Interesting thread that just caught my eye. About 10 years ago, I quit drinking any alcohol because two of my kids were having problems their behaviors when drinking. After several discussions with them regarding social repercussions of quitting alcohol, I did it. Mainly, to show them that it’s not a big deal thing to some people, namely me, even though I do like a glass of wine with a meal, a sip of beer with certain foods and champagne toasts.
And I kept I up for about 8 years. I can tell you that there are social pressures and, if you enjoy drinks in certain settings, as I did, yes, you will likely miss it. I did, and I was a very low volume drinker with two glasses my max that I indulged in having maybe a handful of times during a year, with about a glass of wine average a week if added altogether. For those used to greater volume who enjoy the buzz, the relaxation, the sleep that alcohol can give as well as social inclusion and culinary pairings or just the taste of some of the drinks, it can be a deprivation of sorts. And I’m not even getting into the area of those addicted to alcohol. There can be intense social pressures to drink.
Both my guys have quit drinking altogether and I resumed drinking after they told me to go on ahead. They felt that what I missed from a glass of wine at meals and get togethers was nothing like what their attraction to drinking was. Once they got on their wagons, they have stayed. It was no longer a contest or “I’ll show you”