Alcohol

[Aether★]

Well, sometimes everyday, sometimes every 2-3 days, it depends really.
It's nothing more than 2 beers though, there are people who don't even count beer as an alcohol haha :)

You sure like to ask lots of questions. Let's answer those bilion questions.


What is the legal age in your province / state / country that you can begin to consume alcohol?
18
→ Likewise, do you feel that this age bracket needs to be modified in any way?
No, I don't think so. For so many years it was as it is right now, why change it?
What are the social stigmas related to alcohol that you've personally observed?
Being blunt, funny, plain stupid and the worse scenario - violent and really unpleasant.
Do you know anyone in your family or circle of friends who drink, and if so, are they responsible?
Yeah, most of them know their limits and don't do stupid things.
Have you known anyone who has ever been charged with a DUI/DWI, and how did that make you feel?
No, I don't know anyone, not from my family or friends for sure.
→ Likewise, did this change your perception of alcohol or people who consume alcohol?
Nah.
When, where and with whom would be the safest place to partake in alcohol consumption, in your opinion?
Well, mostly I like to drink at my own house. I like to drink with family and friends. However most of my beers are consumed just after work in hotel (delegation woo!)
Do you feel that alcohol being legal to drink is a good idea, given the number of deaths and related sexual offences often blamed on its consumption?
This is not going to change anyway, so why bother?
What about alcohol-related laws would you change, and why?
I wouldn't change anything right now, not in my country at least. Things are a little bit different here than in US.

At what age, where and with whom was your first time consuming alcohol?
If we talk about small sips, then at least 9-10 would be a safe answer. I don't remember really.
What incidents, circumstances and situations influence your drinking?
Mostly fatigue, stress or really hot weather.
Would you classify yourself as an alcoholic, or have you ever been an alcoholic?
No and no.
Have you ever been convicted of a DIY/DWI, or have you ever driven while under the influence (incl. bicycling)?
Hell no.
What is the stupidest, funniest thing you've ever done under the influence?
How should I know? Ironically I always remember everything when I don't do anything at all, and I never remember when I did something stupid or funny.
Have you ever drank so excessively that it's actually afflicted your health short-term?
Hell no.
Has your alcohol consumption been consistent or has it curbed with age, education, etc?
No.
Have you ever had a hangover? And if so, what has been your worst hangover experience?
Throwing up water and stomach acid.
What is your favourite type of alcohol, and what brand do you most often consume?
Beer, Polish ones (Lech, Warka, Kasztelan, those are pretty good)
→ Likewise, which brands and types are horribly cruddy to you?
Those which taste really bitter to me.

I despise Vodka and Wine, although Beer gives one of the worst hangovers.

 

[Jake♫]

Answers in bold and stuffs

General Questions
What is the legal age in your province / state / country that you can begin to consume alcohol?
→ Likewise, do you feel that this age bracket needs to be modified in any way?

It's 21 in the US. I find that ridiculous, since apparently we're mature enough to volunteer to fight in the military at 18. Drop it back down please.

What are the social stigmas related to alcohol that you've personally observed?

Honestly there really aren't any that I've noticed, as drinking is pretty acceptable in the US.

Do you know anyone in your family or circle of friends who drink, and if so, are they responsible?

My family and friends drink, and we're all responsible about it.

Have you known anyone who has ever been charged with a DUI/DWI, and how did that make you feel?
→ Likewise, did this change your perception of alcohol or people who consume alcohol?
When, where and with whom would be the safest place to partake in alcohol consumption, in your opinion?

I don't know anyone that has had a DUI, as, like I said, my family and friends are responsible with alcohol. If I did know someone, my perception would certainly change. If you aren't smart enough to not drive after drinking, and put yourself and others in harm's way, then you shouldn't be drinking to begin with. As far as a safe place, and with whom, I think we should all be accountable for ourselves when drinking. There's not one safe place to do it, as long as you are conscious and not making bad decisions.

Do you feel that alcohol being legal to drink is a good idea, given the number of deaths and related sexual offences often blamed on its consumption?

Yup. I'll elaborate when I'm not late for work =P

What about alcohol-related laws would you change, and why?

Drop the drinking age please. That, and harsher punishments for DWI/DUIs. If you are incapable of making responsible choices, and you drink and drive, then your punishment should reflect the severity of what you're doing.

For People Who Drink

At what age, where and with whom was your first time consuming alcohol?

18, at a college party with friends.

What incidents, circumstances and situations influence your drinking?

