The amount of alcohol consumed, over what period of time and whether it’s a problem seems to be on a sliding scale, depending on who you talk to. We hear of stories on the news and through social media about drinking and its links to violence in the clubs and on our streets, but what of the action and consequences faced within the home and with friends? What happens once you’ve left the club/pub/restaurant/friend’s house? When talking to people in general, friends, acquaintances and within forums, the damage excessive alcohol does in terms of our judgment and our relationships seems to be pretty consistent.
What usually starts off as a casual, social drink, can turn into something much more serious. It’s not that everyone becomes violent or a bad person to be around when they’ve had too much to drink, it’s that good judgement seems to fly out the window, people’s inner filter seems to unexpectedly enter the off position. Feelings, good and bad can become exaggerated, insecurities blown out of proportion or masked by a facade. Comments that would normally be ignored, brushed off or handled diplomatically when sober take on a whole new life. Something you would never dream of telling someone, a close friend or a stranger, suddenly comes flying out of your mouth. The decision to drive home when intoxicated is made when you’re too drunk to make any kind of rational decision, not only putting you at risk of an accident but putting the lives of others in jeopardy.
People across the board are drinking to excess and suffering the consequences. Celebrities in the news, the rich and the poor, our neighbours, family members, friends and yes, I am admitting to doing this too.
Personally, I don’t drink like I used to. I drank due to lack of self confidence, depression, boredom, trying to fit in etc etc. Usually ending in bad decisions and/or arguments. I have had partners who have been big drinkers too. I stopped drinking to excess on a regular basis probably 3 years ago now, basically to get my life back under control. I have seen people destroying themselves and their lives through alcohol. People who are close to me have suffered marriage breakdown (the other party drinking all the time, even had a bad accident whilst driving under the influence) and have a family friend who’s relationship has just ended due to drinking and everything that went with it. These aren’t kids making stupid decisions. They are men and women in their 30’s.
How many times have you been witness to a disagreement between people who have been drinking. You know that feeling when things get uncomfortable? Too much gets said, a snarky comment that no one else really needed to hear is thrown in someone’s face? Even if it doesn’t escalate there and then, have you ever wondered what happened behind closed doors? Was it forgotten by the time they got home? In most cases I’d say I doubt it. A fight starts, things get brought up, a mole hill becomes a mountain, other issues are touched upon, a resolution is not reached, simply a cease fire as both parties retire to bed, together or alone. If this isn’t a constant occurrence it’s pretty safe to say the relationship will survive (based solely on this issue of course!) but if this becomes a common thing, a habit of sorts, well I think we can all agree that it isn’t healthy.
Alcohol isn’t just destroying relationships between married couples and partners, friendships can become collateral damage. I myself have lost friendships due to the drinking culture we seem to accept. Alcohol itself was not the issue, it’s what it fueled. Jealousies, insecurities, mistrust. And basically just really bad judgment calls by all parties involved. There are just some things that you cannot move on from. At least not together.
The driving whilst drunk is not only a highly emotive issue it’s also a legal one. It is just plain stupid. I have to put my hand up and say in the past I have done this. Very, very stupid. I was caught. As often happens with these things, I hadn’t even had that much to drink. No food, one last drink bought by a friend before I left early, blah, blah, blah. Luckily I was not involved in an accident. As the police officer that was talking to me on the side of the road said, “Yes, you seem fine. No-one would say you look or are acting intoxicated. But what if you had an accident? In the news, you’d be the “drunk” driver that killed an innocent motorist.” Oh My God. I don’t want to be that person. I lost my license for 6 months.
The culture of alcohol in Australia and other western countries leaves a lot to be desired. I’ve asked my friends why they drink, or have drunk in the past and most of the answers are pretty similar. The motivation for having a drink seems to be either to relax, socialise, have fun and to make ourselves feel more confident. The repercussions from drinking to excess generally negate the very things that motivated us to drink in the first place. Time to have a real close look at our behaviour, the things that motivate us and the consequences that follow while participating in one of our countries favourite pastimes.
The Australian Government Department of Health has a website, www.alcohol.gov.au which outlines the standard drink size and guidelines for responsible consumption of alcohol. This link will take you to an easy printable pocket guide which gives you easy information about standard drink sizes in Australia.
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