has a huge impact on them and their immediate family.
As far as I was aware my mates never excluded me from anything because I didn't drink and it was never commented on even when living in the student areas of Belfast for a good few years when the drinking did get hot and heavy. I'd have been asked by others as to why I didn't drink, it certainly wasn't a religious thing, maybe I didn't trust myself after seeing so many bad drunks I don't know but I never felt the need nor inclination. Maybe I was a boring bastard after all.
I grew up in a house where my Da was a pioneer since he took the oath and my mum never drank other than a sherry or something at christmas, but never to excess that I was aware off and that's something I'm very conscious of for some reason with my own kids. I never want them to believe that it's normal and cool to be out of your face with drink in (or anything else that may do the trick) and to leave the drink aside for as long as possible (as much as I can control) to develop proper social skills in advance of then, but we as parents can only control so many variables and others are in the lap of the gods.
there's a dangerous emphasis on alcohol in Ireland and many places in the world. When you visit or live in a country where life seems to have slower pace, the locals would seem to have a different relationship with alcohol. When people gather to socialize the food and the conversation and the company would be 90% of the focus and alcohol would be a 10% byproduct? There's no excessive drinking or pushing alcohol on people.
At home in Ireland I think there's a heavy focus on alcohol when people gather, it would nearly be the central focus at times? Weddings, holidays, family parties...the mission is to get as much drink in to you as possible and bring as many people down that road with you as you can. I read stories on bookface of family holidays in france being described as great because the kids are being watched in a play park and "me and the mrs wrote off on the patio drinking cheap red wine"
I never really enjoyed alcohol in my younger years. I just didn't like the taste. When I went to university I discovered some things I really enjoyed. Too much in many cases. I definitely drank to excess. I lived in the holylands during my placement year and me and one of my house mates worked for leading alcohol distributors. There was an abundance of alcohol in the house and I took full advantage of it. I found my health deteriorating (not seriously, but I lost my fitness) and thankfully got back in to boxing and mma and was able to give it up completely. I didn't touch it for nearly 5 years in my 20s.
I still take a drink now and again. I enjoy a wee half bottle of buckfast on special occasions or a beer or two or a wee glass of black sambuca on ice to sip on (love licorice). The mrs would have a glass of wine with dinner most nights but she is Italian and grew up that way, always wine at the table.
I had a cousin who was more like a brother half reared in our house who died of alcoholism at 35. 7 years ago now. We didn't really do anything to help him. In Ireland that seems to be the norm. Buying an alcoholic a pint. I still feel the guilt of it. The things we do and neglect doing....
My kids will most likely drink. Most kids do right? Hopefully our example at home can show that alcohol doesn't have to be the focus and drunk doesn't have to be the goal.
Iceman, living in the States, what are your views on 18 Vs 21 as the legal drinking age? I firmly believe that parents and society have a responsibility to teach responsible attitudes to alcohol to their kids, especially when alcohol is likely to or inevitably going to play some part or another in their lives. When I was at college, we'd all been drinking for a few years and while occasionally making a show of ourselves, were used to it and able to handle it to an extent. However I found American students over here, because alcohol is harder to get and there seems to be more of an issue if they're caught drinking underage, would go absolutely buck daft on drink. They'd had little, if any, experience of it and consequently would start getting a little bit messy after even one of two bottles of beer. If they touched spirits it was goodnight for a lot of them.
Quote from: gallsman on October 15, 2018, 12:52:12 PM
Iceman, living in the States, what are your views on 18 Vs 21 as the legal drinking age? I firmly believe that parents and society have a responsibility to teach responsible attitudes to alcohol to their kids, especially when alcohol is likely to or inevitably going to play some part or another in their lives. When I was at college, we'd all been drinking for a few years and while occasionally making a show of ourselves, were used to it and able to handle it to an extent. However I found American students over here, because alcohol is harder to get and there seems to be more of an issue if they're caught drinking underage, would go absolutely buck daft on drink. They'd had little, if any, experience of it and consequently would start getting a little bit messy after even one of two bottles of beer. If they touched spirits it was goodnight for a lot of them.
I don't know if it's as relevant today gallsman. I have teenage nieces and a nephew over here and they all drink. Openly drink at 16, 17 and 18 at family events. I think most kids their age do because it's not a big deal anymore for parents. My nephew would chat away to us about parties where everyone is drunk and smoking weed and all of this is very normal (at least out in WA). Down in FL my nieces are at one house party or another most weekends and there's always alcohol involved on some level. So I think the 18 vrs 21 thing, although still a law, isn't as much of a difference as it would have been in my day at university when american students went clean nuts...
My kids are 10 and younger so haven't go to the alcohol question yet. I'll likely let them try beer and wine and hope that their own experimentations don't go too far...
Great thread topic.
I have a fairly relaxed relationship with alcohol. No real dependancy or need for it. Have a few when I am out at the weekends, which isn't that often anymore. Sometimes go a few months without a drink. Two weeks since my last.
However, there have been periods, when things have been stressed in my life, where I will turn to drink and have a mad session. The last time was September '17. I had a lot going on in my head and couldn't deal with it. Made a real cod of myself. Since then, I've decided it was happening too often, so made a decision to not drink when under stress. So I now read anxiety books, when things get on top of me.
From January 2019, I am going to cut out drink completely. The last time I did that, I was off drink for 2 and 1/2 years. Hopefully match that and longer.
Quote from: ziggysego on October 15, 2018, 06:14:05 PM
Great thread topic.
I have a fairly relaxed relationship with alcohol. No real dependancy or need for it. Have a few when I am out at the weekends, which isn't that often anymore. Sometimes go a few months without a drink. Two weeks since my last.
However, there have been periods, when things have been stressed in my life, where I will turn to drink and have a mad session. The last time was September '17. I had a lot going on in my head and couldn't deal with it. Made a real cod of myself. Since then, I've decided it was happening too often, so made a decision to not drink when under stress. So I now read anxiety books, when things get on top of me.
From January 2019, I am going to cut out drink completely. The last time I did that, I was off drink for 2 and 1/2 years. Hopefully match that and longer.
What anxiety books would they be? As already stated, stress is the cause of my seizures.
Iceman, read many a time. Someone interviewed answering saying they'd like to have a nights drinking with Georgie best. Ffs the man was an alcoholic! Kind of sums up the Irish attitude to drink.
Quote from: BennyCake on October 15, 2018, 08:42:38 PM
Iceman, read many a time. Someone interviewed answering saying they'd like to have a nights drinking with Georgie best. Ffs the man was an alcoholic! Kind of sums up the Irish attitude to drink.
I have a relative who is a recovering alcoholic and when he was full blown on it, at his absolute lowest point, other relatives were saying he wasn't an alcoholic as he only drank pints. You couldn't make this shit up.
I have a good mate who took his mum away to dry her out a bit - recognizing she had a bit of a problem. Did great for the weeks away with him in another country. Flew home and her sister and brother in law lifted her at airport got a carry out on way home and sat at house drinking....
The whole not doing anyone any harm crap is enabling the disease and we're losing people unnecessarily.
Quote from: Farrandeelin on October 15, 2018, 08:35:05 PM
Quote from: ziggysego on October 15, 2018, 06:14:05 PM
Great thread topic.
I have a fairly relaxed relationship with alcohol. No real dependancy or need for it. Have a few when I am out at the weekends, which isn't that often anymore. Sometimes go a few months without a drink. Two weeks since my last.
However, there have been periods, when things have been stressed in my life, where I will turn to drink and have a mad session. The last time was September '17. I had a lot going on in my head and couldn't deal with it. Made a real cod of myself. Since then, I've decided it was happening too often, so made a decision to not drink when under stress. So I now read anxiety books, when things get on top of me.
From January 2019, I am going to cut out drink completely. The last time I did that, I was off drink for 2 and 1/2 years. Hopefully match that and longer.
What anxiety books would they be? As already stated, stress is the cause of my seizures.
There's a book called An End to Panic that I found very helpful. Don't remember the author, but worth a splurge if you see it on Amazon.
I was about 16 when I had my first drink. My peer group was all about getting drunk, so I followed along with that, but when I get drunk I have a tendency to come out with stuff that makes perfect sense to me but to nobody else - also known as "talking shite." The result is I become the world's most annoying person when I'm drunk. It took me longer to figure this out than it should have, but I suppose it's better late than never.
I partied hard through my 20s and well into my 30s, but started to wind down the drinking after a few humdingers of hangovers and some episodes of somehow getting home through a dangerous part of the city but not remembering how I did it.
In my early 20s I took up Latin dancing, and that requires that you keep your drinking to a minimum, otherwise your lead can be too rough for the girls and you can mess a lot of things up. I eventually stopped going to ordinary clubs and spent more time in salsa clubs. As the dancing became more important to me the drink became less important, so it gradually disappeared out of my diet.
These days I'll have a glass of wine with my dinner some evenings, and maybe one bottle of cider while visiting the in-laws, but that's about it. I don't feel socially awkward without it at all, that's something that just comes with practice. Now that I'm not a drunken shite-talker I feel like the quality of my conversation has gone up, so I don't feel the need to have a drink to loosen up my tongue. There are ways of being good at the art of conversation, and I think it's better if you can do it without the booze.
I know two alcoholics very well.
One didn't stop until he was at death's door. It has taken a few years to recover, but it left scars.
The other is still on that downward spiral and won't admit there is a problem. It is tearing their family apart.
Like any other drug, alcohol can be a positive thing. But it can be hard to realise when it has become an addiction.
Fair play to the fellas sharing their struggles
I think I was 13 the first time I got drunk but didn't really go at regularly till I was about 15 and like a load of young fellas I went at it any time I got the chance, looking back it was clearly a crutch for a nervous disposition but I'd a mate that was similar to me so we'd both get trolleyed regularly, it was the freeing aspect of you could make an eejit of yourself and if anything happened you'd the excuse you were drunk, it's little wonder drinking is dropping off in youth these days though where make any mistake and its recorded forever, this has to be part of the rise in suicides in young people, they don't get to make their mistakes in private anymore.
We both used to work in bars so we'd be out mid week drinking during school term, to be fair we had some serious craic and I don't think I'd change much even if I was to go back but the perspective of looking back at it now is interesting for me. I remember looking at older people wondering why the f**k you'd stay in on a Saturday night, but then again the craic in the bars isn't the same anymore with more people electing to drink with friends at home.
This continued through uni and into the late twenties, I've settled down now lost near 3 stone and going drinking is nearly a chore now and the thought of wasting my Sunday lying dying on the sofa annoys me when I could be at something a bit more useful and fulfilling. But there's still something in the back of my head wanting to go out with the boys and drink the head of myself for 3 days but I think its as much nostalgia as anything.
Quote from: MoChara on October 16, 2018, 08:48:26 AM
Fair play to the fellas sharing their struggles
I think I was 13 the first time I got drunk but didn't really go at regularly till I was about 15 and like a load of young fellas I went at it any time I got the chance, looking back it was clearly a crutch for a nervous disposition but I'd a mate that was similar to me so we'd both get trolleyed regularly, it was the freeing aspect of you could make an eejit of yourself and if anything happened you'd the excuse you were drunk, it's little wonder drinking is dropping off in youth these days though where make any mistake and its recorded forever, this has to be part of the rise in suicides in young people, they don't get to make their mistakes in private anymore.
We both used to work in bars so we'd be out mid week drinking during school term, to be fair we had some serious craic and I don't think I'd change much even if I was to go back but the perspective of looking back at it now is interesting for me. I remember looking at older people wondering why the f**k you'd stay in on a Saturday night, but then again the craic in the bars isn't the same anymore with more people electing to drink with friends at home.
This continued through uni and into the late twenties, I've settled down now lost near 3 stone and going drinking is nearly a chore now and the thought of wasting my Sunday lying dying on the sofa annoys me when I could be at something a bit more useful and fulfilling. But there's still something in the back of my head wanting to go out with the boys and drink the head of myself for 3 days but I think its as much nostalgia as anything.
I despise these people who are constantly videoing people in bars/house/street who have had a few too many. Its one thing taking a picture of a mate who is loaded but videoing strangers and posting it on social media is a low action. MOst of us have probably done things we are not proud of when you have had a few but in todays society if the wrong person is there it ends up all over social media. As you say, if a tenth of the stuff I got up to in my Uni days had been videoed I'm reasonably confident I would not have ended up in the same place in my life I am now i terms of jobs, location and relationship.
Quote from: Farrandeelin on October 15, 2018, 08:35:05 PM
Quote from: ziggysego on October 15, 2018, 06:14:05 PM
Great thread topic.
I have a fairly relaxed relationship with alcohol. No real dependancy or need for it. Have a few when I am out at the weekends, which isn't that often anymore. Sometimes go a few months without a drink. Two weeks since my last.
However, there have been periods, when things have been stressed in my life, where I will turn to drink and have a mad session. The last time was September '17. I had a lot going on in my head and couldn't deal with it. Made a real cod of myself. Since then, I've decided it was happening too often, so made a decision to not drink when under stress. So I now read anxiety books, when things get on top of me.
From January 2019, I am going to cut out drink completely. The last time I did that, I was off drink for 2 and 1/2 years. Hopefully match that and longer.
What anxiety books would they be? As already stated, stress is the cause of my seizures.
Currently reading "How to survive the end of the world" by Aaron Gillies. Currently back at college part-time, doing a Level 4 Counselling course.
very open and honest thread and has made me think a lot.
my father, god rest him, was an alcoholic at 16 and gave it up when he was 18 when he met a good woman, but he always said he was an alcoholic. he hated me drinking but it never stopped me, over drank when a youngster and as people have said thank god there was no such thing as mobiles.
would drink on a Friday and Saturday night, not usually to excess but what is too much? As a youngster I had those never again moments, which were consigned to the bin when I recovered.
square ball I've read more than 4 in one sitting and more than 14 across a week would put you into a higher risk category when it comes to alcohol related illnesses...
I would imagine this would have to be sustained over a period of time to qualify
you're your own man... we all have different circumstances and people we have responsibility for and make our own decisions based on that and kepe in mind your own health, both physical and mental...
We have a fully stocked beer fridge in our office where we can drink at any time of day and it's not frowned upon.
I work in a more "hipster" kind of environment where quite a few would be younger than me so it's interesting to see how it works. I would have a beer or two the odd Friday but rarely at any other time. Most people are responsible enough to be fair.
I drink 1 or two beers the odd weekend and then every 4 or 5 weeks would go out and have a good few pints though that is getting rarer. I find if I'm training a lot, which I would tend to be, I don't like too much as it impacts the fitness. When I'm not training a lot I'd be more inclined to have one or two.
Some very powerful posts in this thread. Fair play to those who were so open.
Much the same as most people here, didn't really drink until I was 18 - found that Renshaws, Dukes and the Hatfield soon cured that.
Graduated right at the start of the recession, was stuck in a fairly poor job for X amount of years - got into a bit of cycle of getting pole axed a majority of weekends - especially during the GAA offseason. Was lucky in that I didn't really cause any lasting damage, maybe was a bit too liberal with certain substances on top of that. Again, was very lucky that I was always fit to take a step back and the vast majority of my social circle was also very much the same. We partied hard, but were always fit to pull back when needed. Thankfully the only problems we caused really in retrospect was a string of broken relationships - nobody is really too gutted about any of those.
Was always into the gym and football, I think that kind of helped me from going totally mad. Missed a right few Mondays in my time, again I put that down to being in a dead end job I was never staying in once things turned so I never beat myself up too much about that either.
Got out of that phase that most people seem to go through, beit early teens or mid 20s. Now, would maybe drink once every couple of months - saying that, I'm far from sober by the time that particular night ends. I don't mind a drink but I'm a kind of completely sober, or completely destroyed type - which in itself isn't very healthy I suppose.
Wouldn't be too keen on the amount my parents would drink - I mean, they both work and are far from a problem, but I still don't see the need to be drinking every weekend either. But, that's life choices and I probably should get off my high horse on that one.
Finally decided to put my post considering the honesty of other posters.
Alcoholism has and still does afflict immediate family members (one resulting in a death) so while I am conscious of the dangers when the notion takes me it doesnt matter one iota.
Started in early teens and took clean out for 15 years or more and not just on the drink. Through secondary school, uni and after.
Manged to hold down jobs and played ball to a decent standard through it all but was able to mix it ok when I was younger.
Didnt work Mondays in one of my jobs - not that I wasnt supposed to - I was, but Sunday after games and Sunday sessions when no games meant it was more important than going to work. Was doing well at work the other 4 days so while threatened with the sack it never materialised and must have missed 40 odd Mondays a year completely down to drink.
Current partner calmed me down a lot and I gave up the weekend sessions almost completely.
Still drink in the house on a Saturday and have a few (6 cans) and the odd glass of wine some nights. Drinking during the week is rare or never even during the crazy years.
I dont really know if I am drinking too much but I do try hard to keep it under control as I could drink 3 or 4 nights a week easily if I didnt keep myself in check.
First hand I can see alcoholism is a heur but I genuinely look forward to my few beers at the weekend and the rare session I get out with the boys.
Great thread and good to see am not alone in my struggles but also annoying (annoyed at myself not at anyone else) to see many around my age have managed to almost give it up completely when I cant
I should add to my post too that, i don't feel i have a bad relationship with drink at all. I enjoy a good lash at it from time to time but i certainly don't crave it, and can easily do without it for extended period of times. During those periods, i don't miss it either. It's definitely a social thing for me. Maybe it is unhealthy that my relationship with friends still centres around meeting up for a feed of pints and a bit of banter once every few months but i suppose i don't see it that way.
