I don’t know how many people watch Eastenders. This week Billy Jackson died. The cause of death has not yet been fully determined but the common belief among the square is that he died of alcohol poisoning.
Many people including myself have often drunk until they have passed out (I am not saying this because I am proud) simply to be honest. But have any of us ever woken up and worried that you wouldn’t? I know I haven’t. The thought that drinking may lead to an early death is not a welcome thought. None of us want to believe that a fun night out could end with such a result.
Over the years I’ve watched friends (and they’ve watched me) throw up, black out, forget complete nights and do things that we regret the morning after. I even saw one girl run over because she was drunk and forgot to look for traffic all because of our love affair with alcohol (she’s alive don’t worry.)
I also looked up, which I am ashamed to say I didn’t know, information about alcohol units. Women are advised to have no more than 14 units per week and men 21. So how many units does that vodka and mixer you drink in the club have in it, or that bottle of wine you drink with your friends?
http://lothianhealthandlife.scot.nhs.uk/lhls2002/images/report3/
I small wine is one unit. An entire bottle (which is surprisingly easy to get through) is 9 units. How many of us can say that we do not go over the advised units. I know I can’t and to be honest I doubt even my mum and dad can.
Although this blog may seem like I am against drinking, let me tell you, I am not. I enjoy nights out with friends and have experienced many (if not all) of the unpleasant symptoms above. Most importantly I doubt I will ever completely give up alcohol.
It’s more a fascination. So many people can tell us that drinking is wrong, that drinking is dangerous and that we will become the generation most associated with cirrhosis of the liver. So my question is why? Why do we put ourselves through tragic hangovers, moral regrets and do ourselves bodily damage?
Why do I?
I enjoy the confidence that drinking gives me. I am a pretty outgoing person anyway and I don’t NEED alcohol to make me confident but there is something in holding that glass of wine that makes me stand taller, talk to someone I might not normally. I suppose overall it’s all to do with being social. I drink so I can talk to people, dance like an idiot and not care and maybe even to do things that I will regret. Could I do all these things without alcohol, yes, and I have previously. I suppose that’s how I know I will never have a problem with alcohol.
So what keeps you popping open that bottle of wine, or downing that beer?
Ok, based on 9 units in a bottle, on average its a shameful 24 unit week for me (and much, much more if i am ever lucky enough to get a babysitter)... That's nearly double the recommended weekly dose. Why? Mostly because i'm knackered and its the easiest way to get through bath time with a smile. My children are great but they wake at 7am and talk and need things continually until i get them into bed at 7.30pm. By 6pm i need a bit of help staying cheerful so the bottle of wine is corked and mummy has a new lease of life within 5 minutes. A rubbish excuse, especially as i am reliably informed that it could well kill me, in which case i won't even be around for bath time in a few years...
ReplyDeleteLets face it though, if you drink too much water it can kill you... Maybe we are all a bit sick of the Government recommending that we do or do not do stuff... 5-a-day, no smoking, 1/2 hour exercise a day, 3 portions of grain (??!), 14 units a week, blah blah blah - how on earth can a normal person keep that up? I don't want to become one of those people that is so pre-occupied with gluten-free, blood group compatible, locally produced, organic, caffine free food stuffs that, quite frankly, i end up becoming the dullest person in the room who never gets invited out to dinner because i'm too much of a pain in the arse for people to want to hang out with me.
Maybe, the lack of regard for the Government guidelines is a tiny rebellion against the endless recommendations our ancestors were not subjected to, most of whom died at a ripe old age having not been subjected to a lifetime of guilt for not quite managing all of the daily requirements placed upon us by whichever shower of wankers is making devastating decisions about our country at any given point in time.
I suppose its two fold. I like it and it helps me face the minor adversities in my life with a cheerful smile. Importantly, I don't really believe its going to kill me. If people are bombarded with scare tactics about everything they should or shouldn't do, they switch off. Personally, I am overwhelmed by all of the stuff i'm meant to do - i can't eat, drink and exercise the way i am told to do by the Government, i'm too busy doing the rest of the stuff they keep making us do. So...
I give up - best pour myself a quick glass to try and feel better about it... ;-)
I once drunk 40 units, and I'm still here...
ReplyDeleteThere's always an exception that proves the rule. 40 units in one go would be alcohol poisoning- and most likely to end you up dead or in A&E. The only possibility is that it was drunk over a longer period, so it ws metabolised (or peed out) over time. Don't try this at home....
ReplyDelete