How many of y’all can still drink?

[-]

MommaGuy@reddit

Can’t do red wine anymore, gives me a headache. Hangovers last like two days now. I have two drinks on Friday night and that’s it. I did splurge at my son’s wedding and had three.

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No_Bluejay4066@reddit

I quit drinking because of exactly this.

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nemmalur@reddit

I’m even older and I have maybe one drink a week. I get a craving for a beer and some chips at night. Have them around 10-11 pm. Feel gross in the morning. I’ll never learn.

[-]

MariChloe@reddit

I quit in February 2020. I can’t believe I stayed sober through covid. I did it, I’m still sober. It’s not hard when alcohol gives you hot flashes 🤩

[-]

Caliopebookworm@reddit

I have 1 - 2 drinks around twice a year. It just makes me tired now.

[-]

52M and I can still drink. But I exclusively just drink light beer and I rarely have more than 1 or 2 when I do. I haven’t been drunk since my 20s. I pretty much have 1 single 12 oz can of Budlight 5 days a week and it has no impact on me.

[-]

redjessa@reddit

Yeah, I can't drink anymore. It's rare now. I just feel like low-grade shit the next day, even if it's just a couple of drinks. Now, my mom on the other hand... at 72, she can put away the prosecco. I was shocked when we went on vacation, and she's fine the next day. She never was a big drinker. Crazy.

[-]

MountainAlive@reddit

Same. Almost 50 M and after more than one or two drinks and I feel like I am literally dying the next couple days. Fatigue, aches, brain fog, dizziness. Had many Dr appts to troubleshoot but nothing turns up. I notice it happens primarily post drinking. So I’ve cut way back.

[-]

Megnstarr@reddit

It's so reassuring to hear other people having the same issue as me. I've been trying to explain it to peers (probably mostly younger) and no one seems to have the same experience. Very validating. Thanks Reddit

[-]

OddPaleontologist663@reddit

I've been sober now for about 55-60 days. Not in a row or anything, just total.

[-]

mrtoad47@reddit

Thank you. I saw this post and was aw fuck, here comes everyone with their streaks. Man I try. I wanna drink less but I don’t wanna drink none. Every day this world makes it all harder.

[-]

MareOfDalmatia@reddit

I used to be an alcoholic. I drank only to get drunk, every time. I tried countless times to stop, never could. Now I’m not a doctor, I’m just telling you my story. I started taking gabapentin for restless leg syndrome, and I discovered it took away my desire to get drunk. I haven’t gotten drunk in about ten years; before that, I got drunk most days per week. Now, I have one to two drinks maybe once a month. I call it my miracle drug, as it also helps me with anxiety and depression. But the complete reversal on my drinking is what astounds me. I know it might not work for everyone, but ask your doctor about it.

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DicksOfPompeii@reddit

I almost laughed reading this because I’ve said numerous times that gabapentin makes me feel drunk. Like…can’t walk in a straight line, no filter, feel like I’m hungover the next day. It’s the only thing that even comes close to helping with my shoulder pain though so it’s a double edged sword.

[-]

MountainAlive@reddit

Recently read gabapentin can lead to dementia so might wanna check on alternative pain meds

[-]

amatchmadeinregex@reddit

For me it was naltrexone. I was in and out of AA, Refuge Recovery, all the 12-step stuff for years, couldn't make it stick. At one point I was quietly convinced I was going to drink myself to death by 50.

Heard about the Sinclair Method and got a prescription for naltrexone. By a month I wasn't white-knuckling the day; by six months I was a social drinker; by nine months I really didn't like alcohol anymore.

These days I carry the medicine in a keychain pill case at all times just in case I ever drink, but I almost never want to. A few times a year I'll have a single glass of champagne for a wedding toast, or a cocktail on vacation, etc. If I have more than just a little bit I just don't like the way the buzz feels anymore. My head feels....'thick', I feel unsteady and honestly I'd just rather have a Coke Zero anyway. 😄

[-]

SnakeOiler@reddit

this! for me. naltrexone was an immediate off switch. first day tried a drink with the pill and wasn't even interested at all. went from half a fifth to 0 and now can have a drink now and then and that's it. don't even need the nap anymore

[-]

SeaSink1206@reddit

Naltrexone changed my craving 4 alcohol when nothing else did, too!!!!

[-]

hasanicecrunch@reddit

I took Naltrexone to help with drinking too much and it didn’t, but it completely cured me of smoking cigs. So there’s that. I used to be a daily smoker and now I don’t even think about it or want one at all, I stopped taking it after almost 2 years and the craving hasn’t come back. Maybe I should try gabapentin for the alch.

[-]

mrtoad47@reddit

Yeah I actually do Sinclair and NAL. It has helped somewhat. It’s been weirdly selective in which varieties of booze I’ve stopped liking and which ones I still power right through it on.

[-]

Stormylynn724@reddit

Man, I must be missing something…. I take the shit out of gabapentin every day three or four times a day for this horrible restless, leg problem. I’ve gotten some numb and tingly things going on in my feet and legs but other than it helping with that condition, it doesn’t seem to do much for me in any other way. Not that I’ve discovered anyway.

[-]

Melissaschwart@reddit

Are you diabetic? That sounds like neuropathy

[-]

Stormylynn724@reddit

Thank you for asking ! I have definitely been checked for diabetes and I get my blood work done often and check my sugar and all that jazz and they tell me that I don’t have diabetes but honestly, I have so many symptoms. It’s crazy.

The pins and needles in my legs and feet and toes is so bad and getting so much worse that it’s been hard for any of my doctors to get a clear diagnosis

However, with that said I just had an MRI so that they can match it up to my last one that I had five years ago regarding some severe back pain that I’m dealing with (and have had for many many years)

regarding the MRI: lots of big medical words in there that are too hard for me to read, but I did Google search some of them and it shows bulging discs and a herniation and degenerative spine…….and just a bunch of other crap that’s too much medical words for me to dissect ….

I actually have a doctor appointment on the 14th so somebody can read this crap to me and tell me what’s really going on with my back but it does appear that I’ve got some pinched nerves that could be possibly be causing this problem.

But you’re right, it’s some kind of neuropathy. I just don’t know what kind yet. And if they ever diagnosed me with diabetes, I would not be surprised at all. at one point, they told me I was borderline and now they tell me my numbers are good so color me a knucklehead, but I have no idea.

The pins and needles in my feet and toes is absolutely horrible to deal with and it’s 10 times worse than just restless legs 😳

Of course, right now the answer to everything is just medication. You know pain medication for my back and gabapentin for the restless legs and I think it’s all a big fat crapshoot at this point.

[-]

Melissaschwart@reddit

You could be insulin resistant meaning that your pre diabetic do you have any other health illnesses? A lot of people are finding out they have it. Which causes neuropathy I just found out two months ago that I had it. 93% of all Americans are insulin resistant I changed my eating trying to fix it not to scare you but did you know that gabapentin causes dementia and cognitive decline I just read the study that was done I'm down to taking one a day I'm weighing myself off it

[-]

Stormylynn724@reddit

I don’t recall that I’ve ever heard of insulin resistant, but that is something I’m gonna have to look into And yes, I knew about the gabapentin or at least I just read something about it and I’m gonna have to start weaning myself off of that because I don’t need to get that. I got a new grandbaby on the way and I want to be present for all of the good stuff.

And as far as health goes, I do have a thyroid problem and high blood pressure so yay for me. I acquired these lovely things as I slid into my 60s Was never on meds for anything and then I got in my 60s and all of a sudden I blew a thyroid and my blood pressure went sky high Getting old ain’t for sissies 😳

[-]

Melissaschwart@reddit

High blood pressure is one of the symptoms of insulin resistance

[-]

Stormylynn724@reddit

No way!! I did not know that!! 😳

[-]

Melissaschwart@reddit

Also did you see the study were they found out that gabapentin causes dementia and cognitive decline? I’m on gabapentin as well I’m down to taking one a day.im trying to weign myself off them

[-]

DiscoViolet@reddit

How much gabapentin was causing dementia in that study? Or can you link it or give me the title of the study please?

[-]

Melissaschwart@reddit

Just google it I read it on Facebook

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Stormylynn724@reddit

I have actually heard about the dementia thing and cognitive decline and that is something I’m looking into now because I am taking quite a bit of gabapentin and so far at 65 years old I still have all my faculties about me, but I certainly don’t wanna lose them 😳 God, the restless leg thing is so bad. I don’t even know what I would do without this medication, but if it’s gonna cost me to lose my mind, maybe I better just live with restless legs. 😫

[-]

Eastern-Squirrel744@reddit

I also take gabapentin and I like the occasional drink but it just makes me fall asleep now. I used to drink nearly every night and my tolerance was high. I took semaglutide for a while and it took away my craving and taste for alcohol. I don’t care for it much. I was actually kind of irritated by that!

[-]

sakawae@reddit

I hear the GLP-1 drugs do this for some people too.

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lusciousskies@reddit

That's fantastic!! And I didn't know gab would help with depression and anxiety

[-]

melodic-abalone-69@reddit

This has been an incredible and welcome side effect of semaglutide. I no longer crave any kind of alcohol. And if I happen to open a beer with friends or wine with dinner, I don't want a second. Hell, I sometimes don't even finish the first. And I'm ok with that!

[-]

Excusemytootie@reddit

It’s the Gaba. It works on the gaba (neurotransmitter) just like alcohol does.

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This_Tangerine_943@reddit

Go ahead and drink. You die eventually either way.

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mrtoad47@reddit

I get that. I don't have a desire to give up great drinks, great food, lazy days. No desire to get to perfect fitness or follow some ascetic lifestyle. But I feel better when I do practice better habits so I do try to develop better habits.

[-]

reddog323@reddit

Eh, try less. Pick days during the week when you don’t drink. It’s a start.

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mrtoad47@reddit

Oh totally. Trying to get to 4 non-drinking days per week rather than the 3 and sometimes 2. And then to drink less when I do. NAL has helped on that (following Sinclair I only take it on drinking days) but I need to up my practice of things like starting slow, alternating non-booze, being more mindful, etc., as I find I can power right through the NAL. It's like I get the sensation of not enjoying it, but habits push past that stage.

Exercise is huge for me. I've never been a morning workout person, so I do it after work. If I do the workout, I'm less likely to want a drink. But if I work late and skip the workout, my willpower is diminished, so I drink. And then the next day I'll feel like shit, not want to workout. And usually want some greasy food. So it all compounds in either a good way or a bad way.

[-]

Shoehorse13@reddit

Have you tried the mindful drinking approach? I've been using an app to track every drink for the past couple of years and that has cut my drinking by about half.

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Girl-From-The-Wood@reddit

What is the name of the a you use?

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mrtoad47@reddit

I use Drink Control. Does what it needs to do. Easy to use. I export the data to excel every year to track ongoing trends.

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Girl-From-The-Wood@reddit

Thank you!

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Shoehorse13@reddit

I use Sunnyside and while it isn’t perfect I like it well enough to recommend it.

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mrtoad47@reddit

I just signed up for Sunnyside--apparently I'd done a trial before. See if the tips and stuff help.

I'd still recommend Drink Control. Low one-time cost and what it does well is the calculations. You put in what you're drinking (nice to see those trends), the proof (very helpful for diff ABV beers) and the amount (you can put ounces, or 1.5 oz, bottle, half bot, etc) and it calculates the total alcohol units for you. And it can support fractions of a unit. Unless I'm missing something Sunnyside doesn't do the calculations for you.

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Girl-From-The-Wood@reddit

Thank you!

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Shoehorse13@reddit

My pleasure! Hope it helps you as it has helped me.

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mrtoad47@reddit

Been tracking for about 10 years. Done dry Jan and other months from time to time, done NAL/Sinclair, done formal mindfulness programs — alcohol based and otherwise. It all helps. Makes the trend go in the right direction, with ebbs and flows. I still need it to go down a lot more.

But I also have to eat better more consistently, exercise more consistently (I do bursts), and clean the fucking garage.

[-]

Shoehorse13@reddit

Yeah I hear ya. Even with my drinking half what it was (which was half again what it was in my 20s) it is still enough to get.a talk from the doc on my annual checkup (labs are fine, so far). Two other things that have helped me are a crew of guys that I ride mountain bikes with most days, and a Garmin watch that tracks my metrics which go to absolute shit if I have more than a drink or maybe two.

Keep fighting the fight.

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lusciousskies@reddit

Well, recognizing that is better than denial. It's a start!! Baby steps. Reward yourself for cutting down to even one drink/day. And yes, Sir, you deserve good things 🧡💪🏼

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Blu5NYC@reddit

For your entire adult life?

I'm not sure if I should feel sad, worried, impressed, blasé, or judgemental? All of them (except judgement) seem to be cycling through me as I consider this feat and it's implications.

[-]

fendaar@reddit

I had 15 years of sobriety. The first 15.

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scaba23@reddit

I read an interview with Joe Walsh probably about 20 years ago where he said he only got drunk once. For thirty years

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Essembie@reddit

I used to drink very heavily. I still do, but I used to as well.

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szatrob@reddit

https://i.redd.it/eu9qi8ih5gif1.gif

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Drunken_Sailor_70@reddit

My doctor told me I shouldn't drink anymore. He didn't say I had to drink any less.

[-]

Essembie@reddit

My doctor said I had to stop masturbating.

"WHY?!?!" I said

"because I'm trying to examine you"

[-]

Spiritual-Cow4200@reddit

This is one of my favorite jokes of all time.

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sjbluebirds@reddit

Mitch Hedberg reference in the wild. Love it.

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Mostly_Maui_Wowie@reddit

That wasn’t Mitch Hedberg.

[-]

tilt-a-whirly-gig@reddit

But it was a Mitch Hedberg reference ...

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Mostly_Maui_Wowie@reddit

Sort of. He didn’t get it right.

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Itchy_Restaurant_707@reddit

Yea, but he was "referencing" it.. the guy never said it was a quote... jeeze reddit can be so obtuse sometimes..

[-]

Essembie@reddit

Can I confess that I had to google Mitch Hedberg?

[-]

RepairBudget@reddit

You're one of today's lucky 10,000!

[-]

DooficusIdjit@reddit

No worries. You get to catch up. He was one of the greats.

[-]

randomname5478@reddit

Don’t worry everyone learn about Mitch eventually. Did you find the sandwich bit yet?

[-]

liketheweathr@reddit

He made a joke using a format associated with a well-known Mitch Herbert joke. We call that a “reference” because it refers back to the original joke without directly quoting it.

[-]

dwts16@reddit

Dude....you've gotta give us time to guess.

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Beginning-Spend-3547@reddit

Hahahh

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Mostly_Maui_Wowie@reddit

That’s not how it goes. Damn man. You had one job.

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UselessOldFart@reddit

Dad?

🤣🤣🤣

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squirtloaf@reddit

AA really should give chips for aggregate days.

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Disastrous-Group3390@reddit

The Mexican restaurants give you chips. And beer! And margaritas!

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gravysnakes@reddit

Yeah. Those aggregate days are all multiplied by zero because they don't count.

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jabantik@reddit

I don’t drink anymore. But I don’t drink any less

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reachers_toothbrush@reddit

I don't have a drinking problem. I have problems and that's why I drink.

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_Go_With_Gusto_@reddit

I was gonna quit drinking but then decided I've never been a quitter before so I shouldn't start now

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Duude_Hella@reddit

Quitters never win and winners never quit

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dadof3inFL@reddit

Rehab is for quitters. I’m no quitter!

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cranberries87@reddit

OMG I thought my uncle made that up himself. 😂

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dadof3inFL@reddit

I quit drinking every night.

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Listen-Lindas@reddit

I just stick to one, it works every time. Just the last one and never more.

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wmartindale@reddit

Mark Twain once read that drinking was bad for him. So he gave up reading.

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OddPaleontologist663@reddit

That's simply fantastic

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Mandor75@reddit

Thanks for the lolz

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ExtensionTurnip5395@reddit

🤣🤣🤣 Oh man, I gotta remember this one!!

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CanadianCutie77@reddit

Keep going, you got this! ❤️

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MaleficentMousse7473@reddit

LOL

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3_dots@reddit

Haha, I was like hey man good fo..... Oh.

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Training_Respect@reddit

Not gonna lie....ya got me there

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ShelbyDriver@reddit

Right?! Daddy didn't raise no quitters!

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BrinkinDourbon@reddit

Haha!

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Dry_Ad687@reddit

Very rarely, maybe 2-3 times a year. Always Irish whiskey.

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Tiny-Street8765@reddit

Drink what? Green Tea? Lol. I'm 58 and probably haven't had any alcohol since 2013. No specific reason, only that it takes too long to recover .

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kblv-forred@reddit

Not me. 56 and I haven't had a drink in over a year because it makes me feel so crappy. I'm so glad you mentioned the heart palpitations - I think that's almost the worst part.

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stonemadcaptain@reddit

I drink way more than I should. It depresses me sometimes 😞

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Finnssmile@reddit

I’m the opposite. I drank since I was 15. Drank a whole lot after my kids went to bed, to the point where I knew I should get help Then 4 years ago, suddenly lost my taste for it completely.

We went wine tasting in Napa and I just poured mine into my husband’s glass. Tasted like vinegar. 🤷🏼‍♀️

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SeparateFly2361@reddit

What happened 4 years ago? Did you become an empty nester?

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Finnssmile@reddit

No, that was about 6 years ago.

4 years ago we went to Puerto Rico with some friends and had a crazy week. On the last dat, I looked in the mirror snd thought “Wow, I physically look like shit.” And I snapped a shot of myself.

I told my husband I was going to stop drinking and he ignored me, heard it all before. But I didn’t drink for 270 days. Every time I wanted to, I looked at that pic.

When I finally did, it wasn’t the same. And overtime, it just started tasting bad.

I’ll have a glass of prosecco at a wedding toast or an espresso martini that my husband will drink half of. But I just lost interest.Idk why.

Oh I lurked on the stop drinking site. That place is fabulous.

[-]

SeparateFly2361@reddit

This might happen to me; I quit smoking without even trying to; I just don’t think I get physically addicted to things. But with alcohol, I like the taste but it’s more the instant relaxation and sense of well being. I’d probably still drink even if I thought it tasted bad

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TrainXing@reddit

Perhaps because booze is a depressant...

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Fred_Krueger_Jr@reddit

I'm in the same boat. I don't get drunk, but i consistently have a few every night which is depressing.

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5aggregates@reddit

It's not generally acceptable to say drinking improves the quality of life. But for me the second drink is the best part of most days. Unfortunately it always wants a second drink too so it's challenging to control the urge.

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InitiativeImaginary1@reddit

"one is too many and a thousand is never enough"

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RusticBucket2@reddit

Ah, so many empty platitudes.

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Trend_Glaze@reddit

Consider yourself lucky that it is a meaningless platitude to you. To some people, it hits hard.

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InitiativeImaginary1@reddit

Right? This statement sticks with me because it’s a great reminder of how my brain thinks

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Wooden_Emphasis_8104@reddit

So true

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Lumpy_Ad_1581@reddit

Hello, Bill.

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Jealous_Banana_7350@reddit

I wouldn't say it improved quality of life. Rather, it makes you believe that. On all counts, it's a poison. Whether you feel the effects or not, they are there. The mental relief you get won't relieve your body.

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333pickup@reddit

Speaking as someone with almost 10 years sober, and I need to be sober, I can't relate to your inability to recognize that other people have different emotional and cognitive experiences of the world. There are many, many things people do for the positives of the experience even when that thinh wears out body parts. Ultramarathons, for example. We are all built to die.

A lot of people have derived a small amount of pleasure and insight from drugs and alcohol and the negatives are worth the cost to them. I am not one of those people but I accept their ability to exist.

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Girl-From-The-Wood@reddit

Thank you for this! I wish folks would let other folks have their own experiences of life and everything in it.

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Jealous_Banana_7350@reddit

Im not saying there's no positives. Im just saying that most people do not know the effects of alcohol and how it ruins your quality of sleep, which is paramount to recovery. Im all for enjoying what you want. I believe everyone has their vices. Although the ultra marathon thing I disagree with. We literally evolved to outrun animals and run after them until they get exhausted. Built to die, that's just life.

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CraigLake@reddit

That second drink… the weight lifts and the world becomes more interesting.

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MonoBlancoATX@reddit

...and you're that much closer to alcoholism.

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CraigLake@reddit

It’s not a fine line imo after growing up with a father who struggled with drinking.

I may be that much closer, but I only drink a couple times a month. I’m not too worried yet.

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CrustyBatchOfNature@reddit

I find the same issue too often. Two drinks is a great place. But they always want more to join them and I allow it more often than I should.

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MhojoRisin@reddit

There’s a reason that almost all societies have a drinking culture. If alcohol was nothing but a drag on individuals and societies, its use wouldn’t be so prevalent.

There are tons of downsides but there are benefits that offset the costs.

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Business_Coyote_5496@reddit

How do you feel the next day after one drink? I feel terribly sick. I'm guessing you feel fine?

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5aggregates@reddit

I do. Quadruple filtered vodka seems to affect me the least. Definitely sympathize with you. I would quit if the payback outweighed the gains.

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squirtloaf@reddit

Drinking has been overwhelmingly positive for me in my life. I quit for a couple months recently and just got boring.

I understand that people have problems with it, but that is a people problem, not a booz problem. people attach a lot of moral weight to it but it is just a chemical that you can use for certain effects, just like every other thing people consume.

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Old-Plum-21@reddit

Idk about acceptability but this is definitely a sign of alcohol use disorder

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IceNein@reddit

I have this problem. I don’t think I’m an alcoholic, but I will drink roughly four beers a night, which I think is problematic.

I have found the best way to quit is to substitute aerobic exercise. Running or cycling works for me.

For me, it’s mostly a habit thing. Like, it’s just part of my day. So if I add in exercise which gives you endorphins as a trade off for alcohol, and gives you something to be actively doing then that disruptive effect helps me break the habit.

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lola_dubois18@reddit

Yeah booze depresses me, and my drinking habits did too. I had to quit. I rarely get really depressed now, or if I do, it lifts faster. You’re in good company. Freaking annoying. Solidarity.

[-]

3_dots@reddit

Yeah it made my anxiety and depression so much worse. To quote Homer Simpson "...alcohol! The cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems"

[-]

MoiraRose2021@reddit

I read this hearing his voice 😂

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turlian@reddit

Are you also fat? I ask, as one of the main side effects I've had from being on semaglutide this year is that I drink SO much less often. It really just kills my desire to drink.

I was probably having 20+ drinks a week regularly. Now I'll maybe have 2. Most weeks I just don't drink at all.

It's nice having lost over 40 pounds, but I'm betting the lower alcohol intake has an even higher health benefit for me.

So if you want to lose some weight and drink less, give GLP-1 drugs a try.

[-]

TakingSorryUsername@reddit

Yeah, makes me want a drink…

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3_dots@reddit

If you want some Reddit support, check out r/stopdrinking . It's a very supportive community. Sober and sober curious welcome.

[-]

noncontrolled@reddit

Supportive to an extent.

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Staff_photo@reddit

Best community!

[-]

Waste-time1@reddit

“Nothing like a depressant to chase away the blues.”

[-]

HairyHorseKnuckles@reddit

Same. It’s probably gonna kill me but it’s how I cope with chronic pain

[-]

illigal@reddit

I think cocaine is the antidote!

/s

But seriously. Hope you are OK.

[-]

ConfidenceFragrant80@reddit

Same

[-]

shammy_dammy@reddit

I never could, really.

[-]

feistyrussian@reddit

I’ve noticed this as well. Theories: alcohol here as become lower quality (with additives or preservatives especially wine), or after getting Covid now a few times over the last few years my body just reacts differently (like there’s already a low base inflammation and alcohol exacerbates it more than before times ). Or I’m just getting older.

[-]

jmancini1340@reddit

And everyone thinks gen z is nuts for not liking drinking

[-]

Free_Negotiation4026@reddit

Not at all anymore, it’s not worth it.

[-]

boomerinspirit@reddit

Some buddies and I get together and drink once every 3-4 months. Don't touch the stuff any other time

[-]

KIRBCZECH@reddit

If you're a beer drinker switch to something else. I went beer free and can't believe the hangovers I put myself through before. When I hit 30 id start losing memory of nights after just 4 beers, horrible stomach cramps, high heart rate and blood pressure, awful anxiety, so much gas.

Now im on cider and I don't get most of those issues.

[-]

FenderJeep@reddit

Sober for almost 3 years. I don’t miss it.

[-]

EdAddict@reddit

52, can still throw ‘em back, just fewer than I did in my 20s. I don’t care for hangovers. Still have a good tolerance, even though I seldom indulge.

[-]

DeterminedSparkleCat@reddit

Same!

[-]

unoeyedwillie@reddit

I am 49 and can only have one or two drinks now. If I have any more I can’t sleep and get an anxious feeling. It also makes me have to pee a lot during the night and that is super annoying.

[-]

Liontamer67@reddit

Im going to a 3 day concert in a month. I need to build up my immunity.

[-]

love2Bsingle@reddit

I can have one or two drinks and that's is. Around once a month or so (usually a social thing). I don't want more than that

[-]

Fred_Krueger_Jr@reddit

Ah, that's been me for a few years now down to the T of your description. And I'm only 48.

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Velvet_Samurai@reddit

49 here, it burns my throat. It's kind of like acid reflux but I don't have that. Like 1 beer is ok, but 1 or 2, more than once a week is no good. It hurts my throat, causes some sort of phlegm reaction, and then I'm super phlegmy for a week. So I let myself have 1 beer a month with friends, and I started drinking Partake NA the rest of the time.

I do constantly moan to my wife, "How can these old dudes at 80 drink 24 beers a week every week and be fine?"

She always says, "Who says they are fine? They're 100% not fine, I promise you."

That helps, but I love beer, I wish I could enjoy one while mowing the yard, and end the week with a couple. Sucks.

[-]

zazopolis@reddit

Minnesota legalized weed and my drinking plummeted. I can still toss em back, as was proven just this last Saturday, but that was maybe the third time this year I got after it.

[-]

Three-Owls777@reddit

Quit last December after a friend died from pancreatic cancer. I saw friends that never stopped drinking heavily for 20 years and that was all I needed to be sober. Of course, I got cancer right after that but haha, I beat it and I am still sober. I just take weed gummies whenever I want to drink.

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One-Ad6386@reddit

I drink one rum and coke daily and maybe two on friday and saturday!

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prudent__sound@reddit

Same with me, OP. It was making me feel like shit. I also had/have a couple of chronic health conditions. So I gave it up 7 years ago and haven't looked back. Thank God I don't ever have to experience another hangover again. And when I do have a bad night's sleep now, I can still basically function just fine.

[-]

edasto42@reddit

I was never a drinker really. Growing up I had my share of drunken benders but I realized I didn’t really enjoy them. I don’t really like being drunk and I absolutely abhor being around drunk people (they’re like a crazed horse, you never know what will set them off). I swore off drinking completely about 4 years ago. I was at my cousins bday get together at the local gay bars. I started out with just beer, then someone git shots, then the Jell-O shots, then a mixed drink, and if anyone knows gay bars make strong af drinks. Add to this mix was smoking a joint or two. Between both of these depressants doing a number on me, my blood pressure kinda dropped and I fainted. After that incident I knew I had to pick my vice and never mix again.

[-]

flicman@reddit

Sure - I'm old, not dead.

[-]

space_wiener@reddit

Yep. Some posters here seem to be aging at an extremely rapid rate. It’s like we are 80+ years old.

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orthopod@reddit

Yeah, I'm fine with 2-3 drinks but rarely do that because I know alcohol can have some long term effects, so I rent to have drinks mostly on the week end.

Still drink regular coffee routinely, even before bed, without any issues.

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Business_Coyote_5496@reddit

You drink 3 drinks and wake up feeling great? Not sick? You sleep fine? No vomiting? Headache? Exhaustion? Wow yeah maybe I'd still drink regularly if I didn't get sick after it

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orthopod@reddit

Yes no issues . Don't drink regularly, but I do drink a good amount of water if I have that much. 3 drinks is a lot for me, and I rarely drink that much. Then again I'm also 6'5" 215

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Ieatpurplepickles@reddit

6'5" you say?? Do you perchance rent yourself out to the shorter people for things like light bulb replacement and top of fridge cleaning? I'm 5ft tall and insanely scared of heights so my ass stays off the step stool. ^⁠_⁠^

[-]

orthopod@reddit

No, but I routinely grab things off the top shelf in stores for little old ladies.

This is the way.

[-]

Ieatpurplepickles@reddit

Awwwww bless you!! I climb like a monkey but I'm damn near 50. My monkey days are fast becoming a memory! Maybe one day, we will bump into each other and you can grab me a bottle of good olive oil!! 🤣❤️

[-]

Cheese-Manipulator@reddit

Similar to me. Friday and Sat is my "1 cocktail night" but even then it I usually go weeks without anything. I might have a beer with dinner once or twice a week but that isn't a regular thing either. I can't do more than two drinks in a row though or I quickly feel sick.

I can do the coffee at all hours too. Hell, I can fall asleep right after having some.

[-]

schnu44@reddit

I’m exactly the same - unless it’s a special occasion i do not drink during the week & even then (like a work happy hour) I’m religiously “1 and done”.

On the weekend when we go out it’s 2 drinks max. And if we’re staying home I make myself a double of whatever cocktail I’m having and enjoy myself.

Much more & I’m not feeling good the next day.

And i can drink coffee anytime with no effect on my sleep

[-]

Shoehorse13@reddit

Man I am jealous.. More than two drinks and all of my metrics go to shit per my Garmin: sleep score decreases, HRV tanks, heart rate increases, body battery suffers.

And if I have a coffee after three I'm gonna be tossing and turning all night.

[-]

Cheese-Manipulator@reddit

I've noticed that the people who smoke, drink a lot or were out in the sun constantly look like they are 15-20 yrs older than their age.

[-]

Dechibrator@reddit

'member the war?

[-]

morbid_florist_@reddit

They're like boomers. The absolute horror!

[-]

Successful-Might2193@reddit

Time marches on for everyone…

[-]

UnicornFarts1111@reddit

That tends to happen when you are diagnosed with chronic illnesses. Which happens with more frequency the older we get.

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space_wiener@reddit

I’m not sure if that’s any better. That means 90% of this sub has a chronic illness.

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Old-Plum-21@reddit

Midlife is about 80%, yes

https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2025/24_0539.htm#:~:text=In%202023%2C%2076.4%25%20(representing%20more%20than%20194,Table%203%2C%20Table%204%2C%20and%20Figure%201).

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Successful-Might2193@reddit

Thanks, Old-Plum!💐

For the rest of us, a quick summary of what thie article in the link above discusses, scroll down to the first few paragraphs under “Introduction”. It’s written in layman’s terms, so it’s easy to follow.

[-]

oodoodoopoopoo@reddit

Chronic Illness was actually my nickname when I was young and cool. (Just kidding, I was never cool.)

[-]

montbkr@reddit

That would be a great band name.

[-]

SlimK1111@reddit

So some Karens here like to mock them and act like they're superior. That's genius.

Yawn. I'd rather act like 80 an 15.

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farewellmybeloved@reddit

Brilliant response

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voidchungus@reddit

Same. For better or worse, I can handle drinks really well, always have. I kind of wish I had more of a physical motivator to stop, because it's a shitty indulgence that I know isn't doing me any favors.

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Business_Coyote_5496@reddit

Are you a man? I think guys bodies can process alcohol better.

[-]

voidchungus@reddit

I'm a small woman.

[-]

Business_Coyote_5496@reddit

Dang, so lucky lol, funny how different we all react

[-]

montbkr@reddit

Be careful what you wish for, void!

[-]

voidchungus@reddit

You're right! Wise words

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CosmicTurtle504@reddit

Shit, man, if I still drank I’d be dead for sure.

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ManateeHoodie@reddit

As qe speak bud, cheers 🍻

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No_Proposal7812@reddit

Exactly I still drink. What I drink is better now.

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DefectiveHousewife@reddit

This. I don't drink rail or the cheap stuff anymore. I ask for better liquor and haven't looked back. I rarely even have hang overs now.

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Nice-Reference1861@reddit

I cut down to one to two drinks per day. Usually just one beer. Moderation is good.

[-]

Own-Cable8865@reddit

It is poison. We know it ☠️ Canada sober 🇨🇦 for years.

[-]

TemperatureTop246@reddit

I rarely drink anymore, I had a gin&tonic last wednesday at my son's bday party, and that made me feel so woozy I switched to water. I have ZERO tolerance to alcohol.

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mschepac@reddit

I haven't had a drink in almost a year for the same reasons you listed. I think I had a total of 3 over the course of that day. Heart palps and racing. That was enough for me. Am I saying I'll never have another, no, but it was a bit unnerving.

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Ndndiebsjfisbsjdmsbs@reddit

Weird thing I noticed- just thought I’d share to see if anyone related : I craved alcohol when I was on certain prescription medications. I thought I was becoming an alcoholic. I was obsessed with having a few drinks every day!!