I have an OK relationship with it. When I was younger I did it all. I lived in Belfast and worked in an OK job were we partied most weekends. I'd travel home for games on Sunday morning usually still hungover but managed to keep a starting spot fairly much nailed down. I have calmed down a good bit since, thankfully. Wife and Kids are good for that.
I enjoy a glass or two of wine most weekends in the house and if I am away with family I'll have a pint or two of stout, but that's it. The odd Wedding or lash with lads sure enough I'll take one to many but the Friday, Saturday, Sunday binges of my youth are well gone.
I enjoy relaxing at the weekend with a few glasses of wine after a hard week. But I can take it or leave it for the most part.
I had a worse relationship with the fags but thankfully have kicked that habit a few years ago.
Just to add to my post, my dad's relationship with alcohol is an interesting one. I find that in Ireland the tendency used to be all-or-nothing; I got the impression that people were either pioneers or alcoholics and not a whole lot in between. Well my dad was a pioneer for years. He's well into his 80s now and has yet to take a single drop of drink. I'm told that his dad was fond of the drink and not in a good way, so that might have turned him off.
My dad was a navvy in England in the 1960s, he worked on the sites and building the motorways. They'd work in awful conditions, living in a caravan that moved up the road as the construction progressed. Some of his mates would head for the pub as soon as they got paid and my dad would be the designated driver. He'd refuse to go into the pub. He sat outside in the van rather than go in, he just let them tear away and drink through their pay packets, and was happy to drive them home. He didn't have a whole lot of food when he was growing up and there were times when he had to go hungry, so he knew the value of money and wasn't about to blow it in a pub.
He met my mother in England, moved back, and when we were growing up there was always food on our table. He made sure of it. It would have been harder for him to do so if he'd been a drinker. I shudder to think what he'd have been like if he was.
Quote from: lurganblue on October 16, 2018, 04:39:47 PM
I should add to my post too that, i don't feel i have a bad relationship with drink at all. I enjoy a good lash at it from time to time but i certainly don't crave it, and can easily do without it for extended period of times. During those periods, i don't miss it either. It's definitely a social thing for me. Maybe it is unhealthy that my relationship with friends still centres around meeting up for a feed of pints and a bit of banter once every few months but i suppose i don't see it that way.
I was the opposite. I didn't have a good relationship with it at all. I don't have any now but when I drank it was a terrible relationship. Alcohol didn't have a hold on me in my day to day life but when I drank it had a vice like grip on me. I drank the bit out at uni. It it probably went to the next step when I worked in a local bar - you probably know it. Thankfully those days are gone and I haven't looked back. Can never be too complacent tho
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on October 16, 2018, 05:29:47 PM
Just to add to my post, my dad's relationship with alcohol is an interesting one. I find that in Ireland the tendency used to be all-or-nothing; I got the impression that people were either pioneers or alcoholics and not a whole lot in between. Well my dad was a pioneer for years. He's well into his 80s now and has yet to take a single drop of drink. I'm told that his dad was fond of the drink and not in a good way, so that might have turned him off.
My dad was a navvy in England in the 1960s, he worked on the sites and building the motorways. They'd work in awful conditions, living in a caravan that moved up the road as the construction progressed. Some of his mates would head for the pub as soon as they got paid and my dad would be the designated driver. He'd refuse to go into the pub. He sat outside in the van rather than go in, he just let them tear away and drink through their pay packets, and was happy to drive them home. He didn't have a whole lot of food when he was growing up and there were times when he had to go hungry, so he knew the value of money and wasn't about to blow it in a pub.
He met my mother in England, moved back, and when we were growing up there was always food on our table. He made sure of it. It would have been harder for him to do so if he'd been a drinker. I shudder to think what he'd have been like if he was.
Yeah heard a few stories like that. People becoming pioneers because a parent drank a lot and the family had to do without. Or they were a menace to the family. Yet it could be all too easy for someone to continue in the same way as that parent
QuoteWhat's your relationship with alcohol?
Love drink, but hate getting drunk!
I try to have bottles of whiskey, gin, rum, vodka and more at home. Rarely add a mixer, whiskey neat and add ice and maybe slice of lime to the others.
Tequila and cachaca are two I don't like straight. But I make Margaritas and Caipirinhas with them, and they're lovely.
While at the moment, scotch actually tops my list, I'm also fully into the gin craze and the wide array available. My favourite is Tanqueray 10, but I haven't tasted one I don't like! I'm very unusual in that I just can't understand how people can add tonic to these delights, which (for me) completely masks the individual taste of the gins.
I buy eight bottles of beer every Friday to do me for the weekend. Will never get more than 2 of any one variety. Love the range of craft beers available, but some days also would buy a bottle of Heineken or can of Guinness. Average home consumption of Friday 2 beers + 4 pub measure shorts, Saturday 4+4, Sunday 2+2.
When in the pub (about once a month) I'd never have more than 2 pints of the same thing. I might start with 2 Guinness, then move on to Hop House, then Heineken. But would never hit 10 pints, usually done at 6 or 7 if out with mates.
I'd really find it difficult if I was told I had to give up alcohol. But I don't think it's because I'm dependant on it, it's just I love it. And chocolate too!
Quote from: Hound on October 17, 2018, 03:56:22 PM
QuoteWhat's your relationship with alcohol?
Love drink, but hate getting drunk!
I try to have bottles of whiskey, gin, rum, vodka and more at home. Rarely add a mixer, whiskey neat and add ice and maybe slice of lime to the others.
Tequila and cachaca are two I don't like straight. But I make Margaritas and Caipirinhas with them, and they're lovely.
While at the moment, scotch actually tops my list, I'm also fully into the gin craze and the wide array available. My favourite is Tanqueray 10, but I haven't tasted one I don't like! I'm very unusual in that I just can't understand how people can add tonic to these delights, which (for me) completely masks the individual taste of the gins.
I buy eight bottles of beer every Friday to do me for the weekend. Will never get more than 2 of any one variety. Love the range of craft beers available, but some days also would buy a bottle of Heineken or can of Guinness. Average home consumption of Friday 2 beers + 4 pub measure shorts, Saturday 4+4, Sunday 2+2.
When in the pub (about once a month) I'd never have more than 2 pints of the same thing. I might start with 2 Guinness, then move on to Hop House, then Heineken. But would never hit 10 pints, usually done at 6 or 7 if out with mates.
I'd really find it difficult if I was told I had to give up alcohol. But I don't think it's because I'm dependant on it, it's just I love it. And chocolate too!
Yeah its the chocolate that's possibly killing me more now! Red wine and a bar of chocolate! I'm not so much a crisps man, probably more cashew or roasted nuts man!
Drinking far less now on a Friday now (2 beers, 2 glasses of red), eyes start to sting around 10 from tiredness! Getting old has its draw backs but will reduce you drink intake at least
Quote from: Hound on October 17, 2018, 03:56:22 PM
QuoteWhat's your relationship with alcohol?
Love drink, but hate getting drunk!
I try to have bottles of whiskey, gin, rum, vodka and more at home. Rarely add a mixer, whiskey neat and add ice and maybe slice of lime to the others.
Tequila and cachaca are two I don't like straight. But I make Margaritas and Caipirinhas with them, and they're lovely.
While at the moment, scotch actually tops my list, I'm also fully into the gin craze and the wide array available. My favourite is Tanqueray 10, but I haven't tasted one I don't like! I'm very unusual in that I just can't understand how people can add tonic to these delights, which (for me) completely masks the individual taste of the gins.
I buy eight bottles of beer every Friday to do me for the weekend. Will never get more than 2 of any one variety. Love the range of craft beers available, but some days also would buy a bottle of Heineken or can of Guinness. Average home consumption of Friday 2 beers + 4 pub measure shorts, Saturday 4+4, Sunday 2+2.
When in the pub (about once a month) I'd never have more than 2 pints of the same thing. I might start with 2 Guinness, then move on to Hop House, then Heineken. But would never hit 10 pints, usually done at 6 or 7 if out with mates.
I'd really find it difficult if I was told I had to give up alcohol. But I don't think it's because I'm dependant on it, it's just I love it. And chocolate too!
You certainly are unusual. I like a bit of gin myself, but I find it undrinkable without tonic.
Quote from: Hound on October 17, 2018, 03:56:22 PM
QuoteWhat's your relationship with alcohol?
Love drink, but hate getting drunk!
I try to have bottles of whiskey, gin, rum, vodka and more at home. Rarely add a mixer, whiskey neat and add ice and maybe slice of lime to the others.
Tequila and cachaca are two I don't like straight. But I make Margaritas and Caipirinhas with them, and they're lovely.
While at the moment, scotch actually tops my list, I'm also fully into the gin craze and the wide array available. My favourite is Tanqueray 10, but I haven't tasted one I don't like! I'm very unusual in that I just can't understand how people can add tonic to these delights, which (for me) completely masks the individual taste of the gins.
I buy eight bottles of beer every Friday to do me for the weekend. Will never get more than 2 of any one variety. Love the range of craft beers available, but some days also would buy a bottle of Heineken or can of Guinness. Average home consumption of Friday 2 beers + 4 pub measure shorts, Saturday 4+4, Sunday 2+2.
When in the pub (about once a month) I'd never have more than 2 pints of the same thing. I might start with 2 Guinness, then move on to Hop House, then Heineken. But would never hit 10 pints, usually done at 6 or 7 if out with mates.
I'd really find it difficult if I was told I had to give up alcohol. But I don't think it's because I'm dependant on it, it's just I love it. And chocolate too!
I love it too. I've been at it now for over forty five years and if told to pack it in I don't don't kniw if I'd follow the advice.
I go to the pub every Saturday and Sunday and have six to eight pints on each visit.
The social side of it is a huge draw for me as it is for a large porportion of my generation.
Just in from pub.....had 8 pints of Guinness.... no shorts....through door, bottle of red opened....along with salad😎
Always had a healthy life, ran swam and cycled regularly.
Laughed and reached out to all my friends who had the need emotionally(was basically the go to guy!)..however in recent times it's all gone Pete Tong.
My wife is having some personal issues and my eldest child is causing some serious problems.
So to relate to the thread in question I've started drinking fairly regularly at home to escape all this shit which is crumbling me very slowly indeed. I'm far from happy in my life. That's a shit thing to say as any outsider who looks in would probably say I have it all. I'm sorry for ranting a bit but it's just how I feel. I don't recognise myself anymore and I'm scared
Quote from: spoofer on October 17, 2018, 11:11:34 PM
Always had a healthy life, ran swam and cycled regularly.
Laughed and reached out to all my friends who had the need emotionally(was basically the go to guy!)..however in recent times it's all gone Pete Tong.
My wife is having some personal issues and my eldest child is causing some serious problems.
So to relate to the thread in question I've started drinking fairly regularly at home to escape all this shit which is crumbling me very slowly indeed. I'm far from happy in my life. That's a shit thing to say as any outsider who looks in would probably say I have it all. I'm sorry for ranting a bit but it's just how I feel. I don't recognise myself anymore and I'm scared
Bar the healthy bit my experience is the mirror opposite of you, my other half has had medical issues and our lad has had major issues over the last few years with school, add to that an unhealthy work environment for myself has pushed me away from drink rather than towards it, I'd say I'm afraid to drink. I find it only takes the annoyances away for so long and brings them back in the morning twice as bad...
If your scared you need to talk to someone.
Quote from: spoofer on October 17, 2018, 11:11:34 PM
Always had a healthy life, ran swam and cycled regularly.
Laughed and reached out to all my friends who had the need emotionally(was basically the go to guy!)..however in recent times it's all gone Pete Tong.
My wife is having some personal issues and my eldest child is causing some serious problems.
So to relate to the thread in question I've started drinking fairly regularly at home to escape all this shit which is crumbling me very slowly indeed. I'm far from happy in my life. That's a shit thing to say as any outsider who looks in would probably say I have it all. I'm sorry for ranting a bit but it's just how I feel. I don't recognise myself anymore and I'm scared
Get every drop of alcohol in the house and pour it down the sink....tonight (and dont let another drop inside the door).
Reach out to a friend, a priest or someone who can get you to an AA meeting TOMORROW
As bad as things are, it can and will get a heck of a lot worse if you dont seek help
Quote from: whitey on October 17, 2018, 11:24:44 PM
Quote from: spoofer on October 17, 2018, 11:11:34 PM
Always had a healthy life, ran swam and cycled regularly.
Laughed and reached out to all my friends who had the need emotionally(was basically the go to guy!)..however in recent times it's all gone Pete Tong.
My wife is having some personal issues and my eldest child is causing some serious problems.
So to relate to the thread in question I've started drinking fairly regularly at home to escape all this shit which is crumbling me very slowly indeed. I'm far from happy in my life. That's a shit thing to say as any outsider who looks in would probably say I have it all. I'm sorry for ranting a bit but it's just how I feel. I don't recognise myself anymore and I'm scared
Get every drop of alcohol in the house and pour it down the sink....tonight (and dont let another drop inside the door).
Reach out to a friend, a priest or someone who can get you to an AA meeting TOMORROW
As bad as things are, it can and will get a heck of a lot worse if you dont seek help
Could not agree more. Some people think alcohol will cheer them up when they're having mental health problems, but it has precisely the opposite effect. Alcohol is a depressant.
Spoofer, you need to seek help from your health service. Right now. Mental health is as important as physical health, and the medical profession will treat it accordingly. Nobody will think less of you.
Tremendous thread lads. Reminds me of why I started posting here in the first place.
From the time I was 15, I liked a pint. Loved the social aspect of it, definitely picked that up from my Dad. There wasn't a lot of drink taken in the house, but he was out at the pub a lot.
Drink made me feel invincible as a young fella - couple that with being a bit (a lot ) of a smart arse and having a quick enough temper, made sure I got into a fair amount of scrapes. Thank the Lord Jaysis I was completely crap at fighting (the thought of putting my fist in someone elses face always made me queasy) so the only person ever hurt was me.
I prided myself on holding my drink, never getting sick, never slurring, always being the one to speak to the bouncers to get us in. It was only the following evenings when someone would rock up and say they were chatting to me the night before, with no memory from me, that I would realise I had blacked out. Lights on, but no one home. Again, thank God I got myself home safely (mostly!) most nights.
I would never have thought of myself as having a problem. Sure couldn't I drink more than most of my friends? This continued into my early twenties, when two things happened.
Firstly, I got badly assaulted in Liverpool whilst I was over at a Premier League match. Some gombeen came over to me and my buddies in a pub the night before and threatened us because one of the lads had apparently been chatting to yer man's girlfriend. We told him to get lost, but to save ourselves some hassle, we left and headed back to the hotel. He followed us and ten minutes later, when I stopped to tie my lace, he smacked me in the back of the head. Never saw him or his fist coming. Anyway, he fractured my skull. I was laid up for a couple of weeks after going home.
You get a lot of time to reflect in a hospital bed. Was I in the wrong for what happened? According to my friends and witnesses and the police, no. But would I have been able to have been jumped like that if I hadn't had a skinful of pints and vodka and red bull? And why was I drinking so much at any one time? Where was the enjoyment if I couldn't even remember it?
Secondly, after I recovered, I went into a new career, in sports television. I was completely energised by the work which made a big difference to me. I was working weekends, which made big nights on Friday and Saturdays a thing of the past. But I definitely reduced my intake and started to enjoy the nights out that I actually did have, more.
I've gone through loads since, as we all have. A sick child, a marriage ending, navigating a new life and a new relationship, various ups and downs in my career. But I am so lucky that when all those things did happen, I had already come to a reckoning of sorts with alcohol in my mid twenties, so that it didn't seem to be an option or a crutch when I needed one.
I still drink and enjoy my drink. But the reason I enjoy it is because it is a by-product of seeing friends and family rather than the other way round. I can drink far less now - I'd get a hangover looking at a short, let alone drinking one. But given that all of my buddies have families and kids, the odd night we do get out, we really enjoy it - but we're in a taxi home at closing rather than into McGowans as used to be the way.
I have a detached relationship with alcohol now- I don't count the times I drink because it is not often enough to worry about. I keep some in the house to offer guests, but it would be very rare that I would drink at home - maybe a couple of glasses of wine on a summer night out the back after dinner.
I am very lucky and know myself enough to know that things could have very easily gone a different way. Good luck to everyone who shared on this thread - I hope you all find a way to come to some peace with it.
"Why was I drinking so much at any one time"... Something easytiger said.
I'm not a drinking man so I don't know. But why drink to get into such a state where you don't even know where you are or what you're doing. Do people not have a few then say, ok that's enough I'll dtink a few lemonades now. Still have the craic and be able to get home and know where I am and what I'm doing. And still land home to the family in a decent state.
Also, same logic applied to drinking and driving. People moan about they can't have a few drinks and not drive home. What about having your pint then stay on in the pub withh a few lemonades.
Maybe a drinking man could give me their opinion
Quote from: BennyCake on October 18, 2018, 07:08:40 PM
"Why was I drinking so much at any one time"... Something easytiger said.
I'm not a drinking man so I don't know. But why drink to get into such a state where you don't even know where you are or what you're doing. Do people not have a few then say, ok that's enough I'll dtink a few lemonades now. Still have the craic and be able to get home and know where I am and what I'm doing. And still land home to the family in a decent state.