I try not to let anything like this influence me. It should be about making decisions based upon how much I've drank, and how I feel. Being peer pressured into drinking is dumb.

Would you classify yourself as an alcoholic, or have you ever been an alcoholic?

Seeing as I drink every few weeks at most, gonna go with no.

Have you ever been convicted of a DIY/DWI, or have you ever driven while under the influence (incl. bicycling)?

Nope.

What is the stupidest, funniest thing you've ever done under the influence?

The weirdest incident I've had was after a party, I crashed on a friend's futon, wearing my clothes. When I woke up, my shirt was missing; wasn't on my body, or even in the room I stayed in. My friend walked into the quad a little while later with my shirt in hand, and wet, and asked how it got there. Good question my friend.

Have you ever drank so excessively that it's actually afflicted your health short-term?

Yes, I've been hungover.

Has your alcohol consumption been consistent or has it curbed with age, education, etc?

It's pretty consistent, I like going out or to a party every few weeks or so. I hold myself accountable, so if things change and break that trend then it isn't an issue or anything like that.

Have you ever had a hangover? And if so, what has been your worst hangover experience?

Yessir. After New Year's Eve I woke up, and opening my eyes hurt from the light. Drank wayyy too much, but we all stayed overnight at our friend's place and weren't going anywhere any time soon. Excadrin is magic, let's just say that.

What is your favourite type of alcohol, and what brand do you most often consume?
→ Likewise, which brands and types are horribly cruddy to you?

Rum, hands down. Captain and Coke is just delicious. And Black Cherry Rum mixed with Coke just tastes like Cherry Coke. Stouts are delicious too. Any vodka can go away though, so nasty.

 

[Bellsprout]

General Questions
What is the legal age in your province / state / country that you can begin to consume alcohol?
- 21
→ Likewise, do you feel that this age bracket needs to be modified in any way?
- Should be younger
What are the social stigmas related to alcohol that you've personally observed?
- None
Do you know anyone in your family or circle of friends who drink, and if so, are they responsible?
- Yes and I know both responsible and irresponsible drinkers
Have you known anyone who has ever been charged with a DUI/DWI, and how did that make you feel?
- I don't think I know anyone who has or they just didn't tell me lol.
When, where and with whom would be the safest place to partake in alcohol consumption, in your opinion?
- With people or at least one person you trust basically. When and where are obvious.
Do you feel that alcohol being legal to drink is a good idea, given the number of deaths and related sexual offences often blamed on its consumption?
- We already know what happens when it's illegal
What about alcohol-related laws would you change, and why?
- cannot think atm

For People Who Drink
At what age, where and with whom was your first time consuming alcohol?
- At a family party, and I think I was 17. Obviously I have had alcohol before that, but this was to actually get drunk.
What incidents, circumstances and situations influence your drinking?
- Growing up?
Would you classify yourself as an alcoholic, or have you ever been an alcoholic?
- Far from it. I usually pass up drinking for other unsobering activities
Have you ever been convicted of a DIY/DWI, or have you ever driven while under the influence (incl. bicycling)?
- Nope
What is the stupidest, funniest thing you've ever done under the influence?
- I was coming home drunk from a party (I was driven everyone) and I kept telling everyone how beautiful the road was. There were funnier things, but too much detail.
Have you ever drank so excessively that it's actually afflicted your health short-term?
- As in puking my brains out sure
Has your alcohol consumption been consistent or has it curbed with age, education, etc?
- consistent in the sense that I rarely drink
Have you ever had a hangover? And if so, what has been your worst hangover experience?
- Yes I mixed a lot of drinks one night and woke up starving, dehydrated, and in pain. So I made my friend get up at 6am and get breakfast with me lol.
What is your favourite type of alcohol, and what brand do you most often consume?
→ Likewise, which brands and types are horribly cruddy to you?
- I like Rum/whiskey. I don't like beer and vodka depends though it usually makes me want to gag because of a past experience.

 

[Legobricks]

What is the legal age in your province / state / country that you can begin to consume alcohol?
No comment, sorry.

→ Likewise, do you feel that this age bracket needs to be modified in any way?
I'm not sure it's really for the best that there be a legally-enforced limit at all, but I don't feel that any existing limit already below 21 ought to be modified, no.

What are the social stigmas related to alcohol that you've personally observed?
None.

Do you know anyone in your family or circle of friends who drink, and if so, are they responsible?
Yes. Yes.

Have you known anyone who has ever been charged with a DUI/DWI, and how did that make you feel?
No. Wouldn't make me feel anything; it's their business, not mine.