Once I stopped the meds ( not fun, but had to do it); I noticed my cravings all subsided and actually disappeared.

Anyone else notice this?

[-]

TBarzo@reddit

I've noticed that I have to keep my drink count fairly low. If I feel a little bit of a buzz, maybe switch to water. I cut loose a few years ago at a big get together and was non-functional the next day. I don't even feel like I overdid it. 22 year-old me could only look on in disgust...

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I_Sure_Wish_I_Knew@reddit

I can’t drink more than 2 drinks - and that’s of any alcohol. I will pay the price for days if I do. I drank 3 Ultras a few months ago, and woke up feeling like my “Boones Farm in a field” days. I think my liver has thrown in the towel and just stopped processing the poison I pushed through her for decades.

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Comfortable-Crow-238@reddit

I have never been a drinker so I can’t answer that question.😂🤣

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tonna33@reddit

My parents are in their 70s and still drinking regularly - but that's maybe 1 or 2 drinks a night. A glass of wine, or a beer.

One sister still drinks quite a lot. Another sister maybe like my parents. The rest of the sisters are just social drinkers - they'll have 1 or 2 when at a gathering.

I'm the odd one out. I don't drink. I don't drink because my husband quit drinking before I met him, and we have another in our household that is a recovering alcoholic. Their peace of mind is more important to me than having a glass of something every once in awhile.

[-]

keeperofthegrail@reddit

54M. I don't drink beer in the afternoons or evenings now, or I'll be woken up by a full bladder almost hourly throughout the night. I've switched to drinking gin in the evening now if I want a drink as well as a proper night of sleep.

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ugglygirl@reddit

It’s like I’m suddenly allergic to can’t tolerate it at all.

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Left_Dimension_4783@reddit

I wonder sometimes if it’s related to Covid. Seems like after 2020 a bunch of us Gen Xers lost the ability to drink in the way our parents did for several more decades.

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SkibblesMom@reddit

If you've had Covid, that could be the cause to alcohol sensitivity

[-]

MarbleousMel@reddit

I have heart dysfunction due to long COVID. I wouldn’t be surprised if there is more wrong that I know about, but I definitely struggle with alcohol these days.

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crystal-torch@reddit

Yup! It’s Covid. Alcohol consumption is way down among all age groups

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keepsmiling1326@reddit

It’s definitely not that for me b/c increasing alcohol sensitivity preceded 2020. I don’t have severe sensitivity but body definitely doesn’t handle booze as well as it used to…

[-]

cranberries87@reddit

Ahhhhhh! NOW this post is making a little more sense. The older generation didn’t seem to have an issue with drinks into their 60s, 70s and even 80s. That could potentially explain what’s going on.

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Honest_Tutor1451@reddit

Same. Wondering if it’s perimenopause. It’s not even every time or a certain thing all the time. It’s so weird. One day I’ll have one drink and my face will flush immediately and feel tight and I’ll break out. Another day I can drink all day around the pool with no issues.

[-]

magster823@reddit

Menopause (and peri) definitely seem to contribute. It comes up fairly often in that sub. And for me it was like someone flipped a switch the moment I entered surgical menopause at age 42. Can't enjoy so much as a beer now that I've put 2 and 2 together and realized it's not going away.

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Successful-Might2193@reddit

Which subs on menopause and peri do you follow?

[-]

magster823@reddit

r/Menopause, r/Menopositive

Be sure to check out the wiki pinned to the first one. It's a wealth of information!

[-]

Successful-Might2193@reddit

Thank you so much! 💐

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Wooden_Emphasis_8104@reddit

This! Me too.

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MienaLovesCats@reddit

😮

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katiekat214@reddit

Omg alcohol makes hot flashes so much worse.

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According_Elephant75@reddit

Especially red wine 😔

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MienaLovesCats@reddit

😮 really? Not me; a little is very relaxing

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Klutzy_Excitement_99@reddit

Yessss

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Business_Coyote_5496@reddit

Yes looking back that's when I started feeling so sick after any booze.

[-]

xAlyKat@reddit

Same I just chalked it up to another random food allergy that’s trying to kill me

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Masters_domme@reddit

Are you suddenly developing food allergies?! Ever since I hit 30 I’ve been developing anaphylactic reactions to foods and medicine I’ve ingested my whole life without issue. I hate it!

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Ieatpurplepickles@reddit

Antibiotics here!! Suddenly can't take the medication to fight the germs so I guess I'll just die! I've been developing allergies since my 20s like crazy.

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xAlyKat@reddit

Yep since about 30 wheat, dairy, soy, sesame, poppy seed, peanut, walnut, avocado. Only soy is anaphylactic that I know of (I’m pretty careful so who knows what would happen on the others now) but it’s stupid 😂

[-]

UnFleyeGuy@reddit

Literally sitting here a day later after drinking 5 beers last night and still feel hung over 24 hours later. I thought I was the only one. There’s still some nights I can drink a half a bottle of bourbon and feel fine. So weird.

[-]

According_Elephant75@reddit

Same except it was last night and just trying to bend down to pull a tshirt out of the dryer made me want to hurl

[-]

Aggressive-Rich9600@reddit

It’s probably the pace you drank at. The liver can only clear something like one drink every 2.5 hours (I’m guessing can’t remember the exact figure)

[-]

garden__gate@reddit

Me too! I immediately get an inflammation response, and if I push through that, I get hangovers from like 2 drinks. It sucks.

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Sea-Machine-1928@reddit

I quit in 2010 because I didn't get a buzz, just sleepy. Never went back and don't miss it.

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Tinaturtle79@reddit

I started getting insane migraines in my late 20s with beer and wine, even after one drink. I stuck to vodka and after a few years slowed way down to support my husband who quit. I still drank with the girls a few times a year (and would get wicked hangovers), but started the weight loss shot last year and that killed any remaining desire. Honestly, makes me a little sad sometimes because I just want a bevy with my friends.

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freakythrowaway79@reddit

Yup same happened to my WF starting in her 40's.

She loves silver margaritas, well she use too🤷🏻. She just can't do it anymore.

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Crane-Daddy@reddit

Liquor only, any non-distilled drink gives me a hangover after only 1 drink.

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Tiffanniwi@reddit

I never could lol! I’m a lightweight but when I do drink too much, I’m pretty good as long as I hydrate and ibuprofen before bed is a plus.

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Living_Journal777@reddit

All the additives and chemicals in all of our processed food, and in our environment, have put a massive strain on our organs. It’s why so many people are prediabetic, diabetic, hypertensive, obese, and the explosion of cancers, etc. Add that to the burden of alcohol consumption on aging organs, which aren’t as efficient as they used to be, your liver and kidneys can only filter so much. This is why based on the latest medical research, guidelines have been revised to recommend that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption. Metabolically, it’s like poisonous sugar on steroids and is highly lipoic and liver destructive. I was a big drinker in my teens and went through that phase early, but as an adult I would drink socially or at events. I don’t even do that anymore. It’s just not worth how it makes my body feel and I want to be alive and healthy for as long as possible for my family.

[-]

sunningmybuns@reddit

Slowing at 57

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SuzIsCool@reddit

Two drinks and I'm sweating

[-]

Billz3bub666@reddit

All my friends who were drinkers in their youth have had to stop. I didn't really start until around 38 so I figure I can drink myself to death

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wickedlees@reddit

I drink a couple of drinks on Friday afternoons. I don't enjoy it much. My friends & my husband still drink. I just don't enjoy it, ergo I don't drink much.

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chuster312@reddit

I usually go out once a week to have a few drinks with friends or meet new people. The bar I go to offers a beer and bourbon shot special for $7, and after 4 to 6 of those, I’m pretty toasted. I realized I needed to find my limit, and it turns out my shot taking days are coming to an end. Now, three to four domestic (non-IPA) beers are enough to give me a nice buzz without the massive hangover. If I can leave after just two beers, even better.

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Red_Velvette@reddit

I’m sixty and just went for drinks at a local speakeasy. Delicious!

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JeahbyJobe@reddit

It messes with my digestive system. Terrible stomach aches next day and feel thoroughly exhausted.

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shadydamamba@reddit

I can still drink at 47, but my mental has more control to shut off the fun and take my ass home lol!😂 I normally wake up good the next day because I mentally won't get shit faced anymore

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Impossible-Energy-76@reddit

Does anybody get a buzz when they smell alcohol??? When I mix drinks I smell it, I get a buzz. THAT'S why I can't drink anymore.

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spikerlj@reddit

I can still drink. That's not the issue. It's the recovery time is longer than it used to be

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jambon3@reddit

Damn. I thought it was just me. I had to give it up about 2 months ago because it triggered anxiety and mild depression. I assumed I just broke something during Covid.

[-]

LavenderGwendolyn@reddit

I stopped drinking entirely a couple of months ago due to a medication I started taking. But I was down to a couple of drinks a week — maybe four across two separate days — for years. And almost always vodka, maybe a light beer. I could drink more on vacation if I had nothing to do the next day, but it wasn’t comfortable.

I don’t know if it’s because we all drank so hard so young, or if we are just generally more aware of our heath, but it does seem like more and more of my Gen X friends have either stopped drinking or cut way back.

[-]

TheBossAlbatross@reddit

No amount of alcohol is healthy. I have a beer or two every few weeks. Even that affects my digestive system. Next morning is not great. It’s poison and none of us should ever drink. Don’t want to be that guy, but alcohol is more corporate America poisoning the people and if we ever want to be truly free, we have to rid ourselves of it.

[-]

Original_Koala_9510@reddit

One glass of wine before 6pm works well for me. If you really want to do a deep dive, get an Oura ring. You can experiment with the data to find what works for you.

[-]

limitless__@reddit

I'm from the UK so used to drink a fair bit in my teens and early twenties. Thankfully I grew out of that shit. I'm sure I'm not alone in seeing the stack of dead, sick and alcoholic people that you once knew. That shit is truly poison.

[-]

fantasyphish420@reddit

I stopped drinking 11 years ago. Best decision i ever made. Alcohol is poison.

[-]

ExtentChance2270@reddit

After facing a few health concerns I’ve scaled back my drinking considerably. I drink once a month or so and on special occasions. I’m on a journey to get fit and healthy and alcohol just isn’t helpful to those goals. I turned 52 on Saturday and feel so much better now than I did a year ago.

[-]

BlueOrca76@reddit

Nah , I just smoke more weed.Quit drinking in early thirties .

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DoggieMalone@reddit

I almost died from drinking on 6/14/25. Not the first time either. Never again will I have a drink of any kind.

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melissavallone9@reddit

I sweat like there is no tomorrow when I drink. I blame it on the amount of sugar in my system. I’m also diabetic.

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SukyTawdry66@reddit

Me. I can.

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77geminis@reddit

I quit drinking last year because I got to the point where I felt like hot trash after just one drink. I wish I’d quit sooner. I feel so much better mentally and physically, started going to the gym 4-5 days a week, and am now in the best shape of my adult life.

[-]

CrankyCaucasian@reddit

Same, but like 2 or 3 years ago. It felt like I developed an alcohol allergy. Would feel hungover after 1 drink. Wasn't worth it anymore.

[-]

mamawoman@reddit

Covid does that. We know from experience.

[-]

CrankyCaucasian@reddit

I do wonder if it's related. As far as I know I never had covid. Every test I took was negative when I felt sick, unless I had an extremely mild case and wasn't aware.

[-]

Imhmc@reddit

Same. Plus hives. For some reason I can drink tequila without hives but still feel like hot garbage after like 2. Sleep is trash, the next morning is trash. It just isn’t worth it for me

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Excusemytootie@reddit

Tequila is one of the liquors that has more methanol content. I had to stop drinking it because it makes me feel so bad. And I generally would only have one drink.

[-]

BBpigeon@reddit

Same with me and turns out I’m sensitive to tannins so can’t drink dark liquor or red wine at all.

[-]

A9Carlos@reddit

Same, happened 4 years ago like a switch.

I would suggest the reason but I'll no doubt get called a crazy conspiracy theorist for putting two and two together

[-]

justbecoolguys@reddit

Me to. One beer isn’t worth the 2-day hangover.

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RollingEddieBauer50@reddit

I think I have an allergy too. I often get a headache from it and on the VERY VERY RARE occasion that I have 1 drink I end up in bed early because of that headache. It’s why i almost never drink. Not even once a year. Maybe every couple years or more.

[-]

mapett@reddit

I had this for a long time. I thought it was some Covid fallout. I started blood pressure meds and it went away. I can happily drink again!

[-]

toihanonkiwa@reddit

Is this the I quit last year group? I had reasons to quit so I’m at Day 512. Feel uplifted and accomplished in many ways. Regular excercise, yoga and healthier food followed my decision. Quitted coffee too so now it’s only down to quitting smoking, and that’s a challenge.

[-]

magster823@reddit

Congrats! You're doing awesome. Am also quitting the cigarettes and am really determined to make this the last time. It's so hard.

[-]

CauliflowerLonely799@reddit

HARDEST thing I have ever done … stay strong

[-]

CoatSure5943@reddit

I quit drinking 25 years ago and it was pretty easy for me, but quitting smoking was the worst. After so many tries to quit, I finally kicked the habit in 2008.

[-]

NoActuary5655@reddit

People have different experiences. I have friends who say quitting smoking was the hardest thing they ever did. For me, I was ticky for a couple of weeks but don’t even think about it since. But alcohol was a tricky bitch. Some people like alcohol but easily quit. I drank bc I didn’t know how to properly manage my emotions so it was a LOT more work. Just brutal. Today? It never even occurs to me. Life is better without addictions. And believe me, I am the last person I ever thought would say this. Sending love to anyone struggling with any type of addiction. We are all rooting for you! ❤️

[-]

toihanonkiwa@reddit

Nicotine addiction is something completely different. Compared to opiates, it’s the worst.

[-]

FrancinetheP@reddit

Was watching a hospital TV show with my kid and in one season there were plot lines about both heroin addiction and quitting smoking. I tried to explain that the latter is actually the more addictive drug. Kid asked, “then why is it the legal one?” Out of the mouths of babes!

[-]

toihanonkiwa@reddit

Exactly this. Why are some very addictive stuff legal and others illegal? Like in many other issues, answers start flowing when you ask who is benefitting from all this?

[-]

FrancinetheP@reddit

Highly recommend this book on the difference between “white market” and “black market” drugs: https://a.co/d/hqX2Bhl

[-]

ComfortableBedroom76@reddit

When I was in the hospital for pancreatitus years ago, I was completely out of it for a week. When I regained awareness, I asked my wife to bring my chewing tobacco the next day when she visits and she looked at me funny and said why would she do that since I had quit 6 months ago. What i didn't know is that I had nicotine patches on the back of my neck and she was lying her ass off. But I believed her and that's how I quit my addiction to nicotine which was worse than booze.

[-]

Successful-Might2193@reddit

About 20 years ago, my husband used the nicotine gum for several months to wean himself off of cigarettes. He does not normally chew gum and weaned himself off of the nicotine gum fairly quickly.

Thank goodness he quit! Now that we’re solidly middle age and battling other health issues, smoking and nicotine would have made his current health problems (and access to insurance) far more difficult.

[-]

kinislo@reddit

I know you can do it! 😊

[-]

RollingEddieBauer50@reddit

It’s interesting…I used to chew tobacco. Usually Grizzly pouches. Anyway I was so nervous about quitting because I had heard such terrible things about quitting nicotine. So around 11 years ago I got to the last pouch of what I said was my last tin of tobacco. I took the pouch and nailed it up in my garage. It’s pretty much disintegrated now. But I was shocked at how quickly I got over it. Honestly it was tough for about 10 days. After the 10 days it wasn’t that hard at all. Once in a great while I’ll miss it….usually when I’m on a long drive because that’s when I really enjoyed it. But I never gave in and now here I am 11 years nicotine and tobacco free. My point is there’s a chance it’ll be easier than you think. I realize it doesn’t go this easy for most…but it did for me. While I was quitting I went jogging or walking a lot. I would take 2 hour walks or 50 minute jogs. I also drank Powerade Zero during those days. My insurance guy who had also quit tobacco recommended it to me and even though I don’t know why that would help i decided to listen to him and drink 2 of the big Powerades (or Gatorade) each day. I’ll be damned if it seemed to help. Best of luck in kicking the habit. Can save a decent amount of money too.

[-]

D-chord@reddit

I’m good on not smoking and not drinking. Exercise is just so hard to start!

[-]

Dark-Vader-1310@reddit

IWNDWYT

[-]

pquince1@reddit

IWNDWYT

[-]

SuckerEMC@reddit

Huh? Help an old (yet Gen x) lady out here.

[-]

cowjumping@reddit

"I will not drink with you today," a common refrain in the /stopdrinking reddit group

[-]

mynameisnotshamus@reddit

Odd to use that phrase here where it’s not a thing… people are weird though.

[-]

toihanonkiwa@reddit

This and other sober-subs helped a lot. And I mean A Lot

[-]

RestingSnerkFace@reddit

Thank you! My best guess was “It will not do what you think.”

[-]

cheshirecam@reddit

I honestly just mostly lost interest in it. I’ll have a glass of wine now and then. But when I get buzzed, it just kinda makes me feel like less of “me” is there.

So I spend the time trying to be me again. So I don’t go more than one. Lol. I like “me” more than I like “drunk me”, I guess…. Haha

[-]

Ok_Tangerine_8261@reddit

That is such an incredibly healthy attitude. Bravo!

[-]

cheshirecam@reddit

Thanks! It feels good, tbh. Haha. Kind of like the wine is there for MY convenience. Not an obligation.

I’ve been giving myself permission to not finish a glass of wine at dinner. Even if I paid $15 or $20 for it. I don’t consider it wasted because I enjoyed it without obligation. :)

Though I DO find myself ordering the small glass nowadays.. haha

[-]

BelAirGuy45@reddit

This is exactly how I feel. I rarely drink, and when I do, one is always enough for me now.

[-]

KatSull1@reddit

Me too. Lost interest that is. I never was a big fan of alcohol. Plus I have struggled with w/migraines for 30 years, so it was not worth it in the morning, even if I had just 1. It's been 3 years, I just stopped one day, out of the blue.

[-]

BrettNoe@reddit

The idea of going to the gym 4 to 5 days a week makes me want to have a drink.

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anyoutlookuser@reddit

I quit 30 months ago cause my biggest problem was once I had one it was like lays potato chips and I drank until it was gone. Sitting around thinking about all the cool stuff I was going to do once I was sober and not hung over (which never came) was it. I quit and haven’t looked back. I do get more done these days.

[-]

ClassicCityCupid@reddit

And I save money too. Winning all around!

[-]

RunningPirate@reddit

Years ago I took an extended break from drinking and a friend said “what you can do is set aside the money you would have spent on booze and then buy yourself something nice.” So after 5 years, I bought a Gulfstream V ;)

[-]

Kristylane@reddit

Yeah, a Gulfstream is nice and all, but if you had quit buying Starbucks everyday you could have bought a shitty starter house.

[-]

2begreen@reddit

Not it the city that the Starbucks imperial ship was built upon.

[-]

Kristylane@reddit

In that case you’d have to give up Starbucks AND pack your lunch. Then it’s easy peasy.

[-]

ClassicCityCupid@reddit

What if I’m already using $0.03 store brand tea bags, packing my own lunch and doing my own hair and painting my nails? 😞 I’d love to say I owned my own home. But I would not have money need for repairs on said shitty starter home. (Yes, I (46F, been frugal my entire life and paid for my own college degree) live in the USA.)

[-]

RunningPirate@reddit

It’s the Avogadro toast that killed me. 6.02 X 10^23 is a goddamn lot.

[-]

Repulsive_Client_325@reddit

You should save up to have that mole removed.

[-]

modestmidwest@reddit

Here's a nickel go downtown and have a rat gnaw that mole off your face! Good Ole Uncle Buck

[-]

RunningPirate@reddit

Oh. Oh. Ohhhh. You’re good!

[-]

SuckerEMC@reddit

You was drinkin’ some good stuff, then, my friend. 😂 Worked in a wine store where a novice came in- had bought a fancy home with a wine cellar, felt like he should try some wines (never had been a wine drinker) and stock the cellar, at least for looks. Spent $600 on the first mixed case… to assess his tastes. Spent 18k his first year, then 42k the next, and by the time I stopped tracking he was drinking (DRINKING, not just stocking) $10k trophy bottles and spent $180k in a year. Zoinks! Sadly I was not an owner, merely an $18/hr employee with no profit-sharing or commission.

[-]

2begreen@reddit

I figured I’d save a bunch of money but it didn’t pan out. Made sense once I realized I started adulting and actually paying bills. 😂

[-]

SiameseDream222@reddit

Same here. Quit drinking all together about a year ago cause it’s just not worth it anymore.

[-]

TacoCat11111111@reddit

I quit drinking around Christmas of last year, so I'm at about 8 months without a drop of alcohol.

It got to the point it was destroying my stomach and taking too much away from my life. Glad I quit, not sure I'll ever start again.

[-]

ComfortableBedroom76@reddit

If you made it this far, don't quit quitting anytime soon because the first week is the hardest part!

[-]

afghanwhiggle@reddit

It takes more than it gives

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ComfortableBedroom76@reddit

Great way to put it! Love it & will share it!!

[-]

D-chord@reddit

That sums it up for me.

[-]

Active_Shopping7439@reddit

Same

[-]

Montereyluv@reddit

Same.

[-]

TheCheat-@reddit

Me too! It will be a year in September since I’ve had a drink and it’s amazing how many little nagging health concerns have vanished since then. No more middle of the night heart palpitations, BP is down and I’m eating better because tipsy me is not deciding it’s easier to order out than cook. It’s honestly incredible.

[-]

Subject_Run5165@reddit

It's the same with smoking. I quit for my wife's 50th birthday, as well as because I was feeling like too easy a target even after the COVID vaccines, and a month later I jogged across the street and realize that I didn't have to catch my breath.

[-]

RussianDahl@reddit

Yaayyy bravo 👏🏽

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RockSteady65@reddit

I quit drinking when Covid started at age 54. I am so much better than I ever was before that. Blackouts were my thing. Not always an angry drunk but once in a while I was a very mean person.

[-]

Effective-Evening476@reddit

That phrase "hot trash" is so GenX it made me laugh

[-]

yert1099@reddit

I quit drinking alcohol 1.5 years ago and am a 57-year old male. All aspects of my life have improved since I stopped. Wish I had quit much sooner. Am occasionally California Sober though.

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Urbaniuk@reddit

Hot trash describes it well!

[-]

jestingvixen@reddit

My partner is the same way. I drink now and then to no particular ill effect (assorted fitness widgets can't tell unless I tell them, so it's not even just between my ears that there's no particular difference in my quality of sleep etc), but often go months without. I specifically don't drink when I'm Extra Special Stressed because of how slippery that slope is.

I'm curious about how where you're from impacts this, and how hard you used to hit it when you were younger.

(Someone please help me pin down some grants, I have PhD questions and no funds to pursue them with.)

[-]

rottenbox@reddit

This was me in my early 40s. Any alcohol made me feel like garbage almost instantly and destroyed my sleep. Add in a brutal sinus infection that made anything with alcohol taste off and I haven't had a drink in 3? years. I'm not saying I'll never have another drink but I also have no desire to ever have another drink.

[-]

guacamole579@reddit

I quit last year too. I was already limiting my alcohol consumption to like one a week but I can’t take it anymore. My friends still drink pretty regularly, so does my husband

[-]

Successful-Might2193@reddit

As time marches on, most of them will do the same.

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katiekat214@reddit

I quit just over a year ago in solidarity with my best friend who had to quit for health reasons. I don’t miss it much. Occasionally I’m in a place where I’d like a drink, but then I look at how much they cost and decide I don’t want one anymore.

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Successful-Might2193@reddit

Can I be your friend?

[-]

WonderfulMemory3697@reddit

Same. Best of all, I don't miss it a bit. When I go out to restaurants, drunks are loud and stupid and I don't like them. Trust me, in my day I was one of them.

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Successful-Might2193@reddit

We visited Nashville a few years ago. Fun music scene, but the groups of young ladies doing the drunken bridal party scene made us fear for the future.

[-]

Business_Coyote_5496@reddit

Exactly. One drink and the next day I'm a wreck

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MaddogFinland@reddit

If I drink even one generous bourbon I will wake up at 3am with the worst most soul crushing headache I can imagine. It’s one thing that’s changed a lot in the last 5 years.

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SFLurkyWanderer@reddit

At some point, yeah I just decided I just don’t really enjoy this. Maybe an hour hour and a half two hours of it with other people, but then a few hours of feeling tired and not great and then the next day sucks. Easy way to lose 20 pounds.

[-]

SharpArtichoke4011@reddit

Same !!!

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User_Name_Deleted@reddit

R/stopdrinkingfitness has a bunch of quitters getting fit.

[-]

jcstrat@reddit

Yeah we quit last year too. My (running) mileage seems to have increased incidentally. I just feel better over all. Plus I dropped a little weight.

[-]

Bluestripedshirt@reddit

Samesies

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dl9500@reddit

+1 I've totally found the same!

[-]

roadtripper77@reddit

Yep, happened to me this year too

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Such-Firefighter-161@reddit

Same

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likeittight_@reddit

Yup

[-]

Few_Razzmatazz_6381@reddit

Same!

[-]

SpecificConscious809@reddit (OP)

Basically what I’m finding

[-]

reachers_toothbrush@reddit

When I was young the hardest part of drinking was getting it down, now I'm old the hardest part is keeping it down.

[-]

RevDaughter@reddit

I think it depends on which alcohol you consume. But if your body is giving those signals off, maybe it’s time to stop drinking.

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Zealousideal_Draw_94@reddit

I can still drink, like a fish. I just have no desire for the mornings after, so I rarely do anymore.

And Yes I know to drink water before during and after, with pickle juice, and a bottle of Gatorade, and eat fatty food. I just have to go to the bathroom all night long.

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xTiredSoulx@reddit

Can’t now, never did drink much. Gastric issues.

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JuicyApple2023@reddit

I can drink, but I don’t.

It’s not good for your brain. I’m going to prevent and avoid dementia as much as I can. Marijuana isn’t good for your brain either.

I am a caregiver for the elderly. It’s beyond heartbreaking what people with dementia go through, especially their families.

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Clear_Coyote_2709@reddit

I stopped 10 years ago . I live in Wisconsin, and people here drink more alcohol than water. Its a bit ostracizing ,but I’m not a female with a beer gut and Karen hair sucking back a bloody Mary at 10 am in a bowling alley I think i can handle being isolated from those a$$hats. Id rather take myself on a bike ride through the woods.

[-]

johnnysdollhouse@reddit

I’ve always been an average social drinker, with maybe 3 drinks a week. During the COVID lockdowns, I rarely drank except for an occasional zoom party Mai tai. So a year later, when I started meeting friends for dinner again, I was surprised that half a cocktail made me feel as if I’d had two.

Drinking more to get my tolerance back would be unwise at my age, so if I go out I might have a half a glass of wine if there’s also food, but that’s about it. It’s weird, but healthier and cheaper.

[-]

Stefgrep66@reddit

I can, but at a fiver a pint in my local I choose not to.

My wife and I had a few days away for our anniversary in May, we had 10 days on Turkey in June and we're planning 2 more away weekends in September and November.

Also a trip to Thailand for my birthday next year.

I'd just much rather save up for that.

Doing 50 sovs on an average night out just seems a waste!

[-]

jtrades69@reddit

i didn't start drinking til i was 38 (51 now). a couple of years ago i found that the dark liquors messed me up more (whiskey, dark rum, etc) but the clears are still fine.

some mixed are fine too, mai tai, margaritas, mojitos. but i can't do black russians anymore since developing lactose intolerance, which sucks because i made great ones.

[-]

Business_Coyote_5496@reddit

Why no drinking as a teen? What made you start at 38?

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jtrades69@reddit

in my teens / 20s i was... i guess "straight edge", but not the militant vegan kind. i drank pop, i took nyquil if i needed it. but my music and skating and karate and classes were first, and then when i went to college, karate, classes, weight lifting, and music.

after so many years of just not drinking but all my friends and coworkers were and they all had girlfriends and wives and things seemed to generally be going better for them, i just figured, fuck it. i hit 36 with pretty much nothing to show for it. i started with just wine, test how that affected my karate and such, and eventually moved up to the 40% stuff.

funny thing is, i had been stating all the issues with drinking up to that point, but as soon as i started all those people mentioned above started saying similar things 🤦‍♂️

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FlashySwimmer3799@reddit

I just started to get into spirits in my mid/late 40s. I never get trashed or drunk; I enjoy a well crafted cocktail or spirit.

[-]

DaMmama1@reddit

The fkn hangover lasts for DAYS!!! Just not worth it anymore 😂

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Namatate@reddit

5 drinks this year, only one and only on special occasions. This realization you're having is part of the process. You have fewer days on the earth than you've already lived, make em count.

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Responsible-Test8855@reddit

Alcohol has always and still puts me to sleep.

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Dangerous_Ad_1861@reddit

I used to be a heavy drinker. But I'm now 72 and I don't have the desire to drink much nowadays. I drink a couple of beers if I go out to a sit-down restaurant. But I don't keep any in the fridge.

[-]

Any_Spray_4829@reddit

Not me. I haven't in years

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MarqBarq@reddit

I didn’t really start drinking until the pandemic. I mean I had a drink now and then, but rarely (twice a year). Now, once a week (Friday Nights) we DRINK and enjoy. (Me 51, him 55).

[-]

Dario-in-the-Barrio@reddit

That’s me and my wife. We don’t drink too often, but when we do, we get drunk. Maybe once or twice a week. The other days are for recovery.

[-]

MarqBarq@reddit

Just one for us, and not sick the next day. We find that sweet buzz and just stay there for the evening.

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Old-Plum-21@reddit

We don’t drink too often, but when we do, we get drunk. Maybe once or twice a week.

Once or twice a week is very often

[-]

Admissionslottery@reddit

Funny, the downvotes: you would almost think some people are a little too defensive about facts.

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Business_Coyote_5496@reddit

So drunk 2 days and sick 5 days? That doesn't sound fun

[-]

elphaba00@reddit

That’s me and my husband (47 and 48). He drinks more regularly than I do, but Friday or Saturday night (depending on the schedule) is for Mexican and margaritas. We had a rough week these past 7 days, and the highlight was the margarita that came with a free refill. We felt like we hit the jackpot

[-]

OCguy1969@reddit

I stopped drinking after my brother's suicide in 2015

[-]

ren_n_stimpy@reddit

I black out a lot more when combining weed and drinks. And my brain stops working in weird ways in ways it never used to, like, forgetting how to play a simple board game later in the evening when previously, that was a good time to do something like that.

[-]

olivemor@reddit

I think I've developed an alcohol allergy. So no, I don't drink at all anymore.

It's ok to not drink, and it doesn't mean I'm ancient. My body is recognizing it for the poison it is, I guess.

[-]

BoursinAndBrioche@reddit

I'm 56F. About 10 years ago, I started feeling the same way when I drank. I would feel like straight-up garbage for two days. Realized I'd rather feel good than get drunk, so I just stopped. Every so often, I get invited to drink with friends, and I know I'd have fun, but then I start thinking about how crappy I'd feel after, so I decline.

My mom is 75, and could probably drink me under the table now, get up and be fine the next day. Maybe it's something we had in our diets (a buttload of high fructose corn syrup, maybe - came out big in the mid-70s - remember "corn suckers"?) or a childhood vaccine our parents didn't have at the time. I stick with the Devil's Lettuce these days, it's so much kinder to me.

[-]

Neither_Remote_4818@reddit

I decided to stop in 2018 and am very happy with that decision.

[-]

SantosHauper@reddit

I can no longer drink. My stomach can't handle the sugar.

[-]

damonpostle@reddit

45, quit 7 years ago.

[-]

Jed308613@reddit

I never drank much. I was always DD. I started drinking when I got married. lol.

[-]

enola007@reddit

My parents never drank but my uncles & cousins did & a lot. I think I’m allergic, hangovers & headaches even if only one beer.

[-]

Feisty-Tooth-7397@reddit

I can still drink. It's just that after one or two drinks if I start laughing I can't stop. It's funny and horrible.

It's been happening since maybe 2012 or so.

I went to a concert with my brother and friends in another city. I got drunk and started laughing. My brother drove the friends home and then the two hour drive back home and I just laughed so much that I just held my belly and laughed and laughed and laughed. I mean we went from the bar, to a Wendy's, to two different friends house. I laughed and laughed. Didn't stop for any length of time. I was laughing so hard I had to be held up because I couldn't stop laughing.

Another time I ended up laughing in my friends floor, the entire drive home and for about an hour in front of my boyfriend's mom.

Another time we went out to eat and after one drink I was laughing so hard that I was crying and the lady at the next table asked if I was okay.

I've been told I'm great fun to be around because apparently watching someone laugh uncontrollably is fun to watch. It's not bad to laugh, even uncontrollably, but my stomach hurts so bad the next day from laughing so damn much.