Also, same logic applied to drinking and driving. People moan about they can't have a few drinks and not drive home. What about having your pint then stay on in the pub withh a few lemonades.
Maybe a drinking man could give me their opinion
That's more or less my system. One drink, possibly a second, but after that it's sparkling water for me.
One of the things that probably makes it hard for people is peer pressure. I've told this story before on here so sorry for the repetition, but I've been known to have lads see me taking a drink and then standing up another for me when the next round comes around. I had to tell them to count me out of the rounds but they wouldn't take no for an answer and they put another drink on the bar for me even though I categorically told them I didn't want it. I just left it sitting there.
Then there's the times when someone insists on buying a drink.
Him: "What do you want?"
Me: "Soda water."
Him (dumbfounded): "What?! I'm not asking for a soda water! What do you want?"
It's almost like people have no qualms about going up and ordering half a dozen pints of beer but would be mortified if one of their six drinks is a non-alcoholic one. Seems to threaten their sense of manhood, or something. I've even had barmen say "for f***'s sake" when I've ordered water at the bar in a nightclub after dancing and working up a thirst. I used to wonder if they got paid less for serving water or something, always seemed like a bit of an over-reaction.
The moral of the story is, when someone says they don't want an alcoholic drink, just respect their wish and don't try to force them to take something they don't want. If you see your mates trying to brow-beat someone into having one more drink, tell them to cut it out.
To add to that - I've often been out for pints bought my round. A new round starts up. I'm asked what am i drinking. I say ''I'm finished''. Friend walks away and comes back with a pint in the round for me. I look at him disgusted and tell him I told him not to get me one.
The reality is although I told him not to get me a pint. He is afraid that he will look tight if he leaves me out of the round. And it is easier to waste the money on a pint that will be left there going flat on the table.
I know people who would see me as tight for leaving myself out of a round! Mad!
Quote
99% of men drink less than you.
www.drinkaware.co.uk
Quote from: From the Bunker on October 18, 2018, 10:05:54 PM
To add to that - I've often been out for pints bought my round. A new round starts up. I'm asked what am i drinking. I say ''I'm finished''. Friend walks away and comes back with a pint in the round for me. I look at him disgusted and tell him I told him not to get me one.
The reality is although I told him not to get me a pint. He is afraid that he will look tight if he leaves me out of the round. And it is easier to waste the money on a pint that will be left there going flat on the table.
I know people who would see me as tight for leaving myself out of a round! Mad!
I agree with that!! This nonsense of being tight just because you won't go in rounds with some **** who's looking to drink 12 pints and you only out for a few quiet ones!! Does my head in!
Rounds aren't a great thing as it can put pressure on people to drink more than they would normally do. I don't know if it is just an Irish thing as in many other countries people just buy their own.....which is more sensible really.
Quote from: Insane Bolt on October 19, 2018, 08:46:14 AM
Rounds aren't a great thing as it can put pressure on people to drink more than they would normally do. I don't know if it is just an Irish thing as in many other countries people just buy their own.....which is more sensible really.
Rounds are a waste of money.
Plus the nonsense if you are in a group of 4 or having either 4, 8 or 12 pints
Probably 20% or so of rounds bought end up as slops
Quote from: Insane Bolt on October 19, 2018, 08:46:14 AM
Rounds aren't a great thing as it can put pressure on people to drink more than they would normally do. I don't know if it is just an Irish thing as in many other countries people just buy their own.....which is more sensible really.
The odd night I've went out with a few lads they can't fathom me sitting out a round when I'm drinking red wine and they're on the pints.
If a glass does appear even after I told them not to it sits there till I'm good and ready and I'll miss out then next round or whatever. I'd be a mess otherwise.
It can be easy for lads to drink at a rate they're not comfortable with especially if there's a beer monster in the group.
I close friend of mine had a 30 years battle with the booze, like myself. He married late in life (mid 40's) but was still on the sauce very heavily. He had 2 kids in quick succession but never stopped him. It wasn't till the wife tossed him out and he was sleeping rough for a while that he got stopped.
That's about 5 years ago, he is back living at home. Relationship is going from strength to strength and he is a great father. Also he never looked better. And I have to admit I am very proud of him and jealous also.
But I get really angry when down the local and his name comes up. His so called mates are he's a bollacks, what did he ever really drink, its all the wife's problem she knew what she married, why not let him have a couple of pints.
I had many a good session with him, I do missed the odd day on the lash with him but am glad he is where he is in his life and hopes that comes to me someday.
I am an alcoholic but unfortunately I feel it is misunderstood by so many. I have attended AA meetings where people talk about there illness. This term for alcoholism doesn't not sit easy with me, I have seen illness in my father for 7 years which ended up killing him a man who never drank or smoked in his life. But also being told its a selfishness or a lack of will power is my problem also angers me. I know the decision to drink in my case is selfish, I would count myself intelligent man but logic and intelligence goes out the window when drink is involved.
I posted last week about aiming for 100 days on Wednesday, I did it. Not posting here looking any pats on the back or well done but to tell how my heads works and maybe someone with a close family member who is struggling can take something from it to help them.
Wednesday I got through no issue, never crossed my mind to drink. Sister messaged me that night to say well done and that was all the thought I had about it. Thursday morning woke went to the gym at 6am feeling great. Headed to work and have to walk past one of them shit holes that is Weatherspoons about 7.15. The drink delivery lorry was loading out.
Logic went out the window and all that entered my head was if I go for a Fry by the time I eat it will be 8am and weatherspoons will be serving. My head was telling me look you've done the 100 days, proved all the feckers wrong who said I couldn't do it so I have no need to do 101 days. All day yesterday I had to battle the urge and I was close to the wire a few time but I got there, today I have no interest in drink. That kind of messed up thinking is very hard to explain to other people. But if I had went yesterday that would have been me till at least start of November.
Quote from: johnnycool on October 19, 2018, 09:42:25 AM
Quote from: Insane Bolt on October 19, 2018, 08:46:14 AM
Rounds aren't a great thing as it can put pressure on people to drink more than they would normally do. I don't know if it is just an Irish thing as in many other countries people just buy their own.....which is more sensible really.
The odd night I've went out with a few lads they can't fathom me sitting out a round when I'm drinking red wine and they're on the pints.
If a glass does appear even after I told them not to it sits there till I'm good and ready and I'll miss out then next round or whatever. I'd be a mess otherwise.
It can be easy for lads to drink at a rate they're not comfortable with especially if there's a beer monster in the group.
Easy way around that is to buy a big bottle at the start of the night and just drink at your leisure and don't get into the rounds at all.
Quote from: pbat on October 19, 2018, 11:23:07 AM
I close friend of mine had a 30 years battle with the booze, like myself. He married late in life (mid 40's) but was still on the sauce very heavily. He had 2 kids in quick succession but never stopped him. It wasn't till the wife tossed him out and he was sleeping rough for a while that he got stopped.
That's about 5 years ago, he is back living at home. Relationship is going from strength to strength and he is a great father. Also he never looked better. And I have to admit I am very proud of him and jealous also.
But I get really angry when down the local and his name comes up. His so called mates are he's a bollacks, what did he ever really drink, its all the wife's problem she knew what she married, why not let him have a couple of pints.
I had many a good session with him, I do missed the odd day on the lash with him but am glad he is where he is in his life and hopes that comes to me someday.
I am an alcoholic but unfortunately I feel it is misunderstood by so many. I have attended AA meetings where people talk about there illness. This term for alcoholism doesn't not sit easy with me, I have seen illness in my father for 7 years which ended up killing him a man who never drank or smoked in his life. But also being told its a selfishness or a lack of will power is my problem also angers me. I know the decision to drink in my case is selfish, I would count myself intelligent man but logic and intelligence goes out the window when drink is involved.
I posted last week about aiming for 100 days on Wednesday, I did it. Not posting here looking any pats on the back or well done but to tell how my heads works and maybe someone with a close family member who is struggling can take something from it to help them.
Wednesday I got through no issue, never crossed my mind to drink. Sister messaged me that night to say well done and that was all the thought I had about it. Thursday morning woke went to the gym at 6am feeling great. Headed to work and have to walk past one of them shit holes that is Weatherspoons about 7.15. The drink delivery lorry was loading out.
Logic went out the window and all that entered my head was if I go for a Fry by the time I eat it will be 8am and weatherspoons will be serving. My head was telling me look you've done the 100 days, proved all the feckers wrong who said I couldn't do it so I have no need to do 101 days. All day yesterday I had to battle the urge and I was close to the wire a few time but I got there, today I have no interest in drink. That kind of messed up thinking is very hard to explain to other people. But if I had went yesterday that would have been me till at least start of November.
Fair play to you and that is a great achievement. Do you think it might get to the stage that you will stop counting? I'm curious but to me the idea of counting the days would seem to reinforce the fact that you are avoiding alcohol? Maybe it is necessary, I'm just curious.
Pbat well done on 100 days. I remember that milestone. I'm 1000 days ahead of you and it's one day at a time. I was overwhelmed when I gave up. How can I go the rest of my life without booze. After a while it dawned on me. I don't have to. I just have to go the rest of the day without it. When I got up the next day it was the same thing. A bit of a cliche but for me it works
Quote from: pbat on October 19, 2018, 11:23:07 AM
I close friend of mine had a 30 years battle with the booze, like myself. He married late in life (mid 40's) but was still on the sauce very heavily. He had 2 kids in quick succession but never stopped him. It wasn't till the wife tossed him out and he was sleeping rough for a while that he got stopped.
That's about 5 years ago, he is back living at home. Relationship is going from strength to strength and he is a great father. Also he never looked better. And I have to admit I am very proud of him and jealous also.
But I get really angry when down the local and his name comes up. His so called mates are he's a bollacks, what did he ever really drink, its all the wife's problem she knew what she married, why not let him have a couple of pints.
I had many a good session with him, I do missed the odd day on the lash with him but am glad he is where he is in his life and hopes that comes to me someday.
I am an alcoholic but unfortunately I feel it is misunderstood by so many. I have attended AA meetings where people talk about there illness. This term for alcoholism doesn't not sit easy with me, I have seen illness in my father for 7 years which ended up killing him a man who never drank or smoked in his life. But also being told its a selfishness or a lack of will power is my problem also angers me. I know the decision to drink in my case is selfish, I would count myself intelligent man but logic and intelligence goes out the window when drink is involved.
I posted last week about aiming for 100 days on Wednesday, I did it. Not posting here looking any pats on the back or well done but to tell how my heads works and maybe someone with a close family member who is struggling can take something from it to help them.
Wednesday I got through no issue, never crossed my mind to drink. Sister messaged me that night to say well done and that was all the thought I had about it. Thursday morning woke went to the gym at 6am feeling great. Headed to work and have to walk past one of them shit holes that is Weatherspoons about 7.15. The drink delivery lorry was loading out.
Logic went out the window and all that entered my head was if I go for a Fry by the time I eat it will be 8am and weatherspoons will be serving. My head was telling me look you've done the 100 days, proved all the feckers wrong who said I couldn't do it so I have no need to do 101 days. All day yesterday I had to battle the urge and I was close to the wire a few time but I got there, today I have no interest in drink. That kind of messed up thinking is very hard to explain to other people. But if I had went yesterday that would have been me till at least start of November.
Good work there. I think you definitely can't hide from this so facing a challenge like you did on Thursday will only make you stronger.
It's a real illness. I posted earlier in the thread my cousin died of it at 35. His body just couldn't take any more abuse. Some people can drink and smoke heavily until they're 90 because they're just made that way - its genetics. Others cannot. None of us should.
Keep going to the gym. Keep going to your AA meetings. Get out in nature as much as possible. Look up an event they're running in Armagh - Reignite your ultimate power. You'll find great strength in the people and learn a lot of things to help you move on... good luck - keep us posted on your journey!
BC the plan would be to eventually not worryng about days. Work involves use of two week look a heads and milestones that I draft every Monday so for the moment I am tying the days of into the 2 week programme. Big milestone next is Christmas.
Quote from: pbat on October 19, 2018, 12:58:12 PM
BC the plan would be to eventually not worryng about days. Work involves use of two week look a heads and milestones that I draft every Monday so for the moment I am tying the days of into the 2 week programme. Big milestone next is Christmas.
Thanks, I have seen extended family members struggle with alcohol and drug addiction and I just was curious if this was part of the treatment regime.
Good work pbat. Christmas is naturally a time where it will be tight going but you seem to have a system that works so keep at it.
And you see you fellas that are drinking red wine in a round...
Quote from: Tony Baloney on October 19, 2018, 01:58:16 PM
Good work pbat. Christmas is naturally a time where it will be tight going but you seem to have a system that works so keep at it.
And you see you fellas that are drinking red wine in a round...
I was out with the lads one time and we were all in rounds and the mate shouted over, what ya having? I said a bottle red please! He sickened me rightly and boy was I fucked trying to keep up with them!
Great thread. Alot of the boys that you battle with normally I'm looking at you MR2, you find yourself reading the posts and empathising. Suppose being honest I'm at a bit of a crossroads. I'm not sure if I'm an alcoholic or not. I enjoy a drink most weekends when the sport allows me. When there's no football to be played, it's nearly like an invitation to drink all weekend. I realise myself I'm probably drinking too much but I can't seem to get a handle on it. Had a big weekend of it last week, and said that'll do me now to Christmas. Sitting watching TV last night, I more or less manufactured a row with the woman just so I could get away for a couple of hours. So I text my mate, we met up played pool and I'd my 5 or 6 pints. It's never affected me with work. I always get up for work. When I was younger and living in the city, there was nothing thought of a 4day session or whatever. Get up go to class, then back on it. Now it has me wondering if I'm on the slippery slope that's talked about. I come from a background of alcohol abuse, so its always eating at you if you're the same. I don't know if its just a lack of will power on my behalf, or if this is the start of it.
Best advice ever given to me (when I was drinking heavily in my youth).......stick to drinking pints and stick to drinking at the weekend.
If you're struggling give yourself a weekly pint allowance and stick to it like your life depends on it (coz it does)-eg 10 pints. That will give you 1 heavy, 2 decent or 3 light nights out
Tell people straight up you're reigning it in and if they don't like/respect it you need to find new friends
Ask the bartender for a pint and a pint of water at the same time, And tell him you'll need the water refilled when it empty. Chances are if it's your local you spend north of €1000 a year in there, (and have been doing so for years) so feel no embarrassment about asking for a pint of water
If all that doesn't work......time to pack it in completely
Fair play, pbat. Full credit to you. I'm sure it wasn't easy. Keep it up.
Quote from: Therealdonald on October 19, 2018, 04:13:56 PM
Great thread. Alot of the boys that you battle with normally I'm looking at you MR2, you find yourself reading the posts and empathising. Suppose being honest I'm at a bit of a crossroads. I'm not sure if I'm an alcoholic or not. I enjoy a drink most weekends when the sport allows me. When there's no football to be played, it's nearly like an invitation to drink all weekend. I realise myself I'm probably drinking too much but I can't seem to get a handle on it. Had a big weekend of it last week, and said that'll do me now to Christmas. Sitting watching TV last night, I more or less manufactured a row with the woman just so I could get away for a couple of hours. So I text my mate, we met up played pool and I'd my 5 or 6 pints. It's never affected me with work. I always get up for work. When I was younger and living in the city, there was nothing thought of a 4day session or whatever. Get up go to class, then back on it. Now it has me wondering if I'm on the slippery slope that's talked about. I come from a background of alcohol abuse, so its always eating at you if you're the same. I don't know if its just a lack of will power on my behalf, or if this is the start of it.
A functioning alcoholic is a term that's used a lot, and depends on your lifestyle. I've a few friends who have jobs as directors and owners, so a lot of lunch meetings in pubs restaurants or hotels, deals struck on the golf course followed by drink or just living in hotels during the week! They would be letting their hair down at the weekend and be more booze.. if you're taking that much then you're a functioning alcoholic..
if you're are boozing on your own or missing work or lying to friends family about your daily intake then that's the slippery slope for me..
people are hung up on amounts of drink, the unit values vary so someone's 14 units maximum might be to someone else 18 units a week and that's their level! I'll have 3 beers tonight possibly and a glass or two of red! That's nearly the weekly intake! I'm not an alcoholic if I break the 14 unit guidelines.
Enjoy a drink on an almost daily basis, particularly when travelling a lot for work. Lots of dinners, lonely hotel stays etc..
1-2 glasses of Wine on a school night, maybe 2-3 on a weekend.
The odd Gin martini if I am trying to get a solid buzz and stay off the beer, it's a great option for 1 and done. At 38 beer is too much calories, carbs - and frankly beer is starting to bore me as well as leave me feeling bloated and lethargic the next morning. Wednesday night I treated myself in San Fran to 4 pints of stout. Cant get decent stout in this city and Fiddlers Green had some great pints flowing.
Moving into the colder weather, there will be a whiskey or 2 in front of the fire watching the telly at the weekends, or maybe in the hip flask on the golf course.
Rarely go on the absolute tear and almost never go out at night to a pub, I like being at home and functioning with the family in the mornings and not feeling absolutely useless.
Marijuana is a great downshifter and really halts the alcohol consumption. I wonder sometimes if having a drink every day is a bad thing, but it doesn't overly concern me.
It's like ateing cake. Bad for ye like but sure what the hell. If you can enjoy life and still drink the bit out, go for it. You're only alive for a wee while. No point being a healthy corpse.