When, where and with whom would be the safest place to partake in alcohol consumption, in your opinion?
Daytime, in your own home, alone..? Well, I think I'm missing the spirit of your question.

Do you feel that alcohol being legal to drink is a good idea, given the number of deaths and related sexual offences often blamed on its consumption?
It being illegal has proven to be a worse idea, as with most things, I might venture to say. There are always factors in any society contributing to such misfortunes, and removing them all would likely displace one's culture entirely. Whether alcohol alone is so distinct of a problem as to warrant that it be outlawed specifically, I wouldn't know. I expect that, whether or not that is the case, outlawing it is quite likely to cause new problems and relatively unlikely to definitively solve any existing ones.

What about alcohol-related laws would you change, and why?
Nothing bothers me particularly.


For People Who Do Not Drink
What is the reason (or are the reasons) for not consuming alcohol (religious, personal, etc.)?
It tastes disgusting, and is far more expensive than things that taste better.

How does it feel when/if you're around people who are consuming alcohol?
I don't know why one would have any particular feelings about it.

What kind of societal pressures have you faced, if any (peer pressure, advertisements, etc.)?
None. Everyone says I'm a good person when I tell them I don't drink.

Has your dedication to the non-consumption of alcohol caused you to be excluded from certain events, gatherings, etc?
Dedication? Oh, no, I'm not abstinent. In any case though, no; events and gatherings aren't my kind of thing to begin with.

Have you ever merely tasted alcohol and made the decision never to do so again?
No. There are a lot of different drinks and I'm open-minded enough to understand that I might take a liking to at least one of them.

 

[Dream Operator]

• At what age, where and with whom was your first time consuming alcohol?
  
  I was 14 with my friends in my friend's living room.
• What incidents, circumstances and situations influence your drinking?
  
  I can drink alone and I can drink with friends.
• Would you classify yourself as an alcoholic, or have you ever been an alcoholic?
  
  No.
• Have you ever been convicted of a DIY/DWI, or have you ever driven while under the influence (incl. bicycling)?
  
  No.
• What is the stupidest, funniest thing you've ever done under the influence?
  
  Nothing that funny or stupid. Mostly just texting people.
• Have you ever drank so excessively that it's actually afflicted your health short-term?
  
  Not really. I had a hangover at my sister's dance recital a few months ago.
• Has your alcohol consumption been consistent or has it curbed with age, education, etc?
  
  No.
• Have you ever had a hangover? And if so, what has been your worst hangover experience?
  
  Yes. Back to the dance recital experience.
• What is your favourite type of alcohol, and what brand do you most often consume?
  
  I like pretty much everything, but I probably prefer vodka since it can be easily mixed.
• → Likewise, which brands and types are horribly cruddy to you?
  
  Nothing, really.

 

[Imperator161]

General Questions
What is the legal age in your province / state / country that you can begin to consume alcohol? --21 years old

→ Likewise, do you feel that this age bracket needs to be modified in any way? -- I think the legal drinking age should be 18, as that's the legal age for most other things. As others have pointed out, if you can join the military and die for your country, you should legally be permitted to drink alcohol.

What are the social stigmas related to alcohol that you've personally observed? --I guess a lack of responsibility at times. There's a lot of stigma associated with alcoholism, or with drinking and driving, but I haven't noticed much associated with moderate drinking. I would say that, if anything, there is more stigma associated with not drinking (e.g., non-drinkers are too straight-laced, boring, can't have fun, etc.--I don't really agree with a lot of those interpretations, but I've heard them from others).

Do you know anyone in your family or circle of friends who drink, and if so, are they responsible? --Yes, all of my family and about half of my friends. I would say that most people I know drink responsibly, though I do have a few friends who I believe drink too much.

Have you known anyone who has ever been charged with a DUI/DWI, and how did that make you feel? --Not personally. I've read about instances of DUI/DWI, and watched videos about it in Driver's Ed, though.

→ Likewise, did this change your perception of alcohol or people who consume alcohol? --I really frown upon drinking and driving. If you want to endanger your own life, I don't care that much, but don't do anything that could harm someone else. I've also noticed that drinking and driving incidents have turned some people very against alcohol, to the point where they view drinking as an extremes-only activity (i.e., you either abstain totally, or you binge drink and then go kill someone with your car), which seems fairly ridiculous.

When, where and with whom would be the safest place to partake in alcohol consumption, in your opinion? --In a setting where you're around trusted, close friends or family with no reason to go near a vehicle or do anything else stupid while intoxicated. It also helps if someone in the group is sober to respond if the situation gets out of hand.