[-]

mustardmadman@reddit

I can. Easy peasy

[-]

Substantial-Stage-82@reddit

I've always been a smoker but in my 20s I drank a lot. I've noticed that nowadays I can only have two or three drinks and I'm calling it quits. But I can drink beer like water. I've gotten a12 pack couple times in last year and I'll drink 7 or 8 and not even be remotely drunk. My wife (40)has 2 and I have to carry her.

[-]

SarcastiSnark@reddit

This is funny. I was looking for a sub to ask just now and I see this.

"How can we as older people enjoy an alcoholic beverage?"

I was wondering if quality liquor might help?

I get a hangover if I drink more than one drink and it hits me about an hour after those drinks. If it's beer. I'm hungover before I finish the first one. It's so weird.

So. I rarely ever drink anymore. Never was a drinker. But I do enjoy a nice cocktail occasionally.

I just think I have to make my own with high quality ingredients.

I had some belvedere vodka recently. And it seemed the drinks I made were mostly ok with that.

[-]

DooficusIdjit@reddit

I wouldn’t know- I haven’t wanted to in a long time.

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Playful_Fall_7230@reddit

16 years sans booze.

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Kittymarie_92@reddit

I gave it up in 2020 and have never looked back. The hangovers were brutal and spent my 45th birthday hungover the toilet. Then covid happened and I’ve never been one to drink alone so I just made the decision. I also was diagnosed with high blood pressure so didn’t feel comfortable mixing it with the medication.

[-]

thelastbuddha1985@reddit

40 and haven’t drank in about 3.5 years, cravings are gone and the thought of alcohol makes me wanna puke. No way I could handle a hangover either!

[-]

Just_Plain_Beth_1968@reddit

57 here. I was the same. As weed became legal, I switched over and now I enjoy a cocktail occasionally and mocktails but I have my gummies when others drink.

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kabuki_coffee@reddit

I quit drinking 17 months ago because it started effecting my sleep. I would wake up at 2-3AM and my mind would be off to the races. Around 6:00AM I would finally doze off again but my alarm was set for 6:30. My day was shot, I was irritable and just felt bleh. Now I drink near beer when I want a beer and sleep so much better

[-]

Vict0rMaitand@reddit

*affecting

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kabuki_coffee@reddit

Thanks for the correction

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DontStepOnMyManHood@reddit

45 and I can pound 5-6 beers easily but thankfully that hasn’t been too often.

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Business_Coyote_5496@reddit

And you feel fine the next day? Are you a big guy? As a petite woman if I drank 6 beers I'd be projectile vomiting starting around 2am

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DontStepOnMyManHood@reddit

Yeah I feel it the next day for sure. I’m 5-11, 225.

Thankfully I’m not an alcoholic!

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1questions@reddit

5 of more drinks is considered binge drinking for men, just FYI.

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Mylaptopisburningme@reddit

I was never into pounding beers but drank more than I should. I'm a slow drinker. But once I hit like 51 I just stopped, no reason, just no craving or urge for it. I drink less and less now when I do I feel like shit and need a day to recover.

I just burned out.

[-]

WalleyeHunter1@reddit

I quit bimlnge drinking 12 beers on Friday, and now really enjoy a cold beer or two watching the game with friends, or a single fancy cocktail or custom Martini on Friday so.much more. Although if I do have 4 or 5 throughout a Saturday I am asleep by 9:00.

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Stinertron_1979@reddit

The anxiety alone isn’t worth it

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Sudden_Fix_1144@reddit

Cut way back as it just is lost time in hangovers and feeling shitty.

[-]

cds534@reddit

Not me

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No-Ship-6214@reddit

Alcohol has been messing me up for a few years now. I had switched to enjoying THC-infused drinks as an alternative, but now may stupid backwards state is banning those.

[-]

Constant_Hotel_2279@reddit

grow your own

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No-Ship-6214@reddit

I never learned to smoke and don’t care to, so I’d have to process it into something that could be used for baking, which is more work than I have time for, and
I have a black thumb and kill almost every plant.

It’s not too much to expect a state that claims to be all about personal freedoms to actually allow grown adults this freedom. Stupid.

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Constant_Hotel_2279@reddit

I guess its all about gummies now.

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No-Ship-6214@reddit

My state is banning all THC products

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Unlucky-Assist8714@reddit

I used to love alcohol a bit too much back in the day. It's gradually lost its appeal over the years. Just 2 or 3 glasses of wine results in a couple of days of increased anxiety, low level depression and and a headache.

My drinking career is pretty much done.

[-]

Icy-Astronaut-9994@reddit

Is your question that we should just use an IV to get our liquids?

Or possibly a tube down the throat?

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RepresentativeNo7171@reddit

To answer your question scientifically, the body has an aging boost in the late 40s to mid 50s that is advanced in the same way puberty advances us… we age more in this time period then any other points in our adult life. It’s possible as you approach 60, you will be able to resume drinking without these impacts, but it’s also possible. It’s time to be done.

I too am having late 40s impacts to even the most basic drinking, which really sucks because being honest about my drinking in my earlier years led me to get on some random list that says I can’t have anxiety medication… despite a litany of counter reports advising this note is unethical and absolutely not applicable to me.

I have medically engaged with alcohol for several decades, and now have no alternatives, but to be an anxious mentally unstable mess… which is how I plan to justify certain alleged attempts on someone’s overdue…stopping now 😂

[-]

KaleidoscopeSilly797@reddit

It takes 3 to 4 days to recover from a bottle of wine. Being old sucks!

[-]

Ok_Translator5136@reddit

I don’t drink as much anymore. Not because I can’t handle the alcohol but more because I can’t handle the acid reflux I get from it lol

[-]

DatesForFun@reddit

i can drink now that i’m on hrt including testosterone but i got massive anxiety from alcohol when perimenopause started in my early 40s. Im 51 now and heavily medicated on hormones. Ever since adding T to my hormones, i am impervious to alcohol. i dont get a buzz at all- but the next day i might be a little crabby or depressed. Best to just avoid it altogether

[-]

judgeejudger@reddit

Alcohol fucks my joints up the next day or five. ☹️

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thebestjonbrown@reddit

I cut way back for many reasons but part of it is I just can't now. It messes up my sleep, energy, I'm wrecked the next day.... I have found though that, I can have a couple of drinks if I'm done by 7pm... So I do still enjoy day drinking some good bourbon on the weekends though.

[-]

Myfreakinglyfe@reddit

I don’t drink like I used to. Hangovers hit WAY different now. Also, it’s bad for my super high cholesterol. I’ve been switching to a lot more NA beverages.

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Obvious_Care_9446@reddit

56F I’ve been sober since well before last Christmas I should download an app to track 🤔. I just don’t like how shitty I feel the next day. I don’t miss it.

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dschoenbeck@reddit

Weed is legal where I live so I tend to smoke more than drink. When my band plays I might have a beer or two but that’s it.

[-]

lusciousskies@reddit

I used to pound alcohol as a teen then slowed down another. Now I'm 58and i just like weed much much better. My psyche needs don't play nice with alcohol, but I'll have one drink 1-2drink a month

[-]

Irishdoe13@reddit

An occasional beer or glass of wine. I guess I used all my alcohol days up in high school. That Tuesday night binge after the basketball games sophomore through senior year lol.

[-]

Particular-Fennel-67@reddit

Cheers

[-]

pidgeon92@reddit

I just turned 57. My doctor told me two/three? years ago I had to cut back, I would wipe out a bottle of wine every evening, and I really enjoyed it. But fine, OK, we cut back to splitting a bottle or two once/twice a week. I’m not sure what has changed, but I don’t enjoy wine as much as a I used to, which is really bumming me out.

I moved onto THC gummies. They were great for about a year, but now they barely give me a buzz. I’m spending most of my time stone cold sober, and I can’t say it’s an improvement. I swear all the joy is getting sucked out of life.

[-]

Joebing69@reddit

I'm weird.

I quit drinking heavily around 2007. Since then, it's been maybe a few drinks per month on average, usually if I'm out at karaoke. Then it's limited to maybe 2 or 3.

The few times I've actually cut loose, I discovered I have the same tolerance I did 18 years ago (must be a genetic thing; 50% Irish, 25% Cherokee, 25% Roma), but the next day is a lot rougher than I remember. The hangover will be an all-day thing. I can drink as much and still get just as drunk, but the aftereffects are Hell.

I've also discovered beer will give me an instant headache halfway through the first one, like hangover headache.

[-]

SushiGirlRC@reddit

I haven't been able to drink for like 8 years now. One day I had a normal-sized glass of wine, got room-spinning drunk, and puked. Thinking it was a weird one-off, tried a couple more times & same thing.

I used to take one shot of whiskey once in a while for back pain, but that turned into a horrible hangover the next day. Couple of beers (not a big fan anyway), room-spinning drunk, no puke, big hangover.

I had like 6 drinks in the first 6 years of that, nothing since. Not a huge loss to me, though.

[-]

JoBunk@reddit

Still drink. Left the craft beer around d covid and switched to bourbon. I have slowed down.

But HARD YES if I drink for too many consecutive days, anxiety, depression and generally brain fog take over.

I actively do not drink during the week now.

[-]

liamjonas@reddit

I stopped drinking

Yesterday

Right before I went to sleep.

Then I started again around 3pm today

[-]

GloveFamous2646@reddit

All seriousness. Late 40’s male here. Drank most my life. Started at age 15. Same thing was happening to me plus it just made me tired. I stopped drinking 300 plus days ago. Its changed my life all for the positive obviously. Just something to consider. I think our generation is reckless with our health and we need to make changes in our 40’s or we won’t survive long. This was my reality check.

[-]

GaiaTane@reddit

Quit when about 30, now 46, never going back. Pass the blunt

[-]

MrLudwig36@reddit

I’m doing it right now, because I still have a week off.

[-]

Efficient_Weather_13@reddit

Same. I don’t really want to drink anymore so I don’t. But it would be nice to be able to have a couple of drinks once in a while and not feel like ass.

[-]

golfingsince83@reddit

I have 1 a week after golf league. I used to have beers daily. Just not healthy living for me

[-]

BperrHawaii@reddit

I stopped for ten years and now that I’m back I drink like I don’t want to get drunk lol

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X2946@reddit

I got bored with drinking by the time i was 20. It was cool in high school. Realized it does nothing good for me physically or mentally

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Charlie_Something@reddit

Drink socially after years of heavy drinking during the club scene years. Glad that is all over with. Today I drink because cake.

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Chawnci7@reddit

The think we went a little to hard in our 20s and 30s 🤦🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️🤣

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oopswhat1974@reddit

I'd usually save my drinking for vacation and even then maybe only have 1-2 a couple of times over the course of a week.

Lately it's not even that much. My last few vacations I've been 100% sober the whole time. I can't stand feeling hungover anymore (and it can happen even on one or 2 drinks these days LOL).

I recently heard of an upcoming wedding (think Gen Z / millennial) where the rehearsal dinner is literally 2 days before the wedding. "Why?", I asked. Because it's too much to have the rehearsal dinner and then be expected to get oneself together in time for a 2pm wedding the next day. The way my judgmental eyes rolled...........

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ColdHandGee@reddit

Teetotal since 2020. I will never drink alcohol again.

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srfchf@reddit

Nope, can’t drink much (1-2 drinks) or not at all. One of my meds doesn’t like alcohol. Gives me an instant hangover.

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Absinthe_gaze@reddit

Not much a drinker at all. May have one or two a couple times a year. It’s not worth it for how it makes me feel. Steals happiness from tomorrow.

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Flippin-doo-da@reddit

I’m 43 and have no desire to drink anymore. Anytime I do I immediately feel dehydrated after one drink and want to take a nap. The last time I was drunk was probably 3 years ago and I never want to go through that kind of hangover again.

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Weird_Ad4334@reddit

Yes! My body gets sick so quick now when I drink even one or two glasses of wine

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Brahma__@reddit

I do but same thing. If I binge 2 or 3 days. Like, the weekend, I’m wrecked for a few days after. Sleep is terrible and I have the darkest/worst thoughts when I’m trying to sleep. My workouts suck if I do them, I feel depressed and the self-loathing is terrible. It makes me feel bloated as hell. I’m 45 and retired military. I went HARD all the time. My labs are good and I’m in great shape. My gf is 23 and smoking hot, right? I’m financially solid and working on my PhD but I’m learning alcohol is NOT what it was. It is killing my productivity. I didn’t drink this weekend nor will I next. To answer your question, I can drink but not like i used to. It’s not as fun anymore. At all. Thanks for posting this man.

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Cooperman411@reddit

Since I hit mid 40s, 2 is my limit. If I have a 3rd there needs to be an hour, water, and food before #3. If I have 3 without that, I’m depressed and useless the next day.

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PetMonsterGuy@reddit

I was always more into weed, I was never a heavy drinker or tobacco smoker. It’s what’s kept me looking young lol

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AddictiveArtistry@reddit

46 here, quit drinking over a year ago without even trying. I got tired of feeling like complete shit from it.

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ksewell68@reddit

Woman 56 here. Haven’t really been able to drink even one drink without having heart palpitations and trouble sleeping. It just makes me feel bad in general. I have switched to non alcoholic beer and weed. 🤷🏻‍♀️

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Good_Ad_2243@reddit

I decided to stop my nightly wine habit for my 60th birthday (90 days now) because I just didn't want to age and still be drinking. it helped that I learned about the toxicity of alcohol and the effects on dopamine receptors. So much health information available now it just didn’t make sense to continue during a time when I want to be healthier.

So much has improved in my life, sleeping better, more emotionally stable, and having fun watching others get tipsy while I sip on a mocktail.

There’s lots of memoirs on the topic. If you’re thinking about it check your local library for a few inspirational reads.

I hope this helps!

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misslam2u2@reddit

Nah I stopped drinking hard in 2017 and stopped for good in '20 because I developed inflammatory arthritis and man, it sucks and drinking makes it way worse so nah.

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ShowMustGoOn76@reddit

I'm nearing 50, and I've never drank. I wonder sometimes if alcohol would screw up my system. 🤨

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_HOBI_@reddit

We rarely drink. Maybe a handful of times a year. We Gave up 🍹 for 🍃

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TonyBrooks40@reddit

I'll have 2-3 beers once a week or so, but rarely 4 or more.

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Afterlifecurious67@reddit

Used to drink and do shots all night on weekends. Now 1 beer I'm wasted and ready for bad 🤣. And suffer the next day too! WTF happened

[-]

Unlikely-Balance-669@reddit

Sober 20 years this past February. One of the presents I received was a neuropathy diagnosis. Turns out that can happen anytime after years of disordered drinking.

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AdJunior4923@reddit

Yeah, I'm pushing 60 and am right with you. I used to loooove to drink, but I get all the same symptoms you do, plus I've got aFib and gout so it's even less fun.

Plus, I'm wary of adding a depressant to the mix in this fucked-up timeline we find ourselves in. Dry January lasted five months, and I've been real selective since.

Mentally, there's still a part of me that is absolutely ready to take down a bottle of mescal, but he's bound to a dolly like Hannibal Lecter and locked in a cell somewhere.

[-]

MissUnshine69@reddit

Gives me terrible stomach issues now, even with just a couple drinks

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KippyC348@reddit

No can do. 1-2 drinks per week is my MAX. And sometimes I feel like shit the next day after just 1.

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FrogsMakePoorSoup@reddit

Moderate drinker, maybe a couple each night with a few nights off each week. Heavy drinking is a no go for me, it's not worth the pain.

[-]

makeup1508@reddit

I still drink occasionally. If I have too many I get heartburn. Especially if I drink anything even mildly sour.

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kissys_grits@reddit

I can’t. But I still drink NA beer like a champ! Lol

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moneymutantJP@reddit

A wise man once said, "One martini is good, two is too many, and three is not enough."

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expletives@reddit

Mid 40s, sober for three years out of necessity. Both my own health and supporting my partner.

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Ok_Common_1355@reddit

Still have the occasional drink socially but no more benders. You just don’t bounce back like when you were younger. As stated earlier in this thread …. It’s basically poison so how badly do you want to damage your body?

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Beauphedes_Knutz@reddit

I used to be able to drink anyone under the table. When I was 21 alcohol had no effect on me whatsoever. I would toss back 16 oz glasses (yes, more than one) of vodka and be unfazed.

The winter I turned 23 my body said enough of these shenanigans. It stopped producing the enzymes that break down alcohol. It would remain and poison my system.

I would projectile vomit. I would turn vivid red everywhere. My body temperature would soar. My blood pressure would skyrocket. I would get instant migraines.

Once every five years or so I will sip a beer to see. Things have not changed in 30 years. I can't even take NyQuil. I have to be super careful with alcohol based mouthwash.

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labontefan69@reddit

I’m a bleeder so I had to quit over 20 years ago.

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fcewen00@reddit

Been sober 10 years. I wanted to be a good example for my kids and didn’t want to be remembered for my drinking escapades.

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L_wanderlust@reddit

I quit drinking except a few drinks a year on vacays and such because I had breast cancer and then a year or two ago research came out that drinking directly contributes to breast and colon cancer and a third one I can’t recall. I was never a daily drinker, just social, but still think it’s not worth the risk of recurring cancer or new cancer

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Mostly_Maui_Wowie@reddit

gif

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frankkiejo@reddit

I did just fine until after I hit about 51-52. I rarely got serious hangovers. Now I'm no good the next day if I have to much. I also can't drink the same quantity before I feel like I need to slow down.

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Alternative-Meat4587@reddit

PCP put me on the old man diet. No sugar/low carbs. Beer is definitely out. So, now I'm a Sunday drunk.

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Possible-357@reddit

Quit at 55 for cardiac reasons. I only ever miss having some wine with dinner. It has had good benefits to my mental and physical health. For that alone no regrets. I socially quite shy and drinks helped with that. I do challenge my comfort zone more often now.

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Suitable-Ad6999@reddit

From my 20’s-40’s, alcohol was the REQUIRED item for all events. I drank a lot. In my 50’s, not so much anymore. Trying to get healthy and stay strong for my 60’s and beyond.

Plus I feel like absolute dog shit next day. 2 whiskeys night before? I feel terrible all next day. I used to drink only beer but can’t anymore. 3-4 beers feels like thanksgiving dinner.

Don’t go out much anymore. Everyone drinks and the conversations suck: politics, college, these kids don’t know, you know when WE were kids. That kind of stupid shit.

I still drink but like George thorogood ALONE.

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SpareIndependent4949@reddit

Lost my taste for the sauce at about 45. Feels better to not feel perpetually hungry over. The herb always did me better anyhow.

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Any-Perception3198@reddit

I was late diagnosed ADHD and prior to that I went through a heavy drinking stage. I guess getting on medication gave me the dopamine I was seeking through drinking to excess. Don’t Hardy want any more than 1 drink now.

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MonoBlancoATX@reddit

I'm in my early 50s, and quit drinking in Sept of 2018. So, I was about OP's age.

And I quit for many of the same reasons.

Simply put: alcoholism/addiction.

Many of us don't like to admit it, but a high percentage of us have significant drinking problems and other addictive issues. Maybe not any more or less than other generations, but for sure they're there.

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Le_Mew_Le_Purr@reddit

Eh…I recently had a Miller Lite at lunch, then got back on the road and within five miles ended up pulling into a gas station to let it wear off; I just didn’t feel comfortable driving at highway speed. Interesting twist: I drink IPAs usually, but I don’t own a car. This was a road trip in a rental car. Damn good thing I chose a miller lite for whatever reason that day or it might’ve been worse. I’m done fucking around I don’t need to find out.

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MoreCanadianThanYou@reddit

I drink a glass of wine or beer about six times a year. Alcohol messes with several of my meds and I just don’t enjoy the drinks as much anymore.

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jordy1971@reddit

I quit drinking three years ago. I was getting blackout drunk 5+ days a at the end. If I restarted, it would probably kill me.

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Disastrous-Screen337@reddit

Finished drinking at 42. Life is better without it.

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signal_empath@reddit

I just get tired after even 1-2 drinks now so it stopped being fun. I was never a heavy drinker but I used to love it socially, I would feel energized and outgoing after a couple of drinks (at least for a little while). Now I usually just want to go home and laydown after a couple, so I gave it up.

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Mordor2112@reddit

54M, drinking a beer right now. Cheers.

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edhead1425@reddit

Well...it gives me gout, so that has curbed my enthusiasm.

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cosmoboy@reddit

I'm the same OP. Been working on the quitting and have at least cut back. Can't have more than 3 beers a night. I still feel all the symptoms you mentioned, but if I have a 4th it's all of that plus a hangover. A lot of unnecessary calories too

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Serveall@reddit

California sober. Same...bad sleep, heart palpitations, and did some stupid ass stuff. Happy to wake up early and enjoy my time off!

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onedef1@reddit

I just LIKE beer. Leave me alone.

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DasderdlyD4@reddit

I had to quit drinking because of a medical emergency. I only drank 1-2 glasses of wine 3-4 days a week. I feel so much better no longer have heartburn, and I lost 20 lbs.

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Putrid-Grab2470@reddit

One or two at most when I drink and usually only about three days a week. I find more makes for poor sleep and feeling crappy. Most likely will drop even more as I get older.

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HistoricalTowel1127@reddit

I can but usually don’t. Taste buds change over the years and I usually open a beer set it down half drank and forget about it.

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Nordilanche@reddit

Can? Yes. Do? Much less than in my 20s-30s. So maybe a glass of wine or a beer 1x week or so, but that's it.

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0uterj0in@reddit

Yep 50+ here, one glass of wine fucks up my sleep.

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Chiefanalyzer@reddit

Congrats to all the quitters! I saw a friend I hadn’t seen in awhile and she said, I’m hung over! I can’t even imagine feeling like that again. 1.710 years sober now.

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sharksfan707@reddit

I’ve given up beer altogether but will still occasionally drink wine. However, I limit that to no more 3 glasses once or twice a week. Every now and then I’ll have some Irish whiskey or a gin & soda water. A couple times a year I’ll have a Manhattan or Old Fashioned.

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EveningAgreeable2516@reddit

"How many y'all can still huff liquid cement? While driving? A school bus of kids? Bald tires? In a snowstorm? Playing steering wheel bongos? Kicking like Liu Kang?"

Good times, yeehah!

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Eastern-Factor435@reddit

Just Cannabis for me!

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tsays@reddit

I really can’t drink anymore. And I’ll tell you what, I miss those dinner parties with 6 or 7 bottles of outstanding wine.

But my body has decided that I’ve had my fill of booze for this lifetime. 🤪

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samsarnaybekjayray@reddit

For the last 30 years it was 2-4x a year. But it’s been 10 months with zero, will probably keep it that way. It’s just better and easier for my body, anxiety, getting sick, etc. But, man I really do miss those fun drinking days of my youth. So much fun

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Tardislass@reddit

I drink monthly but I found drinking non-alcoholic beer really curbs the craving for alcohol. I love Clausthaler as it taste very filling.

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Human_Copy_4355@reddit

I was never a heavy drinker but I don't drink at all anymore. I enjoy feeling good when I wake up and alcohol ruins that.

Plus multiple friends and my boyfriend are sober so very little of my social life involves alcohol now anyway.

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Eelmonkey@reddit

I sell alcohol (wine and spirits) for a living. I have for almost 20 years. I can absolutely destroy most civilians when it comes to drinking. I rarely drink outside of work situations. It’s not very fun after more than 2 hours.

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dethb0y@reddit

I mean i can drink but i rarely feel the urge to.

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SarahZona97@reddit

Exactly. The last time I had any urge to drink was before the pandemic. And I drank like a fish on weekends in college and my last year of high school. Kept going in my twenties. It was just part of my social scene. Early 30s hit, and by the time I was 34, I started losing any taste for booze. I didn't plan to quit drinking, but I just did.

Smoking, on the other hand, was a bitch to stop. The best I could do was switch gradually over to vaping. I tried it all, but only use Juuls now because they're so similar to how a cigarette looks/feels in my hand. So I still have my nicotine habit, but my house/clothes etc. don't stink.

I also felt like a fool blowing out massive clouds of vapor with those other types of vapes. 🤦🏼‍♀️

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Clamper5978@reddit

I didn’t drink heavily in my teens through my 40’s. I started enjoying bourbon a few years ago. Mostly old fashions, or just neat. No problems as long as I don’t get plastered. My dad is going to be 82 in a few weeks. He still drinks his wine every night, as he’s done for as long as I can remember. Gets a good buzz on as I can tell when he calls.

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paintballteacher@reddit

59 and I can hang pretty well, and my colleagues think I’m super tolerant (I am), but except the once every 6 months or so, I don’t drink anymore. Just no appeal to it for me now.

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Gold-Fish-6634@reddit

Elder millennial and I quit drinking 20 months ago.

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Babymik9@reddit

I’m 55F who is struggling with menopausal symptoms and drink on the weekends, esp in summer when we are out on the pontoon boat. But the body aches & pains I’m experiencing are so bad afterwards! I gotta figure out if it IS caused from alcohol or just all my other bullshit going on! (and no I am not a candidate for HRT, due to my moms hx of breast cancer). I might just try gummies and flavored water next weekend and see what happens! I’m in Michigan where it is legal. And yes I know that is replacing a drug for a drug—but I’m just human!

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Casual-Snoo@reddit

Never could drink.

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Excusemytootie@reddit

I can have a few glasses of wine. That’s about it. Anything more than that and I regret it. Can’t handle tequila anymore, even one margarita makes me feel like complete garbage. I stick with a nice quality, dry red wine.

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Theabsoluteworst1289@reddit

I can. I know people who can’t anymore, but I still can.

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Fredness101@reddit

I (m50) quit drinking 8 years ago due to gerd. I wanted to quit before that but alcoholism have a tight grip on me. Best thing that could have happened to me haha.

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PieTighter@reddit

In my mid thirties I started waking up in the middle of the night with acid reflux. It felt like I was drowning in battery acid. I noticed that it was happening on nights that I was going out drinking. I still drink a little, but it made me naturally cut back on 99% of my drinking.

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Fredness101@reddit

Exactly what was happening to me. I was also getting it randomly during the day at work. I would have to take a 20-30 minute break to wait for it to pass. Finally, I had an episode that lasted 3 days and it was the worst pain I ever endured. That was my final straw when the doctor said stop or your esophagus will be removed in a 1-2 years. I love beer and so I do drink non-alcoholic beer. Without the alcohol I do not get heartburn. Glad you cut back. Prolonged health to you buddy.

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RichardCranim-Dumas@reddit

I get some have drinking problems but it doesn’t seem to metabolize like it did in my 20s. As people age, their bodies become less efficient at metabolizing alcohol due to a decrease in liver enzyme activity and changes in body composition, such as reduced water content. This means older adults may feel the effects of alcohol more quickly and intensely than younger individuals, increasing the risk of accidents and health issues. It’s a young person’s sport.

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Educational_Rip_5626@reddit

No boozes for me anymore. 52 now but around 39 ish I just could not tolerate alcohol at all. Soooo, I’m a giant stoner. 😂 Weed >booze any day for me.

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kindafunnylookin@reddit

If I have more than two beers (sometimes more than one) I start to get a headache even before the end of the evening. Certainly can't drink like I used to.

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Malky79@reddit

Gaaaaay.

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peteywheatstraw420@reddit

I stopped drinking five years ago. Best decision I've ever made. I have friends who still drink heavily and it really seems to be affecting their health poorly. Once I started working our regularly I also found that alcohol didn't mesh at all with my body goals. One drink and I felt like shit for days. I think the trick is to find something that you enjoy doing in place of alcohol. Nowadays I just down some edibles or puff on my vape pen when I'm feeling frisky.

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custermustache@reddit

I only drink Friday and Saturday nights.

I will probably wean myself off of that in the next few years.

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jackieO2023@reddit

Me. Not like I used to but I don’t have the desire too. 56 here.

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Whis65@reddit

It is not okay to make alcohol part of any person's daily routine. It inflames everything. When we are young, it doesn't seem as intense. But I think that inflammation just expands and grows until our body parts start to rebel, in not so subtle ways.

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thewiremother@reddit

I can, but it doesn’t have the allure it once did.

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classicsat@reddit

A couple beers now and again is my limit.

I am mostly dry.

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TraderJoeslove31@reddit

I like wine but lately even one glass gives me a migraine. So I’ve largely been abstaining.

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MyriVerse2@reddit

It didn't really hurt me, but drinking stopped being fun when I was around 25. I still drink, but even a 6-pack of beer can last me a month.

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frandor_Dude@reddit

53 here. I haven't drank in 7 years. I do not miss it.

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buddhabillybob@reddit

I work in the elder care industry. Alcohol will fuck you up bad style. Avoid it in your 40s and 50s AT ALL COSTS. It’s best to never drink, but don’t be an old drinker whatever you do.

Gummies are a better alternative, but no drug is harmless.

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GrumpySnarf@reddit

If I drink I am 30lbs heavier. And I have noticed I don't stop once I start. Until I am obliterated. That was not how it used to be! So I had to stop. It's been like 6 weeks and I feel pretty good now and am losing weight again.

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DreaminginDarkness@reddit

Avoiding something that doesn't feel good doesn't mean you have to cut yourself off from joy, pleasure and new experiences. Treat it like an experiment or adventure. Try other things. If anxiety is a problem try some of the effective medications and therapy. Try getting extra sleep by taking trazodone at 8:30. Try drinking a ton of water and taking gummies in the evening. There are other plans for fun, relaxation and beneficial substances which might suit your particular body much better and make you really happy and less anxious. Your parents having a high alcohol tolerance doesn't really say anything about your experience... Unless you feel obligated because they expect you to? It's futile to try to do these personal things because of societal expectations. Yes drinking is the one socially acceptable form of pursuing pleasure but it has also killed a lot of people

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StellarOverdrive@reddit

I have a drink maybe once every couple of months. I don't enjoy it as much anymore, and hear regular stories about people slowly killing themselves with booze. It's not worth it.

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Cheese-Manipulator@reddit

I've never been a serious drinker, one or two drinks and I'm at my limit. More than that makes me feel nauseous very quickly. One cocktail a week and maybe a beer or two scattered during the week is my limit and even then I'll go weeks without anything.

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BnCtrKiki@reddit

I do not drink to excess, I do not drink all the time, moderation matters. When I drink k I get something weather appropriate that I like and never on an empty stomach.

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Tutmancometh@reddit

Malt liquor does the same to me. If have liquor or beer it doesn't

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D1sp4tcht@reddit

I quit 3 years ago. I just got bored of it all.

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PiratesTale@reddit

Craving beer but it feels not so good when I drink it.

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Rungi500@reddit

Yep had two beers last night.

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LayerNo3634@reddit

I quit drinking years ago. Used to drink regularly, then went on Weight Watchers and lost 50 pounds. Didn't have a drink the entire year I was losing weight...then found I could no longer hold any alcohol. Just one drink puts me under the table, so I don't bother.

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KarensLastZiti@reddit

Rarely and not to excess

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robertwadehall@reddit

I’m 55, have the occasional beer or two, glass of wine with dinner a few times a month. I cut way back on drinking about 20 years ago. Didn’t like the hangovers.

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naples275@reddit

I stopped. Not worth it.

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DutchRunner420@reddit

I have the same, but quit drinking for those reasons. Just not worth it anymore. One of the reasons I think is the large amount of shit ‘food’ we eat these days. Highly processed junk. No more alcohol and a low carb diet makes me feel like 30 again!

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a_youkai@reddit

Can't drink or smoke weed. I can maybe have ONE drink every few months and ZERO WEED at all.

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Sausage_Launcher@reddit

I was a heavy drinker for almost 20 years. Im 48 now. At 40, me and my wife had been struggling with the fear of and the impacts of being heavy drinkers for years. I know this won't work for everyone, but I knew it would for me based on a summer of experiences had in my early 20s. So I bought a few grams of molly. My wife had never done it before, and I'd talked it up for years that I believed that 1 night on that for us would be THE silver bullet. We've both been alcohol free since. I won't get into the messy private details of our escapades but we ended up doing molly frequently for a while after and it really brought us much closer. Our intimacy was and remains off the charts good as a result.

Tldr: use good drugs to fuck your way out addiction to bad ones and grow your relationship to a place of uncommon connection. Good luck!

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B_Williams_4010@reddit

Not since the liver transplant.

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Phobos1982@reddit

I can still throw back a 12-pack a day. Just waiting for my liver to hit the eject button.

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KnowItNone22@reddit

I think sometimes it’s the sugar that messes me up more than the alcohol - but yeah same. It’s not “fun” anymore, so I rarely drink.

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Rare-Confusion-220@reddit

Sure, why not?

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AndiagoSupremo@reddit

One drink makes me sleepy as I near 60. Thinking by 65 a beer or glass of wine won’t be often, but this is age of medications so perhaps that ends it.

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Potomacker@reddit

all things in moderation

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ponderouspendulum@reddit

Became sober at age 42. Still feel shitty, but not AS shitty!