Funny, I never think about dying whilst imbibing. :)
Quote from: ziggy90 on October 20, 2018, 01:09:58 PM
Funny, I never think about dying whilst imbibing. :)
Only the day after
Quote from: MoChara on October 23, 2018, 09:12:28 AM
Quote from: ziggy90 on October 20, 2018, 01:09:58 PM
Funny, I never think about dying whilst imbibing. :)
Only the day after
Funnily enough the thought did cross my mind yesterday. :o
I am that person, who is always forcing another drink on people, be it my mates in the bar or girlfriend when out for a meal. I've never actually realised to i read this thread.
I have learnt a lot from this thread and advice took on board.
Quote from: RetiredRessie on October 23, 2018, 12:51:43 PM
I am that person, who is always forcing another drink on people, be it my mates in the bar or girlfriend when out for a meal. I've never actually realised to i read this thread.
I have learnt a lot from this thread and advice took on board.
Good man. It's probably one of these types of behaviour that people just don't realise they're doing until someone calls them out on it, and it becomes normal if enough people do it. If you see someone else at it, call them out too.
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on October 23, 2018, 07:35:42 PM
Quote from: RetiredRessie on October 23, 2018, 12:51:43 PM
I am that person, who is always forcing another drink on people, be it my mates in the bar or girlfriend when out for a meal. I've never actually realised to i read this thread.
I have learnt a lot from this thread and advice took on board.
Good man. It's probably one of these types of behaviour that people just don't realise they're doing until someone calls them out on it, and it becomes normal if enough people do it. If you see someone else at it, call them out too.
My father didn't start drinking until he was nearly 40. Then he went daft for years.
If he had money he was always forcing drink on anyone and everyone in the pub. If he didn't have money he got a couple of quid of me ma. He called it 'Latch money' as it got him started and others would sometimes buy for him.
I started drinking at 15 and luckily my mother didn't find out until I was 19 when I told her myself.
She begged me not to do one thing - force drink on other people. I offer once and if someone say no that's it.
Heard it said a few times too - never be the person to buy someone their first dRInk
I've read this thread with interest and it's good to read other people's thoughts on it. Personally I am one of those who can take or leave a pint, my own demons don't allow me to over indulge anymore as the mood darkens and it's mental torture for a few days. I've learned a lot over the 6/8 weeks about drink and the damage it can do and it's not until it lands on your own doorstep that it hits home. A close personal friend of mine is going through hell at the minute, so much so that she ended up in hospital and onwards to Newry.
Anybody who feels like their drinking is out of control, please get help before it's to late.
I drank my share when i was younger but just at weekends, but found hangovers and depression went hand in hand as i got older. I made a life changing decision nearly 5 years ago and gave up totally. It was hard at first getting the message through to people that i actually dident want any drink, especially those closest to me. Thankfully its accepted now and i am thoroughly enjoying life alcohol free.
Little things like being able to hire a car on holiday with no pressure, to waking up on Monday morning sensible and fit for work. My hangovers used to make little unimportant things seem like the end of the world but thankfully thats all gone and every day is the same now. I just want to let people know that giving up, even though it was difficult, was well worth the effort.
Anyone else drinking more than usual during this lockdown?
I've never been a man for the pub and would only have had the occasional Brandy on a Saturday night after dinner, two or three home measures at most, but I find myself drinking four or five nights a week over the last month or so. I can't say that I'm overly worried about the current crisis. I was in Madrid for the Atletico game and had to self isolate for a while, but I had no symptoms other than a cough which I get every year, but I am slightly concerned at the amount I'm drinking, probably two bottles of brandy a week.
I don't doubt I could stop if I wanted to or really needed to, but I am enjoying it. My late brother always warned me that if I was to start drinking later in life that it could be a problem, maybe that's what's nagging me.
Thoughts?
Quote from: Ambrose on April 17, 2020, 02:18:12 PM
Anyone else drinking more than usual during this lockdown?
I've never been a man for the pub and would only have had the occasional Brandy on a Saturday night after dinner, two or three home measures at most, but I find myself drinking four or five nights a week over the last month or so. I can't say that I'm overly worried about the current crisis. I was in Madrid for the Atletico game and had to self isolate for a while, but I had no symptoms other than a cough which I get every year, but I am slightly concerned at the amount I'm drinking, probably two bottles of brandy a week.
I don't doubt I could stop if I wanted to or really needed to, but I am enjoying it. My late brother always warned me that if I was to start drinking later in life that it could be a problem, maybe that's what's nagging me.
Thoughts?
I'm drinking way less!!! I'm a social drinker don't really drink in the house and I'd only go to the pub if one of my mates was heading over so it's not really a big thought for me at the minute. I miss the pubs being open if I'm honest for the craic.
My wife is definitely drinking more during the lockdown... she'll drink anywhere!!
Quote from: Ambrose on April 17, 2020, 02:18:12 PM
Anyone else drinking more than usual during this lockdown?
I've never been a man for the pub and would only have had the occasional Brandy on a Saturday night after dinner, two or three home measures at most, but I find myself drinking four or five nights a week over the last month or so. I can't say that I'm overly worried about the current crisis. I was in Madrid for the Atletico game and had to self isolate for a while, but I had no symptoms other than a cough which I get every year, but I am slightly concerned at the amount I'm drinking, probably two bottles of brandy a week.
I don't doubt I could stop if I wanted to or really needed to, but I am enjoying it. My late brother always warned me that if I was to start drinking later in life that it could be a problem, maybe that's what's nagging me.
Thoughts?
I've noticed that friends beit private or on whatsapp groups have a lot more activity around midnight during the week these days.....it would appear you are not alone.
Quote from: Ambrose on April 17, 2020, 02:18:12 PM
Anyone else drinking more than usual during this lockdown?
I've never been a man for the pub and would only have had the occasional Brandy on a Saturday night after dinner, two or three home measures at most, but I find myself drinking four or five nights a week over the last month or so. I can't say that I'm overly worried about the current crisis. I was in Madrid for the Atletico game and had to self isolate for a while, but I had no symptoms other than a cough which I get every year, but I am slightly concerned at the amount I'm drinking, probably two bottles of brandy a week.
I don't doubt I could stop if I wanted to or really needed to, but I am enjoying it. My late brother always warned me that if I was to start drinking later in life that it could be a problem, maybe that's what's nagging me.
Thoughts?
Maybe the good weather encourages people to drink more and obviously, more time on our hands these days.
I put alcohol in a few recipes and drink the odd glass of wine.
I have had the same bottle of whiskey since 2014.
With working from home I am drinking every Friday and Saturday night, albeit 2-3 cans, just to differentiate the weekend from the rest of the week.
We do exactly that now too.
Quote from: LeoMc on April 17, 2020, 03:07:18 PM
With working from home I am drinking every Friday and Saturday night, albeit 2-3 cans, just to differentiate the weekend from the rest of the week.
Same but plenty seem to be working during the week. I would have worked from home a day or 2 a month prior to this so I'd have been more used to the routine of it than others in work. I have always treated it like another work day albeit with a bit of a lie-in. Get up and get dressed and go about your usual weekday and weekend routine I've heard in work there have been a few video calls with people wearing pyjamas and dressing gowns!
2 bottle of beers after 5 ish, nothing till after 9pm and then a couple glasses of red wine!
Its the Chocolate I'm worried about, the beast never stops!
Heineken Zero is my new best friend
Clausthaler would be second choice
Becks Non Alcoholic would be third
You can have one or two every night and it's less calories than a coke
I don't really understand the concept of non alcoholic beer. . . maybe it's just me but I'm not a fan of beer and only drink it as a means to loosen up. I can appreciate if a pint is pouring nice or tastes really good but if I was very thirsty and you put a beer or a coke/sprite/orange juice in front of me I'd be picking the soft drink every time.
The last time I was in the local Carlsberg were dropping off 2 cases of their new non alcoholic beer along with firing the marketing material around the place ... the owner was not impressed every mention of it was fired in the bin!!!
Never been a fan of non-alcoholic beer either. I love having a beer or a cider now and again, but the buzz is part of the enjoyment. I'd far rather a soft drink or water than a non-alcoholic beer.
Hope all the little craft operations survive COVID. This has been a glorious past decade for beer and cider drinkers. So much choice and experimentation.
I really miss my gallon's on Saturdays and Sundays. I have to admit it though, I feel so much better without it.
Had a great night with the club tonight! Kahoot quiz night on zoom with around 65 families playing! Too much wine and Guinness!
The wife and I have been having wine with our dinner most evenings, usually a glass or two each. Helps us sleep. At weekends it's usually champagne or prosecco.
A lot of guys from work are saying they're drinking a lot more than they were out of boredom, personally i had two bottles of peroni last sat night and that was my first beer from my Christmas dinner with work in mid December
Had about 6 cans last night, the misses went to bed, whipped out the vodka, watched the Derry v Cork game and had the best time of my life.
The only thing was missing was watching it with my dad back home.
Quote from: theticklemister on April 18, 2020, 10:45:55 AM
Had about 6 cans last night, the misses went to bed, whipped out the vodka, watched the Derry v Cork game and had the best time of my life.
The only thing was missing was watching it with my dad back home.
When you have to watch Derry, I expect alchohol helps.
Quote from: screenexile on April 17, 2020, 04:19:41 PM
I don't really understand the concept of non alcoholic beer. . . maybe it's just me but I'm not a fan of beer and only drink it as a means to loosen up. I can appreciate if a pint is pouring nice or tastes really good but if I was very thirsty and you put a beer or a coke/sprite/orange juice in front of me I'd be picking the soft drink every time.
The last time I was in the local Carlsberg were dropping off 2 cases of their new non alcoholic beer along with firing the marketing material around the place ... the owner was not impressed every mention of it was fired in the bin!!!
You answered your own "question" by stating you're not a fan of beer.
I am....I love beer, in particular Heineken and the new IPAs, but last year due to a medical condition I had to give up all alcohol, caffeine and carbonated beverages for 90 days.
After 90 days I realized that while I didn't miss the alcohol, I did actually miss the taste of beer.
I have a job where I attend a lot of functions, conferences and client events. I could be out (drinking for free) every night of the week if I wanted to, so over the years I have had to learn various ways to slow/reduce my intake. Soda Water was one way......now 0.0 is a second
Don't underestimate the psychological aspect of non-alcoholic beer. I always hated if I was out with people who are drinking and I was on water or soft drinks. Drinking non-alcoholic makes me feel like I'm not missing out and I'm part of the drinking crowd. Yes, you don't get the buzz from the alcohol, but you get to put the key in the car at the end of the night and get up the next day with no hangover.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 18, 2020, 01:30:06 PM
Don't underestimate the psychological aspect of non-alcoholic beer. I always hated if I was out with people who are drinking and I was on water or soft drinks. Drinking non-alcoholic makes me feel like I'm not missing out and I'm part of the drinking crowd. Yes, you don't get the buzz from the alcohol, but you get to put the key in the car at the end of the night and get up the next day with no hangover.
Yes I'd prefer non alcoholic beer if I wasn't drinking I'd out. But I can afford a taxi and I don't get hangovers so it's a win win!
Why do people drink? I don't get it.
Nobody has ever gave me a good reason - to balance up the hangover etc.
Quote from: marty34 on April 18, 2020, 02:58:44 PM
Why do people drink? I don't get it.
Nobody has ever gave me a good reason - to balance up the hangover etc.
You can drink without getting hammered, if I got bad hangovers I probably wouldn't drink, though I do enjoy a night out with the lads, few and far between the older you get!
Quote from: whitey on April 18, 2020, 01:00:07 PM
Quote from: screenexile on April 17, 2020, 04:19:41 PM
I don't really understand the concept of non alcoholic beer. . . maybe it's just me but I'm not a fan of beer and only drink it as a means to loosen up. I can appreciate if a pint is pouring nice or tastes really good but if I was very thirsty and you put a beer or a coke/sprite/orange juice in front of me I'd be picking the soft drink every time.
The last time I was in the local Carlsberg were dropping off 2 cases of their new non alcoholic beer along with firing the marketing material around the place ... the owner was not impressed every mention of it was fired in the bin!!!
You answered your own "question" by stating you're not a fan of beer.
I am....I love beer, in particular Heineken and the new IPAs, but last year due to a medical condition I had to give up all alcohol, caffeine and carbonated beverages for 90 days.
After 90 days I realized that while I didn't miss the alcohol, I did actually miss the taste of beer.
I have a job where I attend a lot of functions, conferences and client events. I could be out (drinking for free) every night of the week if I wanted to, so over the years I have had to learn various ways to slow/reduce my intake. Soda Water was one way......now 0.0 is a second
Have you found a non-alcoholic IPA replacement?
Yes.....there's all types but this is one I have enjoyed
https://athleticbrewing.com/products/run-wild-ipa-non-alcoholic-6-pack
I don't drink at all. Took the Confirmation pledge not to drink and kept it going. I used to work in a nightclub as well but never touched it.
Drank gallons and gallons in my time although very little nowadays but never ever at home. Drinking was/is a social game for me, elbow on the counter, few mates around me for the craic/slagging is what its about. Different strokes for different folks I guess
I don't drink any more. I gave up before I had to and don't miss it. I was only ever a social drinker and never drank at home.
Retailers have recorded a 58%increase in the volume of alcohol sales week on week this week, compared to this time last year.
Increases of between 22% and 30%t have been reported in earlier weeks of the Covid-19 restrictions.
It comes as a study in the UK found 20% of people say they are drinking more since the Covid-19 lockdown began.
Eunan McKinney, of Alcohol Action Ireland, says since the pubs closed it was inevitable there would be some increased buying but 58% is higher than expected.
"We don't know whether people are necessarily [drinking more]," he said.
"Obviously all pubs are closed and licensed premises are closed, therefore I suppose there may be some degree of displacement of activity. At 58% it certainly would be up and away and beyond [what was expected]."
The question is though - with pubs being shut is that actually an increase in the amount of alcohol being sold overall? I would doubt it.
Quote from: imtommygunn on April 19, 2020, 01:01:30 PM
The question is though - with pubs being shut is that actually an increase in the amount of alcohol being sold overall? I would doubt it.
Yeah cause generally at the weekend the town is busy with restaurants open for lunch food and drinks . Some may stay out then you've the early brigade in around 4 ish few drinks early bird menu and more drinks! Theatre maybe and so on, then the kids, blattered right through till 4 in the morning.
Intake would be way down I'd imagine, I never drank too much in the house till about the time my kids were about 6/7 got them off to bed relaxed with a glass or two of wine!
I'd have nipped out maybe to watch the odd champions league games back in the day, but 2/3 pints at most mid week.
I can't see the younger generation mid 20's drinking too much in the house during lockdown, wouldn't have the same attraction
People would always end up drinking more in crowds with rounds etc. I would say alcohol consumption has probably reduced a lot. I have a beer or two in the house. If I was in a bar it'd be five or six. (Not every week but every odd week say). I would say my alcohol and food consumption is down a good bit.
I guess it won't be the same for everyone but you now have to go out and get it too rather then it being on tap in front of you.
Bottle of wine every Friday or Saturday night, sometimes might go to bottle with a, sneaky extra glass. Very rarely drink 2 nights in a row anymore unless on holidays. Go out 4-5 times a year outside Xmas. I've had a few midweek drinks last week as I've eventually got working from home.
Quote from: marty34 on April 18, 2020, 02:58:44 PM
Why do people drink? I don't get it.
Nobody has ever gave me a good reason - to balance up the hangover etc.
It helps people to socialize. If you do it in moderation it can be enough to loosen up your tongue and help everyone relax, but take much more than one or two drinks and you end up with annoying (or worse) behaviour plus the hangover.
I think drink is over-relied upon in this country. Every occasion seems to have to involve drinking. Very unhealthy state of affairs.
Sitting down on a week night, well you wouldn't drink 5 or 6 pints of milk, juice, water etc. I mean, how thirsty are you? ;D
Good amount of sensible drinkers about here plenty non smokers and lads that never dabbled in any other activities!
Probably still go to mass, great to see
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 19, 2020, 11:43:09 PM
Good amount of sensible drinkers about here plenty non smokers and lads that never dabbled in any other activities!
Probably still go to mass, great to see
The reality is most on this forum are middle aged to auld bucks who have done the drinking lark, when their bodies were stronger. Most know the pitfalls of drinking if you continue to overuse later into your life.
Quote from: From the Bunker on April 20, 2020, 12:20:24 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 19, 2020, 11:43:09 PM
Good amount of sensible drinkers about here plenty non smokers and lads that never dabbled in any other activities!
Probably still go to mass, great to see
The reality is most on this forum are middle aged to auld bucks who have done the drinking lark, when their bodies were stronger. Most know the pitfalls of drinking if you continue to overuse later into your life.
At 48 I'm a young buck then
Stronger? I'm in better shape now than in my twenties! Overindulgence will kill most people at some point.
Sure when we get multiple pandemics we'll be dead soon enough! If a couple of glasses of red wine will make pitfalls for me later on in life, so be it. I've had a good run ;D
I would guess you see an increase in alcohol consumption amongst footballers or a fair few sports now, given that normally there would have been weekend games or training which would have kept them off the beer for one if not two nights at the weekend, and possibly even more than that. Obviously not the same as heading out on the lash with teammates or that, but i suppose it gives the chance to have a few cans in the house.
Quote from: dec on April 18, 2020, 03:19:03 PMHave you found a non-alcoholic IPA replacement?
Big fan of a local place Surreal Brewing here in California - their Hazy Venus IPA is very good.