Do you feel that alcohol being legal to drink is a good idea, given the number of deaths and related sexual offences often blamed on its consumption? --Yes. Most people can consume alcohol responsibly without problems, and their freedom to do so should not be limited by the inability of a few people to do so properly. It seems to me that people who kill, rape, etc., when under the influence of alcohol may have a predisposition to do so anyway (they're just normally more inhibited). Not everyone turns into monster upon having a beer, and the people who want to drink will find ways to anyway, so it might as well be legal.

What about alcohol-related laws would you change, and why? --Earlier drinking age, as explained above.

For People Who Drink
At what age, where and with whom was your first time consuming alcohol? --Aside from a sip of wine here and there with my family, I didn't drink until my 21st birthday. I was with my family, and had one drink.

What incidents, circumstances and situations influence your drinking? --I'm more likely to do it in social situations if others are drinking, and I won't drink if I still need to be productive that day.

Would you classify yourself as an alcoholic, or have you ever been an alcoholic? --No

Have you ever been convicted of a DIY/DWI, or have you ever driven while under the influence (incl. bicycling)? --No

What is the stupidest, funniest thing you've ever done under the influence? --I haven't really done anything that funny, but I've only had enough alcohol to feel somewhat "drunk" once, so that may be part of it.

Have you ever drank so excessively that it's actually afflicted your health short-term? --Not really. I guess I've been hungover once, if that counts.

Has your alcohol consumption been consistent or has it curbed with age, education, etc? --No. It's increased with age, education etc. I didn't used to drink at all. I've started drinking in moderation more recently.

Have you ever had a hangover? And if so, what has been your worst hangover experience? --Once, so that would be my worst hangover experience. From what I could figure out from reading up on hangovers, it didn't seem like it was that bad, but I felt pretty lousy for most of the next day.

What is your favourite type of alcohol, and what brand do you most often consume? --Don't really have a favorite. I mainly drink beer and margaritas.

→ Likewise, which brands and types are horribly cruddy to you? --Don't have particularly strong preferences.

 

[Rogue planet]

I like to have a drink or two almost every day since I was about 15. I don't see a problem with it. I'm enjoying myself and harming nobody and I know exactly what I'm doing. There's the health part, but hey with fast food, pollution and politics I'm pretty much ♥♥♥♥ed anyway.

I don't like the idea some people have that it affects your attitude, turns you angry. Not once have I seen a nice person turn bad after booze. It just makes ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥s more arrogant and more likely to flaunt their bad attitude, it doesn't transform you...

have you ever driven while under the influence (incl. bicycling)?

I love drunk cycling

 

[Belldandy]

I don't like the idea some people have that it affects your attitude, turns you angry. Not once have I seen a nice person turn bad after booze. It just makes ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥s more arrogant and more likely to flaunt their bad attitude, it doesn't transform you

When I get drunk, I get really, really happy and silly and giggly / bubbly.

but I was at Oktoberfest in Kitchener, ON and a guy was super drunk, asked me to hold his hamburger, tried to put condiments on my sausage and ended up knocking his own hamburger on the floor. He looked at my sweetpea and I like he was going to throw a fit and get physical lol we had to tell him that the guy behind the counter would replace it (probably wouldn't, but escape method) before sneaking away.

I think it's more that when you're drunk, your judgment is impaired, so something that would normally be simply upsetting becomes a huge ♥♥♥♥♥fit issue for certain individuals. Other people might see things they normally don't like and due to impairment find it funny. It all depends on who it is.

 

[Pendraflare]

What is the reason (or are the reasons) for not consuming alcohol (religious, personal, etc.)?
Most of the reason for not having alcohol has to do with that I just don't like the taste of most alcohol drinks.

How does it feel when/if you're around people who are consuming alcohol?
Usually those just consist of my parents when we're at restaurants, sometimes suite mates at college. I just don't pay it any mind myself and stick with other drinks.

What kind of societal pressures have you faced, if any (peer pressure, advertisements, etc.)?
None really. But I know that there are bad things that come out of it.

Has your dedication to the non-consumption of alcohol caused you to be excluded from certain events, gatherings, etc?
Nope.

Have you ever merely tasted alcohol and made the decision never to do so again?
No, again it's not that I don't want to get drunk so much as it is I don't like the taste. There are some i've tried slightly but they don't do it for me either.

And, if you've never even tasted alcohol, have you been enticed to do so just for the experience?
N/A