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Zestyclose_Survey_49@reddit

I’m turning 50 and in the last year or two I can only tolerate 1 drink at a time. +1 just gives me a headache. +5 or so is a 48 hour recovery. I kind of love it and hate it at the same time.

[-]

Complex_Echidna3964@reddit

mos def not as fun of a drinker as I used to be. it was once a blast, now more of a burst followed by a long steady deflation

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Buzzderek@reddit

I'm at 5 years+ since I had my last drink. I don't miss it or need it.

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Great-Bug-736@reddit

I hardly drink, but when I do, it takes me WAY longer to shake it off than it used to.

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lalanikshin4144220@reddit

Happened to me in my 30s.

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BigKneesHighSeas@reddit

Yep. Same. I get a very anxious, heavy chest when I have even one drink. I don’t bother with drinking anymore. I’m that club soda guy now everywhere I go because everything but water is unhealthy

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DazzlingRutabega@reddit

I'm with the OP. I recall seeing older people in their 50s and up drink pretty heavily and wonder how they did it. Now I'm lucky if I can pace out 2 or 3 drinks on a weekend night and have my body handle it. Was their generation on less medications or what?

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MotherCactus1@reddit

I stopped in 2020 because I was tired of feeling like crud after drinking a couple of drinks. No more 3am waking up in sweats sessions for me. I actually feel better now than when I was drinking. And now there are so many N/A options out there. (Heineken 0.0 is great).

[-]

pwolf1771@reddit

I’m having this thought right now. Had a late night with a few brews and I have a pretty bad head ache today. Starting to think it’s not worth it anymore

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SugarMagnolia_75@reddit

I quit. The hangovers and everything else were just getting worse with age.

gif

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Successful-Gift-3913@reddit

Do you mean Prune Juice?

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Steelergate@reddit

More than one drink a day or several days in a row gives me a migraine. I’ve switched to lower ABP and nonalcoholic beer. It’s almost like I’ve turned into my dad

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MoiraRose2021@reddit

Well it is a Group 1 carcinogen. Our bodies not reacting well to it is probably a good thing in the end. Having said that I do enjoy a glass of cancer juice from time to time but I find myself drinking less and less of it.

[-]

WaltonGogginsTeeth@reddit

Quit a decade ago. Thankfully or I’d probably be dead by now

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Debdoll1969@reddit

My tolerance definitely went way down in my 50’s and I rarely drink anymore. When I do…I’m making a conscious choice to not feel my best the next day. I used to easily drink a bottle of wine myself…and felt “good” with no major hangover the next day. Now…one or two glasses of wine gives me a headache the next morning…along with the tiredness and low mood. I’m making the choice more and more to just stick with Coke Zero or a nice mocktail. Menopause and alcohol aren’t a good mix ladies!!! 😜

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SlotherineRex@reddit

I hit my lifetime quota some years ago. Liver tells me no more

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Ready_Cupcake_5257@reddit

I can. I just choose not to drink. There's a lot of addiction in my family. I'd rather not be part of that mess.

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Evening_Eagle425@reddit

I drink a little too much, but no problems with health issues.

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Multigrain_Migraine@reddit

I've lost my taste to drink a lot, but I still have a pint or two a couple of times a month.

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JackFuckCockBag@reddit

I haven't had a drink or hard drugs since January 6th 2018.

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I-used2B-a-Valkyrie@reddit

Nope. One shot and I’m puking like a freshman. I can’t tolerate more than a sip of anything and it sucks. I miss my well-ages single-malt and I was this close to finally splurging on a bottle of Pappy for my 50th.

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Infamous-Course4019@reddit

I drink to enjoy the drink nowadays instead of pounding at a bar

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domusvita@reddit

Yeah, after 2 beers I’m ready for a bad night’s sleep

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MuttsandHuskies@reddit

Dude, for years I’ve been at the stage of I can have half a glass of wine and 30 minutes later I have a hangover like I’ve been on a two day bender. While I’m still drinking.

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Rastard_the_Black@reddit

This happened to someone I know. They found out it was the sulfites. They got a filter to swirl in the drink and it solved their problem.

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katiekat214@reddit

Sulfites are why I had to stop drinking wine. I’ve never heard of this filter.

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reinventme321@reddit

Try a Pêt Nat. Often lower sulphites and tannins and they taste great 🥰 https://share.google/T5ITSIA6FkCmwH9eY

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katiekat214@reddit

Thanks for the suggestion!

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eastcoastflava13@reddit

You don't even need a filter, just swirl the glass of wine for 60 seconds to remove the sulfites.

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SiameseDream222@reddit

Omg same 🤣

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jenieloo@reddit

I can't drink alcohol any more either, it causes severe bloating and messes up my stomach and often causes IBS, when younger didn't have these problems, probably started in my 40s, only high quality wine with 0 phosphates or something very distilled can I tolerate, is it me or did what they put in alcohol change?

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Tydirium7@reddit

Switched to N/A and theyre ice cold and great. Booze anymore just puts me to sleep, robs me of my time and money. Wish Id have sobered in my 20s.

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groovychaosfox@reddit

I’m with you, I don’t simply because it makes me feel so bad.

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RustnStardust247@reddit

I have maybe 1 glass of wine a month to be social. Some cocktails on vacation and maybe champagne or port on rare special occasions, but that’s about it. I just don’t get much enjoyment out of it anymore.

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Academic-Travel-4661@reddit

Oh god, not me! I used to be able to consume quite a bit too!

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glendon24@reddit

I used to be a heavy beer drinker. Had a stroke earlier this year. No more beer. I'm only 52. Sometimes I miss it but mostly I'm happier sober. Drunk people are idiots.

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MessageOk2410@reddit

Quit alcohol altogether at 41. Couldn’t handle myself in moderation lol

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SacThrowAway76@reddit

I went to war with a bottle of brown water last Saturday night after a huge fight with my wife. Couldn’t get out of bed until noon the next day. It took until Wednesday before I started feeling normal again. I’m getting too old for this shit.

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PureCrookedRiverBend@reddit

Even in my early 20s drinking kicked my ass. It was never something I enjoyed. The last time I drank I got so sick that the next time I went to a liquor store I had to go outside and was gagging/dry heaving but had nothing on my stomach to throw up. Now as soon as drink alcohol it comes right back up. So yeah, I can’t drink anymore. 🤣

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AdGold205@reddit

I very rarely drink. It conflicts with some of my medications and I worry that I like it too much.

Since my dad is an alcoholic, I try to be very cautious with it and have been for 25+ years.

Fortunately my husband isn’t a drinker so we just don’t keep much liquor in the house. Now that we’re older, the idea of going out to a bar, spending a ton of money, probably somewhere loud, and sorting the logistics of transport just makes it seem like too much work.

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East_Vivian@reddit

I stopped being able to drink around age 40 I guess, but it had been tapering off for years. Drinking always seems to trigger a migraine, and I’ll get a hangover that is so much worse than it should be for how much I had to drink. Like if I had 2-3 cocktails I’d be wrecked the next day. I can maybe have one cocktail occasionally but there’s always a chance I could get a migraine, and my migraines always last for 3 days, so I rarely chance it.

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cadien17@reddit

I developed an intolerance during menopause. Halfway through one drink I would feel severely hungover. That lasted about 3 years. My folks are also in their 70s and still drink heavily a couple times a week, but I always stop at 2.

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phalanxausage@reddit

I can't even finish one these days. Every once in a while something boozy sounds delicious. I'll pour or mix something, then about a third to halfway through it starts to disagree with me.

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Bulky_Sir2074@reddit

I drink a beer or two occasionally but haven’t been drunk since Covid hit. No more bourbon. Being isolated for a bit made me realize I didnt crave alcohol, I was craving the social interactions that drinking brought. Now I just host functions where my buddies come hang out. We’ve gone from cases of beer to six packs.

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hagglethorn@reddit

Drinking doesn’t mess me up like that thankfully. I found I really hate being hungover so I stopped 5+ drink nights. Just getting a buzz feels fantastic, but it’s too hard of a target for me to hit. Just having one or two is safe, but I feel nothing from them. Then I realized if I don’t get anything out of it, why drink? Used to be 1 - 2 drinks almost every night. That’s a lot of calories doing me no good at all. It’s not that I won’t drink anymore, but I don’t keep it around the house.

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Practical-Future9398@reddit

Ive replaced most of my drinking with “the pot”. I quote this because it makes me smile. I woke up and baked. I miss my screwdriver but I don’t need the sugar in OJ.

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sniffing_dog@reddit

I drink a bottle of wine a day, don't get any hangovers. I'm 49.

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ImmediateBug2@reddit

I slowed down my drinking quite a bit in my mid forties, then stopped completely when I was 50 (I’m 55 now). The short buzz/relaxation was absolutely not worth how bad I felt the next day.

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ellieloveselton77@reddit

Alcohol makes me so tired so I just avoid it now. That makes my husband happy because I’m his permanent designated driver.

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murphzlaw1@reddit

Had my annual physical Friday..the intake paperwork asked if I'd had any alcoholic drinks within the last year...and I had to think about it. "No..??" Never have been a big drinker but once in a while...but I guess not in the last year or so.

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harbengerprime@reddit

Almost 50 and we keep a bottle of crown and rum rumchata in the house It's not an every day thing

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GlassHouses1980@reddit

Nope, I used to self medicate with alcohol for undiagnosed anxiety and after I lived with and got pregnant by my alcoholic ex I gave it up in the late 90’s. I don’t miss it at all. Wasting money to feel like shit the next day is overrated.

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zambizzi@reddit

I could knock it back all night and still get up early for work, zero pain, into my thirties. Late forties, no way. More than a couple beers, occasionally, ruins me. I barely drink anymore, and am much happier and healthier now.

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Revpaul12@reddit

Yeah it became an equation, how good does a light buzz feel compared to how crappy I'd feel the next day. Once I quit altogether, I also realized, wow, what a massive time waster, like less of an accomplishment than if I'd spent my time playing Resident Evil.

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dog4cat2@reddit

Can vs should vs will I live!

I can drink. I was never a huge drinker to start but I can still. I would not be coherent or even conscious.

Should I?

Weighing the factors of: embarrassment of drunken behaviors All the bathroom trips The empty calories THE COST!!!! (Have you seen the prices of alcohol?!) The hangover

against the idea of slipping into bed early so I can get up and feel the normal aches and pains without the added pain of a hangover-all signs point to I should not.

The "Will I Live?" question. Which medication am I on or ailment do I have that will interact with the alcohol and make me dead instead of drunk.

All in all, a glass of wine every month or two, and I am fine.

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Xercen@reddit

I am an extremely heavy sleeper. I can drink a fair number or pints and in my 40's.

I still need to do more exercise though. I wish I had the metabolism of a 25 year old.

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Lightningstruckagain@reddit

It’s like everything else- I still like and enjoy it, I just have to be more cautious now than in my youth. Drinking, weed, biking, running, sex, gambling whatever. Just can’t go to extremes like in my 20s and 30s. Not necessarily a bad thing.

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No_Salt5374@reddit

Quit 3yrs ago. Felt like crap the next day when I did have a few. I'd rather have an thc edible/drink/smoke on a rare occasion.

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ZebraBorgata@reddit

I’d typically drink a 750ml bottle of rum each week to 10 days or so….or maybe instead a 6-pack of double IPAs (9% alcohol) over the weekends. Long story short, I stopped drinking starting April 1 2025 after years of the same imbibing pattern. I’ve dropped 18 pounds and my mental state is much much better. I’m so much more relaxed, less quick to agitate, and overall better. I can’t argue the results. They’re too pronounced to go back. I’m likely done with alcohol for good. I do love rum and beer though so it’s not - and hasn’t been - easy!

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rangerm2@reddit

Can? Sure. Just have no desire for it

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Quick-Leopard-183@reddit

Nope. Quit actually a year ago. Now I just sit here in a city built around alcohol. Thank god for my dog and reality tv and weed

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lonnie440@reddit

Life’s way better sober

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Frosteecat@reddit

It doesn’t agree with me any more. I can probably manage a couple of shots and beers if needed but it just makes me sleepy and uncomfortable. I have pretty much zero desire to drink. Probably not coincidentally this seemed to start when I began microdosing psylocibin.

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bobroscopcoltrane@reddit

I quit drinking almost 3 years ago. I was tired of feeling like dragged-ass on a Tuesday morning. I dropped almost 20 pounds within the first couple of months, to the point my doctor was concerned until I let her know the “why”. One of the best decisions I have made. I don’t miss it one bit.

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soldieronceandold@reddit

OK, I was an alcoholic but ‘got saved’ via a church-encounter with Jesus Christ.

Alcohol used to destroy my relationships and life plans.

Thirty-five years later, I could care less about it; don’t really like its taste, never have more than one or two, total average number of drinks in a year is less than one a month.

Still go to church every Sunday, though!

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LeggyBlueEyes@reddit

We still do, but WAY less. We used to have wine with dinner every night and then cocktails and wine on the weekends. Now its essentially 2 drinks max on friday or saturday.

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TopspinLob@reddit

I still do drink but I admit, I can no longer drink

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Brilliant-Ad8607@reddit

I took the month of July off, back at it

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Status_Entrepreneur4@reddit

I'm similar age and can still drink fine providing it's not anything close to binge drinking these days

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30sumthingSanta@reddit

I stopped drinking regularly shortly after college. I still do drink occasionally. Maybe a six pack or a couple bottles of wine. Usually less, but that’s more because I don’t want anyone looking after me. I’d rather be the one looking after others.

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alex_korr@reddit

I am in the same boat. Down to 1 six pack a week, so 2 beers a night Fri-Sun. Wife quit drinking altogether last least after some health scares. I might quit altogether too. Garmin sleep monitor was a real eye opener - ie how much drinking affects me the next day.

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Responsible-Bed-7171@reddit

Your better off without it

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caffeinatedelirium@reddit

47 and I don’t drink anymore. I drank enough for everyone until 35 but I feel like shit when I drink now. Same exact issues as you.

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ShareMission@reddit

Put down a 12 pack last night.

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ImmediateRelative379@reddit

nope

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Apprehensive-Top-240@reddit

I still drink a couple times a month-ish for some socialization since I don’t have friends where I live now, but it messes with my sleep as well. I can’t make myself drink more than a few drinks now and again. Too old. 🤣 (Born in ‘69.)

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denzien@reddit

I don't drink much, but I am, at least, a happy drunk. Though I don't usually get drunk when I drink.

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FBS351@reddit

I've cut out liquor, don't miss it. I still drink beer in social settings and I'll have wine with a good meal, but I don't drink enough of either of them to get drunk.

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Embarrassed_Rule_269@reddit

I've only been drunk once in my life. From 21 until now continuous

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Far-Seaweed3218@reddit

One at night. That’s it.

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emmajames56@reddit

Used to drink heavily but after 60 I thought it best to quit.

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MaxBulla@reddit

i still can do multi-day benders, but they need a bit more coordination than they used do. And all nighters are still as enjoyable as you just seem to remember them. But never been a regular drinker, more when the occassion suits i can go deep, but i rarely drink during the week, and never had a problem not drinking for long spells either. Sensible European upbringing I guess, none of that UK binge culture.

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talepa77@reddit

I find that I feel more effects on less alcohol as I get older and I don’t enjoy the buzz like I used to so I don’t drink as much anymore. And it’s so ironic because I’m typing this with a hangover haha. Rare late night out for me and I don’t want to do it again for a while.

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ListeningQ@reddit

I can’t do it at all! It messes with my sleep so I just choose not to.

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jfagerstrom@reddit

Yes. Same thing for me. I'm 45, and alcohol does not agree with me anymore. I get the same anxiety and palpations, and it also causes digestive issues for me. If I drink a glass of wine with dinner, my food will not digest, and I end up throwing up.

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MagentaGiraffe13@reddit

I had life saving surgery last year. There were a lot of complications with the treatment. Since then my mind, and my body complies and absolutely rejects the thought of drinking. But m also fine now. I wouldn’t say it has affected my life in either a positive or negative way, but it is cheaper. Oddly enough my husband is going through the same thing. He drinks a little but mostly drinks non alcoholic beer for the routine and the taste.

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Inside-Dog1775@reddit

I hate alcohol! Cannabis helps me with pain and sleep! Never have a hangover!

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revmachine21@reddit

You could say I’m sober but it’s not really that. The cost afterwards just isn’t worth it for me. I go many many months without drinking at all and then “forget” why I don’t normally drink, try again and yep it sucks. Then the long wait starts again

I should stick to mj edibles. Same relaxation none of the side effects. Only down side is that once a gummy is eaten you are committed to the ride for hours. This is why I still have a partial 10 gummy pack purchased about 5 years ago.

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Stormylynn724@reddit

🙋‍♀️65F. I used to have a pretty good penchance for beer drinking back in the day. Drunk all the time in my early 20s….. sobered up in my 30s having children, etc.

got divorced and started partying again in my 40’s, not quite like the old days in my 20s but still could hold my own with beer. But anymore, I can’t even drink one or two beers. It just seems like it messes up my stomach and my colon and it definitely causes sleep disturbances ……So WTH man, I’ve given it up like I’ve done so many other things and I don’t even miss it anymore.

In fact I’d rather just have a Coca-Cola. 😂 something else I’m not supposed to be drinking Thanks to the sugar but what the hell man I drink it anyway. I have pretty much have a I don’t give a crap attitude and just do whatever I wanna do. 😂

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Malady1607@reddit

I started having digestive issues and I have a gluten allergy, so at this point I don't drink because it just messes up my digestion and the rest of my body. I have no idea how long it's been, but I'm guessing probably about a year-ish.

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Quack68@reddit

I drink but not every day.

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Xyzzydude@reddit

Have it up completely after such a binge that paramedics had to be called and I spent the next day cleaning up puke that still smelled like liquor. As a result the smell of liquor turns my stomach.

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Thramden@reddit

Our parents were degenerates lol.

I can only drink Guinness, Bourbon, and Rum now.

On a serious note, I can't drink regular beer anymore as it messes my stomach pretty bad. Ales don't. I guess I've been playing too much D&D /cheers

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bondpaper@reddit

My last drink was early April this year. I'm not an alcoholic. But even two light beers or one cocktail made me feel like trash. Wasn't worth it any longer so I just stopped. Club soda with a lime and nobody knows the difference.

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ProtozoaPatriot@reddit

I think you should mention this to your doctor. It can be a sign of health issues. For example, if the liver isn't healthy, you won't be able to break down the alcohol effectively.

Personally, I lost interest in it as I got older. I can have fun without being drunk. It's not good for you at any age. And they're finding out that alcohol is a carcinogen, so who needs that

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Expensive-Course1667@reddit

I quit drinking entirely in 1999. Had enough of that in the 90's.

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LibertyMike@reddit

Alcohol messes up everyone’s sleep. Even if you think you slept fine, the amount of REM and deep sleep you get will be way off.

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sarcasticorange@reddit

Simply not true for everyone.

Even if you think you slept fine, the amount of REM and deep sleep you get will be way off.

You say this as if tons of people don't have sleep monitors they can check to verify the impact.

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BallsOutSally@reddit

Shockingly, alcohol doesn’t mess with my sleep. Granted, I have narcolepsy…so my sleep cycles are always a hot mess.

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jestingvixen@reddit

Fwiw, you are not alone and I don't have narcolepsy. Whoop, Oura, Fitbit, Garmin, they can all tell when I've for no good reason spent the night alternating between reading, counting ceiling tiles (I'm ripping out the drop ceiling this winter, they're really pretty upsetting at 2am), pretending I'm asleep so maybe we can trick my hyperactive brain into powering down, etc. They can't tell when I had a cocktail with dinner or a couple glasses of wine and a movie for dessert. They do hate it when I eat and then go straight to bed, and I tend to agree with them. Just some data.

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Sure_Ad_7252@reddit

47 years old and I’m a over 2.5 years sober. I only drank socially but when I did I couldn’t regulate myself and would drink too much to be able to drive. I have two small kids (now 8 & 6) and I didn’t want to ever put myself in a situation where I could get home to them or worse so I quit cold turkey in November of 2023

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Repulsive_Injury3298@reddit

Cuz gen x all started drinking at 13 and you only get so many drinks in one life.

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crystal-torch@reddit

I also relate!

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Shoehorse13@reddit

I can definitely relate to this.

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saxdiver@reddit

I CAN drink, I just don't really want to anymore. It jacks up my already elevated blood pressure and I feel like shit the next day. It sucks because I really like to drink, but not at the expense of my general well-being.

Oh well, weed is legal in my state, so...

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Wooden_Emphasis_8104@reddit

Almost 2 years sober. The last 3 years before that my tolerance went in the shitter. Literally. 2 beers and I’m sick as a dog for 3 days. All the worst symptoms, like alcohol poisoning. Used to be I could out drink anyone and barely have a headache the next day.

My psych. explained it to me.

Turns out there is a gene that affects some people. As we approach our 40s-50s the liver eventually stops being able to make the enzymes responsible fur metabolizing alcohol. So it gets absorbed into the blood stream but doesn’t really get filtered out much by the liver. Your body is full of ethanol (that’s what alcohol is), it’s in the brain, the blood stream etc, and it’s feeling all the effects( between the vomiting and diarrhea and a few days eventually it gets out of your system.

Knowing this was the motivation for me to quit. Plus of course the 3-day hangovers from hell.

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Soithascometothistoo@reddit

37 and same. Heart burn, poor sleep, and hangovers, sometimes even only after 2-3 drinks. I used to have 6+ without any issues.

I have drastically cut down on my drinking the last 5 years though and will go months basically being sober. Saves calories, weight gain, money.

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humble_cyrus@reddit

I drink once or twice a year - a cocktail or beer. As I've gotten older it gets...well...old. I partied in college and the military - that was a decades' worth and pretty much enough for a lifetime.

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crystal-torch@reddit

How many Covid infections have you had? It’s very common to develop alcohol intolerance from Covid. I can only tolerate one drink or I have awful gastro issues. I also get flushed from a single drink and heart palpitations the next day. I find that beer is the worst followed by wine, and clear liquor is the least bad. I used to love having wine once or twice a week now I can have one drink a few times a year

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RegularScientist7379@reddit

One is just right, two is too many and three is not enough.

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grumpvet87@reddit

i found out i am allergic. i break out in handcuffs

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Lestranger-1982@reddit

Sober for a few years. Alcohol is not worth it to me. The damage is physical but more intensely mental and emotional. But I will say I spent a good 5-7 years as a heavy drinker. The damage it did was incalculable. It prevented me from mentally and emotionally processing most of my life. People don’t think about this when they drink. Even a couple of drinks turns off certain parts of your brain. Shit is happening but you are not seeing or feeling it. It is next level bad. My experienced was heightened due to my OCD but I think it gave me a lot of clarity as to how destructive even casual drinking can be.

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Loud_Octopus@reddit

I feel this to my core. I have been complaining about this for a while now. I am 49 F and I have always been a drinker. I enjoy having drinks with friends. I enjoy the taste of a good drink, but for some reason in the past few years it seems like it just makes me feel like crap and it's hard to enjoy it. Occasionally I can enjoy a cocktail or two with a meal but I definitely cannot drink like some people I know who are older just chugging away all the time and seem to be still enjoying it but not me. Granted I have had health issues and take medicine but it's stuff I have taken for sometime. Getting older sucks.

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wishmachine007@reddit

Also 49, and same here! I have a friend who started drinking white wine and seltzer because she couldn’t stand the hangover, and I thought wow, that just waters down the taste of a good wine. Now on the rare occasion when I buy a bottle, I’m drinking white wine and seltzer. 😂 I also used to bartend, so I’ve been making some mocktails at home. I like elderflower tonic and lime, also adding fresh herbs or fruit, etc. Not quite the same, but it beats the day and a half hangover. I’ve always enjoyed cocktails, having a drinks seeing a band play, etc and now more than one makes me feel like I’ve been hit by a truck.

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Cool_Intention_7807@reddit

I love these ideas, and elderflower tonic is so good. I used to order the wine/seltzer “Spritz” combo on work outings or dates so I could keep my head on and drive myself home. I doubled tonic for any drink too, like G&T. Mocktails with fruit, seltzer, and flavored vinegars are good too. I just have lost my taste for alcohol.

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ElYodaPagoda@reddit

At 49, I just love putting on a Bogart movie and having some stiff Bourbon to go with it. I quit smoking 8 years ago, but I remember the experience.

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montbkr@reddit

“Here’s looking at you, kid.”

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ElYodaPagoda@reddit

My favorite is this one:

gif

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DasArtmab@reddit

I’ve been drinking Athletic non alcoholic IPAs. My brother was like let me have one of those. Bastard ended up drinking half my beer. The only downside is that while everyone else gets drunk, you’re stone sober.

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JustClio63@reddit

Athletic non-beer is really good! But every non-alcoholic wine I have tried is not appealing. Just bitter juice.

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Loud_Octopus@reddit

I'm a bourbon not a beer drinker. I just drunk people watch when I don't drink lol

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hippiestitcher@reddit

The last drink I had was over 4 years ago; I had ONE hard cider and the next morning I felt like absolute, total shit. That's when I realized my body simply cannot tolerate it anymore.

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Ishcabibbles@reddit

Alcohol, especially red wine, can really mess with my sleep. So I don't drink much during the week, maybe a glass of wine with dinner twice on weeknights or my husband will make me a cocktail.

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Schnelt0r@reddit

I drink heavily on the weekends. I'll walk to the pub, drink two pitchers then come home and keep drinking beer while playing video games.

Covid messed things up. Before that I'd drink three pitchers and then come home to keep drinking....

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Iko87iko@reddit

I could still knock em down if the opportunity demanded it, concert, trip, etc... but anymore the price to be paid is steep. Fucks up my entire digestive system for 4-5 days. Hang over lasts just as long. I really wished i enjoyed the pot high, but it just makes me paranoid. So it goes

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thatsplatgal@reddit

I quit booze 2.5 years ago after a life time of daily drinking. Best decision I made for my physical and mental health. My anxiety reduced dramatically, my baseline mood increased, sleep improved. I lost weight and am in the best shape of my life. I also haven’t woken up with an ounce of regret or shame which is worth its weight in gold.

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Aeribous@reddit

Late 40’s and I can’t do it anymore

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Katfish19@reddit

I was exactly the same. I'd wake up during the night with a gut ache and anxiety, even after 1 or 2 drinks. Decided to stop. Been almost a year.

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ChickenSnizzles@reddit

I really don't enjoy alcohol anymore. It basically just throws me into a sweaty panic attack. It's even worse if I drink alcohol while outdoors in the summer. So for the most part I just avoid it, now. Once in a great while I'll have maybe 1 drink, but at this point it only happens maybe 5x/year.

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Character-Salary634@reddit

It's just not worth it. Alcohol has never tasted good. We just all get accustomed to it for the other "benefits." I began to notice that I just felt terrible a lot more than I felt good with it. And so I gradually stopped drinking at all

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JustBrass@reddit

I don't drink daily. Every couple months I go sing karaoke and have between 2-5 drinks.

I'm lucky. In a family of alcoholics, I just don't have the urge.

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ConversationSoft463@reddit

I stopped for a long time and recently started again but much less. I don’t have any of the issues you mention anymore. I do think it wise to stop for at least a while and allow your sleep and mental health to “recover” — for lack of a better term — before you consider drinking again.

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AcesAnd08s@reddit

I agree with you. I have been a regular drinker since I was in my 20s. I’m now 53. I even worked in the alcohol industry for many years. But something happened when I turned 50. I noticed it just wasn’t hitting me the same way it used to. I could feel my body telling me to cut it back. So I listened. I went from 3-4 drinks per day to only 2-3 per week. My body feels so much better, my skin is better, my sleep is better, and my mind is way more clear.

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twizz0r@reddit

I had a doctor explain it to me. Theory goes that if you hit it hard in your 20s and 30s (even just socially), as you get into your 40s and 50s, that 3-4 day period after drinking any amount of alcohol where you feel anxious, out of sorts, can't sleep, depression, generally unwell, etc. is actually alcohol withdrawal from a latent form of alcoholism.

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beermaker@reddit

I got too good at it & quit at 40... no ragrets.

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Cute_Professional703@reddit

Yep, late 40s female. I basically never drink anymore because it keeps me up all night, and makes me feel blue. I have to really feel great to even have two drinks at a social event, but mainly stick with coconut water. 🤷🏻‍♀️

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MikeyJBlige@reddit

I quit in 2016. I was having memory loss issues, and it scared the shit out of me. I assumed that a lifetime of drinking had finally caught up with me. Found out a couple of years later, after I started therapy, that memory loss is a common symptom of depression and anxiety - both of which I had. So drinking was aggravating my memory loss (alcohol is a depressant), but wasn't the root cause of it.

But once I quit, I noticed that I was getting better, more restful sleep. I also felt less groggy during the day. So I've stayed dry since then. Once in a while, I'll miss the taste of a really good beer. But the positives of not drinking make it worth it.

I may start casually drinking again once I retire, but I've got at least 7 years until then. So for the time being I'm staying dry.

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cartman1205@reddit

Did last night now hung over. Blah!

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platypus5709@reddit

My husband and I totally quit 2.5 years ago. He needed to quit, I did it for solidarity. Both have never felt better.

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PikkiNarker@reddit

I’m early 50s and around 48 the same thing started happening to me. I now have maybe three drinks a week, and only on Friday and Saturday. It’s just not worth all the angst.

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feldknocker@reddit

I don’t drink anymore. I don’t miss it 95% of the time. It’s usually a certain situation or setting that makes me think a drink sounds great. But I can usually quell this with an internal conversation, “Okay, that 1 or 2 or 3 drinks would make you feel good. How long? Maybe 30-60 minutes? Then what? Well, you’ll want another one to maintain that feeling. The problem is, it doesn’t work like that. You’ll either keep going and get drunk or you’ll stop abruptly. When the booze wears down, you’ll feel shitty. Tonight, you’ll wake up hard at 1-2 am and you won’t be able to fall back asleep. That’s when your anxiety will start up and you’ll lay in bed catastrophizing all aspects of your life, worrying about loved ones dying suddenly, losing a job, becoming unemployed, nuclear war…whatever. Tomorrow morning you’ll get up feeling horrible - even if it were only 2 drinks. The extra coffee you’ll have to overcome your exhaustion will ramp up your already-raging anxiety exponentially. As far as food, forget your efforts to eat well. Your craving for comfort and carbs will overwhelm you and you’ll stuff your face with crap food. Besides all this, you can probably count on a bout or two of diarrhea, heartburn when going to bed tomorrow night, another night of restless sleep and probably 3 full days until the anxiety lifts.”

So then I can usually conclude that I’ll pass on the drink.

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ATLCoyote@reddit

I still drink socially, but I don’t overdo it as I can’t handle hangovers anymore and I tend to drink wine or liquor more than beer because beer makes me feel bloated.

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Jaspa7732@reddit

I didn’t really start drinking till Covid. I’ve got some catching up to do.

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techdevjp@reddit

I don't drink very much any more. A dram of whisky once or twice a month in the winter. Maybe 1 or 2 gin tonics over a summer. I might drink more than that once a year now. I enjoy it but don't feel a need for it.

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ComfortableBedroom76@reddit

I'm 58 and stopped drinking during the pandemic ironically but should have stopped when I turned 40. I call myself allergic to alcohol because it never really agreed with my body. I just liked it too much but I always preferred a weed buzz anyway and if cannabis had been legalized sooner I would have quit booze sooner.

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SimplyCurious5@reddit

I’m in my late 50’s and have all but stopped drinking just because I don’t feel good while I’m doing it. I used to love a glass of wine when out with friends but a few sips in I start feeling bloated and get a stomachache. I still try it from time to time, but I mostly just drink soda water with lime anymore when I’m out.

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Subject_Run5165@reddit

I've always preferred inhaling my intoxicants.

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Ieatpurplepickles@reddit

I drank in high school. I didn't drink because I liked the taste so much but because it erased my anxiety. Don't get me wrong, vodka tastes amazing but I wasnt sipping a cocktail, I was carrying the bottle and chugging straight from it. I was waking up in weird places I still have no memory of going to, with weird people I didn't know, and what made this all worse? I was never hungover. Blackout drunk but no hangover ever.

I also never appeared drunk unless you really knew me. If you were close to me, you saw my anxiety disappear and I became everyone's friend and was a chatty little Cathy. But otherwise I would appear sober/maybe a little tipsy and then pass out. People thought it was hilarious until they began to realize that I'd had half a bottle of vodka and some beers. If I was up dancing and having a good time, a whole bottle of vodka had likely disappeared or was on its way.

At 14 I woke up with to go to church to teach Sunday school and had the shakes. That finally scared me. Not waking up in weird places, in my own vomit, still clutching a now empty bottle of cheap vodka, nope. The shakes scared me!

I've drank since then but I always limit myself to a single beer or half a mixed drink or something. I didn't ask to be a 14 year old near alcoholic (hell, maybe I was an alcoholic, idk) but I knew addiction because my family tree is full of it and I didn't want to be the newest addict.