I'm flat out at it. Take a break for a few hours on a Tuesday. But hardly sober from 9am Thurs til 11pm Sun. Bloody great. Makes reruns of the early 90s All Irelands easier to watch.
As for you non-drinkers, bore off yiz hoors. Would never go to war with a non-drinker. Or even to a wedding.
I usually go for a decent walk and run best part of the week - fully expected to see a rise in drinking in fields etc with more broken glass about than usual but it's been very decent from what I've seen.
Anyone have any experiences locally of a return to their youth of a load of ones in a field on it?
Quote from: ONeill on April 21, 2020, 09:53:56 AM
I'm flat out at it. Take a break for a few hours on a Tuesday. But hardly sober from 9am Thurs til 11pm Sun. Bloody great. Makes reruns of the early 90s All Irelands easier to watch.
As for you non-drinkers, bore off yiz hoors. Would never go to war with a non-drinker. Or even to a wedding.
Never trust a teetotaler sort of thing?
The best use of alcohol at present is to rub it on your hands.
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on April 21, 2020, 10:06:17 AM
I usually go for a decent walk and run best part of the week - fully expected to see a rise in drinking in fields etc with more broken glass about than usual but it's been very decent from what I've seen.
Anyone have any experiences locally of a return to their youth of a load of ones in a field on it?
Not seen gangs of youths, but seen a number of cases of people with mental health issues out on back roads etc in random places drinking, not sure what is going on, collapse in mental health services? Ive seen one guy also who i didn't know had a drink problem out drinking about back roads too with rucksack, I can only assume that for some reason he was in bars or getting better attention from carers before covid 19
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on April 21, 2020, 10:18:22 AM
Quote from: ONeill on April 21, 2020, 09:53:56 AM
I'm flat out at it. Take a break for a few hours on a Tuesday. But hardly sober from 9am Thurs til 11pm Sun. Bloody great. Makes reruns of the early 90s All Irelands easier to watch.
As for you non-drinkers, bore off yiz hoors. Would never go to war with a non-drinker. Or even to a wedding.
Never trust a teetotaler sort of thing?
Aye something like that. Then those who feel need to boast about not drinking in house or drinking less. Fcuk away off. Worse than dicks who talk about the Camino. Just fcuk off.
Quote from: Gabriel_Hurl on April 21, 2020, 12:58:51 AM
Quote from: dec on April 18, 2020, 03:19:03 PMHave you found a non-alcoholic IPA replacement?
Big fan of a local place Surreal Brewing here in California - their Hazy Venus IPA is very good.
I thought you were up in Canada.
not since last summer
Quote from: Gabriel_Hurl on April 21, 2020, 05:32:37 PM
not since last summer
Perhaps just as well. I was on a Zoom call there to Ontario, the guy showed me the snow in his garden.
Quote from: ONeill on April 21, 2020, 04:39:16 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on April 21, 2020, 10:18:22 AM
Quote from: ONeill on April 21, 2020, 09:53:56 AM
I'm flat out at it. Take a break for a few hours on a Tuesday. But hardly sober from 9am Thurs til 11pm Sun. Bloody great. Makes reruns of the early 90s All Irelands easier to watch.
As for you non-drinkers, bore off yiz hoors. Would never go to war with a non-drinker. Or even to a wedding.
Never trust a teetotaler sort of thing?
Aye something like that. Then those who feel need to boast about not drinking in house or drinking less. Fcuk away off. Worse than dicks who talk about the Camino. Just fcuk off.
What do you make of the ones that are blowing about how wasted they get?
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on April 21, 2020, 06:44:10 PM
Quote from: ONeill on April 21, 2020, 04:39:16 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on April 21, 2020, 10:18:22 AM
Quote from: ONeill on April 21, 2020, 09:53:56 AM
I'm flat out at it. Take a break for a few hours on a Tuesday. But hardly sober from 9am Thurs til 11pm Sun. Bloody great. Makes reruns of the early 90s All Irelands easier to watch.
As for you non-drinkers, bore off yiz hoors. Would never go to war with a non-drinker. Or even to a wedding.
Never trust a teetotaler sort of thing?
Aye something like that. Then those who feel need to boast about not drinking in house or drinking less. Fcuk away off. Worse than dicks who talk about the Camino. Just fcuk off.
What do you make of the ones that are blowing about how wasted they get?
Yeah, the 20 pint and 10 1/2 uns per night - can't remember anything but they know how to get home and get tucked up in their bed alright!! Clowns.
Quote from: marty34 on April 21, 2020, 07:18:22 PM
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on April 21, 2020, 06:44:10 PM
Quote from: ONeill on April 21, 2020, 04:39:16 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on April 21, 2020, 10:18:22 AM
Quote from: ONeill on April 21, 2020, 09:53:56 AM
I'm flat out at it. Take a break for a few hours on a Tuesday. But hardly sober from 9am Thurs til 11pm Sun. Bloody great. Makes reruns of the early 90s All Irelands easier to watch.
As for you non-drinkers, bore off yiz hoors. Would never go to war with a non-drinker. Or even to a wedding.
Never trust a teetotaler sort of thing?
Aye something like that. Then those who feel need to boast about not drinking in house or drinking less. Fcuk away off. Worse than dicks who talk about the Camino. Just fcuk off.
What do you make of the ones that are blowing about how wasted they get?
Yeah, the 20 pint and 10 1/2 uns per night - can't remember anything but they know how to get home and get tucked up in their bed alright!! Clowns.
Whooosh
In fairness, O'Neill probably had one too many when he posted that!
Fri / Sat only, few sociable ones.
Ordered a box of 20 craft beers today through Flavourly. Friend at work recommended the company . £29.95 inc 2 glasses and delivery from Scotland . Hopefully here by the weekend!
And see the fcukers who drink craft beer....
Quote from: JoG2 on April 22, 2020, 10:04:27 PM
Quote from: ONeill on April 22, 2020, 09:47:15 PM
And see the fcukers who drink craft beer....
;D
This might not go down well with the non drinkers or only one or two in a few months, but for craft beer the Woodworkers is hard to beat!
Once it reopens in 2021!
Just having a lovely gin in the garden! Christ its warm out there!
I used to be a gin man myself. These days I'll usually treat myself to a Gordon's and Schweppes when flying, but that's about the only time I do it. It used to mess with my head quite a bit in my student days, I'd get too carried away with it.
Is it Friday yet?
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 24, 2020, 03:58:48 PM
Just having a lovely gin in the garden! Christ its warm out there!
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.independent.ie/life/food-drink/gin-drinkers-are-more-likely-to-be-psychopaths-and-sadists-according-to-study-36447539.html
Quote from: ONeill on April 29, 2020, 08:41:09 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 24, 2020, 03:58:48 PM
Just having a lovely gin in the garden! Christ its warm out there!
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.independent.ie/life/food-drink/gin-drinkers-are-more-likely-to-be-psychopaths-and-sadists-according-to-study-36447539.html
with it being the fastest growing drink in Ireland, I'm good company
How is everyone getting on during lockdown on the alcohol front?
I indulged a little too much, always beer, never shorts, to the point where I was drinking beer for the sake of it. Found myself becoming a little too dependent on it ... Fri and Sat slowly became a Sunday ... add in midweek football, and then I was pushing 4/5 nights a week. Was experiencing mood swings, a very short fuse alot of the time, and down in the dumps for no apparent reason as well ... unless I had a beer in hand.
Haven't touched it for 5 weeks now, which is good for me, and the benefits are fast overtaking the reason to be drinking at all. Yes, I'm sure I'll have a beer again, maybe this weekend, who knows ... but I never want to go back to where I was at. I do and will continue to enjoy a pint of Guinness in a social setting as much as anyone, but if I can mostly stay away from the home drinking, I'll be happy enough.
Just wondering how alcohol is playing a part for others during lockdown?
Haven't drank much since the pubs closed in October.... miss going to the pub for a few pints badly!!
Couldn't be assed drinking at home no craic in it.
You are not alone there. I know ones in work drinking Wed-Sun as they are working from home and we can start up to 10am.
Weekends only, have reduced it also..
Friday & Saturdays. Managed to get down to a few fancy beers rather than quantity. Sneak in a wee G&T for good measure. Haven't drank during the week in along time unless a celebration or commiseration.
Quote from: Jeepers Creepers on February 05, 2021, 09:25:21 PM
Friday & Saturdays. Managed to get down to a few fancy beers rather than quantity. Sneak in a wee G&T for good measure. Haven't drank during the week in along time unless a celebration or commiseration.
Weekends are Friday Saturday Sunday!!!!
Bottle wine every weekend usually . Maybe bottle and wee extra glass at most. Trying to go every second weekend since Christmas. Love a drink but doesn't suit me next day, get very anxious . Having drink atm. And before anyone says it I won't mebtion sinn Féin, oops I've done it again
Was a serious drinker back in the day. Hardly sobered doing A-levels and uni. Can't handle the hangovers now so I feel like I'm a bit of a bore. On the plus side I'm not anxious or nervous, can function the next day and kids don't have to look at their drunken da. Don't think it was ever a problem but it could have gone that way. Enjoy an odd beer now eg one a week and then go and get absolutely hammered every three or four months. Great!!
Quote from: An Watcher on February 05, 2021, 10:51:28 PM
Was a serious drinker back in the day. Hardly sobered doing A-levels and uni. Can't handle the hangovers now so I feel like I'm a bit of a bore. On the plus side I'm not anxious or nervous, can function the next day and kids don't have to look at their drunken da. Don't think it was ever a problem but it could have gone that way. Enjoy an odd beer now eg one a week and then go and get absolutely hammered every three or four months. Great!!
I can sit drinking to 4 and rise at 7. The stomach and head bes ok, but anxiety awful if I drink too much
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on February 05, 2021, 10:53:32 PM
Quote from: An Watcher on February 05, 2021, 10:51:28 PM
Was a serious drinker back in the day. Hardly sobered doing A-levels and uni. Can't handle the hangovers now so I feel like I'm a bit of a bore. On the plus side I'm not anxious or nervous, can function the next day and kids don't have to look at their drunken da. Don't think it was ever a problem but it could have gone that way. Enjoy an odd beer now eg one a week and then go and get absolutely hammered every three or four months. Great!!
I can sit drinking to 4 and rise at 7. The stomach and head bes ok, but anxiety awful if I drink too much
Same - anxiety is the killer for me. Over Christmas and New Year drank too much, presents of whiskey and poteen (even clove-rock poteen, which I had never heard of!!). From 3 weeks ago, I stick to a Friday and Monday (for personal reasons!) and feel better for it. Even look forward more to a Friday again!!! As I spout, I have drunk a bottle of wine and now started on a glass of Powers but I'm grand because I'm allowed on a Friday!!!
Overall however, actually drinking less as the years go on - or at least less liquid volume. Pints are now a 'wet-the-bed' scenario!!!! A return to my youth!!
Can't handle the volume any more due to the bag - might as well be pouring it straight into it when it comes to beer or cider.
Instead I've resorted to wine, which I've always liked. Struggling to finish a third glass though - which is fine by me - so we share a bottle late at night on Friday and Saturday only.
Quote from: restorepride on February 05, 2021, 11:04:14 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on February 05, 2021, 10:53:32 PM
Quote from: An Watcher on February 05, 2021, 10:51:28 PM
Was a serious drinker back in the day. Hardly sobered doing A-levels and uni. Can't handle the hangovers now so I feel like I'm a bit of a bore. On the plus side I'm not anxious or nervous, can function the next day and kids don't have to look at their drunken da. Don't think it was ever a problem but it could have gone that way. Enjoy an odd beer now eg one a week and then go and get absolutely hammered every three or four months. Great!!
I can sit drinking to 4 and rise at 7. The stomach and head bes ok, but anxiety awful if I drink too much
Same - anxiety is the killer for me. Over Christmas and New Year drank too much, presents of whiskey and poteen (even clove-rock poteen, which I had never heard of!!). From 3 weeks ago, I stick to a Friday and Monday (for personal reasons!) and feel better for it. Even look forward more to a Friday again!!! As I spout, I have drunk a bottle of wine and now started on a glass of Powers but I'm grand because I'm allowed on a Friday!!!
Overall however, actually drinking less as the years go on - or at least less liquid volume. Pints are now a 'wet-the-bed' scenario!!!! A return to my youth!!
Lol hi, sounds familiar, good post
Quote from: Ball Hopper on February 05, 2021, 11:15:05 PM
Can't handle the volume any more due to the bag - might as well be pouring it straight into it when it comes to beer or cider.
Instead I've resorted to wine, which I've always liked. Struggling to finish a third glass though - which is fine by me - so we share a bottle late at night on Friday and Saturday only.
Enjoy a chara , good balance there
Weekender myself and quantity massively reduced. Rarely drink lager at home - wine mostly, the odd gin, maybe bottles of MacIvors cider or cans of Guinness (bought some 440ml glasses so it looks like a proper (almost) pint).
Haven't drank in 3 months, including the whole of Christmas. The highs are great but the lows were getting too low. The idea of drinking now makes me immediately think of the next day and then I just don't.
Quote from: Itchy on February 05, 2021, 11:29:28 PM
Haven't drank in 3 months, including the whole of Christmas. The highs are great but the lows were getting too low. The idea of drinking now makes me immediately think of the next day and then I just don't.
Honest post with which I can relate.
Quote from: restorepride on February 05, 2021, 11:35:20 PM
Quote from: Itchy on February 05, 2021, 11:29:28 PM
Haven't drank in 3 months, including the whole of Christmas. The highs are great but the lows were getting too low. The idea of drinking now makes me immediately think of the next day and then I just don't.
Honest post with which I can relate.
+1
I've a mate that has that same view of anxiety with drink, only ever experienced it once on a stag weekend in Spain. Would never push anyone into the idea of "Ah sure go on ya eejit"
I really enjoy it, I suppose never having hangovers always helps, or doesn't, depending on how you view it
Haven't drunk since 10th October, longest period since I was 17 and I miss it everyday.
I enjoy my drink. No point denying it. We had a nice dinner last night, 3 bottles of wine and a few gins. Would do that every 2-3 weeks but would drink most Friday and Saturday nights. Rarely drink Sunday to Thursday though. Maybe a few beers if I'm watching a game or on Thursday night as she is in work till late. I'm lucky though, don't hangover and would be up handy enough. Up today at 7.30 with the baby and she stayed in bed as she was busted. I work bloody hard and try to keep myself active. I don't do anyone else any harm and would not be an awkward person but from drunk, though I don't generally get drunk, just merry.
Drinking habits haven't changed too much though would have drank a bit more at the start of the first lock down
Interesting read in the IN about the young lad from Watty Grahams, Ciaran McCloy;
https://www.irishnews.com/sport/gaafootball/2021/02/15/news/ciaran-mccloy-2220581/ (https://www.irishnews.com/sport/gaafootball/2021/02/15/news/ciaran-mccloy-2220581/)
It's a pretty common story in Ireland sadly as we culturally have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol especially at too young of an age. Most come through those years unscathed but a lot don't.
Quote from: johnnycool on February 15, 2021, 10:44:06 AM
Interesting read in the IN about the young lad from Watty Grahams, Ciaran McCloy;
https://www.irishnews.com/sport/gaafootball/2021/02/15/news/ciaran-mccloy-2220581/ (https://www.irishnews.com/sport/gaafootball/2021/02/15/news/ciaran-mccloy-2220581/)
It's a pretty common story in Ireland sadly as we culturally have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol especially at too young of an age. Most come through those years unscathed but a lot don't.
I had a similar journey in my late teens early 20s, still live with it somewhat. Its a major problem, drugs is a growing monster
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on February 15, 2021, 11:00:30 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 15, 2021, 10:44:06 AM
Interesting read in the IN about the young lad from Watty Grahams, Ciaran McCloy;
https://www.irishnews.com/sport/gaafootball/2021/02/15/news/ciaran-mccloy-2220581/ (https://www.irishnews.com/sport/gaafootball/2021/02/15/news/ciaran-mccloy-2220581/)
It's a pretty common story in Ireland sadly as we culturally have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol especially at too young of an age. Most come through those years unscathed but a lot don't.
I had a similar journey in my late teens early 20s, still live with it somewhat. Its a major problem, drugs is a growing monster
Would you say it's a more visible problem in towns and cities like Derry or Belfast? Maghera is obviously a town too, but I would say there are no shortage of drugs in rural areas and rural GAA clubs - but it possibly wouldn't be as evident.
Quote from: JohnDenver on February 15, 2021, 11:06:27 AM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on February 15, 2021, 11:00:30 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 15, 2021, 10:44:06 AM
Interesting read in the IN about the young lad from Watty Grahams, Ciaran McCloy;
https://www.irishnews.com/sport/gaafootball/2021/02/15/news/ciaran-mccloy-2220581/ (https://www.irishnews.com/sport/gaafootball/2021/02/15/news/ciaran-mccloy-2220581/)
It's a pretty common story in Ireland sadly as we culturally have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol especially at too young of an age. Most come through those years unscathed but a lot don't.
Not sure tbh, but drugs are everywhere now, it wasn't like back in my younger days, I listen to younger lads at work(from all over rural and towns) talk about cocaine as if its a daily normal occurrence, id be worried that it will be accepted by the next generation as normal behaviour
Would you say it's a more visible problem in towns and cities like Derry or Belfast? Maghera is obviously a town too, but I would say there are no shortage of drugs in rural areas and rural GAA clubs - but it possibly wouldn't be as evident.
