You are right about binge culture. I’m 40 and I have a kid. I find it’s even stronger in the middle classes.
Now with a fam the idea of going on a coke and alcohol bender is laughable with all the projects and work I’ve got. I’ve got friends, couples, who still get on it.
main reason I’m in a better place is I deliberately have always chosen women who were drink and drug free. I was ab absolute animal for booze and drugs and having a total ban on it is very good for me.
I get drunk about 5 times a year and only do Charlie if I’m offered….back in the dark days it was all weekend, then a week of depression, then all weekend againZ
It is NO LIFE at all.
To return to OP point.
someone said beer can’t get them there - and I agree. I can drink it indefinitely.
what I do now is always drink 3-4% beer. You never even approach tipsy. So you can have a beer and not seem a choirboy but not actually drink.
however, I am a firm believer in allowing yourself a drink:
- new workmates or friends. Get them smashed, you can’t trust anyone you haven’t been drunk with!
- Christmas and birthday
- Special events - sporting, an amazing restaurant.
The odd piss up I find the day after, yes it’s a hangover but it clears out a lot of my muddled thoughts. Can’t explain other way, it’s like a little holiday from existence and you return with vigour to get back on track.
this only happens if you don’t make a tit out of yourself and you drink water before bed with no kebab. Water is key, 2 pints before bed makes all the difference.
a salty meal when drunk and straight to bed - you’re gonna have a bad time