I don’t think alcohol is really something that can be reduced to a list of pros and cons. Are there any ‘advantages’ to drinking? Not really. But it can be fun sometimes. I went through a period in my early 20s when I drank a fair amount, but for the most part I’ve never really been a big drinker. It can make parties and many other social situations more enjoyable though.
Vctory, unfortunately most young people don’t understand the difference you outlined in your second paragraph–that alcohol “can” be an addition to a good time. More often than not, it is the sole nucleus of the “good time,” to them. Being experienced with the norms of the upper-spectrum business world (albeit, through my father), I assure you that drinking is a problem that, like hatred, is passed on from generation to generation. On top of that, being from the South, it is something often glorified in all the classes. The underclass has their cheap beers and cheap hard liquors, the upper classes have their buckets of mint julep. Like smoking, it is something done because others are doing it, and weak personalities (which most young people seem to be, in my experience) succumb to that in order to not seem the odd-one-out or the party-pooper. This continues into the adult world, because it’s something deemed “okay.”
I don’t mean to harangue you about this or anything like that, and I understand my tone has come off as rude and brash in my prior posts, but this is a very serious issue to me and society at large, and this issue often manifests itself in college. Alcohol is the root of many societal issues in the “real world” and many, many, many issues in a university. I can’t tell you how many kids I’ve met at the more major state schools–schools like University of Florida come to mind (my sister’s alma mater)–where their character flaws manifest themselves in substance abuse and they go way down the wrong path as a result of something that didn’t need to happen and could have been fixed. I’ve personally known many students who have had to withdraw or experienced major issues in their lives (criminally, sexually, emotionally, even physically) as a result of giving in to a “normal” pastime that unfortunately is implicitly supported by nearly everyone everywhere.
There are so many alternatives to alcohol when wanting to loosen up, but a comparative few realize the viability of these bonding experiences until they’ve gained confidence in themselves. My father, for instance, was one of these people that, when he was young, sought alcohol as a way to loosen himself up when talking to girls and spending time in big groups because of social anxiety. These days, he has conquered that and developed ways to stymy any anxiety in his system. I went through a very transformative experience at the age 18 where I, too, found out ways to defeat my social anxiety. Now, I can rely on the virtue of my being when socializing. I don’t need to rely on anything else. I rely on the things I’ve done which contributes to the “coolness” socially that I’ve developed instead of any inebriant. I am confident in myself now, and I certainly believe that this step in the metamorphosis is the most defining experience I can think of–a real benchmark–when thinking of my growth into adulthood.
Encouraging, aiding, abetting, or excusing drinking at (I’m surprised this has not been brought up) what is most likely an illegal age for OP (what kind of college student would ask this question?) ultimately does OP a disservice.
Understood and agreed with most of what you said. Don’t drink to excess and don’t rely on drinking as a cutch for anxiety. I understand where you’re coming from, and I’ve seen kids go down the wrong path at my major state school.
OP, take the post above to heart in deciding whether or not you want to drink. It effectively outlines all of the “cons” you’d need to know. You should be able to have a good time without alcohol.
Addendum: Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t mind having a mint julep while sitting on my veranda in a wicker rocking chair, but the monetary expense (pennies become dollars, mind you) and gradual toll it takes on the body is something that I feel is not worth the small enjoyment.
I just started drinking a few months ago when I turned 21 and I drank a bit in Montréal over the summer when I was studying abroad, so I have a bit of insight.
Honestly, I find that alcohol does loosen you up, but it doesn’t make you a completely different person. I feel like a lot le people think they’ll magically become the life of the party or something when they drink, but alcohol really just takes away your inhibitions. I’m a fairly outgoing person when I’m sober and I’m super friendly and open when I’m under the influence of alcohol. I don’t become brave and start hitting on random guys at the bar because that’s just not the kind of person I am. I just feel confident enough to socialize and to share some laughs. But likewise, since I normally over think everything, I also dwell on things when I drink (even when I’m wasted I still worry about people and analyze the way people talk to me).
