Desi Today Magazine
By Amrita Lit
Do you remember when and where you had your first drink? How about your last? Probably a few days ago or maybe even hours. It seems like alcohol consumption is now a integral part of many peoples regular lives. Going to a party? Well be sure to drink whilst getting ready, being transported to, during, and most likely after (if you end up having just enough that you don’t want the night to end when it does). I noticed amongst many of my peers that their social self was synonymous with their drunk self. It was like there was no possible way they could have a good time and be sociable without having a drink or two – or three.
But just because something is in the ‘majority does it’ column where you live doesn’t mean it’s that way EVERYWHERE. So whys it so hard to go against the grain and be different?
The point at which I even think this becomes a relevant issue is when someone can’t go a week without it. Or they can’t be in certain scenarios without it. It’s like their personality gets left at the door until they’ve had a few.
We learn in school about the various negative biological, social, and interpersonal effects of alcohol. However, usually it is outlined that there is only a real problem when one abuses the substance and has issues with limit control and determining appropriate times and places for consuming alcohol. But, it seems like it’s becoming more and more acceptable for alcohol to become a part of ones weekly and sometimes daily life.
I really think this is the perfect example of the contradictory way people live their lives today. I have never understood how one can be a supposed “health freak” in every other aspect of his or her life but make the conscience decision to consume alcohol one or two out of every seven days.
It doesn’t make sense to place your organs under repeated stress each and every week for years on end – and yet consider yourself someone who takes care of their body.
Look back to what got you drinking – was it to unwind? Was it to have fun? Because everyone else around you did? The curiosity? The taste? And now you just NEED it in certain situations. How well do you handle socializing without it? Or even just having dinner at home without it? Have you ever stopped to question your drinking habits – have you ever considered that perhaps you are a casual alcoholic?
There’s a whole new place in society for those of us who just can’t seem to get by without turning to alcohol. Regardless of what sent you there in the first place it seems like there must be some interpersonal or societal concept which requires repair if we as a cultural group are constantly turning to an external substance to feel better.
At what point did it become admirable to prove that you can “out drink” the next person. Why have we allowed marketing companies to convince us that drinking wine out of a tall stem glass is some how a sign of sophistication? Women now have it engrained in their minds that wine is their secret weapon and deserved treat for dealing with the ongoings of a typical female life. At what point do you admit the alcohol is now consuming you? What does it take for things to “get real.” Your significant other leaves you, your parents threaten to kick you out just one too many times, or maybe when you realize hey you’re too old to be behaving like this and your teetering into dangerous dead beat territory. Maybe it doesn’t even need to come to this maybe it’s the simple realization that alcohol is a part of your life more days in a month than not. Whatever it is – it’s time to wake up and smell the tequila.
Maybe it’s time to put down those glasses and pick up a habit or two which actually improve your life and relationships in some way or another. Help yourself to better yourself by changing what isn’t adding to your life. Give yourself the power back to just be you – substance free, and be okay with that. Maybe once we can all accept ourselves as is we will become a lot better at accepting one another as well.
