anyone sober?

[crdean1]

There's all these forums here for all sorts of various things people do. I figured I'd start one for something that I take some amount of pride in.

I'm 26 years old and I've never had a drink in my life. Not one. I've never tried any form of smoking or drugs, either. Anyone else?

If anyone wants to insult me for it, btw, just remember to "think different."

My wife is 29 and never had a drink or a drug. I really admire her for it. Although I don't regret anything I did in the past, I choose not to do those things now because my use of alcohol almost killed me at the age of 18.

 

[Brother Michael]

Drinking is a part of my family. We all love good alcohol. I have drank pretty much everything from wine to everclear (grain-alcohol).

Do I drink to to get smashed...yes.
Do I drink to have a good time...yes.
Do I not drink and have a good time...yes.

Alcohol is like any other substance, moderation is key...mostly

 

[efoto]

Some may commend you for having never tried substances, legal or otherwise, but personally I question your reasons for stating it.

This is not directly solely at the OP, just a thought in general that hits me once and a while....

When someone doesn't do something that is socially popular (in this case drinking/smoking/whatever) and makes it known, I often question the reasoning for doing so, not so much the announcement but the abstinence. If you have a religious or health reasoning for avoiding certain substances, great and more power to you. If not, what is your reason for avoiding those substances? Alcohol is not bad, the people who overuse it are bad and are fools (myself included from time to time).

I don't mean this to be pointed or attacking, please don't take it that way, but I would love to hear your reasoning for not partaking in drinking/smoking/whatever.

I drink, I have tried pot but never continued it and still do not, have tried smoking and same as pot I never continued it and have since stopped for health reasons and legal reasons respectively. I find having a social drink to be quite fun and 'loosening' at times, which is nice. What is your view?

 

[ohcrap]

Some may commend you for having never tried substances, legal or otherwise, but personally I question your reasons for stating it.

This is not directly solely at the OP, just a thought in general that hits me once and a while....

When someone doesn't do something that is socially popular (in this case drinking/smoking/whatever) and makes it known, I often question the reasoning for doing so, not so much the announcement but the abstinence. If you have a religious or health reasoning for avoiding certain substances, great and more power to you. If not, what is your reason for avoiding those substances? Alcohol is not bad, the people who overuse it are bad and are fools (myself included from time to time).

I don't mean this to be pointed or attacking, please don't take it that way, but I would love to hear your reasoning for not partaking in drinking/smoking/whatever.

I drink, I have tried pot but never continued it and still do not, have tried smoking and same as pot I never continued it and have since stopped for health reasons and legal reasons respectively. I find having a social drink to be quite fun and 'loosening' at times, which is nice. What is your view?

Two words: Addictive personality.

 

[devilot]

Well said, efoto. I suppose you are right, alcohol and other substances are not innately bad, but rather the use or misuse of these substances that is bad.

Alcoholism and in general, the tendency to fall into substance addiction/abuse does have genetic factors. Meaning, if you have family that have been diagnosed w/ addiction issues then your chances are much higher of having that tendency. I think that it is for this reason (and well, the emotional trauma of having lived through a loved one's trials) that prompted my friend to never touch alcohol. He usually doesn't mention it at all, and most people don't give him any problems. If someone not familiar w/ him offers a drink he'll politely turn it down or ask for a different drink (but by doing so, does NOT have to say, 'non-alcoholic' and labeling himself differently).

And I agree w/ you and previous posters; moderation is key as is knowledge. Know your limits. Know the consequences of using/consuming these substances. Use w/ caution. But yes, efoto, I think a drink or two is fun in a social context and as a wind-down after a long day.

Some may commend you for having never tried substances, legal or otherwise, but personally I question your reasons for stating it.

This is not directly solely at the OP, just a thought in general that hits me once and a while....

When someone doesn't do something that is socially popular (in this case drinking/smoking/whatever) and makes it known, I often question the reasoning for doing so, not so much the announcement but the abstinence. If you have a religious or health reasoning for avoiding certain substances, great and more power to you. If not, what is your reason for avoiding those substances? Alcohol is not bad, the people who overuse it are bad and are fools (myself included from time to time).

I don't mean this to be pointed or attacking, please don't take it that way, but I would love to hear your reasoning for not partaking in drinking/smoking/whatever.

I drink, I have tried pot but never continued it and still do not, have tried smoking and same as pot I never continued it and have since stopped for health reasons and legal reasons respectively. I find having a social drink to be quite fun and 'loosening' at times, which is nice. What is your view?