I'm 46, still battling anxiety and wishing I could drink but I know I CAN DRINK that's why I don't.

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Wooden-Glove-2384@reddit

I can have 2 beers, 3-4 times a week and be ok

more than that and the day after I'm useless and getting to the gym is painful

I now definitely need to get some non drinking days in between and I've been enjoying those more than ever before

someone said "moderation in all things" and they were right

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CosmicSmoker@reddit

Pushing 50, rarely drink except special occasions, more or less quit about 10 years ago. Drank heavily in my teens and twenties, slowed way down when we had our first kid, stopped after watching wife's father mentally loose it after years of "beer alcoholism." Being around an alcoholic, seeing what it does to a human brain, was a big wakeup call.

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Euphoric_Network_813@reddit

Not here. It became too problematic over the years after abdominal surgery that makes it too dehydrating, almost immediately.

Plus, I did way too much stupid bleep when drunk.

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0hheyitsme@reddit

I also had a similar experience with alcohol in my late 40's. I haven't had alcohol in 8 years. Alcohol does deplete vitamin B1 (thiamine). I'm thinking that's what caused my anxiety, palpations, etc. I did find out later I was B1 deficient. I have no desire to drink alcohol now but I do wonder if I could tolerate again.

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Character_Invite4930@reddit

I didn’t quit but cut waaaay back. If I have more than one drink, my joint pain is terrible. Especially my hands the next day. It’s just not worth it.

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BillyM9876@reddit

Drink in moderation. Around 2 glasses wine per day. Occassionally I add a cocktail or a stiff whiskey. Plus tasting throughout the day as required for the job. Usually take one day off from drinking per week. Once a month or so, I take 3-4 days off from drinking. Once or twice a month, I usually go to a big dinner with lots of wine.

Dad bod. Moderate exercise. Don't smoke. Don't do drugs.

Get my physical and blood work every year. Doc says, "keep doing what you're doing."

Wife loves me for some reason. So do the kids. Boss loves me and so do my clients.

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Admissionslottery@reddit

Interesting definition of ‘moderation’

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Business_Coyote_5496@reddit

Wow that's so much booze and you have no side effects at all! That's rare

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safshort@reddit

In a previous life, I was married to an alcoholic. Alcohol never really did anything for me, except make me feel like shit when I drink, kill my stomach & mess up my sleep. Alcohol was never a thing to me. Even now, I probably partake and having two alcoholic drinks per year, even then I don’t finish them. Feeling good is more important than getting a buzz.

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Narrow_Arm7386@reddit

I’m on ozempic you can’t drink it won’t fit in your stomach ..

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Familiar-League-8418@reddit

I can’t drink as much as I used to and I feel much better but I definitely would drink more if I could. I used to drink 2 glasses of wine a day at least 6 days per week now I’m down to 2 glass of wine per week. My body can’t handle it anymore. I did take a trip to Spain a few months back and I drank wine daily for almost three weeks and I didn’t get the same negative side effects. Maybe it’s something in the food we eat in the United States or something in the wine, more chemicals maybe. I have no idea why I didn’t get sick in Spain , I’m just guessing that maybe I am getting more chemicals in the US even if I try to eat healthy. I’m sure drinking as much as I did over the years did not do me any favors and now it’s time to try and recover. I read somewhere that we spend the first half of our lives trying to kill ourselves and the second half trying to live.

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8Deer-JaguarClaw@reddit

I can still drink like I did in my 20s, but the recovery is a lot rougher. I've been transitioning to THC edibles and beverages (and less often vapes), and that's been a big improvement. I find that if I start with THC, the desire to drink is greatly diminished. I'll still have a drink or two, but I just don't feel the desire to drink more than that in most cases.

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tinysmommy@reddit

Not since I got accidentally too drunk in 2011 and I had a hangover for a week. Haven’t had a drink since. I have zero interest in alcohol whatsoever.

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NedsAtomicDB@reddit

Just a little. A cocktail with brunch, a beer at a live show, a glass of wine with dinner, or a Bailey's before bed.

No tying one on like back in the day!

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Coppermill_98516@reddit

I can drink alcohol just fine but I seldom have more than two drinks. The key to enjoyable alcohol consumption is moderation.

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emax4@reddit

I can, but probably because I never was a raging drunk, nor experimented in my teens and 20s. I don't know all the drink names because of my lack of experience. I'll only have an Irish creme with milk or Hazelnut creamer every so often.

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HighlightOk9357@reddit

I stopped drinking alcohol in November of 2024. It just made me feel sick. Nausea tiredness headaches anxiety palpitations just terrible feeling. I am not a sober person though. I do participate in quite a bit of cannabis joy. But alcohol just wasn’t good anymore. I see quite a few comments saying it felt like an alcohol allergy. That’s what I say too. Like suddenly it was just something my body hated after I turned 50.

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gatorman98@reddit

Got a margarita right now

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high_everyone@reddit

I switched to weed before covid. I don’t regret it.

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bigmedallas@reddit

I'm 54, drink 2, 3 maybe 4 times a week. Can't remember the last time I was drunk. 2 glasses of wine, a beer or two, a glass of whiskey is for enjoyment. I brewed a tasty pale ale, 54 bottles of delicious beer ,in my 20s that would have been wiped out in a week or two, I've been enjoying them for the last 2 months. If you are sober I'm glad and hope it works for you.

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Redfury2030@reddit

Im 47 same issue, thou mines a bit worse due to meds i had to take in my 20s messed up my liver. Everything thou is wonky the next day. And as i drink less, 1 - 2 drinks still ends up in a really yucky day the next day and for me a few days after. So maybe get your liver checked, also its for the best, the body just cannot tolerate the abuse the same.

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conseetdb@reddit

I started having weird issues after a night of drinking. Thought it was a histamine issue, so I stopped drinking wine. The leg/hip pains continued. Stopped drinking reg beer. Stuck with seltzers and vodka straight. Worked for a bit, until it didn't. Decided to quit all together. September will be my 1 yr anniversary and I haven't had any more issues. Best choice I've made.

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josephus_jones@reddit

I quit entirely shortly after my 50th birthday. I'm coming up on 5 years sober and my life is immeasurably better in every way.

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SynAck301@reddit

It’s been about 5 years for me. If I’m in the rarest of rare occasions I’ll have a glass of something. Like when I went to Andorra and the sangria was made fresh with local fruits and the wine was made down the road. But it still made me overly warm, tired and irritable, and my stomach hated it. So there’s no chance I’m drinking everyday liquor at a bar or party. I’m 300% happy drinking ginger ale and not feeling like shit.

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kwill729@reddit

I can’t have more than one glass of wine or cocktail without similar symptoms. It definitely messes up my sleep and I feel hung over in the morning. Some older bodies just can’t process alcohol well. Consider it a good thing for your health.

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must_eye@reddit

I don’t have much desire to drink anymore. I can still do fine most nights if I only have one cocktail. 2 is pushing it.

I noticed that I can drink much more in a social setting with my friends. Not like I could in my twenties, but much more than when I am at home solo.

Day drinking is a complete Nono for me now. I knew better, and still had one beer with lunch and then played golf. Damn near had a heat stroke on the third hole. Had to sit out two holes and recover.

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Personal-Cold-5068@reddit

Drinking makes me ruminate after just a few drinks now days.... into what ifs and life regrets. 90% of the time I end up angry bitter and depressed so I try to limit myself to a few drinks a week now. Was a daily 6+ drink kind of person now maybe 6 a week

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This-Professional-39@reddit

Meds I'm on make alcohol more trouble than it's worth. Still can do 420, so at least i have something lol

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deathproofbich@reddit

I can still belly up to the bar but I choose not to. The hangover lasts for days and it’s not worth a few hours of fun.

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Alert-Ad6401@reddit

Since the covid shot i cant tolerate alcohol at all

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CanadianCutie77@reddit

I never found the appeal! Having youthful skin and not being hungover won for me. My ex is an alcoholic, my current partner use to drink heavily, and his soon to be ex wife is an alcoholic. I have seen the effects drinking has left on his ex and I’m thankful I kept it at drinking a few times a year in my 20’s and 30’s.

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jaredrun@reddit

Im a pro

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ExcellentOriginal321@reddit

I quit last year. I can’t even stand the smell anymore. I take naltrexone.

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Alive-OVERTIIME-247@reddit

I can't remember the last time I had a drink. I drank pretty heavy during my 20's but when the hangovers started lasting 3xs longer than the buzz, it was time to chill out.

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Horn_Flyer@reddit

Quit 6 yrs ago. Drank heavily. One day I just decided I'd had enough and haven't picked up another drink since. Best decision I've ever made.

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HasturCrowley@reddit

I'm 47. I can still drink like I did in my 20's...

... I mostly just smoked weed in my 20's.

The current state of marijuana however will fuck me right up. 2-3 hits usually gets me feeling how I want to feel.

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tinylittlefoxes@reddit

Same thing happens to my partner (m49). It really sucks. I don’t drink that much either but day drinking at the pool was one of our favorite activities. And it’s rough going places where everyone is drinking but you.

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rob_ker@reddit

I do on weekends only, and in moderation. Glass of whiskey with ice is my go to, but I must admit, not like I used to

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ExoticAcanthaceae426@reddit

I can drink without issue. Except white wine. That freaking stabs my temples the next day

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No_Proposal7812@reddit

Funny enough I can drink all the white wine. Red wine will absolutely kill me the next day

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frumperbell@reddit

Same. I can pound everything else, but ONE glass of red wine and I wake up the next morning and wish I had died in my sleep.

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ExoticAcanthaceae426@reddit

Funny stuff. Some people slayed by red and some by white. We need a poll

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Remmy2023@reddit

Same. White causes massive hangovers. For whatever reason, I think red is high brow. Guzzle white, sip red.

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AdultinginCali@reddit

Red wine kicks my ass if I have too many. Beer makes me pee too much. I like to drink hard seltzers in Vegas, no bloating and no headaches.

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Beliliou74@reddit

gif

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phorkor@reddit

A few sips of white whine and I’ll have a migraine around 2-3am guaranteed. Never fails.

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morbid_florist_@reddit

Red is better. White always slays my head if I have too much.

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ennuiandapathy@reddit

Older GenX (late 50s) here and peri/post menopause has pretty much eliminated any drinking. It made hot flashes worse and now it messes with my already messed up sleep cycle (menopause insomnia can kiss my ass).

Edibles are much better at this point.

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pinata1138@reddit

Keep in mind I’ve lived pretty softly and have in fact never been drunk (not even once), so it’s probably different for me. But yes, I can and still do drink (just till I have a mild buzz, then I stop). If you’ve done a lot of hard living your body might not be up to it anymore, though.

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j_grouchy@reddit

I do. I mostly do only on days I'm on my own. When I'm with my girlfriend, I don't even really want to. My craving only seems to be there when I'm bored and lonely.

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SouthOrlandoFather@reddit

I don’t think I have had a drink in about 3 months and not sure I can drink again. It gives me stomach issues even if one drink.

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grostequoteque@reddit

I’m taking the year off of drinking. I did have done tequila shots at a cinqueanera in July but otherwise have been abstaining entirely. It’s definitely the right health choice. Better sleep, more even mood/attitude, and my knees feel ten years younger. I’m about to turn 47.

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getaclueless_50@reddit

Sober now for 4 years. I started getting heart palpitations after Covid and alcohol makes them horrible. Also quit caffeine and almost all carbonation. It does get easier.

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schizo1914@reddit

I'm 47 and can still drink with the best of them

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ale23arg@reddit

I think it could be the quality of liquour......

Not sure what your drink of choice is but for example if I am doing rum and I do rum and coke and the rum is the cheapest thing or a mid to low tier ... the next day I would really feel like shit.... (not doing that again).
Now if i drink a nice 23 year old Zacapa on the rocks... i can have twice as many and the next day would be fine... obviously lack of sleep is lack of sleep but other than that.. 1 tylenol and I am good to go....

I dont' drink often maybe like 2 or 3 times per month but I do feel it when I go for the cheaper stuff. Some of the events I've been to lately have those white claws or trulys which are somewhat refreshing but again... feel like shit after those... might even get a headache 3 or 4 hours in...

not sure if this helps.. Higher quality liquor is expensive but it helps....

On a side note there are some other over the counter pills that you can take before you start drinking that supposedely gets rid of a lot of the sideeffects but never tried those...

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Background-Ad4382@reddit

Maybe closer to 2000 days sober now. Was big on whiskey. If I'd had another bottle, I'd probably have lost my liver, so I have a second chance at life. I still believe all the drinking was from the horrible parenting/trauma I got. Finally got my act together, got sober, got married, and have a healthy baby girl. However the age difference between us is greater than me and my grandparents. It is what it is, and my parents are not getting access.

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DonaldKey@reddit

My tolerance is crazy high. Been drinking for 30 years. I can put down a 12 pack of 8% beers and be fine the next day

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kanwegonow@reddit

I get a headache after 2-3 beers now, so I just don't drink any more. I'm California sober. I tell people that I can't drink like I used to when I was in high school.

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Catlenfell@reddit

I gave it up 4 years ago. I looked at the sad, old dudes I was drinking with and decided that it wasn't my thing anymore.

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Suitable-Function-60@reddit

I’m 47 and have started experiencing discomfort after drinking for the last couple years. I do notice chest pains sometimes but I have had my heart examined and they say everything is fine. I get heartburn and gas bubbles trapped in random weird places like my shoulders, neck, and under both armpits. I’m also exhausted after drinking and need a couple day to recover.

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Necessary-Peace9672@reddit

My doc had a talk with be about my binge-drinking—he said it causes cumulative heart-damage. He’d prefer I drink one drink a day than 7 on Saturday…

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Mrjlawrence@reddit

I haven’t quit drinking but I usually just go out to lunch on Sunday at the pub and have 1 beer. The longer I continued that pattern of just 1 beer the worse I felt if I drank more than a couple beers at a sitting. I don’t keep alcohol at home.

I just feel too sluggish after more than a couple beers.

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TraditionalBackspace@reddit

When I was in my 40s, I was taking SSRI medication and it made me feel poisoned if I had one drink, for whatever reason. I stopped drinking completely because it wasn't worth it. Once I was off of those, the liquor cabinet opened back up again.

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AngryBagOfDeath@reddit

It's not a huge part of my days anymore. But I enjoy drinking craft beer and the occasional 4-6 Busch lights on a weekend night. My neighbor quit cold turkey and so I don't drink as much, but yeah once I turned late 40's it just hits different. Makes me super tired and I just want to nap. I have a 5 year old and I don't have time for naps.

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Raynet11@reddit

When I was 27 I had a bad spinal injury and was put on meds that couldn’t drink. I went from a few bottles of wine a week to nothing and it stayed like that for 15 years. I am off those medications now for over a year and I haven’t had a drink yet. I’m not against it just haven’t. But I remember even in my 20’s the after effects were not worth it to me I hated hangovers

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jfdonohoe@reddit

Yup. I was a heavy drinker high school through my 20s. There’s alcoholism in my family and I tried really hard to activate that gene.

In my thirties there was a bit slowing down. In my 40s with a new born kiddo it dipped lower just based on life stuff.

Now I have little craving for it because of how it makes me feel after.

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SnoozuRN@reddit

If people are still drinking in their 40s like they did in their 20s, that's called alcoholism.

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Ch1efMart1nBr0dy@reddit

If I have more than a sip of whiskey I feel like garbage for the rest of the night. And if I have 2 beers, I get gout for a week. It’s just not worth the hassle anymore.

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houwil13@reddit

Yeah I’ve definitely slowed down since my 20’s (late 40’s here too). One or two beers on the high side for a session and typically only 1-2 times per month. Wife and I used to enjoy sitting out at an open air venue and drink a craft beer, but it bothers her vertigo and I feel bloated after a beer or two so it’s becoming less and less interesting as we get older. Never thought I’d say that 🤣

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CrowdedShorts@reddit

Turned 46 a few months back. Celebrated in Nashville (but live in SoBe so I’m used to the partying aspect). I drank 12hrs straight each day (including multiple rounds of shots). Five days was way too long. This past week I’ve had three drinks for a work event on Wednesday. I am not normal though - to be able to consume that much but then also shut it down so easily. That said, I work out nearly everyday (even if it’s walking 3-5 miles). My vitals all looked good last year for my annual. Need to take care of your health.

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BenedickUSA@reddit

It definitely hits me harder now. If I overdo it, I get the racing heart rate and major anxiety.

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Yearoftheowl@reddit

Even in my 20s, I got the most insane hangovers. My friends would have them but still function, while I was in bed all day barfing. In my mid 30s I did AA for four years because I’d had a bad breakup and was drinking to numb myself. In my 40s I drank again, but not as much. But my hangovers got worse, even after just two drinks sometimes. Now in my 50s, I drink a beer with my friend after work every Thursday. That’s pretty much all I drink, period. Don’t get buzzed, don’t have hangovers. I just thought of how much wasted time feeling like crap I’ve gone through, all of my own making, and realized it’s just not worth it. I was always just drinking to manage anxiety anyway, and I’ve found better ways to cope with that now.

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BrotherQuartus@reddit

I don’t drink anymore. Lots of things I used to do hit my body hard.

I’m old enough now that I actually consider my lipid panel and liver health before eating anything. My fridge and pantry look as different now as I did 40 years ago.

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Party_Ad_8595@reddit

Sober 4 weeks

RE drinking, it's the taste and the feeling more than anything. I just can't stomach the taste of hard booze. And my stomach can't hold more than 2 beer.

RE pot. This is the one that really messes me up now. Can't think, can't speak, and any idea i have whilst high I KNOW is weak as a tea bag in the middle of the ocean, it's my chemical enstupification that makes me think it has any value whatsoever

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snaphappy2@reddit

I quite drinking in my early 20’s. Pot was so much more agreeable.

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aeraen@reddit

I was never a big drinker, but now even one drink causes digestive issues with me. Not that I don't imbibe occasionally, but I have to be prepared for the consequences.

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Educational_Camera42@reddit

I started in '82 at age 13 and went hog wild with it. Got sober for 9 years while going to college to be a substance abuse therapist. Got married and had 3 kids when I relapsed. Wife didn't leave me, my suicide attempt didn't work, and my job wasn't affected. Miracles. Sober now since 2006. California sober, that is. Drinking for me just isn't an option. Caffeine, nicotine, and weed are my drugs of choice now. I'm OK with that. Mostly 😏

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Accidental-Aspic2179@reddit

I'm mid 40s and I stopped drinking alcohol ten years ago. It just wasn't any fun anymore. Much rather use cannabis.

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Unicornblooddrunk@reddit

will be 50 in november.

on christmas this year it will be 10 years since I had a drink.

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averjam@reddit

I rarely drink anymore. I might have a margarita when I go to a Mexican restaurant.

I prefer cannabis to alcohol. Besides making things more chill, it helps with my lower back pain.

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ScheanaShaylover@reddit

I drink very moderately now and not everyday. prosecco and white wine. Once in a blue a tequila with fresh squeezed juice. Thats what works for me and metabolizes well for me. And an edible before bed. I sleep like a rock! If I overdo it like too much fun with the girls I’m garbage the next day so I just don’t anymore 💛

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SwimmingPrize544@reddit

I miss drinking. I have over 6 years sober. I am cool with knowing what I did the night before, though.

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FatBackButterBeans@reddit

It could be what you’re drinking. Almost all alcohol sold in liquor stores now are processed trash owned by gigantic corporations. The amount of sugars and other cheap additives would make you sick by themselves, even without the garbage grain alcohol they spike it with.

Try additive free tequila, although it’s become a fad and the prices have in some cases tripled since COVID and TikTok, it’s still saved me almost entirely from hangovers. I recommend Lalo blanco and Don Fulano Reposado as relatively economical examples.

And if you’re drinking any of the beers from the monopoly brewers (InBev, Coors) you’re drinking water, syrup and grain alcohol. It never met a hop or grain of barley in its life, this alone can make the next morning miserable.

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Hyphum@reddit

Not me- out for two years now. Never had a problem but I don’t miss it

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bholmes1964@reddit

Alcohol is poison

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SoCal7s@reddit

I haven’t had a drink in the last 12 hours.

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therealkeeper@reddit

You should get a blood test, these are all signs of your liver struggling.

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Cigarrauuul@reddit

I did two music festivals (three days in Spain and five days in Romania) within 10 days with heavy drinking every day some weeks ago. Did pretty good, only got a little bit of covid afterwards.

I eat healthy and workout every day that I‘m not partying though. Have to stay fit to get shitfaced.

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Ill_Consequence_1125@reddit

I average 1-3 beers of the IPA variety, a few days per week. I have noticed for a while now that it affects my anxiety, depression, sleep, and self-image. It’s very difficult to stop though because I enjoy the feeling in the moment, but the benefits to quitting obviously outweigh the short term feeling.

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Oily_Bee@reddit

I beat alcoholism in February of 2017 and my life has changed for the better.

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mrkurt426@reddit

I can still drink, but the sedative effect of alcohol makes me tired. It's great for when I want a nap, but I usually limit myself to 1 drink at a time.

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allan81416@reddit

Boomer here. I still drink, but much less. The big difference is the type of drinks I drank when I was young and the type I drink now. When I was young, 7&7. Rum and coke.... you have 4 or 5, how many sodas is that? Lots of sugar, just before bed, you are not going to burn that sugar off sleeping. Now, a good scotch with a little water, no problems.

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lovegood123@reddit

It’s hit or miss. I find that when I’m less stressed, like on vaca, my tolerance is better. I’ve found I prefer edibles tho lol

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Shoehorse13@reddit

Edibles are just so much friendlier on the body.

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SpecificConscious809@reddit (OP)

Yeah, significant stresses has a huge impact on

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lucidsuperfruit@reddit

I had to quit 7 years ago because I started drinking around the clock. Quitting drinking was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.

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btalex@reddit

Currently on holiday and drinking more and exercising less. I can definitely feel the anxiety creeping in.

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3_dots@reddit

No. I was really good at it. Like REALLY good at it so I had to quit. Sober for 8+years now. California sober anyway.

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djseason72@reddit

I'm in the same boat as you homie. I used to be able to drink no problem when I was young. Now it just makes me feel like ass. I still smoke herb like a champ. So there's that 😆

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Background-Tax-1720@reddit

I can no longer drink. Stopped on Jan 1 as I realized it was causing weight gain, poor sleep, and acid reflux. I wasn’t a big drinker to begin with-but even a single glass of wine will have me up at 3am and my chest burning.

Do I miss it? Sometimes. But I wouldn’t choose it over the great sleep I get now…

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streamer_15@reddit

Frequency went up. Number of drinks went down. No hard alcohol seems to help.

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PestyNomad@reddit

Same. I hate it. Can't sleep or sleep really terribly if I drink. Also gives me crazy indigestion.

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ricperry1@reddit

Most alcohol makes my insides feel like trash. But I found an all day ipa that I can enjoy.

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Scare_N_Scar@reddit

I'm 51 y.o. and I drink everyday all the day. I drink coffee in the morning, a lot of water throughout the day, a cup of tea in the afternoon. No problem and never get a hangover

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biggcb@reddit

Pretty much only drink during weekends, and rarely to excess.

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Strong-Library2763@reddit

I used to love to enjoy drinks. Now it’s insomnia, migraine, and anxiety as backlash, so it’s become an infrequent practice.

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Urbaniuk@reddit

I still do at 49, but am feeling like my body is no longer up to the task.

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Mundtflapz@reddit

I've noticed that since I had covid, drinking really takes such a significant toll on my body now. I used to get a hangover occasionally, but now a few drinks and my head is pounding, heart racing, and just feel gross and depressed/anxious the next day.

Wonder if it's all the new sugared drinks like the hard teas, lemonades, etc as well, adding to the difficult recoveries?

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Adventuresforlife1@reddit

I stopped drinking like two years ago. I just couldn’t tolerate it anymore

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CapitalG888@reddit

I'll be 48 in November. Im a binge drinker on weekends. Don't touch a drop the other days.

Over the past year I get the same issue. I've discovered the main factor is food. If I didn't eat something before bed, I get hangxiety. If I eat, I'm good to go.

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Infamous_Towel_5251@reddit

I can no longer drink, so I just smoke weed instead.

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11BMasshole@reddit

I no longer can drink brown liquor or beer. I actually just stick to red wine now. I’m 53 and male, I just can’t tolerate the other stuff anymore. It’s honestly quite weird how much my body has changed the last few years.

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Manuntdfan@reddit

I quit drinking in January. I was drinking 3-4 bottles of bourbon a week, and it was killing me. Im “Cali” sober

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MossIsking@reddit

56m. I went from drinking cheap beer that my dad thought me to enjoy in high school to drink good craft beer less often. I know what u enjoy now and if I can’t find it I don’t drink.

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engelb15@reddit

I used to be a big (not heavy, just liked it) bourbon drinker. Around 10 years ago something changed. Drinking it made my head hurt and I started feeling aggressive, and I'm not at all an aggressive person. Oddly enough, switching to tequila solved all the issues! lol.

But, if just a drink or two is causing you to feel really bad, you should go get some bloodwork done man.

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racingturtlesforfun@reddit

🤣 No. I stopped consuming alcohol in my late 30s. The last time I was drunk was on a trip to Vegas in 2007. I got so sick that I was sleeping with my face on the bathroom floor in my hotel room. I took that moment to reevaluate my choices.

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Status_Iron_3706@reddit

Never been a drinker. My body could never handle it. Weed and pills were a different story. Still smoke at night for sleep.

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watch-nerd@reddit

I do 10,000 to 18,000 steps a day.

Hit the gym 3x a week.

Have 3-4 drinks per night, wake up the next morning without issue.

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Aggressive-Rich9600@reddit

3-4 drinks every night is actually alcoholic, anything more than 14 a week.

Exercising does not justify it, if that’s what you were shooting for

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watch-nerd@reddit

Could be.

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MNConcerto@reddit

59 years old, rarely drink, RARELY.

I had one small frozen Rose cocktail Thursday night and woke up with a headache.

So yeah, I can't drink anymore.

What the hell did I do with the alcohol in my college days? Seriously my semester in Denmark. Bars were open until 5am, you'd get a burger or something to eat after and grab the first bus home, take a nap, shower and go right back to classes. If I did that now, as if I could stay standing until 5am, I'd be sent to the ER.

😆

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Fit_Earth_339@reddit

I don’t anymore for all the reasons you listed.

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CraftFamiliar5243@reddit

Being able or willing to drink into your 70's isn't the flex you think it is.

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CoatSure5943@reddit

I quit drinking two decades ago.

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Bird_Watcher1234@reddit

I don’t drink. I was pretty much over it by the time I turned 21 lol. I have had nothing but bad experiences with alcohol so I began avoiding it many years ago. The final straw was when I got shit faced on the last night of a cruise and fell down stairs and broke my knee (for the second time!) both times required surgery to repair.

Also I was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder and that kind of explains a lot of my totally reckless behavior when drinking, but I sure was the life of the party! Alcohol and my meds do not play well together and I need them to be effective to keep me out of psych ward jail.

Plus I honestly never really liked the taste of alcoholic drinks, except maybe Moscato wine, that stuff is yummy!

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10kforge@reddit

Yep, I was a binge drinker on the weekends for a long time. When I was in my late 40’s something changed (for the better) with drinking. Just didn’t have any interest anymore. Now I may have 1-2 beers or glasses of wine and I’m good, no more wanting to keep going. I’ll also go a month at a time without drinking anything. Since this happened I feel great and have started working out regularly again too.

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Square_Sink7318@reddit

I still drink way too much. I stop for a week or three every so often so I can tell myself I’m not an alcoholic. But holy shit I can definitely tell when I’ve drank tequila on a work night these days. Feel so old the next day at work.

I think my parents were so used to feeling like shit they didn’t notice the effects. I’m pretty sure my dad still drinks Milwaukees worst or some such swill every night and he’s almost 70

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Same-Fill-4025@reddit

Try non-alcoholic beer… maybe have 2-3 reals beers then switch to non-alcoholic for the rest of the day/night.

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elissapool@reddit

That sounds like histamine intolerance

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badpopeye@reddit

I usually stop after 2 strong liquor drinks so say 5-6 shots of bourbon or 3 or 4 beers just enough to get good buzz but before it starts to get uncomfortable or I dont feel in control I dont like that anymore.

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GlidingToLife@reddit

I drink less than i used two. Maybe only 1-2 drinks at a time a couple times per week. Drinking more just messes with how I feel.

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lusid1@reddit

Can still drink. Not professionally but still somewhat competently.

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PavBoujee@reddit

Had to stop completely for the same symptoms you described. I sleep better now.

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Aggressive-Rich9600@reddit

I could but I choose not to. I’ve seen way too many messed up medically from it

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SugarRosie@reddit

I'll have one or three drinks with a meal, but that's it. Beer only and I can't drink without water. The hangovers are atrocious now, I feel like holy hell the next day.

These days I smoke the devil's lettuce!

There are a lot of dispensaries here, my buddy is a fine grower himself. I just chill with me cats and drink sparkling water, hang with my girlfriend.

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PreparationHot980@reddit

I’m 36, quit over a year ago and I don’t see any reason to start again.

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GrandPriapus@reddit

I quit drinking about 20 years ago, and I don’t miss it.

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Affectionate-Lie4742@reddit

It affected me more before I began exercising regularly. Like lifting or riding bikes almost every day. Anything over 3 drinks still messes me up though.

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flandersthompson@reddit

Same

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Isiotic_Mind@reddit

Same here. Ill drink maybe half a beer and that's about it. Stopped drinking on weekdays, im depressed and anxious enough in the mornings without it.

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Konorlc@reddit

I quit drinking completely about 7-8 years ago. I don’t know what happened but my body changed. It got to the point where is I drank more than 3 beers, I would get sick. Not drunk. No buzz. Just sick. No fun.

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D-chord@reddit

Alcohol does more damage for sure. I’m doing more of the fake beers these days. Auto-immune disease, arthritis, headaches all get worse the more I drink. Also, I mostly just get sleepy now after a beer, when the idea used to be to have fun. I’ve never been good at heavy drinking, but now it’s just like a weighted blanket is on top of me and it doesn’t make sense to keep drinking.

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Specific_Ad_97@reddit

I only drink at Weddings and Funerals.

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wandernwade@reddit

I don’t drink that much, because it generally doesn’t have much appeal. My husband likes to drink, but he’s starting to become a person I don’t like, when he does it. (There are several alcoholics in his immediate family, so I’ve seen where this can go). 😞 Last time he drank, we ended up tossing out every bottle of alcohol in the house.

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spargel_gesicht@reddit

I feel like the last year something has changed where I can’t either. I went to a beer tasting last night and now am feeling pretty shitty. Aging sucks, man.

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RCA2CE@reddit

I need to manage my hydration if I’ve had a fun one.. I’ll take electrolytes and cleanse out with some healthy soup for a day or so.

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go-ahead-fafo@reddit

I quit 2.5 years ago. I loved wine and beer but perimenopause made me stop. It took the desire for any alcohol away completely. I haven’t had a drink since feb or march 2023. The side effects aren’t worth it anymore. Never thought in a million years I’d be a teetotaler 😂

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chief_n0c-a-h0ma@reddit

I'll grab a beer occasionally these days, but for the most part it just doesn't interest me anymore. I've got too much shit to do.

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EvilRedPikachu@reddit

I stopped around 2 years ago, don't miss it at all.

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ApprehensiveDiver539@reddit

I’ve been advised by my doctor to limit alcohol as it can trigger AFib - I am very newly diagnosed and it scared me sober. I was sober for 9 years in the early 2000’s but after a relapse I always managed to control my drinking, but only just. It’s only been a month but I feel better physically and mentally and am putting more energy into things that are good for me. Even if it turns out alcohol isn’t a trigger for my AFib, I’m not sure I will return to it.

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Exotic-Commission-15@reddit

Stopped drinking 6 years ago for no reason….now I wonder, what was the point?

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webelos8@reddit

I can drink a little bit but I hate being drunk because it takes so damn long to recover.

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whatsthedeal-@reddit

I can drink like 2 beers a week

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elohde1@reddit

I could but I choose not to.

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Ecstatic-Club-1879@reddit

1 does it for me so I stick with alternatives. I cant even smoke weed either. 1 hitter quitter. Puts me in dimensions

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Ok_Ordinary6694@reddit

Not me. Hanxiety kicks my ass

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CraigLake@reddit

Hanxiety! There’s some comfort knowing this is a normal phenomenon. If I drink a couple days in a row I’ll struggle to sleep, heart beat palpitations, that thing where I stop breathing when I’m trying to fall asleep. Just awful.

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OreoSpamBurger@reddit

Aka the horrors, the fear, the Sunday scaries...full blown panic attacks can become a daily feature of life for alcoholics if they don't get their fix fast enough.

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Constant_Hotel_2279@reddit

I hear you, me too 😭

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bippy404@reddit

Hardly ever drink. Don’t miss it. Enjoy a glass of wine at a fancy dinner occasionally, but that’s it. Makes me feel like garbage to have more than one.