I had a similar journey in my late teens early 20s, still live with it somewhat. Its a major problem, drugs is a growing monster
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on February 15, 2021, 11:12:31 AM
Quote from: JohnDenver on February 15, 2021, 11:06:27 AM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on February 15, 2021, 11:00:30 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 15, 2021, 10:44:06 AM
Interesting read in the IN about the young lad from Watty Grahams, Ciaran McCloy;
https://www.irishnews.com/sport/gaafootball/2021/02/15/news/ciaran-mccloy-2220581/ (https://www.irishnews.com/sport/gaafootball/2021/02/15/news/ciaran-mccloy-2220581/)
It's a pretty common story in Ireland sadly as we culturally have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol especially at too young of an age. Most come through those years unscathed but a lot don't.
Not sure tbh, but drugs are everywhere now, it wasn't like back in my younger days, I listen to younger lads at work(from all over rural and towns) talk about cocaine as if its a daily normal occurrence, id be worried that it will be accepted by the next generation as normal behaviour
Would you say it's a more visible problem in towns and cities like Derry or Belfast? Maghera is obviously a town too, but I would say there are no shortage of drugs in rural areas and rural GAA clubs - but it possibly wouldn't be as evident.
I had a similar journey in my late teens early 20s, still live with it somewhat. Its a major problem, drugs is a growing monster
Drugs are readily available almost everywhere, not just the big towns
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on February 15, 2021, 11:12:31 AM
Quote from: JohnDenver on February 15, 2021, 11:06:27 AM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on February 15, 2021, 11:00:30 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 15, 2021, 10:44:06 AM
Interesting read in the IN about the young lad from Watty Grahams, Ciaran McCloy;
https://www.irishnews.com/sport/gaafootball/2021/02/15/news/ciaran-mccloy-2220581/ (https://www.irishnews.com/sport/gaafootball/2021/02/15/news/ciaran-mccloy-2220581/)
It's a pretty common story in Ireland sadly as we culturally have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol especially at too young of an age. Most come through those years unscathed but a lot don't.
Not sure tbh, but drugs are everywhere now, it wasn't like back in my younger days, I listen to younger lads at work(from all over rural and towns) talk about cocaine as if its a daily normal occurrence, id be worried that it will be accepted by the next generation as normal behaviour
Would you say it's a more visible problem in towns and cities like Derry or Belfast? Maghera is obviously a town too, but I would say there are no shortage of drugs in rural areas and rural GAA clubs - but it possibly wouldn't be as evident.
I had a similar journey in my late teens early 20s, still live with it somewhat. Its a major problem, drugs is a growing monster
A very good read and best of luck to that lad, not an easy thing to admit at that age, but a great step towards staying sober.
When I think back to my own days at that age, most nights out were usually heavy and if I was to list of the stuff I drank on a single night out I would probably shock myself now.
Personally, with alcohol, I view the social aspect of it as the reason I drink, meeting up with friends every few weekends to catch up, watching sport at a bar or whatever. I never could understand how people view packing into a cubicle to sniff coke off a toilet seat as sociable, or indeed what they get out of it at the end of it all.
Drugs is a growing monster and it is as casual to get a bag of cocaine as it is a pint, that's the sad reality of it all.
Quote from: JohnDenver on February 15, 2021, 11:06:27 AM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on February 15, 2021, 11:00:30 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 15, 2021, 10:44:06 AM
Interesting read in the IN about the young lad from Watty Grahams, Ciaran McCloy;
https://www.irishnews.com/sport/gaafootball/2021/02/15/news/ciaran-mccloy-2220581/ (https://www.irishnews.com/sport/gaafootball/2021/02/15/news/ciaran-mccloy-2220581/)
It's a pretty common story in Ireland sadly as we culturally have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol especially at too young of an age. Most come through those years unscathed but a lot don't.
I had a similar journey in my late teens early 20s, still live with it somewhat. Its a major problem, drugs is a growing monster
Would you say it's a more visible problem in towns and cities like Derry or Belfast? Maghera is obviously a town too, but I would say there are no shortage of drugs in rural areas and rural GAA clubs - but it possibly wouldn't be as evident.
I don't think it is that 'visible' but the bouncers are the ones who could tell you best - they have to deal with it and the 'energy' some of the drugs give the users. Cocaine is available everywhere apparently and 'affordable'. A couple of ours still left at home who would socialise at weekends in normal times. They say that the younger ones are more into 'pills' and other drugs than alcohol as it can be a 'cheaper' night than buying drink in a bar/club - and easier to disguise and conceal outside of pubs than cans etc. Cocaine slightly older age-group, maybe early twenties on - only a couple of phone messages away, still often delivered in toilets with the grooves of a house key/car key being used to snort. We have always talked to them about this stuff so they are fairly open about it - they would say that 'drugs' are the new norm as opposed to drink. Scary. Fair play to young McCloy for being so open.
Not a massive drinker these days (a night out every few months) but ended up going out after a work do a couple of weeks ago. Anyways, drank way too much to the point I woke up the next day with serious fear and couldn't recount parts of the night (I do mind getting home though). Anyways, spoke to some colleagues on the Monday who said that whilst I was steaming I wasn't giving any bad manners and said there was nothing to worry about. Since found out that a colleague (who I would be pally enough with) took a couple of videos of me in a drunken state (bit of dancing and slabbering but again nothing offensive) and showed them to a few colleagues (including myself). I jokingly asked him to delete them but he thinks they are harmless and laughed it off. It's still not sitting well with me so should I just text/speak to him direct and say I'm serious about it or just take my medicine and it'll be forgotten about? Don't want to create an awkward situation but people videoing stuff on nights out really sickens my hole.
Quote from: tintin25 on March 25, 2023, 02:46:01 PM
Not a massive drinker these days (a night out every few months) but ended up going out after a work do a couple of weeks ago. Anyways, drank way too much to the point I woke up the next day with serious fear and couldn't recount parts of the night (I do mind getting home though). Anyways, spoke to some colleagues on the Monday who said that whilst I was steaming I wasn't giving any bad manners and said there was nothing to worry about. Since found out that a colleague (who I would be pally enough with) took a couple of videos of me in a drunken state (bit of dancing and slabbering but again nothing offensive) and showed them to a few colleagues (including myself). I jokingly asked him to delete them but he thinks they are harmless and laughed it off. It's still not sitting well with me so should I just text/speak to him direct and say I'm serious about it or just take my medicine and it'll be forgotten about? Don't want to create an awkward situation but people videoing stuff on nights out really sickens my hole.
I'd ask them to delete them in a more serious way. Tell them you're annoyed. Would it affect your job?
Quote from: restorepride on February 15, 2021, 08:01:53 PM
Quote from: JohnDenver on February 15, 2021, 11:06:27 AM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on February 15, 2021, 11:00:30 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 15, 2021, 10:44:06 AM
Interesting read in the IN about the young lad from Watty Grahams, Ciaran McCloy;
https://www.irishnews.com/sport/gaafootball/2021/02/15/news/ciaran-mccloy-2220581/ (https://www.irishnews.com/sport/gaafootball/2021/02/15/news/ciaran-mccloy-2220581/)
It's a pretty common story in Ireland sadly as we culturally have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol especially at too young of an age. Most come through those years unscathed but a lot don't.
I had a similar journey in my late teens early 20s, still live with it somewhat. Its a major problem, drugs is a growing monster
Would you say it's a more visible problem in towns and cities like Derry or Belfast? Maghera is obviously a town too, but I would say there are no shortage of drugs in rural areas and rural GAA clubs - but it possibly wouldn't be as evident.
I don't think it is that 'visible' but the bouncers are the ones who could tell you best - they have to deal with it and the 'energy' some of the drugs give the users. Cocaine is available everywhere apparently and 'affordable'. A couple of ours still left at home who would socialise at weekends in normal times. They say that the younger ones are more into 'pills' and other drugs than alcohol as it can be a 'cheaper' night than buying drink in a bar/club - and easier to disguise and conceal outside of pubs than cans etc. Cocaine slightly older age-group, maybe early twenties on - only a couple of phone messages away, still often delivered in toilets with the grooves of a house key/car key being used to snort. We have always talked to them about this stuff so they are fairly open about it - they would say that 'drugs' are the new norm as opposed to drink. Scary. Fair play to young McCloy for being so open.
Friend of a friend works in a bar in Belfast City centre. Says more than a few people spend the night drinking pints of water yet be off their faces. Obvious what's going on.
Quote from: RedHand88 on March 25, 2023, 03:13:14 PM
Quote from: tintin25 on March 25, 2023, 02:46:01 PM
Not a massive drinker these days (a night out every few months) but ended up going out after a work do a couple of weeks ago. Anyways, drank way too much to the point I woke up the next day with serious fear and couldn't recount parts of the night (I do mind getting home though). Anyways, spoke to some colleagues on the Monday who said that whilst I was steaming I wasn't giving any bad manners and said there was nothing to worry about. Since found out that a colleague (who I would be pally enough with) took a couple of videos of me in a drunken state (bit of dancing and slabbering but again nothing offensive) and showed them to a few colleagues (including myself). I jokingly asked him to delete them but he thinks they are harmless and laughed it off. It's still not sitting well with me so should I just text/speak to him direct and say I'm serious about it or just take my medicine and it'll be forgotten about? Don't want to create an awkward situation but people videoing stuff on nights out really sickens my hole.
I'd ask them to delete them in a more serious way. Tell them you're annoyed. Would it affect your job?
Ignore it, you've asked him and as for being pally with him, just don't bother with him, he'll get the point and if you persist he may end up sharing it with others.
We've a policy for stag weekends, phones stay in the hotel ;D
What a gobshite for videoing someone with a few drinks in them. I'd think less of that person than you to be honest. People that have the phones out videoing on nights out and stag do's are assholes plain and simple.
Quote from: RedHand88 on March 25, 2023, 03:13:14 PM
Quote from: tintin25 on March 25, 2023, 02:46:01 PM
Not a massive drinker these days (a night out every few months) but ended up going out after a work do a couple of weeks ago. Anyways, drank way too much to the point I woke up the next day with serious fear and couldn't recount parts of the night (I do mind getting home though). Anyways, spoke to some colleagues on the Monday who said that whilst I was steaming I wasn't giving any bad manners and said there was nothing to worry about. Since found out that a colleague (who I would be pally enough with) took a couple of videos of me in a drunken state (bit of dancing and slabbering but again nothing offensive) and showed them to a few colleagues (including myself). I jokingly asked him to delete them but he thinks they are harmless and laughed it off. It's still not sitting well with me so should I just text/speak to him direct and say I'm serious about it or just take my medicine and it'll be forgotten about? Don't want to create an awkward situation but people videoing stuff on nights out really sickens my hole.
I'd ask them to delete them in a more serious way. Tell them you're annoyed. Would it affect your job?
The beer fear can last a long time when you rarely go out (I know from bitter experience). Your brain is probably amplifying the issue, however if you are pally enough with this chap then I'd just be honest and say you're still annoyed about the videos and tell him you'd appreciate him deleting them.
Quote from: RedHand88 on March 25, 2023, 03:13:14 PM
Quote from: tintin25 on March 25, 2023, 02:46:01 PM
Not a massive drinker these days (a night out every few months) but ended up going out after a work do a couple of weeks ago. Anyways, drank way too much to the point I woke up the next day with serious fear and couldn't recount parts of the night (I do mind getting home though). Anyways, spoke to some colleagues on the Monday who said that whilst I was steaming I wasn't giving any bad manners and said there was nothing to worry about. Since found out that a colleague (who I would be pally enough with) took a couple of videos of me in a drunken state (bit of dancing and slabbering but again nothing offensive) and showed them to a few colleagues (including myself). I jokingly asked him to delete them but he thinks they are harmless and laughed it off. It's still not sitting well with me so should I just text/speak to him direct and say I'm serious about it or just take my medicine and it'll be forgotten about? Don't want to create an awkward situation but people videoing stuff on nights out really sickens my hole.
I'd ask them to delete them in a more serious way. Tell them you're annoyed. Would it affect your job?
It won't affect my job, no. There was no management there, only a few us after the main do had finished. The guy who took the videos was drunk too and whilst he appeared in a couple of the videos along with another female colleague it was apparent I was the one who was most 'worse for wear' and the main attraction so to speak. He even took one of me sleeping on a sofa (female colleague let us come back to hers so we could get a taxi) and they were both laughing away in the background). Just annoyed I let myself get that drunk.
Between covid and young family I barely, if ever drink. Don't miss it at all as got awful hangovers n fear. Just miss the craic aspect with the lads!
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 25, 2023, 03:38:41 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on March 25, 2023, 03:13:14 PM
Quote from: tintin25 on March 25, 2023, 02:46:01 PM
Not a massive drinker these days (a night out every few months) but ended up going out after a work do a couple of weeks ago. Anyways, drank way too much to the point I woke up the next day with serious fear and couldn't recount parts of the night (I do mind getting home though). Anyways, spoke to some colleagues on the Monday who said that whilst I was steaming I wasn't giving any bad manners and said there was nothing to worry about. Since found out that a colleague (who I would be pally enough with) took a couple of videos of me in a drunken state (bit of dancing and slabbering but again nothing offensive) and showed them to a few colleagues (including myself). I jokingly asked him to delete them but he thinks they are harmless and laughed it off. It's still not sitting well with me so should I just text/speak to him direct and say I'm serious about it or just take my medicine and it'll be forgotten about? Don't want to create an awkward situation but people videoing stuff on nights out really sickens my hole.
I'd ask them to delete them in a more serious way. Tell them you're annoyed. Would it affect your job?
Ignore it, you've asked him and as for being pally with him, just don't bother with him, he'll get the point and if you persist he may end up sharing it with others.
We've a policy for stag weekends, phones stay in the hotel ;D
Thinking this may be the way to go. Should be said he's about 7/8 years younger than me and the female colleague is younger again (btw she did nothing wrong but she wouldn't be bothered by being in the videos as she was fairly sober and of that TikTok era that love the attention). I guess you see people (esp work colleagues) in different light after these things.
Quote from: tintin25 on March 25, 2023, 04:51:05 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on March 25, 2023, 03:38:41 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on March 25, 2023, 03:13:14 PM
Quote from: tintin25 on March 25, 2023, 02:46:01 PM
Not a massive drinker these days (a night out every few months) but ended up going out after a work do a couple of weeks ago. Anyways, drank way too much to the point I woke up the next day with serious fear and couldn't recount parts of the night (I do mind getting home though). Anyways, spoke to some colleagues on the Monday who said that whilst I was steaming I wasn't giving any bad manners and said there was nothing to worry about. Since found out that a colleague (who I would be pally enough with) took a couple of videos of me in a drunken state (bit of dancing and slabbering but again nothing offensive) and showed them to a few colleagues (including myself). I jokingly asked him to delete them but he thinks they are harmless and laughed it off. It's still not sitting well with me so should I just text/speak to him direct and say I'm serious about it or just take my medicine and it'll be forgotten about? Don't want to create an awkward situation but people videoing stuff on nights out really sickens my hole.
I'd ask them to delete them in a more serious way. Tell them you're annoyed. Would it affect your job?
Ignore it, you've asked him and as for being pally with him, just don't bother with him, he'll get the point and if you persist he may end up sharing it with others.
We've a policy for stag weekends, phones stay in the hotel ;D
Thinking this may be the way to go. Should be said he's about 7/8 years younger than me and the female colleague is younger again (btw she did nothing wrong but she wouldn't be bothered by being in the videos as she was fairly sober and of that TikTok era that love the attention). I guess you see people (esp work colleagues) in different light after these things.
I'd just ignore it and as the other lads say, give that fella a cold enough shoulder moving forward.
When I had an office job I always cleared off after a few pints or dodge on to a bar with 2-3 lads that you could trust and wouldn't be taking vids/slabbering on a Monday. Nothing worse than vids or back in the day being tagged on Facebook!
Quote from: square_ball on March 25, 2023, 04:07:46 PM
What a gobshite for videoing someone with a few drinks in them. I'd think less of that person than you to be honest. People that have the phones out videoing on nights out and stag do's are assholes plain and simple.
People have their phones out for everything.
I remember reading about a serious RTA on the M50 and people passing the accident were slowing down and videoing the carnage.
It was that bad that the Guards had to issue an appeal on the media for people not to be videing it.
Absolutely sickening stuff.
Quote from: marty34 on March 25, 2023, 06:16:23 PM
Quote from: square_ball on March 25, 2023, 04:07:46 PM
What a gobshite for videoing someone with a few drinks in them. I'd think less of that person than you to be honest. People that have the phones out videoing on nights out and stag do's are assholes plain and simple.
People have their phones out for everything.
I remember reading about a serious RTA on the M50 and people passing the accident were slowing down and videoing the carnage.
It was that bad that the Guards had to issue an appeal on the media for people not to be videing it.
Absolutely sickening stuff.
Aye I think some woman had been decapitated and all these sick cnuts were sharing videos of it. I like the sound of MRs rule to keep the phones under lock and key.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on March 25, 2023, 07:15:31 PM
Quote from: marty34 on March 25, 2023, 06:16:23 PM
Quote from: square_ball on March 25, 2023, 04:07:46 PM
What a gobshite for videoing someone with a few drinks in them. I'd think less of that person than you to be honest. People that have the phones out videoing on nights out and stag do's are assholes plain and simple.
People have their phones out for everything.
I remember reading about a serious RTA on the M50 and people passing the accident were slowing down and videoing the carnage.