 

[wdlove]

I'm another one that has never had alcohol, cigarettes, or illegal drugs. I think that part of it has to do with being an introvert. Not easy for me to go out socially. The activities that I did participate in were school or church related. If you have further questions just ask.

 

[ohcrap]

I think that part of it has to do with being an introvert.

Explain, if you could. I don't understand your use of the word 'introvert'.

 

[efoto]

Two words: Addictive personality.

Me too. Don't we all?

Well said, efoto. I suppose you are right, alcohol and other substances are not innately bad, but rather the use or misuse of these substances that is bad.

Alcoholism and in general, the tendency to fall into substance addiction/abuse does have genetic factors. Meaning, if you have family that have been diagnosed w/ addiction issues then your chances are much higher of having that tendency. I think that it is for this reason (and well, the emotional trauma of having lived through a loved one's trials) that prompted my friend to never touch alcohol. He usually doesn't mention it at all, and most people don't give him any problems. If someone not familiar w/ him offers a drink he'll politely turn it down or ask for a different drink (but by doing so, does NOT have to say, 'non-alcoholic' and labeling himself differently).

And I agree w/ you and previous posters; moderation is key as is knowledge. Know your limits. Know the consequences of using/consuming these substances. Use w/ caution. But yes, efoto, I think a drink or two is fun in a social context and as a wind-down after a long day.

I can see how traumatic experiences would definitely push someone away from the idea of free and fun when it comes to certain substances. For those with addictive personalities, well I have one (them ) too and for me it doesn't matter. This may be too harsh for some of you, so you have been warned, don't read on if you are easily offended or something....because I don't want your response.

I think addictive personalities are like ADD, over-diagnosed and over-medicated. Everyone has ADD, everyone is addictive to things they like. I realize there are extreme cases and in such cases, I support the use of medications as seen fit by a physician to help the victim. My problem comes from people who are so completely not their own person that they prescribe to the social norms of having problems when they are fine.
I do have, genetically, an addictive personality. Perhaps it is bull-headed, completely stubborn personality that overcomes it, perhaps I just made the decision to say "no", perhaps it doesn't impact people's lives as much as we are led to believe, but either way I don't have a problem and I don't see why a lot of other people do. I'll end my rant there, even though I could bi*** quite a lot more because it frustrates me to no end.
Realize your problem, have enough moral fortitude to confront it. If you need help, have the balls to ask and make changes for the better in your life.

Sorry if you felt that impacted you directly, I just hate how non-confrontational America (in specific) has become. We point the finger everywhere but avoid mirrors like the plague

 

[efoto]

Explain, if you could. I don't understand your use of the word 'introvert'.

Tiger's definition:
Introvert:
A shy, reticent, and typically self-centered person.

I would assume what wdlove meant by using the term where he did was that because he is introverted he often is not in the situations where he would be pressured into trying such substances.

 

[ohcrap]

Tiger's definition:
Introvert:
A shy, reticent, and typically self-centered person.

I would assume what wdlove meant by using the term where he did was that because he is introverted he often is not in the situations where he would be pressured into trying such substances.

Oh, well I guess that describes me well, too.

 

[darkwing]

The first time I smelled pot was in 8th grade at a concert at the San Jose Arena... honestly? I turned to my friend and said, "Eww, people here need to seriously take some showers." She gave me a dirty look and said, "Uhh, are you serious? Hah. That smell is weed!"

I'm so glad the only concert I've ever been to is Neil Diamond Hot August Nights 1984. I was 5.

Steven

 

[darkwing]

I drink and blaze, but not excessively. But I would never even think about smoking a cigarette. It has no appeal to me whatsoever. When I see a girl smoking (cigarettes), it is the biggest turnoff ever. It just sickens me.

Agreed. Huge turn off. What is "blaze" ?

 

[darkwing]

So, at 18, I have yet to drink too. Same goes for drugs. I've been around drinking and weed all my life though, they are both fine in moderation. Moderation is the key to responsible drinking, and I lack it , so no drinking for me.

_Emerson

Interesting point. I should have brought this up earlier. If I buy a box of cookies, I eat the whole box. I can't stop. Same with chips, chocolates, ice cream, whatever. I am afraid I'd be the same way with alcohol if it tasted good.

I also don't buy ice cream, cookies, chips, etc.

 

[efoto]

Agreed. Huge turn off. What is "blaze" ?

I believe blaze in this context is simply a drinking term, like wasted or trashed, however blaze is the verb and not an adjective. If not, I would interested to hear it too but I have a feeling that is what the term is being used as, it is pretty common amongst "heavy" drinkers.