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HornetParticular6625@reddit

58 M here. I only drink very infrequently anymore. A beer with dinner or an occasional bourbon on the porch. I don't like being drunk or hanging out with drunk people.

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cran-mangosteen@reddit

I was a functioning alcoholic for almost 30 years. I haven't drank since my stroke because of my medication. I miss it a lot.

They say drinking is bad for you but my life was better when I was drinking for sure. Alcohol had a way of making me forget my anxiety and agoraphobia. I quit drinking and now I'm basically a shut in.

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Sea-Ostrich-1679@reddit

I quit drinking at 50, not because I wanted to, because I had to. I’m an alcoholic. It was affecting my life in a negative way. Best decision ever.

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pentagon@reddit

Alcohol is poison. It is killing you. Keep putting poison in your body for years and decades and you are gradually destroying it.

No amount of alcohol is a net benefit to your health. Every drink you have, on average, makes your life shorter than it would have been if you hadn't had it. Your body is degrading and failing and eventually it will stop working and you will be dead and nothing at all. Alcohol makes that happen more quickly.

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New_Perception_7838@reddit

M58 here … I only drank (too) heavily between age 16 and 20. Always very moderately after that. I don’t feel like I have shortened my life in any way by a few beers per week.

I did regret my heavy drinking in my youth for years, but what’s done is done.

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pentagon@reddit

It doesn't happen because you feel that way. It's just a fact. Certinaly drinking can be enjoyable. But the net effect is a shortening of life and a raft of symptoms which degrade health.

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New_Perception_7838@reddit

Meh … I am not going to worry about two or three beers per week.

Seriously, there are plenty other harmful things, like PFAS, microplastics, and exhaust fumes.

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pentagon@reddit

its not one or the other. its additive and often multiplicative. anyway im not telling you to worry about it

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Dirty-Bootz@reddit

I stopped drinking last year since I no longer like the day after or even the buzz

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The_Burghanite@reddit

I appreciate the good work the recovering alcoholics are doing. But I still socially drink. If at a picnic or a similar social gathering, I’ll throw back six beers. And here’s the important part: I ENJOY IT!!! Then I’ll go days and works without another drink—working out and doing all the things the self-righteous former drinkers here are doing. Life is short… LIVE!

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boulevardpaleale@reddit

gave it up four years ago. i seriously wish i would have done this 20 years ago.

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booksandbeasts@reddit

I get migraines and my last few have somehow triggered severe vertigo episodes with some lasting effects. Alcohol is a common trigger for migraines. So I haven’t had any alcohol for about 3 months. I wasn’t a heavy drinker and only had migraines (usually) about once every six months. The last few were weeks apart. So I’m trying whatever I can to avoid one!

I have found many good tasting zero alcohol beers, thankfully.

Prior to this, and for the last several years, two beers in an evening was my limit. 15 years ago… I would drink all day on football Sunday, 8 for sure. 🤢

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Blurghblagh@reddit

So done with drinking, rarely drink now, maybe once or twice a year and even then it's just one. Lost all interest and hate the feeling of being under even the slight affect of alcohol. Drinking led to some major mistakes and heartache in my youth but it is more the financial and potential health cost that led me to give up drinking. Just have zero desire to drink anymore.

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damned-if-i-do-67@reddit

Diagnosed with a chronic cancer 5 years ago at 52. Absolutely positively can't touch alcohol since. Even a sip makes me nauseous and head-achey AF. I had a lot of chemo and 2 stem cell transplants, so I think my body just cancelled its ability to metabolize booze as punishment. Both my parents died of cancer in their early 70s and both were drinking alcohol until their last weeks. No frigging idea how they did that. I'd like to say stopping made me skinny and rich, but not really. OK, definitely saves me money.

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Icy_Lengthiness_8160@reddit

I’m 50 and haven’t drink in years. I just completely lost the want to.

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jazzbot247@reddit

Yes, I still drink from time to time, but doesn't have the same effect on me. I used to admittedly binge on the weekend, but now I start feeling sick and anxious and instead of helping me sleep, it ruins my sleep. Sucks I don't have an escape anymore.

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Ok-Juggernaut-4698@reddit

Can't drink anymore than a few beers.

Weed is much better. No hangover.

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AztecGodofFire@reddit

Even one throws off my sleep. It just isn't healthy.

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marieneden@reddit

I haven’t had a drink in a few years and drink very infrequently now. Some drinks make me instantly nauseous and if I get a little buzz I get a headache once it starts wearing off. It’s just not worth it anymore.

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oldmanhockeylife@reddit

It's the last thing I can still do like a pro.

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SweetsMurphy@reddit

I would wake some mornings after going at it too hard and feel depressed. Not classically hungover. Just depressed. Know why?

I drank a load of “depression juice” the night before. 😉

Current state: “I’m not not drinking”

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FC_KuRTZ@reddit

Hate it. Only like coffee and water.

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Soup4MyFamilia@reddit

Same. I swear my body stopped metabolizing it the way that it used to. Its just not worth it anymore.

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cholaw@reddit

I can still drink. I don't drink nearly as much as I used to. I'm busier and need to do things the next day. And I drink more expensive alcohol than I did when I was younger. I .... "savor" now

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daisymae25@reddit

I drink socially maybe once or twice a year now. My liver is thankful for that.

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dj_juliamarie@reddit

3.5 years booze free. Honestly best choice I’ve ever made. My life is infinitely better. Watching others getting wasted at kids bdays, beach, weddings, funerals or any reason at all to drink confirms constantly that I’m more satisfied in life now that I’m in control. It’s boss level not to drink. No hangovers, no regrets, no wasted money and i live with intention. And yes, I still “party”, I still dance, I still stay up late laughing. Booze was just another huge lie we were sold.

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morganalefaye125@reddit

I quit drinking 455 days ago. It was becoming a huge problem (almost lost my relationship because of it). After I quit, it occurred to me that my depression and anxiety was better than it had been in years. I didn't wake up feeling like garbage every single morning. It definitely doesn't agree with everyone

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sjbluebirds@reddit

I'm 56M, former homebrewer, love the Islay peated Whiskys.

I've almost given up drinking entirely.

Why? I've taken up vaping cannabis.

I tried smoking pot one time in college, didn't like it and never did it again.

About 4 months ago, a cow-orker pointed out THC products are legal, lab-analyzed, regulated, edibles are precisely dosed -- and vaping eliminates soot, ash, tar, and most of the stuff that makes smoking bad. And it's less expensive per serving - usually.

She also pointed out It's non-addictive, doesn't affect the liver the way alcohol does, doesn't cause cancer the way alcohol does, and doesn't give you a hangover the way alcohol does. These health effects -- especially the cancer -- were what convinced me to give cannabis another try after 35 years.

The buzz is a little different, but not enough to matter. The effects don't linger the way alcohol does; vaping effects are finished at about the two-hour mark -- there's no hours-long mental funk that alcohol leaves

So while I can drink, and I especially love the flavor of a complex aged whisky or rum, or even a good Belgian dubbel, I've practically eliminated alcohol from weekly use.

The upshot? I feel better and I'm losing weight. (I had no idea how much alcohol was contributing to keeping the weight on). Not the most profound decision I've ever made, but it's been a good one for me.

Your mileage may vary.

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Me25TX@reddit

My parents, in their 80s, still drink. I quit last Christmas because it messes up my sleep so bad. I do miss it but I feel so much better.

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BayouVoodoo@reddit

I definitely don’t drink like I used to. Between the cost and my meds, and my liver turning into a pussy, I had to cut way back. Meh. I don’t miss it much.

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Wind_Responsible@reddit

I work construction so yeah, I can drink lol

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2Dogs3Tents@reddit

I don't touch the stuff anymore. Was never a "good" drinker but at some point in my late 40's it just became unenjoyable. The last drink I had was almost 3 years ago...a couple beers at a christmas party, before that another few years and same..a couple of beers at a party. Didn't really enjoy either of those very much so now i just don't have anything.

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Housing_Bubbler@reddit

Dear God, yes...

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More_Armadillo_1607@reddit

Alcohol affects your sleep which has a. Impact on everything else you mentioned.

Im cone to the conclusion that as you get older, good sleep is a huge factor. You have a 10-fold better chance of dealing with many things with good sleep.

Sleep without alcohol is a hundred times better.

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Dude_McHandsome@reddit

I stopped drinking 3 years ago. It was t adding any value to my life anymore… more like it just made me feel shitty. I wish I had stopped earlier.

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Euphoric-Proposal-42@reddit

I quit drinking more than 2 years ago. I feel so much better now

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Appropriate-Profit93@reddit

I'm at Buffalo Wild Wings 5 tall Modelos deep. About to get a case on my way home. Lol

Perfect health.

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tonyrsll@reddit

Please get an Uber/don't drive. Have a good rest of your evening!

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Appropriate-Profit93@reddit

I'm home safe. I didn't stop to get the case. Fun night, though. Good fights.

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tonyrsll@reddit

Good. Take care. Live long and prosper. I mean that.

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Erickaltifire@reddit

Cold Modelo Especial is an elixir to be enjoyed daily.

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FootyCrowdSoundMan@reddit

That ain't the badge of honor you think it is.

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JanaT2@reddit

Can’t do more than 2 really

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youdontlookadayover@reddit

13 plus years of sobriety. I hope I never feel like a drink will be a fun thing again. Or enhance anything, or fix anything, or drink because it's today, or because I'm going to the grocery store, or because it's raining, or because it's nice out.

[-]

tikiwanderlust@reddit

I’ve never been a big drinker but I could enjoy a few when the mood struck. Not anymore. One drink and I wake up feeling like hammered dog shit. Its just not worth it.

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GI_Chuck@reddit

I shouldn't mention as it can be a curse, but N-acetylcysteine is an insane hangover preventer.

[-]

cawfytawk@reddit

Maybe it's what you're drinking that's the problem? I developed sensitivity to tannins and fermented alcohol (beer, wine, sake, sochu,) even kombucha, in my 30's. They gave me horrible inflammatory allergic reactions like itchiness, stuffy nose, rashes and headaches. Some brown liquors like tequila and rum that's high in sugar does the same. Any mixers are a no-go. I used to pre-game Sudafed! 🤣

Single malt scotch, rye whisky and clear liquors like vodka and gin I'm fine with. Distilled alcohol has less sugar and more bang for your buck. I could be wrong but that's my theory. I stick to neat, on the rocks, with soda/tonic or fresh juices.

TBH, I'm perfectly happy nursing 1-2 drinks all night while others are on their 4th. I did all my drinking for sport in my teens and 20's. The hangovers are longer now and aren't worth it anymore. The less alcohol I drink, the less I want to.

[-]

cptmartin11@reddit

Tequila has no sugar. It’s absolutely the best liquor you can drink if you drink additive free tequila. Never feel bad the next day

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Business_Coyote_5496@reddit

For me it's any alcohol, any type, any price point, any mixer, all have the same result of making me feel like death, even one drink. It's crazy. At 15 I could drink so much booze. At 57, nothing

[-]

catching_comets@reddit

AFib has me limiting myself to 3 beers total in a day. Read, I do not drink 3 beers a day

[-]

roxywalker@reddit

I eased up years ago and don’t miss it. Im depressed no matter what, but, at least I don’t spend on alcohol, and my liver and kidneys aren’t complaining.

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BooRadley_Esq@reddit

Sober 4.5 years (55m). I was wrecking myself physically and mentally. I have come to the conclusion that just because our ancestors did something it really doesn’t mean we should. I don’t know about you but when I look at old pictures, when folks were over 50 they looked really old. My dad and grandfather didn’t even see 55 with smoking , drinking and poor diet.

[-]

DeezNeezuts@reddit

One beer ok Friday, Saturday, Sunday. That’s pretty much it now.

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Entire-Winter4252@reddit

I do t tolerate it as well as I used to, so I drink seldomly.

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bog_trotters@reddit

I can but it is not really worth it. I tend to fall into a near daily pattern of a couple tall boy high ABV beers after work, eat less healthy dinner and junk food, and negotiate with myself to make a run to the store for one more or something like that. It packs on the pounds and destroys my sleep. I quit again entirely in April and have lost 25#, body fat fell from 17 to 12%, and everything got better. I think I’m just not wanting what alcohol has to offer any longer. I value my mornings too much. I’m 47.

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Local_Disaster6921@reddit

I quit drinking around age 45. I was not any sort of alcoholic- but taking a break was a good way to be sure of that.

Turns out- I didn't miss it at all. So now it's been a lot of years without alcohol, and there is no way I'd go back to it. The juice just ain't worth the squeeze.

But let me tell you about my weed intake.

It's freaking biblical. I'm totally fine with it.

[-]

Fritzo2162@reddit

I’m in that boat. I can have one or two drinks maybe once a month. Any more than that continuously gives me the listed reactions.

[-]

fiver_the_rabbit@reddit

Nah, can’t anymore. Too many years of hard partying led to pancreatic insufficiency. Been sober for 13 yrs.

[-]

Goldenday71@reddit

I've gone completely sober because even a light beer was interfering with weight loss. Menopause and the weight struggle is not for the weak.

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Kitsune_seven@reddit

All things in moderation, my guy.

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CartographerFar5094@reddit

I drink waaaay less no if at all. My mom…… still going hard lol out drinks me like no other. I can’t do it. Not worth it anymore.

[-]

Without_Portfolio@reddit

I haven’t totally abstained but I drink the non alcoholic stuff during the week and when I’m at home on the weekends. If I’m going out to dinner I’ll have a drink or two (max) but that’s it. So I’d say I average 1-2 drinks a week and some weeks none.

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EAC238@reddit

Definitely don’t drink like I used to. Hits harder, faster. Plus makes me tired. WTF? lol. Another pleasure by the wayside.

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Comprehensive-Bee819@reddit

I quit just over 2 years ago. I think I maybe had Covid and being ill felt like all the negative dude effects of drinking so I had a month off, then the summer off, then up until New Year, then went for 12 months and just never looked back. I'm just so uninterested now, the thought of drinking just makes my stomach turn.

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Mjhandy@reddit

I still drink. I just don’t go on raging benders anymore.

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Expensive-Ad1609@reddit

How's your liver doing? Have you had any imaging done?

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PossibilityDecent688@reddit

I drank the most in my 30s, including keeping wine and vodka at home. I’m now 58 and drink only occasionally if we are dining out - and not every time we dine out.

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Ok_Possible_2260@reddit

I drink on vacation, and at parties, but rarely at home.

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VA1255BB@reddit

Alcohol is too expensive so I rarely drink. When I do, one is enough.

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RandyBackstroke@reddit

I like to start early, 2pm is my ideal start time then wrap up by 8-9pm, still have dinner and that then in bed for 10pm. Still manage to be up around 6am before everyone else and feel okay. I only drink beer tho so this might also be a factor.

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Super_Tradition4788@reddit

I went to a wedding last night and had a few shots and a few beers and fuck me it sucked..i dont know if it was the heat or what but yea drinking now fucks me up.

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CodenameZoya@reddit

All I can say is thank God I live in a legally recreational state. My body will no longer process alcohol. It’s the end of an era. a really really fun era.

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ksbwalker43@reddit

Had six drinks last night, my typical is 2. Slept from midnight to 4am and can’t sleep. I’m exhausted. I didn’t drink water throughout like I normally do and I know I’m going to feel like shit all day.

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BrakkeBama@reddit

I'm 48. 49 in October. 0,0 beer in the Netherlands is widespread and good. 2.7% pilseners all they way. Nothing else. Maybe a whiskey snifter once and again, like my abuelo (grandpa, may he rest in peace)

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rahnbj@reddit

I’m 56 and it’s been a couple of years now with the ‘out of proportion for what I drank’ hangovers that are a huge turn off for me. My friend group are all mostly drinkers and we generally get together on the weekends for some socializing, including drinks, and I find myself being sneaky and concealing how much I’m not drinking. Stepping away when I know a shot is coming, nursing a drink, etc. I’m bummed about it honestly. The nature of my work prevents me from taking part in the cannabis resurgence and I’m looking forward to the day I can participate and experiment with that.

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H3lls_B3ll3@reddit

I was out until 4 this morning.

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montbkr@reddit

I got up at 4 this morning. 😂 The dog had to go out to pee, and my husband gets up at 4 to get ready for work. (He retires in November after 42 years at FedEx.) I like to have a cup of coffee, listen to the news to find out what’s going on, and talk to him while he’s getting ready.

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H3lls_B3ll3@reddit

Fed Ex? Memphis perhaps?

I went to 3 raves that were put on last night, then went to E&H, then swung thrive Krystal's and stumbled in at 4. Checked all my messages and made a couple of calls.

I was asleep around 6 Saturday morning.

Like a teenager!!!

...... and I've felt like shit AAAAALLLLLL day. I haven't gotten out of bed.

45 last month. Lol

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Business_Coyote_5496@reddit

Alcohol messes me up in a bad way now, as opposed to a fun way in my teens and twenties. Got pregnant in my early thirties with my kids so didn't drink for a few years what with nursing and toddlers and needing to be clear headed if one woke up in the night. Late thirties I felt comfortable with the idea of occasionally drinking but the ship has sailed. Hangovers were brutal and who wants to be hungover on a soccer field Saturday morning watching a kids game? Not me. Like a dummy I'd still sometimes drink but less and less as I got older. Getting a Fitbit and seeing how my sleep and heart rate are affected was the nail in the coffin. I will still rarely drink. I went to a comedy club recently that has a 2 drink minimum and I had 1 1/2 drinks. Heart rate shot up 7 points the next day. I was exhausted. And it's not even enough drinks to get me wasted for a good time. I'm tipsy for a bit and then sick the next day. It's no fun

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CaptFatz@reddit

I quit 10 years ago and never looked back. Best decision

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No-Valuable-3834@reddit

A drink occasionally but i pace myself. I cut myself off just after I start to feel a buzz forming. Too much heavy drinking in my youth has killed it for me for the most part.

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Rand_74@reddit

I’m 51. I still partake, but I understand it doesn’t work for everyone anymore. I did find a connection between poor sleep and heart palpitations related to red wine. I cut that out. In a 7 day week I take 2-3 days off. I exercise and eat well. I also really became conscious of my water intake about 5 years ago.

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personalviris@reddit

I used to drink heavily. Then a new lady came into my life and I pretty much gave it up. Now she's gone and I've taken up the bottle again. But nowadays I pour myself a drink, take two sips, and either spill it or forget all about it. Seems my brain is telling me that I want it or need it. But once I have it and take a sip I don't need it anymore.

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JAFO99X@reddit

I was in the bar and restaurant business for years and I have no idea how much I was consuming. It was an occupational hazard. Now I drink a lot less, and more contemplatively partially because of the side effects.

Your side effects are serious and merit a mention to your doctor. I’ve had many friends who have stopped drinking altogether, and not one of them have said “I quit drinking and now my life has gone to shit”

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HellaHaxter@reddit

Nope. Not since I was early 40s.

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phlebonaut@reddit

I HAD to quit drinking over 2 years ago. Long story short, I feel the best I have in years.

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nativehuntress_@reddit

I only drink occasionally which means 1-2 times a year at the most, sometimes not at all, and even then it’s 3 drinks tops. This has been my way since I decided to get healthy in my early 30s. I actually look at other people my age and older and feel sorry for them that they never learned how to live life without continuing to poison themselves. Life can actually be even better without the drink. You should give it a go.

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MaddogFinland@reddit

I can still drink but the morning after is never worth the night before. Poor sleep, usually at least some hangover, stress (hangover anxiety is real), and heart beat feels weird. I just started a serious athletic training program to get my shit in order and the coach basically said “it’s over, stop the beer and wine now”. So I guess I am trying 6 months dry. Let’s see how it goes but 1 week in and I have to say I am feeling really good.

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7LeagueBoots@reddit

Not really an issue for me. I avoid drinking to excess whenever I can, although sometimes that’s unavoidable due to my work. As long as I can drink at my pace I’m generally fine though.

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stardusterflight@reddit

I homebrew and keep 3 beers on tap. My wife has a huge wine collection. We also have a pretty well stocked liquor cabinet.

We try to limit alcohol during the week and enjoy it on the weekends. Some weeks we do better than others! No issues thus far.

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Miss_Type@reddit

I'm currently suffering after too much gin last night. I rarely get that drunk, like a once every five years thing. I guess last night was the night. I'm definitely feeling unwell this morning. They shoot horses, don't they?!?

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tullybankhead@reddit

With the best of ‘em!

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Naive_Community8704@reddit

I don’t drink - since hitting around 46 I just don’t fancy it!

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ChuckYeagerWV@reddit

I used to drink nightly for years, fairly heavily then COVID...I became a huge day drinker. Got pretty bad with gut issues so I quit. I just smoke weed at night now. One bowl when I know I'm in for the night.

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Asleep_Narwhal_9178@reddit

Activated charcoal capsules are your friend

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thingsgoingup@reddit

I’m 51, when I was younger I used to drink quite large quantities of beer.

In my late forties I just lost the taste for beer…..changed to gin and grapefruit juice and it really hits the spot.

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_WillCAD_@reddit

I never did.

Mostly I just never liked the taste of anything with alcohol in it, particularly beer, which is absolutely disgusting to me and makes me want to vomit just from the smell, let alone the rank flavor.

I despise being around drunk people. I will never be one of them.

The number of serious alcoholics in my family, and in my high school, was highly disturbing. I have always had enough problems being laughed at when stone cold sober, I have no desire to get drunk and never hear the end of it.

I got drunk exactly one time in my entire life, over thirty years ago - and my friends still give me no end of shit over it, even today. Haha, Will got drunk and acted silly in 1993! Haha, Will got sick because he was drunk in 1993! Haha, Will had a hangover in 1993! Fuck you, I'm never doing that shit again.

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wanderluster325@reddit

I’m in the same boat as you in my late 30s - 4-5 drinks and I can’t sleep well, have awful anxiety that wakes me up in the night in a sweat and be anxious all the next day. It really is an awful feeling.

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stilloldbull2@reddit

My drinking has tapered way back. Around the time I hit 50 it just started making me feel really lousy the next morning and then the whole day…

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zenunseen@reddit

I did a lifetime worth of drinking in thirty years 15-45. Now I'm sober two years

I mean, I've got cirrhosis and all, but I'm sober

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44synchronicity@reddit

Stopped drinking when I turned 40 about 10 years ago Couldn’t handle the side effects

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Something_morepoetic@reddit

I was never a frequent drinker but I’ve stopped completely now due to health reasons.

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BeefBorganaan@reddit

Switch to Vodka, you'll be fine. Just shoot that shit, or mix with some good tomato mixer or cranberry juice. No hangovers, no bad effects. DO NOT STRAY THO. Only Vodka.

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SerentityM3ow@reddit

It always gave me anxiety and depression. It just took me several decades to realize it

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Bayou13@reddit

Not me. Migraines ruined alcohol for me. I tried really hard to make it work too 🤣. Now being around my family when they are drinking is unbelievably annoying. Got back from a whole family vacation- parents, siblings, allll the kids last week and I’m still annoyed. Lol!

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The_Mujujuju@reddit

Drinking being a depressant, and all that.

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AllieLFC@reddit

F49 here. I drink very rarely these days as even one drink can give me a blinding headache and palpitations. I also play the Booze Russian Roulette of not knowing if I’ll be intolerant/allergic to that particular drink. Started with a few sips of Riesling and has progressed to other wines, beer and even pear cider; my face turns crimson, really hot, tight, burning and itchy and I have to take several antihistamines to calm it down. Not sure if it’s the sulphites or tannins - any idea? But occasionally I can have several glasses of wine or cocktails and feel fine… until a couple of hours afterwards, when the 48-hour hangover from Hell kicks in!

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Schizo-Loki@reddit

I have been sober for 8 years. Before that wasn't a good life. Now I'm doing great.

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kegsbdry@reddit

Like a fish

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Which-Island6011@reddit

I love alcohol but alcohol doesn't love me anymore 😔 I could have 1-2 and be fine but if I was drinking for the evening, I'd end up in a black out puddle. Recently bumped my head while drunk, needed helped home another night.....today I am three weeks with no booze!!

This thread is very helpful and positive.

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e_gadd@reddit

I can but I choose not to

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fake-august@reddit

Yes, as I’ve gotten older - the juice isn’t worth the squeeze and I enjoy my clarity and energy I got from not drinking…a couple of drinks will throw me off for days. It sucks because I love a tipsy feeling but my body hates me after.

Just as well, maybe I looked cute when I was in my 20s and drunk - but at 50? Not cute at all.

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New_Perception_7838@reddit

I never drank more than one or two beers after my early twenties.

Guess I drank more between 16 and 20 than in the rest of my life …

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Lady-Mallard@reddit

I haven’t been able to drink for a couple of years. It’s just not worth the physical drain.

My father was an alcoholic. So I attribute his ability to being able to drink into his later years to him never actually having slowed down at all. My mother was never a drinker.

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RoyalPuzzleheaded259@reddit

I don’t drink anymore. But not because it makes me feel bad. Since I got my depression under control I just don’t crave alcohol at all anymore. I just don’t want to drink. That being said I do smoke a fair amount of weed.

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Embarrassed_Rate5518@reddit

Mostly quit drinking about 2yrs ago. ill occasionally have one drink when out but that's it. I feel so much better, lost 40lbs, and haven't had a debilitating migraine in a long time. its great.

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Nervous-Rooster7760@reddit

I stopped drinking last summer so it has been over a year now. I was never huge drinker but also noticed one drink could make me feel crappy. I was also on a weight loss journey so less calories helps. I don’t miss it.

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MienaLovesCats@reddit

I can a bit. No more then 1 or 2 a night; no more then 2 days in row.

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JImagined@reddit

Lost interest in alcohol slowly as it just made me feel like crap. Stopped for good in January and I don’t miss it.

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Trend_Glaze@reddit

I found out I had ADHD, started meds, and quit drinking.

I was a very heavy drinker. Not pro, but pro-am.

I stopped drinking on July 4, 2024. Not a drop since

Now when people ask me why I don’t drink it told them I had enough to drink in my 20’s and that’s usually it.

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patrixide@reddit

My wife had to quit, but I'm half Polish. It's in my blood. Also, I've been a bartender for 20+ years...if I don't drink, I cut everyone off after their third drink. Period.

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tenjed35@reddit

It’ll be a year in September since I had a drink. Never want another. Cali sober is the way!

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IdahoDuncan@reddit

I do not. And it’s pretty great

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Reasonable-Coconut15@reddit

Not me. I gave it up about 2 years ago, at age 46 or so. It was a thing where I was ok while drinking, maybe more of a stomach issue than I'd had when I was younger, but it was managable.

The next day was a nightmare. It didn't matter if I had 2 beers or 10, I felt like hammered catshit, and couldnt really function for half of the day. Totally not worth it.

Its weed for me from now on.

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squirtloaf@reddit

I can.

I took a break for a couple months recently. With all of the hoopla you hear from people who stop, I figured I'd give it a try.

...and basically, I lost no weight, my cholesterol did not go down, I was less fun, got bored a lot, did less stuff and was less sociable. I was also less creative.

I am working drinking back into my life now. Stopping didn't really do much for me, and it had net negative effects.

To each their own.

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moonshadowfax@reddit

I wonder this too… my Grandparents drank well into their 80’s. My theory is that they just didn’t drink as much as our generation does. Booze is relatively cheap and available and well ingrained in our social structure. Probably just cooked ourselves!

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_smoke_me_a_kipper_@reddit

Alcoholic in recovery, two years sober. I quit in part so that I didn't end up like most of my family. I'm happier without alcohol, but it's still hard sometimes, to be honest. I sure don't miss the hangovers.

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montbkr@reddit

Congratulations on 2 years, Smoke! I know how hard it can be, and I’m really proud of you! 👏🏻

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UnGatito@reddit

I drink water every day

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Littlepotatoface@reddit

I can but not like I used to.

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tossaway390@reddit

Around 40, started seeing elevated liver enzymes in my blood checks. Cut down my drinking greatly. Now i can have 2 beers and be fine, or two beers will give me terrible symptoms for days. Don’t often want to flip that coin anymore.

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KittyKat1078@reddit

Same .. palpitations, heartburn, headaches, red face ..

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CrazyMinute69@reddit

Nope, strictly 420

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Educational_Emu3763@reddit

If I get buzzed I'm at 70% the whole next day.

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ApatheistHeretic@reddit

Sure. But I've traded the masses of affordable alcohol I used to consume for relatively meager pints of really good beers. I have enough hangover experience to be able to stop myself.

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dirtybo0ts@reddit

Quit drinking completely about 2 years ago, but I was winding it down for years before that. Love the NA beers and cannabis now and never felt better!

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Healthy-Grape-777@reddit

Alcohol is a natural depressant for the brain so that makes sense and we party pretty hard in our 20s and teens, so we probably got burnt out a lot quicker than our parents did. Also, my mother never drank, and my father drank except for the last 10 years of his life, but was a raging alcoholic before then; it’s good if we’ve given up drinking unless it can be leisurely, but I think for the majority of the people it’s not leisurely they make it more like an every day part of life. and I have friends who still wake and bake and still get drunk at least three out of seven nights and I don’t get it. They’re on like high blood pressure medication. One of them has Parkinson’s like it’s just freaking Deathwish.

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VixenRoss@reddit

I’m on pregabalin. It’s not a good idea to drink and be on pregabalin. I tried 5ml (yea a teaspoon) of gin and promptly had a 2 hour nap on the sofa.

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filtersweep@reddit

After my divorce, it is like I lost my enjoyment of alcohol…. or maybe I just no longer have a ‘reason’ to drink?

I am a fitness freak, so that adds motivation to be healthy

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CraigLake@reddit

I can really relate the heart palpitations. Terrifying.

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AlissonHarlan@reddit

Not me. I can't sleep If i drink, even for lunch.

I didn't Try to drink at breakfast Tho...

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pondelniholka@reddit

I naturally stop at a 2 drink maximum (exception - a baby shower, where I will happily drink a 750ml bottle of champagne over 4 hours) and only the good stuff. If only mid stuff is available, I'll pass.

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Akira75@reddit

I gave it up because it is such a waste of money and it is not enjoyable

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theNOLAgay@reddit

I’m 57. I drink every night. Exactly two martinis (one to unwind, the second one I nurse while cooking), and then a glass of wine (with dinner). Fridays is my one exception. That’s my night out. One “pre-game” martini. And then two beers at local watering hole with friends.

I cannot recall the last time I was hungover. I think it was during the COVID lockdown.

I rarely, if ever, drink to excess, or get drunk.

I also still smoke cigarettes.

I workout three days a week. Enjoy frequent long walks (several a day) around the neighborhood with my pooch.

For me, moderation is key. But gone are the days of 5am bars, and still feeling drunk when I awake after only a couple hours sleep. I marvel I used to do that. Look back with fondness. But I do not miss it.

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Asmodeus_33@reddit

49M. No way to sugar coat or minimize the fact that I slowly descended into alcoholism. 2 years sober now and life has become so much more enjoyable and fulfilling.

I started drinking in high school in the late 80s, early 90s. From the start, it was problematic. All my friends drank - keg parties in the woods, stealing booze from the liquor cabinet, drinking before school dances or football games, etc. It was always to get drunk and always binge drinking.

From there, the binge drinking just intensified in college and beyond. At first, everyone around me seemed to be doing the same thing so heavy drinking didn't seem abnormal. Then, by my 30s and 40s when most everyone else's drinking had matured and moderated, I kept on going. Add to that a high stress job and a divorce, and things went from bad to worse.

Attitudes around drinking and alcohol have seemed to change for the younger generations now. How say you?

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moopet@reddit

Early 50s. Can drink more now, and without getting a hangover.

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BeRealzzz@reddit

Jeeze Louise. Me and my wife shared a bottle of wine tonight. Plus a few fireball shots.

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stephenforbes@reddit

I quit around 10 years ago just out of choice. Never had a problem with it but did my fair share in my late teens and early 20s.

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sffood@reddit

I still enjoy a scotch, or a beer, or a glass of wine… but it’s always just one, and only 2-3 times a year.

That’s from 3 to infinity glasses every night in my 20-30s partying. But I did that when it was fun and my hangover was gone by the next night. Once my hangovers went on for days, or weeks (once) — that is not my idea of fun so that ended abruptly.

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qik7@reddit

You're out of practice. You can get it back I believe

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checkedem@reddit

Just came back to my cabin from a night of a huge family reunion. I had 1.5 beers. Had to call it a night.

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empericisttilldeath@reddit

Like a fish!

Probably shouldn't , but ...

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sovime22@reddit

I just started drinking a few years ago because I was never social until now. I really don't feel the alcohol and haven'tever had a hangover. I think my liver is really healthy tbh.

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Dyslexicelectric@reddit

Late 40’s and same story. I’m Irish so the pub is very much part of my culture and quitting seemed like it would be difficult but it really was no issue.

I still enjoy a sneaky gin and tonic when it’s hot out tho. But having more than 2 drinks is just not worth the agony anymore

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Giveitallyougot714@reddit

I’m a 8 year sober friend of Bill W.