As far as advantages go, I don’t think you’re necessarily hindered if you don’t drink. I went 2 and a half years without drinking in college and I still had friends. And now that I do drink, I have the same friends and now can just do different things with them. It’s cool to be able to go grab a drink at a restaurant with some friends, but they won’t hate me if I decide to just have water.
And actually, I’ve had drinks with a couple of my professors/professionals and it was fine. I had my first alcoholic beverage ever with my professor in Montréal. She gave me some wine, I drank it a bit too fast and felt weird, and we laughed about it. No big deal. I’ve also had drinks with my boss and coworkers after work and it was a fun time to spend time together. But I’d never go hard and take 8 shots with them.
I totally agree that people can get out of hand, but it’s not always a bad thing if you can handle it. Know how much you can drink and what your limit is (preferably not in a situation where you’re pressured) and don’t drink for the sake of drinking. Have fun with the people around you and don’t think too much about it (if you try too hard to get buzzed or to get drunk, you won’t. I tried in Montréal but couldn’t loosen up enough, and when it was legal for me here and I started drinking, it just happened).
And ALWAYS have a DD who ISNT drinking when you’re out! Drinking and driving is just a big, fat NO. It’s NEVER worth it. Call and wake up your parents if you have to. It’s not worth the potential destruction.
What an odd question! Advantages? I don’t drink, but it sounds odd to me that people would drink to gain a certain advantage. Makes it sound like some kind of contest - like you’re trying to improve your prospects for a job or something.
Perhaps googling the effects of alcohol will help you understand why some people choose to consume it - I wouldn’t call the positive effects an advantage though. Also if there are any “advantages” to drinking, I would imagine college students drink to reap the same (or similar) advantages as any other type of person.
I had the same questions when I was admitted into my current college two semester ago. However, after meeting my friends, I had my first drink less than a month into the school year. Drinking for me is purely a social activity. I agree with many of the previous responses; drinking definitely loosens you up and opens you up more for conversation and small talk. I’m normally not very talkative and tend to keep to myself, but after a few shots or couple of beers, I’m much more willing to start conversations and maintain them. It’s so much easier to communicate with people when slightly intoxicated since your “filter” is a less restrictive and you’re not as afraid of messing up and or embarrassing yourself talking to someone new. Also, most people I’ve talked to who drink seem to feel more comfortable with others that they’ve drank with since they believe that when you’re drunk, you’re closer to who you truly are since your filter is down. Also, it’s an experience they’ve shared with someone else, and having shared experiences with someone makes them more likely to be more comfortable with you.
Basically, it’s advantageous in social situations as it helps connect you with more people, that is if you don’t go overboard with the amount you’re consuming. Drink responsibly and know your limits. It’s always nice having someone there you trust who has experience with it to supervise. If you’re smart about it, you’ll be fine.
I do want to point out that science indicates moderate drinking of red win can have health benefits, so it’s not always a negative.
Although, that mint can become a real monkey on your back…
@JustOneDad: The same benefits could be derived from plenty of other sources. Regular grapes come to mind, haha.
Not to mention healthy diet and exercise, but this thread is about drinking, which I’m pretty sure means drinking of alcohol.
Alcohol relaxes you, lowers your inhibitions, and can make food taste better and socializing easier and more enjoyable. However, it also impairs your judgement which can lead to drinking too much alcohol, resulting in all kinds of behaviors associated with poor judgement. I believe the part of the brain which controls our judgement is not fully formed until sometime in your mid to late twenties, which would explain why so much bad behavior occurs when college students (or any young person) drink too much. One thing alcohol does not do well is help you deal with stressful situations. It is more likely to make things worse than better.
Theres alot of companies where you are suposed to hang out with the boss and drink. So you should get used to that. You can meet business people at bars and get good jobs or info there. But one of my friends growing up just died from alcohol poison and my best friend’s father in law is dying from it. Be careful and live life to the fullest. It is short sometimes. If you drink don’t drive. The fine is about $5,000 (fines, lawyer, insurance) and a taxi is about $100. I wish I could say what I really want to but it is not right for here.
I can’t believe this is a serious thread. But I’m going with @JustOneDad on the better dancing answer…especially guys, considering they are dorky to begin with. 