 

[Brother Michael]

I believe blaze in this context is simply a drinking term, like wasted or trashed, however blaze is the verb and not an adjective. If not, I would interested to hear it too but I have a feeling that is what the term is being used as, it is pretty common amongst "heavy" drinkers.

I thought blazin' was associated with smoking Pot???

 

[devilot]

I believe blaze in this context is simply a drinking term, like wasted or trashed, however blaze is the verb and not an adjective. If not, I would interested to hear it too but I have a feeling that is what the term is being used as, it is pretty common amongst "heavy" drinkers.

Hmm... Amongst the people I know 'blaze' refers to smoking pot. As in, "I'm so blazed right now, I just smoked an o."

 

[ohcrap]

I thought blazin' was associated with smoking Pot???

Blaze = Smoke pot.

 

[Brother Michael]

a lot of stuff about stuff (AKA his ADD rant)

I hear ya 100% I think this kinda goes hand-in-hand with the arguments that "Guns kill people."

WRONG! Guns don't kill people, the person pulling the trigger does. If I sit a gun on my desk and say, "Gun, I am your master and I command you to kill Steve (my roommate)!" The gun is just going to sit there all day and not do anything.

Sorry...

 

[efoto]

Well there you have it, three responses to blaze being an insinuated "smoke pot" reference.

I guess I have a lot more pothead friends then I thought I did, I hear that somewhat frequently and always thought it meant go drink really hard or something

 

[efoto]

I hear ya 100% I think this kinda goes hand-in-hand with the arguments that "Guns kill people."

No dips**t guns don't kill people, me pulling the trigger does. If I sit a gun on my desk and say, "Gun, I am your master and I command you to kill Steve (my roommate)!" The gun is just going to sit there all day and not do anything.

Sorry...

Basically the same as the gun saying, yeah. The reason I don't use that reference is because I assume most of the population has accepted that statement as gospel and they are enlightened, if only enough, to realize the moron pulling the trigger does the killing, the gun is simply his method, and not the other way around. (damn smart personality bearing guns )

ADD and other sh** on the other hand, well everyone still has it so I guess that hasn't registered yet

 

[Brother Michael]

Basically the same as the gun saying, yeah. The reason I don't use that reference is because I assume most of the population has accepted that statement as gospel and they are enlightened, if only enough, to realize the moron pulling the trigger does the killing, the gun is simply his method, and not the other way around. (damn smart personality bearing guns )

ADD and other sh** on the other hand, well everyone still has it so I guess that hasn't registered yet

I had Ritilian when I was kid.

Parents thought I seriously needed help. Then they were horrified when they went to the school to giv the office my "medication" only to see a tackle box filled with pill bottles.

From then on I think I was considered normal by them, because I was off the pill in a year or so.

 

[Superdrive]

When I see a girl smoking (cigarettes), it is the biggest turnoff ever. It just sickens me.

I agree wholeheartedly on that. A literally smoking girl is a deal breaker.

Personally, I have never done anything above tobacco or alcohol. Cigs are useless and a waste of money. I'll have a cigar at a special occasion, and I'm in college, so I drink for the fun of it all. It's all social.

But you forget that one oral fixation leads to another

So true, but it is that much harder to do anything else with them. Especially the chain smokers, they can brush their teeth all they want and still taste like an ash tray.

 

[FadeToBlack]

I used to smoke weed all the time and drink pretty regularly. I quit smoking weed a little over 7 months ago and the last time I had a drink was in April. My reason for quitting: neither one of them really did anything for me and I just prefer being sober and clear-headed.

 

[crazydreaming]

I don't want to offend anyone:

I don't understand people who purposely avoid drinking all their life. I know it's not the natural thing to do. This person has had to fight a lot of temptation, and spend a lot of friday and saturday nights at home. There is nothing wrong with going out and having a drink, just keep everything in moderation. You control what you do, your not going to get hammered by having a sip of alcohol. Relax, have some fun, enjoy life. Just don't over do it, that's all.

I think that if you avoid alcohol at all costs, your going to avoid places in which alcohol is available, which is usually places where you can meet people. So, you end up staying home, typing away on your mac, because all your freinds are out having a good time.

I had a mormon freind in Highschool, now we are in college. He would get mad at me, and anyone else in my class if I brought coffee to class one day. He wouldn't even want to get near it, and would make weird remarks. He held a grudge against anyone who did these types of things, drinking, coffee, even pop was apparently a bad thing. So, he spent his life playing Xbox, always looking for an alternative activity. Not many people joined him...

 

[greatdevourer]

I'm 26 years old and I've never had a drink in my life

Holy crap! I had my first pint when I was about 1/3 your age! Did you spend the first 25 years of your life in a nunnery, never allowed to leave?