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BakedGoods_101@reddit

Perimenopause is the gift that keeps on giving! I noticed that if i have more than 2 drinks basically I black out and can't remember anything the next day and feel really shitty about it, so I decided if I drink no more than 1 glass of wine and then if I feel like socially sharing a drink guiness 0% is amazing

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Kalenie9744@reddit

I identify as Cali Sober. Works for me.

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Fun_Bit7398@reddit

52… no problem here.

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Essembie@reddit

describes me to a tee. I still have a few blowouts a year because I quite like getting drunk but it always messes me up for days after.

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Crivens999@reddit

Nope. A couple of years ago my asthma started flaring up a bit and I was getting really phlegmy. I haven’t drunk too much recently anyway, but probably had a couple of beers every 2 or 3 nights. I realised it was the alcohol. If I stopped for several weeks I was loads better. One single drink and it came back almost instantly. I switched to low alcohol and eventually 0.0 (upto 0.04%) and tried different types of alcohol. Best was 0.0 but even that gave me a small amount of it, so I just stopped.

Haven’t had the same thing in ages. Feel a lot better. It’s a bit depressing, esp for things like doing a BBQ. It’s a mind thing I know, a manly feeling drinking a bottle of beer while cooking a steak, silly but I kind of miss it drinking my bubble tea. Was very similar when I gave up smoking many years ago. Talking to a car mechanic without a ciggie just felt all wrong!

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Shed-End@reddit

Quit 15 years ago. Everything improved healthwise including my skin complexion (52 year old dog rough Irish man here). There are very few positives to poisoning yourself again and again.

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PeterFilmPhoto@reddit

Can, but can’t be bothered to

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Leather_Network4743@reddit

50 yo M and still going strong. That said, I’m not thrilled that I still go hard in the paint, TBH. I’m about to do my first colonoscopy and I’m afraid what will be found after years of bourbon & booze.

[-]

indicus23@reddit

Damn right I can. How tf else I'm gonna get through this divorce, amirite?

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Maleficent_Fail4544@reddit

Apart from a swallow really occasionally I don’t drink because it’s devoid of a taste that I enjoy but then I do enjoy other things devoid of legality.

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Ok-Limit-9726@reddit

Bombay Gin right now thankyou sir

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CzarOfCT@reddit

I was never much of a drinker. However, I will have a drink or two every couple of months. Just for fun.

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toebob@reddit

I didn’t start drinking until I was 40. Same with several other vices. Other people tell me they overdid these things in their 20s and can’t do them now. I think I have the better end of the deal being able to use reasonably in my (50s now). It helps with countering the fatigue and pain of age.

[-]

e1-11@reddit

Remember, winners never quit….

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SergeantGrillSet@reddit

If drinking is making heart palpitations apparent (or if you are experiencing them anyway), get yourself checked for atrial fibrillation. By the age of 80, 1 in 10 people have it. It can lead to a stroke eventually if not treated.

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Last-Ratio6569@reddit

I'm on testosterone replacement, so I stay away from alcohol because the combination is super toxic for the liver. Also, getting drunk is stupid at this point.

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notpynchon@reddit

How’s everyone’s creatinine levels after 30 years of hard drinkin’?

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sweevo77@reddit

I still drink and so do my pals of the same age. Not to the level I did in my teens and twenties and I'd rather have a few pints in the afternoon than an actual night out, but I still manage a few pints of a weekend. So do my sons who I also can drink with.

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anonymous5481@reddit

Do you treat it like a sprint or a marathon? I’m a marathoner. Every drink gets a 12oz water chaser, protein appetizer by drink two, and I end the night with electrolytes and a little food, usually a slice of pepperoni pizza. I’m not getting any younger, and if I skip the plan, it takes me three days to recover. Hard pass.

[-]

MDEnce@reddit

Started drinking again at 51, after 30 years. I drink 1-5 drinks a day, 0-6 days a week. I rarely feel buzzed and have been "drunk" only a handful of times in 6 years. It's definitely not like when I was a teen. Still, it's cheaper than jeeps, guns, and hunting.🤪

The sad thing is, all my old friends I used to drink with have quit. I do have a few new friends to drink with (though they are more late boomer/ gen Jones folks).

Life is strange.

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Parking_War979@reddit

I continue to drink because of all those things. And I drink 10-12 a night.

I know.

But at 54 I’m tired and don’t get it anymore. I know my time is running short. Single, no kids, 3 amazing nephews and a ton of wonderful friends who will eulogize me.

[-]

Dense_Amphibian_9595@reddit

I’m 63 and it happens. In college, I literally downed a 12 pack in one day and still went water skiing slalom (one ski).

As the years went by, I just drank less and less as we had kids and such. And now? I take a few sips of my wife’s margarita and immediately I wonder if I’m going to be okay to drive for another hour. Wifey can still put the drinks away when she wants to even though she only drinks alcohol maybe 10x per year

[-]

katwoop@reddit

I drink a couple of days a year when I visit family. And that is just maybe a beer or two. I feel like total shit when I drink more than that. Not even the next day, I get a hangover like an hour later.

[-]

CowdyByName@reddit

Im 46 and drinking is on the way out in the nest 4 years probably.

[-]

mmfn0403@reddit

I liked it too much. Ended up in rehab for it. Haven’t touched the stuff since, never will again. Five years sober in October.

[-]

dirtycoldtaco@reddit

Drank 2 and 1/2 beers tonight. Became profusely ill and had to lie down. Now wide awake with insomnia and a major headache. I don’t even get why it happened! But won’t be trying it again soon.

[-]

Neko_Dash@reddit

10 years ago, three or four beers would be called a “starter”. Now, if I go past 3 pints in an evening (say, in a 4-hour span), I can write off the next day and forget about getting any sleep that evening.

And if I do any alcohol more than once a week, it shatters me. Like, I went out with a friend on Friday. No more beer until after the 15th, at a minimum.

And I’m talking beer. Harder alcohol? Forget it. Can’t touch the stuff.

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thumpmeister@reddit

I nowadays get a high in 2 beers. Which never used to happen. Funnily , I can have 3 large scotch , but I am still ok .

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BerserkHObO27@reddit

I’m enjoying a beer right now

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Professional-Tell123@reddit

48 here.. dull headache for dayssss if I drink.

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AnarchiaKapitany@reddit

I still do, but it's quality over quantity. I'm perfectly okay drinking two beers on an outing, provided they are of very high quality. Like upper tier craft beer. Those are the only ones that I don't get a massive hangover from.

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The_Observatory_@reddit

53 here. I still have a drink now and then, but pretty rarely. I’d say I average about one beer a month. These days it just makes me sleepy. If I have a couple of beers while I’m watching football or something, I can’t keep my eyes open and I’ll fall asleep on the couch. I’ve got other stuff I want to do, so I’d rather have a cup of coffee than an alcoholic drink.

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Typical_me_1111@reddit

I have cut back drinking to just a Saturday night.

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SquidgeApple@reddit

Pussy

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Far_Brilliant_443@reddit

3years august 28

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stinkydogusa@reddit

1 beer gives me a hangover

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Effective_Pear4760@reddit

I CAN, but I rarely do. I get more of a hangover now than I ever did, so mostly it's not worth it.

Maybe twice a year I'll drink some beer or wine. Generally not a lot at a time, either.

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Dismal-Read5183@reddit

I stopped drinking because of poor sleep which caused horrible depression the next day, like serious depression. Too big of a price to pay for a little buzz.

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WalkingOnSunshine83@reddit

I hadn’t had any alcohol in years, and I decided to have a cocktail on my anniversary. It made me feel unwell. It will probably be years before I do that again!

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North-Indication-242@reddit

Recovering alcoholic… no more drinking for me!

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montbkr@reddit

Same. I will have 8 years on 9/5. I quit the day after Labor Day.

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accidentallyHelpful@reddit

Sorry for this

Ex wife used to smoke weed

"Why?"

For anxiety

"What is she anxious about?"

Running out of weed

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Zestyclose_Wing_1898@reddit

Quit when i was 35 .

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lendmeflight@reddit

I’m 50 and I can still drink out fine.

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lendmeflight@reddit

I’m 50 and I can still drink just fine

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genbud1@reddit

Quit in 2014 after I had a cardiac arrest. Don't miss it.

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qpv@reddit

Can I? Probably not. Do I? Yeah.

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notaforumbot@reddit

55m and I still drink 2-3 beers a night. I wish I didn’t enjoy it as much as I do. I’m 5’9”, 165, active and fit. I don’t feel I am negatively affected by drinking but have some guilt that I’m drinking too much.

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BrinkinDourbon@reddit

Shiiiit I’m drunk now and I’m 51 🤪.

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Justasadgrandma@reddit

I'm 59 and stopped drinking about 10 years ago. I either get really tired or I get sick. I always thought I'd be the old lady drinking and playing pool in drive bars. Now I'm just the old lady. Oh well...

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Reddit__user_@reddit

I still drink intermittently

Sometimes a little

Sometimes a lot

My hangovers can go one way or the other

It’s a bit like Russian roulette

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Oh-THAT-dude@reddit

I don’t drink often and when I do I’m careful on the quantity, but yes still enjoy a pint or a tipple now and then in the company of friends.

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Fair_Money_1707@reddit

I'm 45 and can drink half of a bottle of whiskey and have no ill effects in the morning it takes a bottle for me to be to the point I have a hang over the next day

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sfdsquid@reddit

I rarely drink but it's because it's so expensive to drink at bars and it's so boring to drink alone at home... And I don't really have a lot of local friends to hang out with. When I go to an event and meet up with some of my "online" friends, which happens every few months, I drink.

Really I could take it or leave it.

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Pinchaser71@reddit

Where I work we get one free alcoholic beverage from the bar after our shift, whatever we want. Most nights I skip it and go home. Maybe twice a month I’ll take that one drink and that’s it.

Usually something that tastes good like an Amaretto Stone sour, Moscow Mule or maybe a refreshing tasty flavored summer beer or mango cider. My days of drinking 90 proof rocket fuel are over. Hangovers just kick my ass. 12 years ago I got completely shitfaced and I suffered for two days. That was the last time I’ve ever did it and I have no want to ever do it again.

If I drive home that night I would have probably had to swerve to avoid hitting a pine tree to only realize the next day it was my air freshener on my rear view mirror. Nope, no thanks. One drink doesn’t bother me, I drink it slow to enjoy the taste so not even a buzz. I’m good with that. I also have no interest in getting stoned either, legal here or not. I never have so I’m if I’m missing out on something I wouldn’t know anyway. Fine with me🙂

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AllReflection@reddit

I am 56, I quit drinking when I was 40. Best decision ever.

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orangecatstudios@reddit

I am also 56. I skipped the binge drinking in my youth. I have more drinks now than ever in my life, with no real consequences. Even that is only one per night and three nights a week. I wonder if not being a big drinker in my youth is the difference.

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montbkr@reddit

I wish I had quit earlier. I was 49.

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dingo1967@reddit

I’m 57 and I still love to drink, but mostly at events like concerts, sporting events, weddings, guys dinner. I’m not hitting it hard often, but when I do, I definitely do. Not sloppy, or throwing up, but I get pretty hammered.

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Feeling-Pea5281@reddit

I quit in my mid 40s, because I just didn't like the sensation anymore. Too sloppy, too nauseating. It's been 15ish years and I haven't missed it (though I do enjoy a cold N/A beer with pizza on occasion).

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HighlightDowntown966@reddit

I can still drink. But I had to give up "Happy hour "drinks. Because they use cheap plastic bottle liquor to keep the price low. And the hangovers that result,,I cant handle anymore.

I can only drink Don Julio reposado tequila. Doesn't have impurities and I wake up find the next day. But ordering that at the bar is like $20 a shot. Have to pregame at home, haha

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Frankjc3rd@reddit

Here is how I answer the alcohol question.

I have two cans of beer in my refrigerator left over from a six pack and I cannot remember when I bought the six pack.

I don't drink so much anymore because I am on heart medication and I don't want to take a chance with any interactions.

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Remarkable_Ad5011@reddit

I didn’t drink but maybe once a year, if that. But after acute pancreatitis, I’ll never touch another drop. I’ll be 49 soon.

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da-karebear@reddit

Dude. Just enjoy the coke a cola. I am having my 1 beer of the night because I am on vacation and my son is asleep. The worst my son can say about me is I live on doet coke and coffee.

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hamfist_ofthenorth@reddit

You are experiencing premature ventricular contractions, likely a side effect from Covid. Alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, all of these things are going to give you palpitations now, sometimes painful, always at the worst time. Annoyingly, It's going to be like this forever now, and it will get worse without medication or ablation. You are like me, and there's lots of us now after 2020.

r/PVCs

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Able-Candle-2125@reddit

46 I'm still fine. I love it. My wife is dead after one and she'll be useless the next day. We go out for cocktails and I wind up drinking mine and hers.

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montbkr@reddit

Order her a good mocktail. That way she can still enjoy the taste of a drink but without the nap.

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luny2n@reddit

I've cut back drastically. I use to be able to go to work the next day and just be slightly tired, not anymore. I only sometimes drink some wine when I'm off the next day because I like wine.

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dynamic_caste@reddit

I go through a bottle of gin over the course of a year...

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InLoveWithTheMoon@reddit

I quit drinking about 7 years ago and it was just because I hated the way I felt the next day. I don’t regret it at all. I do still consume THC/ CBD edibles for my sleep. occasionally I bring a four pack of Pabst High Seltzer waters when I go to parties or when I’m home entertaining. It’s nice to have a beverage in hand. I have fun, and it’s mellow. I go home and sleep and I don’t feel like shit the next day.

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Pinknailzz69@reddit

No booze anymore. The loss of GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) negatively affects my PTSD anxiety too much. Plus age.

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AppropriateBar3361@reddit

I haven't had a drink in 11 years. I quit when I turned 40 years old. Alcohol was never kind to me....

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GenerationX-cat@reddit

8 years sober

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iggzilla@reddit

Currently drunk!

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passionatemama@reddit

I stopped my occasional drink in my mid 30’s due to migraines. I’ve tried a drink here and there and each time a migraine. So, it’s a nope from me. 🫠

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polarbz@reddit

Absolutely. No problem drinking. Water with MIO. Mountain Dew. Coffee.

MAYBE an Angry Orchard if I'm feeling frisky. Maybe. Followed by Tylenol.

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EvilCodeQueen@reddit

I always could drink and still can. Weirdly high tolerance for a woman. Almost never get hungover. God bless Scottish genetics.

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sometimesnowing@reddit

Perimenopause has seriously fucked with my drinking. It's probably for the best, but I sometimes miss red wine of a winters evening

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Villiblom@reddit

I quit drinking 9 years ago because it was destroying my esophagus with all that acid reflux crap, and who knows what other damage it did to my body. I also had just found out that alcoholism runs in the family.

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VikingTeddy@reddit

As a young man, when I really wanted to get blasted, I used to drink about 8-10 pints during the evening. Once I hit my 30s that dropped to 6, and I'd get sleepy unless I paired it with caffeine.

In my early 40s it was down to 4-5 small beers, and I'd only do it at home so I could crash when I inevitably got sleepy after only a few hours.

Now at 48 I can't drink anymore due to health reasons, which is ok as I used to do way too often.

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rared1rt@reddit

I could if I wanted to and on occasion I still go a little hard as my oldest says "oh so your going to have 4 beers" I enjoy craft beers and drink those from time to time. Also enjoy a good bourbon (Blantons, BT) still. Sometimes I go for weeks or months without a drink other times I have a drink a couple of times a week.

I did my hard drinking in high school and my early days in the service. By my mid 20's I was done with hangovers and most of my hold my beer moments. I was never a smoker besides a small amount of "wacky tobacco" in high school so no "filtered air" for me.

Life is short, be good to yourself and be responsible. Live the life you want to live. Have a drink or two if you want or don't drink at all, either way be thankful you made it this far and enjoy being alive.

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CalligrapherFirm9485@reddit

My tolerance definitely went down when I hit 40 and now I'm a 1 and done drinker, puts me to sleep. Lol. The few occasions where I've had 2-4 drinks in the last couple of years really messed me up for days afterwards and it's just not worth it.

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luxelux@reddit

Even a couple of beers will result in degraded sleep quality and I wake up feeling like I didn’t sleep at all. I got pretty wasted w coworkers last October and didn’t feel like myself until 4 days after lol

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snarkyspeechie@reddit

Yep- late forties myself- but haven’t had more than 5 drinks in the last 10 years. I like to sleep- even one drink causes insomnia, sweating, headache. Not worth it!

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UnicornFarts1111@reddit

Why is that the little bit of alcohol in Ny-Quil will knock me out? lol

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montbkr@reddit

Man, I love a NyQuil nap. Up to 6 hours of the best sleep you ever had.

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BallsOutSally@reddit

It’s because it’s mixed with the same drug found in Benadryl.

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WonderfulMemory3697@reddit

Because it's really a garbage drug that destroys your cells. It was never good, not ever, at any age.

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ellephantjones@reddit

The headaches from just one drink! So rude!

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freakythrowaway79@reddit

I had 3 refreshing cold ones at the lake today. Mom's 72nd mini bday celebration.

Just sitting on the dock in the shade watching some boats, seeing birds, ducks, just relaxing & chilling out. The water was nice & warm.

I woke up a lot earlier than normal today so I passed the f out by 730/8pm 🤣.

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EstablishmentOk7386@reddit

I'm still pretty good at drinking. About half of my gen x friends have developed the same reaction to alcohol that you have. Seems pretty common. Probably good, since I have way fewer opportunities to drink now and so stay out of trouble...mostly

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marathonmindset@reddit

LOL - jealous! But good for you!

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YayAdamYay@reddit

I drink about a 6 pack a week. I see people our age with cirrhosis of the liver, ascites, obesity and a whole range of health problems from excessive drinking. While I am aware that I will die one day, I do not want to go through the stuff I see heavy drinkers or heavy smokers go through.

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marathonmindset@reddit

Sometimes, but barely. I miss it - a lot. I'm not even going to pretend to be one of these people that "doesn't miss it". No, bros - I miss it! I love alcohol but I a.barely drink it without getting a migraine and losing hours of sleep and feeling hangxiety the next day.

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mltrout715@reddit

I can. Just feel worse the next day

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dofrogsbite@reddit

Gave it up 3.5 years ago.50M

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bentndad@reddit

I was hardcore until almost 65.
I’ve had a couple surgeries since then, months after quitting, and my liver numbers were amazing. I’ll never drink again.
I walked to the very end of the plank and turned back.
I hate feeling like I have the flu everyday.
I was at a fifth a day of the cheapest vodka I could find.
F-That.

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Skylark7@reddit

I was never a big drinker so nothing has changed. I'm usually good with one drink, rarely two.

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Genre_Bias@reddit

I quit in 2017 at age 38

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4jules4je7@reddit

Quit two years ago and occasionally wish I could just have a margarita to see how it would feel since it’s been so long but I also completely enjoy my sobriety. I didn’t think I had a problem when I quit I just didn’t want it to go there. I work in healthcare so I see late stage alcoholics in my work pretty regularly and just didn’t risk ever being one of them, and had become a pretty habitual drinker. I sleep better and have less anxiety without it that is for sure. And I don’t have to worry about whether I can drive or other planning that has to happen around alcohol.

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Letterhead-Either@reddit

I can if I want to, but I don't want to. I had a few glasses of wine tonight, feel completely in control and will be fine tomorrow. However, everyone else who drank tonight got on my nerves because they cannot do the same. I like sobriety, and not wasting calories and carbs on alcohol. I don't know why our generation seems to have entered either/or territory, but we have.

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zsreport@reddit

Been sober for almost 3 and 1/2 years

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senorelvisto@reddit

My glory days of pounding straight from the bottle & drinking like a fish ate long gone. Nowadays, on a good night, 5-6 shots / drinks will set me straight. No need to get belligerent drunk or get super wasted. The recovery time when you're 40+ sucks. 1 night of drinking = 1 week to recover. No bueno

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TheAlligator0228@reddit

I got sober at 41 (4.5 years ago). I was drinking way too much, but my body wasn’t processing it the same way. All of a sudden I had some serious stuff going on. Got sober and getting healthier.

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Gnarly-Gnu@reddit

I can drink fine. Doc says I liked it a bit too much so I cut back.

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hyst0rica1_29@reddit

Alcohol never really did anything for me. After I hit 21 some HS buddies & I went to a Hooters to eat & ogle, lol. I ordered a Dr Pepper. 😜

By buds are, like, “WTF?! You’re legal now!” So I ordered a beer. Aaaand it sat there, untouched, as I finished the Dr Pepper.

I later found out it was probably a good thing I never got into alcohol as my mom said the male side of her fam had drinking problems.

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AlsatianLadyNYC@reddit

I have a few scotches maybe once every 3-4 months. I get so tired the next day and it’s not that fun anymore. Now gummies… yes please

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unhappy_girl13@reddit

I want to quit drinking and once and awhile do but always come back. I need to figure out to change the habit.

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basscat474@reddit

Pretty much cut out beer back in January . We have started to try to go three nights a week without drinking at all.

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Ladymistery@reddit

I drink very rarely.

once in a while I'll have a glass of wine, or some irish cream in my coffee, but for the most part - nah.

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ideapit@reddit

I just quit.

It has made such a difference. I had no idea how much it rewires your brain and messes with your hormones. Kinda crazy.

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montbkr@reddit

I don’t drink anymore (8 years now), but don’t feel bad for me. I’ve had my share, and part of each of yours.

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beenlobotomized@reddit

Cannabis is much easier on my body. A drink now and again but not nearly as much anymore.

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Siouxzanna_Banana@reddit

Nope.

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TriGurl@reddit

I can drink I just don't like to. So I have a drink maybe once or twice a month.

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Suwer63@reddit

If you haven’t already done it, go and get a health check done. You think because you’re younger that your symptoms are nothing to be concerned about, but a thorough health checkup could rule out anything underlying.

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Playful_Question538@reddit

I'm 51 and drink beer. It doesn't really bother me much.

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IAmAJediUnicorn@reddit

I’m done. I stopped drinking alcohol and coffee and I feel better now.

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Sysyphus_Rolls@reddit

I can. And I’ve got blackout a few times. I’m 53. And before anyone asks, my liver is fine. I recently got checked as I am 53 like I mentioned and my doctor runs all these tests all at every opportunity!

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sanclementesyndrome7@reddit

Teetotaler for 11 years.

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drhagbard_celine@reddit

I drink a handful of times a year and usually wish I hadn’t bothered. I have zero tolerance now and I start feeling the effects immediately. It’s too much. Even if I have a glass of Laphroaig I can’t drink slow enough where I’m not essentially inebriated after a single drink.

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Maintainyourview21@reddit

I drink in moderation but CANNOT deal with the hangovers for too many reasons. Almost scared straight.

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AlmeMore@reddit

Same thing happened to me in my 40’s. Now, at 63. I rarely partake of more than 2. One is usually enough!

Better for the wallet and the liver!

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Flaxscript42@reddit

I live by The Great Lakes, and that's where I drink, on the Lakefront.

I drink much more durring the summer.

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Material-Flower5130@reddit

I can't drink a lot, never could. One cocktail, and I'm good. My husband has stopped drinking completely. He has an autoimmune disease, and alcohol just exacerbates his symptoms.

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de_kitt@reddit

I’ve lost my taste for alcohol more than my tolerance. In social situations, I’ll sip on something and sometimes a great cocktail really hits the spot, but these days I can usually take it or leave it.

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EffectiveSalamander@reddit

i was born in 64, no I'm technically a boomer. I usually have just one drink when I go out. Maybe 2. For my 60th, I had 4 drinks, but that's a rarity. I usually drink Irish whiskey.

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Watchguyraffle1@reddit

Drinking in the states is impossible, always has been for me. They put too much preservatives and I get an allergy after one drink. After two I have the shits for 2 days.

Now, in Europe, this isn’t the case. 2 drinks at dinner is a joy and I don’t feel bad at all.

On the last trip we found an importer who will send wine direct. We will give that a try.

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SeaFly503@reddit

Me and most of my friends got sober after decades of drinking. All for our own reasons. We were like wild animals when we were young but those days are over. I don't miss it one bit.

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treble-n-bass@reddit

I can, and still do, but I have to be strategic about it these days. Plus, I’m drinking about 75% less than when I was in my 20s 30s and 40s. I got completely fucking shitfaced on my 50th birthday last month, and was surprisingly able to rebound about three days later. That being said, I spent three days in a row day drinking my face off! That was fun, but these days whenever I drink heavily, I spend the next day or two with some pretty bad anxiety. So it’s almost not worth it anymore, but it sure as hell is fun! My doctor said my numbers are pretty whacked though, so I am slowly, but surely tapering off from being the heavy drinker that I used to be. It’s inevitable, if you want to live and quality of life into your 1560s, and Beyond, you have to limit the alcohol.

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Elguapo69@reddit

I only drink on Friday and Saturday. Usually about 6 to 7 iPas each. So I’m the classic binge drinker I guess.

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Early-Juggernaut975@reddit

I haven’t gotten drunk in five or six years. But even having like two drinks is no fun for me anymore.

Sure, I’m buzzed for about a half hour, but then after that, I need sleep almost immediately! 😂

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Illustrious_Study_30@reddit

I'm on the path to quitting completely. I'm 53 . For several years I've been saying alcohol doesn't like me, and I've really had shit times after going out so it's not worth it. It's just been a hard lesson because unlike a beer in the garden or a G&T by the pool on holiday.

It began with poor tolerance. I'd want to sleep after a drink and recovery was awful. I also get vertigo with the frigging menopause so those two do not go well together.

I opened a beer last night, my first in a week, drank half of it and ended up in bed by half eight, so I think my tolerance is worsening....my husband says I'll have to switch full time to cocaine ...(He's joking...I don't touch it)

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jess5310@reddit

I am 46 and I quit drinking around my 40th birthday, it just wasn't fun anymore. I have "tried" to have a drink here or there, if I was at a wedding or party or something but I always ended up throwing it out after a few sips. Just don't really like rhe way it makes me feel anymore.

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monkeymatt69@reddit

I’m drinking right now

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marge7777@reddit

I quit in 2013. It caught up to me, lol.

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Lothar_28@reddit

Been sober for almost 27+ years now. Best decision ever, saved my life.

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daemonhat@reddit

while i had my moments and have been VERY drunk a handful of times, i was a never a big drinker. rarely ever went out on weekends or after work. did not like going to bars. on average, it was 2-3 drinks 2-3 times a year. but 3 years ago i was diagnosed with ideopathic chronic pancreatitis and can never drink again and i am so mad about it. not so much that i can't drink, but because it wasn't my choice and one of the 2 main causes of my issue is heavy prolonged drinking.

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0ften_kritical@reddit

Can still drink like a fish and blessed w not getting hangovers. Well not unless I drink a bottle of red wine, that’s my kryptonite. End of August I’ll quit drinking until next summer starts, try and exercise more to dump some weight I gained after an accident.

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-DethLok-@reddit

Sadly, I can and do still drink.

I should not, as I've piled on way too much weight :(

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West_Shirt5503@reddit

I stopped drinking back in 2012, and have been alcohol free for 13 years, I've partied so much that I'm surprised I have a functioning liver lol, I still go to lounges and bars and don't consume any alcoholic beverages my friends ask how I do it, my response is been there done that plus I'm the designated driver, also the club and lounge seen have changed since 89

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Substantial_Pen3328@reddit

49 here. Had two beers tonight, one of which was a strong IPA. A third might have killed me!

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Accomplished_Map2206@reddit

Quit 1/1/2020—I’m glad I did.

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Competitive_Pea_3478@reddit

Same here but with me even one drink can make a huge difference in how I feel and sleep. My body just decided recently it doesn’t want to tolerate it anymore. I’m also not around people who drink anymore. They are not anti alcohol but either lost interest or are on prescription drugs that don’t mesh well. It makes me a little sad.

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Criseyde2112@reddit

I had a pint of Modelo draft beer tonight, with my steak, to celebrate my 57th birthday today. It was tasty, but also nearly put me to sleep on the way home (don't worry, my husband was driving). And I had a cranberry and champagne cocktail with my sister at lunch yesterday, again to celebrate my birthday. And I probably won't have anything alcoholic until Christmas, if then.

Has anyone else noticed how the beer ads aren't exclusively gorgeous people in swimsuits laughing? The ones I see are about the brewery and the draft (lol) horses. I guess the party is over.

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Dry_Ad7529@reddit

I quit year and a half ago. I break sobriety once a year when we go to a tiki bar. But I have only one drink

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womenblazingtrails@reddit

Ya I can't drink anymore. I had one this year I think and didn't even enjoy it. I stopped smoking weed too. Now I'm just a boring old lady 🤣🤣

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Caloso89@reddit

I got so good at drinking that I retired from it in 1998. I had had enough, if you know what I mean.

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MixMasterPants@reddit

I stopped in my early 40s. It's just poison. Took me a long time to realise!

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TwistedMemories@reddit

I don’t drink as heavy, but I’ll still drink every now and then. At home, I have numerous bottles of alcohol, but I really don’t mix anything. Maybe some Crown and Coke or other whiskey. I have Crystal Head vodka in the fridge for when I want a shot of vodka. Kaniche rum, Yellow Rose whiskey, Legado blanco and reposado Tequila, a few wines, maybe four or five bottles. Not really that much.

A couple of six packs in the fridge. I’ll have two or three beers maybe once a week.

If I go out, I keep to one or two margaritas or Mexican martinis. Some places it’s small ones depending on what they put in it.

Depending if I drink beer, that could be one, two, or three depending on the ABV. If solo, I’ll wait about an hour before driving home.

So, I can still drink and do at times. But not regularly.

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1questions@reddit

Still drink and it’s fine. But that’s because I don’t do it that often. I have a drink or two once a month or less. Aside from my very early 20s for a year or so I’ve never been a huge drinker.

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Careful-Use-4913@reddit

I still have drinks from time to time, but I never feel good after. I never drink unless I’m feeling totally fine, and even then I might feel crappy later or the next day - and we’re talking one drink. Husband and I split a half carafe of sangria earlier this week. We both wound up with migraines later on.

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rp___mcmurphy@reddit

alcohol is a poison.

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eyeballburger@reddit

I only drink craft beers on the off chance I do drink, it’ll be 2-4 at max and I still feel like shit for days afterwards. Depression, fatigue and generally unwell. About 2-4 times a year. I think our folks could do it because they had more disposable income and time. Everything is worse now, so we just see how fucked everything is.

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teleheaddawgfan@reddit

Gave up drinking. Now I just do acid.

[-]

Plus-Parking1777@reddit

Had a nervous breakdown about a week ago, and I went almost 20 years on the wagon, but during the breakdown, I went out and got plastered, 4 Long Islands and a caribou Lou, by the time I finished my 5th drink and left the bar, my eyes started to go crossed, and funnily enough I am disabled and in a power mobility chair, I was able to safely able to navigate back home, but nearly took out 2 parked cars and 3 trash cans, ahhh it felt good being an adult again, but I won’t be doing that again🤣

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Full-Tomato-5594@reddit

Same. Then I found thc seltzers. Game changer.

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65gripguy@reddit

Still drink like I did at 30. Which is 4-5 days a week, 4-5 drinks a day.

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Big_Vegetable9692@reddit

I have had so many concussions (over fifty is a conservative number) that I can no longer get drunk or stoned.
It kind of sucks, but CTE makes other things interesting.

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tempfoot@reddit

I still drink regularly. About twice a year.

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andyhendricksoncomic@reddit

I very rarely drink anymore for the same reasons. Luckily I found a black market liver on the Dark Web so I should be back in business soon

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TurdMcDirk@reddit

I switched to red wine and I don’t drink to get drunk anymore. Beer and liquor started making me throw up when I’d shower or brush my teeth, that went away when I switched to wine.

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FermentedCinema@reddit

I’ve stopped doing binge nights because the hangover the next day hasn’t been worth it for a while, but still enjoy a few drinks (usually craft beer) on a night out. Also a cold beer after gardening in the sun is always welcome!

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Cest_Cheese@reddit

I stopped drinking over 2 years ago. If I really miss it, I’ll have a NA beer or sparkling rosé.

It’s really nice not waking up to acid reflux.

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Prestigious-Whole544@reddit

I like drinking. I also like eating healthy and working out on a regular basis. Certainly can't drink I used to, but drinking moderately and trying to be healthy is working for me

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FlowerGi1015@reddit

Sure, I can still drink…it’s the hangover that tells me “bitch no, you can’t”

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frecklearms1991@reddit

I had to stop drinking when I was 24 (I'm 52 now) due to me having to take meds for the rest of my life for mental health problems. I was offered AA by my psychologist but I refused cause I hardly ever had a drink. I don't miss it at all.

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bm1949@reddit

3 beer limit and that's pushing it. It's not a headache or a tummy ache now. It's a lost day and stomach irregularities.

I miss knocking back a six pack but those days are rare and gone. I can still stop after two so I've got that going for me.