It was that bad that the Guards had to issue an appeal on the media for people not to be videing it.
Absolutely sickening stuff.
Aye I think some woman had been decapitated and all these sick cnuts were sharing videos of it. I like the sound of MRs rule to keep the phones under lock and key.
I'm at the door making sure they don't get out lol!!
Slightly off topic but I was in the gym this morning and a lad came in mid 20's, I would describe him as a love island wannabee.
He was going flat to the mat on the treadmill and he took the phone out either to take a selfie or a video of himself, next thing I new he went flying off the treadmill and nearly out through the back window of the gym.
Everyone ran to see was he ok, me and and man in his 70s on were side by side on two bikes, we sat are ground and laughed for 15 mins.
Quote from: pbat on March 25, 2023, 07:29:45 PM
Slightly off topic but I was in the gym this morning and a lad came in mid 20's, I would describe him as a love island wannabee.
He was going flat to the mat on the treadmill and he took the phone out either to take a selfie or a video of himself, next thing I new he went flying off the treadmill and nearly out through the back window of the gym.
Everyone ran to see was he ok, me and and man in his 70s on were side by side on two bikes, we sat are ground and laughed for 15 mins.
Shoulda videoed it ;D
Quote from: pbat on March 25, 2023, 07:29:45 PM
Slightly off topic but I was in the gym this morning and a lad came in mid 20's, I would describe him as a love island wannabee.
He was going flat to the mat on the treadmill and he took the phone out either to take a selfie or a video of himself, next thing I new he went flying off the treadmill and nearly out through the back window of the gym.
Everyone ran to see was he ok, me and and man in his 70s on were side by side on two bikes, we sat are ground and laughed for 15 mins.
Worth the yearly membership fee that 😂😂
I had never drank in my house before Covid/Lockdown, literally never.
I'd say I haven't went a week without drinking in my house since then. It might be as little as 2 bottles of beer watching a match on a Saturday evening or drinking a bottle of wine with the wife.
A bad habit to get into, even though I've never been drunk in the house, but still averaging 10-20 beer & a couple of bottles of wine a month that I never would have had.
I'm hoping dry January & a bit more exercise puts and end to the habit.
Quote from: toby47 on January 04, 2024, 02:17:18 PMI had never drank in my house before Covid/Lockdown, literally never.
I'd say I haven't went a week without drinking in my house since then. It might be as little as 2 bottles of beer watching a match on a Saturday evening or drinking a bottle of wine with the wife.
A bad habit to get into, even though I've never been drunk in the house, but still averaging 10-20 beer & a couple of bottles of wine a month that I never would have had.
I'm hoping dry January & a bit more exercise puts and end to the habit.
I'd be in a similar situation.
Not drinking much, but have a couple every weekend in the house. Maybe a bottle of wine spread over the weekend.
Bit of a bad habit alright.
I had planned doing a bit of drinking over Christmas, got a couple of boxes of beer and a few bottles of wine. Drank no more than I normally would and most of it is still here.
I dont think its a problem, but for health reasons I'm going to cut it out. I seriously need to shift a bit of weight and it doesnt help.
Quote from: toby47 on January 04, 2024, 02:17:18 PMI had never drank in my house before Covid/Lockdown, literally never.
I'd say I haven't went a week without drinking in my house since then. It might be as little as 2 bottles of beer watching a match on a Saturday evening or drinking a bottle of wine with the wife.
A bad habit to get into, even though I've never been drunk in the house, but still averaging 10-20 beer & a couple of bottles of wine a month that I never would have had.
I'm hoping dry January & a bit more exercise puts and end to the habit.
Gonna give the drink a rest for a month as well. Very similar to myself. Beer and wine. I don't get out to the pub much with kids and family life in general so was using that as a bit of an excuse for the house drinking.
I'd not be the biggest drinker in the world but one bottle of wine over the course of a weekend is absolutely nothing to worry about.
Actually dont mind doing dry Jan. Like a lot of others bought in a extra beers wines and spirits for over the festive period most if it not opened and i'm not planning on looking at it for at least a month. Few bottles here and there adds up before you know it you're putting away a box of beer a week... its the calories i'd worry about as a beer is often guzzled with a big of tayto!!
As I have got older my relationship has got more and more distant with alcohol.
From drinking the head of myself in Belfast for 4 - 6 years to a stage now I would easily go months at a time without a drink.
From what I am led to believe young people are not as much into the pints as my generation. While I understand there are other 'options' these days I thinks young people are a bit more health conscious especially those playing sport at a decent level.
The booze is a killer for the weight.
Can eat decent enough with 'treats/takeaways' thrown in and still maintain a decent weight but as soon as you booze each week I find it a piles the weight on.
Like a few here I had taken to drinking each weekend in the last couple of years and continued it.
Bottle of wine and a can or two each night - not a good recipe
Strangers.
Box of beer per weekend. Usually an 18 pack. I'd have 5 or 6 on a Friday evening as soon as I get in the door from work, serious pangs for that one.
7 or 8 on a Saturday evening
Last handful of cans on the Sunday afternoon whilst making dinner
Nothing from Mon to Thurs
Been like that for a good few years now. I've definitely an issue. Would love to quit it. Off if for now anyway
Stopped drinking pretty much. It is a depressant and as I get older I dread the next day after drinking more and more. Didn't drink a drop over Christmas.
Drink far less but easily couple bottles of red and maybe 6 beers
I never get hangovers or feel bad afterwards or next day.
Very rarely drink Monday to Thursday
If out at club I'm usually getting picked up which leads to binge drinking Guinness!
Your relationship to drink will lessen as you get older, your body ultimately rejects it to a point.
I enjoy the social side of it and never worry what people think.
Quote from: Itchy on January 04, 2024, 04:50:47 PMStopped drinking pretty much. It is a depressant and as I get older I dread the next day after drinking more and more. Didn't drink a drop over Christmas.
Would agree.
Had a bad reaction to a antibiotics 5 years ago and had to quit for 90 days as part of my recovery plan
Haven't touched a drop since
(The transition was made easy by availability of Heineken Zero. Constantly explaining to people who know me why I don't drink anymore is actually harder and more annoying than not drinking)
Finished work for Xmas the Wed beforehand and would say I had 2 days max where I didn't have a drink. I really enjoy toppling over Xmas when the fire is lit and no work to worry about. I know it is unhealthy to use alcohol to "decompress" from work and it should be exercise instead but I do enjoy a few beers or a couple of glasses in the house on a Fri and Sat and then won't touch a drop Sun-Thurs. Tippling definitely leads me to the "crisp cupboard"!
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 04, 2024, 05:32:59 PMFinished work for Xmas the Wed beforehand and would say I had 2 days max where I didn't have a drink. I really enjoy when the fire is lit and no work to worry about. I know it is unhealthy to use alcohol to "decompress" from work and it should be exercise instead but I do enjoy a few beers or a couple of glasses in the house on a Fri and Sat and then won't touch a drop Sun-Thurs. Tippling definitely leads me to the "crisp cupboard"!
I'd be fairly similar. Enjoy a few watching MotD once I get a run at the TV on Sat night. Beer 95%, wine 5%. No spirits ever
My main resolution to to cut out the cheese and crackers / crisps.
Gradually drinking more the older I get. Drink about 6 bottles of wine at the weekends, a few beers and a few chasers. Don't really drink on a Monday or a Wednesday unless it's the first week or last week of the month. Hungover to fcuk most days but you get used to it. Planning on drinking every day in my 50s as the Mediterraneans do.
Wine occasionally. I like Pinot Noir . Various spirits for cooking.
Had a good sup of everything over Christmas. Bloody Mary's with Breakfast. Goes great with a full Irish. Afternoon Irish coffees with a biscuit or two from the Jacob's tin. A few Heinekens in the evening and a dropeen of Redbreast or two before bed. Dry January now but always potential signs of a damper January as the days go on. The missus bought me non-alcoholic Heineken yesterday. I drank one bottle. It was enough. Followed it with five cups of tea.
I think drinking behaviour has changed in the last couple of decades . Youngsters growing up now might drink more in the house Rather than going to pub
I seen a couple of examples where kids 16+ would gather for a session (with parents permission) , and grew up never really knowing what is too much or no idea about sensible drink portion sizes. Fall asleep in the chair , never having to walk home /ring taxi or know they've had too much.
. Now I see some of those same youngsters having drink problems later on.
I'm not really a drinker at all , so sitting down to watch MOTD or emmerdale farm with a can of beer is an alien concept
Quote from: whitey on January 04, 2024, 05:23:31 PMHad a bad reaction to a antibiotics 5 years ago and had to quit for 90 days as part of my recovery plan
Haven't touched a drop since
(The transition was made easy by availability of Heineken Zero. Constantly explaining to people who know me why I don't drink anymore is actually harder and more annoying than not drinking)
Had surgery in the latter half of 2023 and obviously couldn't drink for a period of time, and around week 3 post op I had a real thirst for a cold beer so the wife went and got me some Heineken zero and it was actually alright to drink.
I've decided to extend my usual dry January to a dry 2024.
I don't have any particular issues with alcohol but am curious as to what if any change cutting it out would bring.
A year goes by so fast now (I'm in my 50s) it doesn't actually seem like that much of a challenge!
Quote from: ShutterinbyDayGAAbyNight on January 05, 2024, 12:32:37 PMWhat ever happened to nightclubs in this country? Seems to me that the nightclubs I frequented when I was younger are all shutdown now. Where do the youngsters go these days?
They don't need niteclubs as they meet women on line.
Quote from: ShutterinbyDayGAAbyNight on January 05, 2024, 12:32:37 PMWhat ever happened to nightclubs in this country? Seems to me that the nightclubs I frequented when I was younger are all shutdown now. Where do the youngsters go these days?
It's the same across the UK too.
Rates, insurance and casual staffing issues are being put forward as the red flags. Pretty much the same as the rest of the hospitality industry. It's probably worse for nightclubs though as unless there's students about, they're leaving a warehouse size building vacant for 4-5 days a week.
Other theories surround changing habits - horny people can meet on Tindr etc, drink driving and availability of transport when there's 1000 people exiting a building at once, obviously an issue.
I'm late 40s and I find the hangovers are dreadful. I'm not a big drinker most of the time, maybe a few cans. But if I'm on a lads weekend I tend to take way too much. Hangovers last 3 days at this stage. It's not worth it to be honest.
Same as that. Probably average one session per month with absolutely no alcohol in between. The one session can be heavy enough eg 8 or 9 pints, and then i suffer for 2 or 3 days. Not sure it us worth it any more
I was never a big drinker, or maybe more accurately could never drink very much but drank often in my 20s/30s. Late 30s got into drinking gin but no interest these days.
Now (early 40s) I rarely drink and don't miss it very much. Had 6 pints in total over Xmas 2 around the 20th and 4 the 26th.
Only time I really enjoy a drink is in a pub with my good mates (which doesn't hadn't often as all spread across the country now). No interest in having 1/2 pints or glass of wine etc. when out for dinner. Would rarely have a drink at home, Having young kids imo definitely makes you think twice before having a few.
Yep, not worth waking up and them looking to do something. Also, wouldn't want to walk in all merry and them looking at me wondering, who is this guy?
Quote from: thewobbler on January 05, 2024, 12:46:30 PMQuote from: ShutterinbyDayGAAbyNight on January 05, 2024, 12:32:37 PMWhat ever happened to nightclubs in this country? Seems to me that the nightclubs I frequented when I was younger are all shutdown now. Where do the youngsters go these days?
It's the same across the UK too.
Rates, insurance and casual staffing issues are being put forward as the red flags. Pretty much the same as the rest of the hospitality industry. It's probably worse for nightclubs though as unless there's students about, they're leaving a warehouse size building vacant for 4-5 days a week.
Other theories surround changing habits - horny people can meet on Tindr etc, drink driving and availability of transport when there's 1000 people exiting a building at once, obviously an issue.
Plus people got wise to paying 20 quid in to hang out with a packed house of drunk f**kers, listening to shit music and drinking slops. People stopped paying, thats the main reason they closed.
I've had my share of hangovers over the years, but this notion of 2 and 3 day hangovers is alien to me. What sort of symptoms are we talking about on days 2 and 3?
Quote from: Jell 0 Biafra on January 05, 2024, 01:56:31 PMI've had my share of hangovers over the years, but this notion of 2 and 3 day hangovers is alien to me. What sort of symptoms are we talking about on days 2 and 3?
I think it's generally more a malaise that lasts for 2 or 3 days rather than severe hangover. Plus everyone I know says they always feel worse on a Monday morning cause they haven't fully recovered and now also have to deal with work etc.
I'm an early enough riser, and out with the dogs before 8am at the weekend, they wouldn't understand that you have had too much and are looking their walk!
As said earlier, hangovers would be rare enough, so struggle to have sympathy for those that do ;D
Always imagined hangovers are down to whatever you are drinking, I certainly notice the difference when I have whiskey, Burns night at a friends every year would be my only noticeable difference in how I wake!
If I really tear the arse out of it I'd have the typical bad hangover the next day and then maybe poor sleep for a couple of nights after and general lethargy and negative mood. Maybe that's the 2/3 day hangover people are referring to. I'm not one for hair of the dog.
One huge killer of hangover for me is hard physical work or exercise. Not easy to motivate yourself to do it but when you do, maybe something on that you can't put off, and you work off a real sweat early in the day and then good meal, even the worst hangover disappears almost immediately. I find a good long hike with plenty of climbing particularly good.
Still enjoy a good drink but what's really putting me off it is driving the next day. It's not safe to risk driving so you're pretty much writing off the next day for a lot of things, just for a nights drinking.
A lot of negativity around drink and drinking on here.
But you cannot bate
An airport beer
The beer when she is still getting ready
A beer at a hotel bar when she is still getting ready
Straight to the pub Friday evening beer
The BBQ beer
There's something about someone saying we'll go for a beer. I never want to stop drinking. I love when I get the chance to meet friends for a beer.
Yeah, be more concerned about the next day and driving, more so now than when I was young, was probably well over the limit and thinking I was grand.
A friend of mine was done the morning after, she'd been out the night before and got up to drive around 11.30 for some hangover cure and the cops just stopped her (there was other cars being stopped on the road) and she was over the limit, lost her licence for 9 months (did a course to reduce it)
I thought I was going to get done one New Years day, we'd everyone at ours for New Years Eve and think we finished up around one, I got up in the morning, took the dogs out (in the car) for a walk up Cavehill, turned onto the O'Neill road at they were just there stopping!!
Did the breath test and was below the mark, not sure how but that put the frighteners up me
Beer in the airport is good but it is better on an early morning ferry.
I'd have a couple of bottles of wine and a few beers on a Friday and Saturday night and have been drinking every weekend since I was 16. Haven't put on any weight and don't drink Sunday to Thursday when it would affect work.
I don't think there has been any real negativity, most comments seem to show people know their limits, know the problems booze can cause and keep themselves right based on their own lifestyle and circumstances. My drinking would probably be classed as binge drinking which I accept. My biggest problem is forgetting things that went on the night before, so I do try to stop myself tipping over the point of pleasant drunkenness.
If you enjoy a drink enjoy it and if you don't stay of it.
Aye I'd be very wary with next day drinking and won't drive til at least noon if have been on it the night before (which is only a few times a year). Remember driving through Lisburn after a big session a few years ago and being totally paranoid as I had no idea where I was going, so was probably driving more slowly and in and out of lanes than a local would.
Was also a passenger in a car that got rear ended in Belfast City centre. The driver of the car I was in was out on the tear the night before and when he got out to chat to the other driver it was clear he had too! They agreed to just get into the cars and drive away!
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 05, 2024, 02:38:12 PMYeah, be more concerned about the next day and driving, more so now than when I was young, was probably well over the limit and thinking I was grand.
A friend of mine was done the morning after, she'd been out the night before and got up to drive around 11.30 for some hangover cure and the cops just stopped her (there was other cars being stopped on the road) and she was over the limit, lost her licence for 9 months (did a course to reduce it)
I thought I was going to get done one New Years day, we'd everyone at ours for New Years Eve and think we finished up around one, I got up in the morning, took the dogs out (in the car) for a walk up Cavehill, turned onto the O'Neill road at they were just there stopping!!
Did the breath test and was below the mark, not sure how but that put the frighteners up me
A friend of mine has his own breathalyser and doesn't venture out if it is marginal. From his view, if it is low then no need to worry at all and if it above 45Mg/100Ml or so then he doesn't chance it.
Those top end breathalysers definitely a good investment for those who need it. Some mates went on a Highlands and Islands whiskey tour in a minibus last year and they took turns driving via the aid of the breathalyser the next (late) morning.
Quote from: thewobbler on January 05, 2024, 12:46:30 PMQuote from: ShutterinbyDayGAAbyNight on January 05, 2024, 12:32:37 PMWhat ever happened to nightclubs in this country? Seems to me that the nightclubs I frequented when I was younger are all shutdown now. Where do the youngsters go these days?
It's the same across the UK too.
Rates, insurance and casual staffing issues are being put forward as the red flags. Pretty much the same as the rest of the hospitality industry. It's probably worse for nightclubs though as unless there's students about, they're leaving a warehouse size building vacant for 4-5 days a week.
Other theories surround changing habits - horny people can meet on Tindr etc, drink driving and availability of transport when there's 1000 people exiting a building at once, obviously an issue.
Probably linked to pubs and their mi-adh too. Plus you don't need to go to a club any more to hear absolute bangers.
Alcohol and sugar have started to wear the enamel on my teeth so I have no choice but to quit alcohol unless I want to have no teeth in 10 years. I developed an enjoyment for binge drinking over the past few years, wine is a good cheap drink for binge drinking. When I say binge drinking I mean 4 or 5 beers or 1 bottle of wine, that was enough to get me drunk.
Quote from: Norm-Peterson on January 05, 2024, 06:21:51 PMAlcohol and sugar have started to wear the enamel on my teeth so I have no choice but to quit alcohol unless I want to have no teeth in 10 years. I developed an enjoyment for binge drinking over the past few years, wine is a good cheap drink for binge drinking. When I say binge drinking I mean 4 or 5 beers or 1 bottle of wine, that was enough to get me drunk.
Just get yourself to Turkey for the Hollywood smile! Real teeth are overrated
I love a drink, even though I'm not a heavy drinker. Having a drink means I'm either unwinding with the ball and chain or socialising with friends/family.
Tonight - working late and in the door after 9, dying of thirst. Ice cold bottle of cider just hit the spot. Guzzled inside a minute.
I'll have a bit of a knees up later this month but apart from that I don't know when I'll have another drink.
What are people's favourite wines and whiskeys?
Quote from: ONeill on January 05, 2024, 10:59:51 PMWhat are people's favourite wines and whiskeys?
Red. Sometimes white.
I'd be white, sometimes red. Then single malt Islay.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 05, 2024, 11:12:17 PMQuote from: ONeill on January 05, 2024, 10:59:51 PMWhat are people's favourite wines and whiskeys?
Red. Sometimes white.
Red wine in the main ... only white when I've ran out!
Argentines Malbec
Spanish Rioja (Tempranillo)
Portuguese wines I've enjoyed recently, currently having a Douro Doc Alma da Vinha.. nice
As for whiskey, my mate is a proper whiskey connoisseur, he's hundreds of bottles all various types and we generally have a tipple or two if I call round, but for me a single malt Glenlivet hits the spot for price and taste/flavour
Quote from: general_lee on January 05, 2024, 10:56:58 PMI love a drink, even though I'm not a heavy drinker. Having a drink means I'm either unwinding with the ball and chain or socialising with friends/family.
Tonight - working late and in the door after 9, dying of thirst. Ice cold bottle of cider just hit the spot. Guzzled inside a minute.
I'll have a bit of a knees up later this month but apart from that I don't know when I'll have another drink.
Been told by a few people to steer clear of cider. Easy done for me, as not a big lover of it. But had heard it's one of the worst drinks for your health. Not sure if it was scaremongering but haven't had any in years. First ever drink was a pint of snake bite.
Quote from: ONeill on January 05, 2024, 10:59:51 PMWhat are people's favourite wines and whiskeys?
Priorat. White wine is largely for complete fannies.
Nikka from the barrel.
Brought a bottle of Pinot noir back home from the Buena Vista winery in Sonoma, California. Maybe because of the effort, it sticks in my head as being the nicest red I'd ever had. I like the lighter French Fleuries/Beaujolais too. For whites, and sticking with France, I like Chablis, Pouilly Fuisse, Sancerre, all dry whites.
I'm avoiding alcohol for a few weeks, but a girls' ski trip at the end of the month will involve a fair bit of Côtes du Rhône.
Quote from: ONeill on January 05, 2024, 10:59:51 PMWhat are people's favourite wines and whiskeys?
Tequila slammers with Bill Gates.
Quote from: ONeill on January 05, 2024, 10:59:51 PMWhat are people's favourite wines and whiskeys?
Wine: French - Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Irish Whiskey: Redbreast
Scotch Whisky: Ardbeg
Don't care for wine at all. Weareros speaks for me on Whiskey/whisky.
For a cheap but decent drink, I go for Teacher's scotch.
Quote from: weareros on January 06, 2024, 12:05:18 AMQuote from: ONeill on January 05, 2024, 10:59:51 PMWhat are people's favourite wines and whiskeys?
Wine: French - Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Irish Whiskey: Redbreast
Scotch Whisky: Ardbeg
Lethal
Quote from: Jell 0 Biafra on January 06, 2024, 12:09:10 AMDon't care for wine at all. Weareros speaks for me on Whiskey/whisky.
For a cheap but decent drink, I go for Teacher's scotch.
Opposite. Love wine but can't be doing with the whiskey. Love an Old Fashioned or a Sour but just outta the bottle - no thanks.
Quote from: trueblue1234 on January 05, 2024, 11:36:29 PMQuote from: general_lee on January 05, 2024, 10:56:58 PMI love a drink, even though I'm not a heavy drinker. Having a drink means I'm either unwinding with the ball and chain or socialising with friends/family.
Tonight - working late and in the door after 9, dying of thirst. Ice cold bottle of cider just hit the spot. Guzzled inside a minute.
I'll have a bit of a knees up later this month but apart from that I don't know when I'll have another drink.
Been told by a few people to steer clear of cider. Easy done for me, as not a big lover of it. But had heard it's one of the worst drinks for your health. Not sure if it was scaremongering but haven't had any in years. First ever drink was a pint of snake bite.
Cider... I'd say proper cider would be as clean an alcoholic drink as you could get. I've had some great pints / jerry cans in Somerset. White Lightning on the other hand....
True, I'd have definitely been more a white lighting than a Maison Sassy kinda guy. The high sugar content gives it a bad name I suppose. That and the fact I couldn't manage more than 2 pints of it without feeling queasy.
Do many still drink it? Don't see as much Magners about as you used to.
Nothing like it on a scorching day in a glass of ice
I have to say I love my drink and live my nights out but I'm trying to go drier for a while. We like heading for afternoon food on a Saturday and then trying to get the last bus home ( that is generally dependent who we fall in with in Maddens!). The thing is though I can take it or leave it. I drink to enjoy it. Generally too we are at live music somewhere so they're not big drinking sessions.
As for favourites definitely Chateauneuf de Pape for red. Like whiskey and gin and picked up a few bottles of Islay single malt in Scotland recently which are deadly and always have a variety of gins, with Dingle a particular favourite.
Monday night football generally sorts out any weekends as does Sunday rooting about the garden or going for a good run.
Whiskey drinkers are always arseholes. Waistcoats with jeans and stupid beards. Wear those converse or vans trainers even though they're over 40.
Sorry, but you all know this to be true.
Bordeaux reds are the best. Californian reds can be lovely as well. Love a nice Chablis. Also like the odd Australian Syrah.
Got a sickner of Whiskey one night in my late teens, have never touched it since.
Was drinking a White Wine called Pata Negra (Verdejo grape) on holidays in Spain in the Autumn and it was class. Cheap as chips over there but any Verdejo white here (if u can find them) are relatively dear from what I can see.
Quote from: trailer on January 06, 2024, 04:37:53 PMWhiskey drinkers are always arseholes. Waistcoats with jeans and stupid beards. Wear those converse or vans trainers even though they're over 40.
Sorry, but you all know this to be true.
Bordeaux reds are the best. Californian reds can be lovely as well. Love a nice Chablis. Also like the odd Australian Syrah.
BC1 has a really stupid beard.
Quote from: ONeill on January 06, 2024, 06:55:46 PMQuote from: trailer on January 06, 2024, 04:37:53 PMWhiskey drinkers are always arseholes. Waistcoats with jeans and stupid beards. Wear those converse or vans trainers even though they're over 40.
Sorry, but you all know this to be true.
Bordeaux reds are the best. Californian reds can be lovely as well. Love a nice Chablis. Also like the odd Australian Syrah.
BC1 has a really stupid beard.
Ye wanna see my waistcoat collection....
Quote from: trailer on January 06, 2024, 04:37:53 PMWhiskey drinkers are always arseholes. Waistcoats with jeans and stupid beards. Wear those converse or vans trainers even though they're over 40.
Sorry, but you all know this to be true.
Bordeaux reds are the best. Californian reds can be lovely as well. Love a nice Chablis. Also like the odd Australian Syrah.
Any reds from California are generally shite, but this is all subjective
I disagree. Cycled round a few vineyards in Sonoma and found a very nice pinot noir in one of them. Just coincidence that it was the last vineyard of the day 🤣
Californian pinots yes. Delta is a nice one. Cab Savs will leave you wanting to drive your car off a cliff. Treat with extreme care.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 06, 2024, 07:51:14 PMQuote from: trailer on January 06, 2024, 04:37:53 PMWhiskey drinkers are always arseholes. Waistcoats with jeans and stupid beards. Wear those converse or vans trainers even though they're over 40.
Sorry, but you all know this to be true.
Bordeaux reds are the best. Californian reds can be lovely as well. Love a nice Chablis. Also like the odd Australian Syrah.
Any reds from California are generally shite, but this is all subjective
Sequoia Grove is the nicest wine I've ever tasted. Californian, EUR 65 in off licenses, double in restaurants, but worth it (and not many are)
I love alcohol, but I hate being drunk, so I tend to drink often, but in moderation.
An afternoon few Guinness with a good mate watching a match and a few horses is pure heaven. Evening drinking I'd switch to Heino but not interested in massive session.
As surprisingly and gratifyingly many have said Redbreast is the best whiskey and Ardbeg is the best whisky. The so-called basic version of both is top notch and the best, the dearer versions are for tourists and can be avoided. The basic Arbeg 10 is still about EUR70, so not cheap, but it's a joy.
I can't talk about gin without becoming a trailer type. Anyone who mixes those gorgeous expensive gins with tonic is a complete moron.
I'll finish with port. The most underrated drink out there. A chilled tawny or white port, as a dessert instead of rubbish, is absolutely divine!
Quote from: Hound on January 06, 2024, 10:15:42 PMAs surprisingly and gratifyingly many have said Redbreast is the best whiskey and Ardbeg is the best whisky. The so-called basic version of both is top notch and the best, the dearer versions are for tourists and can be avoided. The basic Arbeg 10 is still about EUR70, so not cheap, but it's a joy.
No it's not and no they're not.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 06, 2024, 07:51:14 PMQuote from: trailer on January 06, 2024, 04:37:53 PMWhiskey drinkers are always arseholes. Waistcoats with jeans and stupid beards. Wear those converse or vans trainers even though they're over 40.
Sorry, but you all know this to be true.
Bordeaux reds are the best. Californian reds can be lovely as well. Love a nice Chablis. Also like the odd Australian Syrah.
Any reds from California are generally shite, but this is all subjective
Possibly worst take of the year
Quote from: Hound on January 06, 2024, 10:15:42 PMI love alcohol, but I hate being drunk, so I tend to drink often, but in moderation.
I'd be the opposite. Don't really like alcohol but like being drunk. All goes back to the time when my uncle bought me a red pouffe stool and I wanted a green one.
These pouffes, always corrupting the youth.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on January 06, 2024, 07:51:14 PMQuote from: trailer on January 06, 2024, 04:37:53 PMWhiskey drinkers are always arseholes. Waistcoats with jeans and stupid beards. Wear those converse or vans trainers even though they're over 40.
Sorry, but you all know this to be true.
Bordeaux reds are the best. Californian reds can be lovely as well. Love a nice Chablis. Also like the odd Australian Syrah.
Any reds from California are generally shite, but this is all subjective
Had any from The Paso Robles area?
Quote from: trailer on January 06, 2024, 04:37:53 PMWhiskey drinkers are always arseholes. Waistcoats with jeans and stupid beards. Wear those converse or vans trainers even though they're over 40.
Sorry, but you all know this to be true.
Bordeaux reds are the best. Californian reds can be lovely as well. Love a nice Chablis. Also like the odd Australian Syrah.
Burgundy Pinot is fabulous too
Quote from: gallsman on January 06, 2024, 10:31:44 PMQuote from: Hound on January 06, 2024, 10:15:42 PMAs surprisingly and gratifyingly many have said Redbreast is the best whiskey and Ardbeg is the best whisky. The so-called basic version of both is top notch and the best, the dearer versions are for tourists and can be avoided. The basic Arbeg 10 is still about EUR70, so not cheap, but it's a joy.
No it's not and no they're not.
I meant yanks rather than tourists. And the Ardbeg 10 is definitely the best. But everyone to their own, knock yourself if you want to spend more on the others.
Redbreast is more open to debate alright. But my preference is the 12.
I will hit 9 years sober in August - not taking anything for granted mind yo but i have good coping mechanisms if I ever feel like I may relapse
I would say that the very sophisticated gentlemen here arguing about this wine or that (or whiskey) would struggle to tell the difference in a blind taste test. ;D
Quote from: ThomasMullan on January 08, 2024, 08:24:23 AMI would say that the very sophisticated gentlemen here arguing about this wine or that (or whiskey) would struggle to tell the difference in a blind taste test. ;D
Only the basic bitches.
Quote from: ThomasMullan on January 08, 2024, 08:24:23 AMI would say that the very sophisticated gentlemen here arguing about this wine or that (or whiskey) would struggle to tell the difference in a blind taste test. ;D
Most would struggle, I'm sure of it. Maybe not so much between the varietals, but definitely after that.
But there's no harm in it I suppose. If more middle aged men were inclined to be wine snobs than say, road cyclists, the world would be a better place.
Not sure about the whole price thing on wine and whiskey. I order from naked wines once a year before christmas and the stuff is very nice. Say around £12 a bottle. Now i can taste the difference between £12 bottle and £6 bottle from tesco but i've tried stuff around £40 and i cant tell any difference from that to a £12 bottle. So i suppose that is my cut off point. Similar i've had bottle of £180 middleton. Give me the choice between one of those and 5 bottles of black bush i'll be taking the latter thanks.
Had bit of strange one with wine. Up until about 10 years ago would only drink white. Went on hols to tuscany and have only drank red since. Strange. Anyway whatever you like enjoy it. We all have our own tastes and quirks.
Had 6-7 pints of Guinness at Christmas dinner (Work) on the week before Christmas, no alcohol over Christmas but was in Derry for the weekend and had 5 pints on Friday and 2 pints on Sat nite and that's me done now until end of April until I go to Spain cycling where I will probably get 2 pints at night after dinner. I generally drink about 3-4 times a year.
Cup of Tea and a handful of biscuits is usually the treat for me although it's not doing the waistline any favours.
Quote from: ThomasMullan on January 08, 2024, 08:24:23 AMI would say that the very sophisticated gentlemen here arguing about this wine or that (or whiskey) would struggle to tell the difference in a blind taste test. ;D
I'd definitely tell a white from a red in a blind taste test.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on January 08, 2024, 06:22:26 PMQuote from: ThomasMullan on January 08, 2024, 08:24:23 AMI would say that the very sophisticated gentlemen here arguing about this wine or that (or whiskey) would struggle to tell the difference in a blind taste test. ;D
I'd definitely tell a white from a red in a blind taste test.
Wine or diesel?
Lads don't start debating an Armagh man on diesel that's one argument you're never gonna win
https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/irishman-defends-drinking-81-pints-31855630.amp
He'd fairly give Paddy Losty a run for his money
Quote from: tonto1888 on January 08, 2024, 07:45:08 AMI will hit 9 years sober in August - not taking anything for granted mind yo but i have good coping mechanisms if I ever feel like I may relapse
Well done tonto.
A close friend of mine knows enough that they won't drink at work or family social events, but yet still won't admit they have a problem. And when they do have a drink, whether in the local or at their home, just can't stop until they pretty much pass out.
Quote from: ThomasMullan on January 08, 2024, 08:24:23 AMI would say that the very sophisticated gentlemen here arguing about this wine or that (or whiskey) would struggle to tell the difference in a blind taste test. ;D
Do you drink whiskey Tom?
Ardbeg has been mentioned a few times and there's not a chance you'd mistake a cheap whisky for it. It has the peaty/smoky flavour and there's not many cheap options. Albeit I wholeheartedly agree that the 70 quid 'cheap' version is as good as any dearer version that may be double, or more, in price.
There are a few Irish peaty whiskeys that have come on the market in recent years. Connemara the most famous probably, but there's a Dunville that's better than it.
Nothing comes near Ardbeg for me, apart I suppose from the other Islay whiskies.
Quote from: Hound on January 14, 2024, 08:04:28 PMQuote from: tonto1888 on January 08, 2024, 07:45:08 AMI will hit 9 years sober in August - not taking anything for granted mind yo but i have good coping mechanisms if I ever feel like I may relapse
Well done tonto.
A close friend of mine knows enough that they won't drink at work or family social events, but yet still won't admit they have a problem. And when they do have a drink, whether in the local or at their home, just can't stop until they pretty much pass out.
Cheers Hound. It had gotten to the stage where I knew I had to stop as it was causing issues in my life
Quote from: Hound on January 14, 2024, 08:10:02 PMQuote from: ThomasMullan on January 08, 2024, 08:24:23 AMI would say that the very sophisticated gentlemen here arguing about this wine or that (or whiskey) would struggle to tell the difference in a blind taste test. ;D
Do you drink whiskey Tom?
Ardbeg has been mentioned a few times and there's not a chance you'd mistake a cheap whisky for it. It has the peaty/smoky flavour and there's not many cheap options. Albeit I wholeheartedly agree that the 70 quid 'cheap' version is as good as any dearer version that may be double, or more, in price.
There are a few Irish peaty whiskeys that have come on the market in recent years. Connemara the most famous probably, but there's a Dunville that's better than it.
I do like Whiskey (and red wine) but never been a fan of peaty whiskies. I like those that have spent a few years in a Sherry Cask. Red Breast is a pretty decent whiskey.