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MikaJade856@reddit

I'm 58, no problems drinking but I don't do it like I used to. I might have a couple of drinks on a special occasion but normally I rarely drink anymore.

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parker9832@reddit

I’m 54 and I can still drink. I am a retired Navy Diver so that is probably why.

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search-of-soul@reddit

Nope, sometimes I can get away with one drink (not always), two wrecks me for at least a full 24 hours, sometimes longer. It sucks.

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Poneke365@reddit

On and off, mostly off. Don’t like the disturbed sleep and anxiety when I’m hungover.

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Mickyfrickles@reddit

I can, I just choose not to. It's not fun anymore.

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Chicagogirl72@reddit

I’m just getting started up again

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Prestigious-Salad795@reddit

Do you mean drink or DRINK

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thost19@reddit

I'm 53 and just drank 11 beers watching a football game. Wife drinks with me too. Still up watching TV after the game and perfectly fine. Nothing to be proud of drinking that much but we still have a great time together.

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ihateyou__people@reddit

One of the random side effects of covid infections can be this exact response to alcohol. Sorry. You’re not alone, but it’s not age that caused it.

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leftword4Zombies@reddit

I've noticed depression and anxiety the next day if I overdo it. I've cut alcohol out for the most part or stop after 2 drinks because the comedown the next day is so bad. Didn't start to happen until my mid 40s.

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Olderbutnotdead619@reddit

Give me a cold beer or glass of wine you better have a bed for me to crash on. I'm out. It's always been like this. Give me a Fresca Vodka and I'm good for 3 or 4 and clear the dance floor!😂

[-]

Volover@reddit

52M, I can still put away 4-8 beers any weekend night. If I go over 8, I feel it in the morning

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ElYodaPagoda@reddit

I don't drink nearly as much as I used to, but I can have a drinky and enjoy it. I only get truly hammered on special occasions!

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benbenpens@reddit

Occasionally, but not so much anymore.

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C-romero80@reddit

I don't drink often at all, never really did. Maybe got stupid drunk 3 or 4 times in my life, otherwise a beer or two or glass of wine or two. Not too bad the next day usually.

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DirkysShinertits@reddit

I have 1 drink maybe every 6 months if even that and its if I go out to eat.

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Ill-Lou-Malnati@reddit

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ccoakley@reddit

Stopped 5 years ago. It would spike my blood pressure and cause me to lose sleep.

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soulguard03@reddit

I'm not completely off but I know it's coming. For the past 6 years i have been taking a 30 day break from alcohol after football season (usually immediately after super bowl Sunday). Couple reasons...

proof I can stay away and to Detox

This coming spring I plan to do 60 days dry.

I have a lot of friends who are now completely off the sauce and I give them props. It does affect me when I drink but then I say to myself "I still feel the poison... Good." I don't know, I'm weird. But I also go long periods without drinking. Sometimes I go a week before I even notice I haven't had a glass, but sometimes I'll drink everyday. No real pattern.

Beer has become the thing I avoid most. Too many seasonings, flavors, etc. it really eats me up. Straight liquors (tequila, bourbon, scotch) are far easier on my body. No heart racing or bloated feelings.

I encourage anyone who thinks they should stop to stop.

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Square-Wave5308@reddit

I rarely drink. Even one will undermine my sleep, and I just wish I hadn't. I do like to have 7 drinks once in a while... Enough to be fun, not quite enough to trigger a 3 day hangover

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abstractraj@reddit

My wife and I open a bottle of wine depending on what we’re cooking. Definitely not trying for quantities

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ktappe@reddit

I definitely still drink. But I find myself more willing these days to order a single beer and nurse it for well over an hour by alternating sipping from it and from the glass of water.

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Meetzorp@reddit

I never was "good ' at drinking. Low tolerance, poor ratio of fun to feelings of dizziness and disorientation.

About six years ago I had a really bad depressive spell after Passover and it really seemed like it was kicked off by the Passover wine.

I haven't taken a drink since. I've been through some heavy things since, but I haven't spiralled like I did after Passover '19.

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Kwards725@reddit

46 here. I can still drink!

3 16 oz White Claws or no more than 32 oz of beer in 24 hours.

Party animal over here.

Haven't touched hard liquor in years.

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fusepark@reddit

Yeah, I was out shopping with my 80-something mother today. I was buying Glucerna and she was buying a box of wine.

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ThatMeasurement3411@reddit

Thank God it’s not just me.

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SpySeeTuna1@reddit

Am 5 IPAs in. Feel great and should be fine tomorrow just as long as I don’t touch the mezcal.

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morbid_florist_@reddit

This right here.

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SpySeeTuna1@reddit

cheers!

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ChrisKetcham1987@reddit

I cannot.

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thirtyone-charlie@reddit

I drank as much as I could. Sober 2 years

[-]

jarfin542@reddit

Still propping up the bar for the rest of you.

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Zee_Naa2139@reddit

(56f) Quit Nov 1st 2016. Takes waaay too long to recover. Don't miss it.

Smoking? Not since Oct 3rd 2022. The amount of $$$ saved is amazing.

Welcome to the Club 👋🏻

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cork5ea@reddit

I’m mostly down to the occasional (like an average of one per month or less) beer or even more occasional (once every few to 6 months) margarita. I drank a lot of cheap wine in my late 20s and it pretty much turned me off of alcohol.

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msjammies73@reddit

I can’t drink at all. It pisses me off. I get no buzz any more and I get brutal migraines and hangovers from even one drink. Pot makes me paranoid. My parents drank and smoked all their cares away. Where’s my damned escape mechanism???

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alissa914@reddit

I don't drink often but I used to date a very bad alcoholic boyfriend who I ended up breaking up with once I realized that all he did was bring me down...... but I could drink that guy under the table and then not drink another drop of alcohol for weeks after. No idea why... and I always remember everything I did when I was drunk. I can still do this... but it's less fun now since all it makes me do now is fall asleep. Kind of like marijuana. I can take some edibles and will mellow out... but then I just fall asleep. I don't get munchies that much... I just go to bed.

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JoyousZephyr@reddit

I can have one strong drink with a meal. More than that, and I get an upset stomach.

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No-Syrup-3746@reddit

I'm 50, all of a sudden getting the same effect. Someone else mentioned that beer may be the problem, I have recently developed a taste for single malts so I may try switching to fewer, better drinks, but I've definitely had to cut back.

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mossyzombie2021@reddit

I've developed histamine intolerance and chronic headaches, both of which are instantly made worse with alcohol, even 1 vodka and water. Which I still try to have on occasion but sometimes I just have to toss it down the drain after a couple sips.

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RexJoey1999@reddit

Medications? I’m on a diuretic for HBP and I think that changes things.

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martinfendertaylor@reddit

I (51M) can still get a drink on but I'm noticing it increases my heart rate like a lot and that makes me nervous.

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Willing_Freedom_1067@reddit

I never drank much at all. Maybe one drink a yesr on New Year’s Eve, if that.

I don’t like feeling out of control of myself, which tracks with my upbringing (more or less neglected, where I couldn’t afford to be out of control).

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KC_experience@reddit

I’ve never drank to excess (unlike my wife), and yeah, I love some solid craft beers or cocktails.

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dubsac5150@reddit

I have a weird dichotomy about drinking. On any given night I can occasionally have 1 drink. If I have the 2nd drink, I feel it the next morning. Not a hangover or anything, but I am dragging ass, tired, maybe a little dry mouth, etc. My usual routine is no more than one drink maybe 2-3 times a week. But then, about 2-3x a year we will go camping or on vacation with friends where I will drink beer all day. Not chugging beers, but probably 8-10 beers over the course of a whole day and I feel just fine. Maybe it's being active on vacation? Maybe because it's spread out? IDK.

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fanglazy@reddit

Stopped drinking altogether 5 years ago. I am strictly cannabis now. Lost 50 lbs, am not an idiot at parties and I dropped down to a 10 HDCP golfing without booze.

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thechirro@reddit

You all need to get your livers checked !!!

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thatsnotyourtaco@reddit

Sounds to me like you’re either drinking too little, or not enough.

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ReasonableCost5934@reddit

51 and I smoke so much weed that I have almost no tolerance for alcohol. I consider that a win.

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SockfulOfNickels@reddit

I’m 50 and I started on weed when I just couldn’t handle any alcohol at all, I get high as a kite almost every night and feel great. I smoke and vape a ton of it and honestly don’t feel any drawbacks, like if I don’t have any for a couple nights I still sleep fine, I genuinely just really enjoy being high much more than I ever enjoyed being drunk.

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pacificule@reddit

Interesting how differently we all react to the same things. I'm 48 and my experience has been the exact opposite as you lol

Smoked weed constantly thru my 20s, started to smoke & drink together in my 30s, now I dont enjoy weed at all but will kill half a bottle of whiskey a night w no issues. Drinking makes me happier than weed did and luckily I dont get hungover, or crave it during the day like I did with the smoke.

Always thought I'd be a lifelong herbalist and occasional drinker but somehow it completely flipped in my 30s 🤷🏼‍♂️

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Summerie@reddit

At 47 I still feel great when I drink. Next day not so much.

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mess1ah1@reddit

I still drink but it’s a science now. I know how much of what I can drink to not be hungover next day. This many beers, that many shots, mo beers, more shots, no shots, more beers, etc…

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Street-Avocado8785@reddit

No drinking for me. 59f and I can’t tolerate alcohol at all. I get hot/cold sweats, anxiety and feel completely awful after a few sips. I don’t know what happened, either.

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MurderBot1126@reddit

I’m not sure how to get through the current climate without three or four drinks.

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Status-Effort-9380@reddit

I generally don’t sleep well after I drink and I value my sleep so much. It’s still fun every so often to throw down. I went to college in New Orleans so I got the drinking out of my system. Really by my Senior Year I was a lot more restrained, more like drinks with dinner than beer slides at the keg party.

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Mortimer452@reddit

I still go out for beers occasionally. The biggest change for me is, I can still stay up until 1am, I can still drink six or 8 beers out with some friends, but I definitely cannot do both on the same night.

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BigDogSoulDoc@reddit

If you’re like me, you started drinking much younger than your parents did. Might have something to do with why it’s bothering you now. Alcohol turns to sugar in your liver so that might also play a factor in the symptoms you describe, especially if you have other sugar related issues.

I gave up drinking 20 years ago and honestly never felt better.

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AshDenver@reddit

It’s Saturday. Half bottle of Prosecco with brunch. A hard seltzer while cooking dinner. Half bottle Pinot noir with dinner.

And that’s a typical weekend day.

Weekdays skip the day drinks but the half bottle and a pre and post dinner drink is common.

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NewtOk4840@reddit

I've never been a drinker I've always been a stoner until 2 months ago I quit weed. I've never been this sober in my life and I wish I did it sooner.

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Diligent_Use_3733@reddit

Late 40’s, 225 days alcohol free. Never felt better.

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Bokononfoma@reddit

I had to quit a few months ago. Similar experience, but complicated with migraine meds.

I'm much happier without booze now. I never thought I would have said that.

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japhia_aurantia@reddit

I'm down to probably 10-15 drinks per year. Some months I don't drink at all. I still enjoy a beer flight or sangria once in a while, but I almost never drink unless there's an event.

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BMisterGenX@reddit

I don't drink as frequently or in as great quantities as I used to but I'm not a teetotaler. At a bbq recently I had 2 beers and it was the first time in months I had more than just 1 beer

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UnderstandingRight39@reddit

I gave up alcohol just before I turned 40, ten years ago. Best decision. Not only do I save hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year, I feel great.

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ffphier@reddit

I have a few drinks maybe 4 or 5 times a year. I have no desire to drank more than that any more.

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NashvilleTypewriter@reddit

I drink considerably more than I should. The world is on fire. Fuck

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keysgirl79@reddit

Nope!! I quit drinking a good 8 years ago or so. I’m so happy I did too. It sucked

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velvet42@reddit

I (49F) went out drinking and dancing at the club last night, and am still tipsy from the hard cider I drank at a ball game this evening. That's not super typical for me, more than one drink twice in a weekend, but I'm...well, I'm definitely tipsy, but I'm also fine. This morning I actually woke up more refreshed than even I expected to, no hangover or anything!

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Flux_My_Capacitor@reddit

I stopped drinking years ago.

Now ask me why I look like a millennial. 😂

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Long_Crow_5659@reddit

My band (4-8) of golfing buds are in their early to late 50's and binge 3 or more pitchers of beer after a round of 9 in what we call the 10th hole every week during golf season. I avoid the stuff with 9%+ ABV because of headaches and heart palpitations, but most of them guzzle it down like water. Even the light beer has me feeling less motivated the next day. Some of them act like they are in High School and press everyone else to overindulge. I'm morbidly anticipating when one of the heavy drinkers has an episode. I like their company but am worried about the self-destructive consequences of these outings. Some of the heavy drinkers seem to be losing IQ points.

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DaGrexican@reddit

I'm 50+ and still have a few or so on the regular.

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ScienceMomCO@reddit

I can have 2 drinks max or I wake up like 500 times

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StormWilling5279@reddit

I've had to stop drinking wine. It was upsetting my stomach too much. I switched to vodka and that seemed to be doing fine until I mixed it with orange juice last night and wow I was sick as a dog for almost 12 hours. Now I don't know if it was directly related to that but it's the only thing I can think of.

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Taskerst@reddit

I drink socially. But it’s more quality over quantity. Good beer, good whiskey, good wine. I know my limits and enjoy my life.

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Freezod@reddit

There is nothing but sadness in the bottle.

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Dry-Coast-791@reddit

Drinking during Covid, I drank too much. Then I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 and completed an online program. It helped that my husband had been sober for 15 years. It made our relationship stronger.

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DeeSnarl@reddit

Don’t worry guys, I’m carrying the flag for all of us!

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morbid_florist_@reddit

I'm with ya brother. A little smoke too just enhances the whole experience.

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DeeSnarl@reddit

Fuck yeah, you have a good Saturday night!

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mnsundevil@reddit

47 now. At about 32 or 33 I started to get really bad hangovers. So that put an end to my hard liquor. I still drink beer, but maybe only once or twice a month.

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Sufficient_Space8484@reddit

Budweiser, Heineken and Corona zero are actually pretty good. I was surprised. It’s what we have switched to. Give them a try.

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Dull_Upstairs4999@reddit

Late 40s, and pretty much keep it to the weekends anymore, but can def still throw down. Occasionally will drink during the week if out of town for work and the like, but otherwise just a Fri and Sat night deal with some Sunday beers especially if grilling or cooking family dinner.

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Jsmith2127@reddit

I quit drinking abour 10 years ago, found out I have gastropareses, and would get sick every single time I drank. No matter how much h I drank.

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No_Proposal7812@reddit

I drink. But not the way I used to drink. It takes two days to recover from a day drinking now.

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grummanae@reddit

Xennial here

Never was a big drinker 3 at most when I would drink

I never seen the point of getting stupid sloppy drunk and to the point of vomiting

Type 2 diabetic with Gerd .... and more than 2 drinks kicks my gerd into warp speed ... nothing will stop it

And some liquors ... clean me out better than taco bell

So it might be a drink or 2 a weekend but nothing during the week anymore

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WB3-27@reddit

Cut way back this year, better sleep and less anxiety is becoming my new addiction.

As much as I love beer and wine I know it’s not serving me well anymore.

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fingerbang247@reddit

Early 50s here, not the anxiety or heart palps, but the following day is a throw away.

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Not-the-real-meh@reddit

Who would have thought that poisoning yourself could make you feel that way?

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Dapper-Box-3111@reddit

I’m 48 and quit drinking in 2011. Waste of money and it’s way more fun to wake up early to train for triathlons.

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grateful_john@reddit

I drink less than I used to, mainly because I don’t feel like it. But when I do I’m fine, no problems like some of you seem to.

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jacky4u3@reddit

Oh, I can drink. But the hangovers... 😖😖😖

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Connect_Surprise3137@reddit

I stopped because blood tests were showing a bad trend with kidney function, and kidney problems took my dad out. I kind of like being able to just drop something. I did it with meat for a few years.

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NicolePSU@reddit

Im 46, and I quit in May. I was never really more of anything more than a social drinker until after covid lock downs. I was def out drinking and dancing more, and then I met my now husband, and we drank together. Not binging, but def more frequent than I should've. It became more of a habit or pattern. I started waking up with hamxiety, hot/cold, sweaty, palpitations, and wicked hangovers! I was like, this is dumb, I feel bad more than I feel good, and the warm buzzes just aren't worth it.

Not saying I'll never have a drink again, but it will be one-offs or special celebrations and not every day.

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RBUL13@reddit

Quit now before it’s too late.

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FormerCollegeDJ@reddit

I increasingly think I’ve benefitted from never liking the taste of alcoholic beverages in general and therefore rarely feeling the need/want to drink for most of my life.

For the OP - you may want to go to a gastroenterologist and find out if you have GERD/acid reflux. Alcohol can exacerbate acid reflux, and some of the physical symptoms you’re having might be tied to that physical condition.

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twigs1404@reddit

I can only drink very specific things. And I can’t let myself get drunk or I get mouthy and mean

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Key_Asparagus_8522@reddit

I had to stop. For 10 yrs during menopause I had to quit coffee any caffeine alcohol would throw me into a massive hot flash. 10 yrs later I can drink and have coffees. Like a new love lol

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amilo111@reddit

I get really bad muscle cramps in my legs from drinking. I accidentally bought nonalcoholic beer at Costco a couple months ago and have actually found that to be a good substitute. No buzz but I like the taste.

I have a cardiologist uncle who is in his 80s and still gets blackout drunk.

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Professional_Big_731@reddit

It’s happened to me too. I can only have a drink under very specific circumstances. Number 1 I must have eaten a solid meal. Best if it’s carb loaded. Number 2 can’t be too sweet. Number 3 I can’t exceed a certain arbitrary limit, my body is for some reason allowed to change what that limit is depending on the day. Number 4 I MUST drink plenty of water before during and after. Even then I could end up feeling like absolute garbage. This has caused me to drink less and less almost to the point where I could just never drink again and be fine. But I still get the urge to have a drink, but the cons usually outweigh the pros. My younger self would laugh at how much of a baby I am these days. But I guess this is how it goes.

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AllenKll@reddit

47, no problems. but I didn't start until I was 30... so... to each his own.

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One_Maize1836@reddit

Not me, because I drank enough for four lifetimes and got cirrhosis by 40.

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mtcwby@reddit

Have a beer or two once every couple of weeks if we go out to eat or a gin and tonic. Occasional glass of wine. I don't need it and know I pay for even on drink that night with worse HRV numbers. Still enjoy it, just never overindulge and keep it occasional.. I'm 60 btw.

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ItsMeWillieD@reddit

I enjoy being well hydrated these days lol.

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Stillconfused007@reddit

Yes but much much less than before, I wasn’t even that big of a drinker but my body can’t seem to tolerate alcohol like before.

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stinkyrobot@reddit

I have a tall boy usually on Friday night and sometimes one more either Saturday or Sunday. I just don’t want to be drunk all the time. I like that buzz I get and find I sleep well. Granted I was not really a heavy drinker back in the day, after my daughter was born I wanted to be clear headed in case of emergency.

[-]

filmwarrior@reddit

I cannot drink at all anymore. Even one drink can sometimes leave me feeling utterly depleted the next day. I maybe have 1-3 drinks per year.

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strangejosh@reddit

Me. That’s me.

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SergeantBeavis@reddit

I rarely drink as it is and my family seems to have a genetic disposition to NOT having hangovers. I’ve only been plastered a bit more than a dozen times but never once got a hangover. Last December, I got pretty s-faced with my two brothers over our mother’s passing. My older brother and I were right as rain the next morning. My younger brother (genetic half-brother) was hating life even though he’s 10 years younger than me and almost 12 years younger than our older brother.

So genetics does play a role here. Our Dad is 79 and can still drink people under the table. Though I’m really pushing him to cut WAY back. Fortunately his new girlfriend seems to have been a positive influence on him. He’s definitely cutting back.

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Informal_Phrase4589@reddit

I’m lying in bed reading this- awake, with a pounding headache and anxiety. This is after having 2 glasses of wine with dinner while I was with friends. I used to enjoy going out and having drinks as a way to be social and have fun. Now- I just feel like crap very soon afterward. And- it’s not really a hangover type crap feeling- it’s honestly feeling “not right”. I always forget when I’m choosing to drink but soon remember that night it the next morning. It’s a bummer.

[-]

That_Bendy_Babe@reddit

Sober 12 and 1/2 years. Best thing I ever did for myself 💪

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splorp_evilbastard@reddit

54m and was never a heavy drinker. I'll have one or two drinks whenever I feel like it with no problems.

My parents (75) can put away 1-2 bottles of wine a nite.

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AlmiranteCrujido@reddit

None of those problems, but sometime in my late 30s I started getting horrible stomach ache if I drink quickly. If I nurse something slowly with food, I can still drink a very little, but if I drink so much as half a beer quickly, ugh.

If I'm very, very careful not to overwhelm my stomach, I can just about still get a buzz.

[-]

BFR5er@reddit

13-25 I drank a shit ton. 45 now and I’ll have A single beer once a month and maybe a Bloody Mary or gentleman jack and Coke Zero every couple months. Haven’t been big on drinking for 20 year.

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DeviLinIron@reddit

Never could hold my liquor.

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Decent_Nebula_8424@reddit

Also quit, for a medical reason, though I was never a habitual drinker. Still, I could hold my own at impressive levels considering I'm a small woman. I could get more tequila and feel fine, while huge guys were already passed out on the floor. Still, this was a 2 or 3 times thing per year.

Quitting for good made my wallet very happy.

And also one less thing to mess with my liver, the dude is already working overtime. I realized I don't need alcohol. Just found a delicious non-alc IPA beer, so that's my fix now and then.

[-]

TrickPixels@reddit

I can still drink when I want to. It’s just the right occasion hasn’t come up yet when I go out. When I do though wow the next morning sucks. I’m not back to by regular self until the evening.

[-]

polyblackcat@reddit

I'll do a couple beers at night and I'm good.

[-]

some_one_234@reddit

Cut way back. One or two on weekend nights is about all I do now days. Prefer a couple of edibles instead.

[-]

Admiral_Ash@reddit

I turned 47 today. And yeah I'm pretty much done drinking. I used to drink a lot socially. But these days man I don't think I've had a drink in over 8 months

[-]

hugartloun@reddit

I can. It's not a regular thing so much anymore, but I can still smash a combo of beers and healthy rum and cokes on a Friday night. Bout 6 drinks last night. No issues here. Good times.

[-]

Vorpal_Bunny19@reddit

I drink as much now as I ever really did. Not much. It just wasn’t something I ever really cared for, didn’t like the way it made me feel. Not like I’m a heart palpitations or sweating way, but in a loosey goosey out of control kind of way. Nowadays I joke that I have a couple of beers every two or three years or on special occasions like Congress getting attacked.

(Seriously, that day was the first time in my life I ever said I need a drink and went and got one. That was the cardinal rule my parents taught me about alcohol; if you think you need it, you truly don’t and need to walk away ASAP. First and only time I said “yeah, sorry not today”.)

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morbid_florist_@reddit

This sub just gets more depressing by the day. Seriously. I'm listening to Deafheaven, Lebanon Hanover, Messa, Type O Negative (which I saw live in 94) What happened to my generation? Age is just a number people.

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Diela1968@reddit

I had cancer in 2020 and after that I really didn’t see the point in purposely giving myself the same feeling as chemo so I gave it up.

It’s a shame because I made some delicious homemade cordials during lockdown.

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temporalcupcake@reddit

46f. Never used to get hangovers, now I get them while still drinking, without even getting tipsy first. Though some things don't affect me so badly. Champagne and margaritas still seem to be okay, but that's about it.

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OddSand7870@reddit

I stopped years ago when it started giving me headaches while I was drinking.

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Valuable-Homework332@reddit

Always preferred weed

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Tkieron@reddit

I quit drinking 3 years ago. I just didn't enjoy it. I no longer felt the pleasant buzz. Even from a few drinks every few months. I just went from sober to aches in my body. I was only hung over when I drank too much. Which happened once in 3 years prior to me quitting.

I just didn't enjoy it anymore so I quit.

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fivetwoeightoh@reddit

Mid-40s, haven’t had a drink since March 31st

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Constant_Hotel_2279@reddit

Early 40's and have real band anxiety disorder(on 2 different meds), I pretty much had to quit because 2 beers gives me panic attacks the next day........now I just smoke herb.

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thepostmerc@reddit

51m currently sitting at a hotel bar on vacation.

One beer while waiting for my food, one while eating, and maybe one after. But no more than 3.

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WrongWayCorrigan-361@reddit

I can do up to two drinks just fine. I drink probably once a week. About 10 years ago I had a third. Don’t need to do that again. Two drinks I feel fine. Takes the edge off

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Illustrious_Plan_605@reddit

Quit 7 years ago, wish I never started. No looking back.

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ZZoMBiEXIII@reddit

I drink to enjoy the whiskey, not with the intent of drinking to excess. So yeah, I still occasionally partake.

I usually drink a couple of beers on wrestling night (Monday, if you're not in the know). But that's basically like a pop at this point, not anywhere near enough to bring impairment of any kind. Not that I drive after, but still. And, yeah, I will have a Jameson if the mood strikes. Or a glass of scotch if I'm out having a steak.

Not a huge drinker anymore though. Just the occasional food pairing or the aforementioned Monday night beers.

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Illustrious-Gas-9766@reddit

I can have one drink and I'm fine. If I have more, I feel the hangover before I finish my second drink. So I only have a cocktail 3-4 times a week and sometimes go for a week or more without a drink

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Tough_Friendship9469@reddit

I only started at age 36, so I’m still catching up!! 🥃💥🥃

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Drunkensteine@reddit

God no, I mean I could, but see pic

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big65@reddit

You've got something going on, possibly allergic to alcohol or something much more serious so go talk to a doctor about it.

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Embracerealityplease@reddit

I can still keep up with my drinky neighbors when we get together but left to my own devices I usually just have one beer after work and that’s pretty much it.

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GarionOrb@reddit

I do wine tastings weekly.

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Pale_Statistician474@reddit

52, can still drink with no issues. Nothing like having some drinks at dinner or the beach.

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bison13@reddit

I started getting raging hangovers at 40 or so after 4 drinks. In my thirties I'd drink 4 drinks before dinner, then actually go out drinking. 9 years sober now.

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kaleb2959@reddit

Some people are reporting that post-COVID, alcohol is no longer an enjoyable experience, or that the side effects now make it no longer worth it.

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Ok-Weakness-2264@reddit

53 no alcohol in almost 3 years. Don’t miss it

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WeAreAllMycelium@reddit

Lots of folks find that the histamines in the fermentation process make spirits really hard on the body post covid. I know I can’t handle it now, my adult son also, he is 21. We got MCAS now. No more fermentation sucks

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Silver_Swordfish_616@reddit

I’m 52 and am still able to drink like when I was in my 20s. But I try not to live that way.

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foeplay44@reddit

49 and I drink like you pal. I save the binges for random friend occasions. I just can’t do hangovers anymore, every day matters at this stage

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Lampwick@reddit

I kind of just lost interest in drinking in my 40s. Wasn't fun anymore, and made me feel like crap the next day. And then a few years ago I had an adverse reaction to antibiotics i was taking and it nearly destroyed my liver, so it's all just as well, since I can't drink anymore.

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chrispd01@reddit

Shit no. Had to get sober or Id be gone by now …

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phironuthi@reddit

2 beers max now. Otherwise, I’m risking a groggy morning

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KiwiMcG@reddit

I love craft beer.

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morbid_florist_@reddit

I'm drinking right now. And I have to work tomorrow.

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gjloh26@reddit

Me but only:

Daiginjo Junmai Sake
Balvenie Single Malt
Suntory The Premium Malts

Everything else gives me a hangover the next morning.

Yes even if it’s half a glass of beer. Fuck getting old.

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RabbitsAteMySnowpeas@reddit

Stopped drinking last October, I don’t miss or want it. Had three beers May 1 and swore it off completely after that!

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DFW_DADDY@reddit

Gummies are the way

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darktideDay1@reddit

You just have to up your training. Drink at least 6 drinks a day and you will get back in shape. My family told me I needed help with my drinking. So I hired a bartender.

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DFW_DADDY@reddit

I love dedication!

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yallelike2eat@reddit

That's why my new years resolution every year is to really buckle down and concentrate on my drinking

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darktideDay1@reddit

Last new years I decided to quit drinking for good.

Now I drink for evil.

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EpponneeRay@reddit

This is my reasoning also.

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NoAbbreviations290@reddit

There’s somewhere else for this conversation to go, please.

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SkibblesMom@reddit

If you've had Covid, alcohol sensitivity is being looked at as a possible symptom of long Covid

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space_wiener@reddit

Yep. Same amount as always. Tolerance hasn’t changed much either.

Maybe around ten light beers I start feeling it and know it’s time to stop

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DJErikD@reddit

California Sober, here.

My hepatologist won’t let me drink anymore.

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smoothallday@reddit

I’ve found that I (just shy of 50) cannot handle spirits anymore. Even a little bit will mess me up. I enjoy dry red wine, and beer is generally okay—unless it’s really hoppy. Sadly, 2020 increased my alcohol consumption. I’ve struggled to reduce my intake since then.

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hedder68@reddit

Never could, so no big loss here.

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RunningPirate@reddit

I still do, but not with the breadth and magnitude that I did in my 30’s. Hank, Jr said it best: the hangovers hurt more than they used to. Also, now, even if I drink moderately, I’m tired all damn week

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Flaky_Wheel60B@reddit

On my 50th. I bought a $500 bottle of my favorite scotch and shared it with my closest buds, got trashed.

Took a week to recover.

Haven’t touched a drink since.

That was a year and a half ago

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SplashiestMonk@reddit

I just started drinking last year at 54. Nothing crazy - just a beer or two or a glass of wine. Nice little buzz, no bad after effects. I thought it might hit me harder at this age but apparently I’ve got several decades worth of tolerance stored up.

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try-catch-finally@reddit

Me too. But.

Have you tried WEED?

gif

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1MrE@reddit

Went from buying it by the bottle (military) to distilling it myself.

The change? I slowly sip instead of shots.

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phillymjs@reddit

I seldom drink anymore, maybe once or twice a year. I was never a heavy drinker but somewhere in my mid 30s I just… stopped.

I have almost no tolerance now, I’m a Two Can Sam. Sometimes I can catch a buzz from one pint of decently strong craft beer.

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buttfirstcoffee@reddit

I’m sure I experience all that in my 20s and 30s but had zero f’s to my internal feelings then

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Friendly-Horror-777@reddit

More than ever. I still enjoy drinking until the sun comes up and I feel I take it better now than when I was a youngin.

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Old_Till2431@reddit

Kidneys limit me 1-2 beers per week

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Chaemyerelis@reddit

I stopped drinking, it just doesnt make me feel good. Plus its healthier not to.

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EpponneeRay@reddit

I quit for 9 years when I was 41. I stared having beer only a couple years ago and it’s okay if I drink weak beer and not too many in a row. Hard alcohol or wine absolutely not no matter what.

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YoGrizzly@reddit

I don’t drink heavily too often (couple drinks here and there) but when I want to tie one on I can still hold my own.

Doing now actually. Just replying while I wait for a Lyft.

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GreatGreenGobbo@reddit

Occasional drinker. Usually never have more than two or three usually only one. Go weeks at a time without drinking.

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Mul-Ti-Pass2001@reddit

I use to have a drink a night. My New Years resolution was to cut back to just weekends and I have mostly succeeded. So now I only have a single gin and tonic on Friday and Saturday. Vacations are a different beast but I try to limit there too. Now it's just water and coffee (and I really need to cut back on coffee). Soda has all but been eliminated (when I have one now I found myself getting nauseous because of how sweet it is).

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Wactout@reddit

Now me can drink 20’s me under the table. I should probably stop.

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Miss_L_Worldwide@reddit

Sounds like you've legit developed an intolerance or an allergy. What does the doctor say?

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thirddownloud@reddit

Ive never been a big drinker, but never had a problem with blacking out when I was younger. As ive gotten older, when i drink it doesn't take very much for the lights to be on but nobody's home upstairs and its kind of terrifying, so I rarely drink and almost never to excess, because its almost a guaranteed blackout now.

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OoFEVERNOVAoO@reddit

I've always enjoyed it but I've noticed that the last few times I've gone out drinking, I don't remember what happened at certain points of the evening.

yeah maybe it is me overdrinking which is weird but I can't shake off the feeling.

maybe I'm not drinking enough water or should drink less and not as fast.

the hungovers are getting a bit worse and by worse I mean less tolerable but that's only if I get shit faced.

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HHSquad@reddit

Truth is........NO amount of alcohol is good for you.

And it doesn't serve any purpose now other than make me feel like shit the next day.

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Money_These@reddit

2-3x during social gatherings.

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Consistent_Pen_6597@reddit

Once in awhile I can tolerate an ultra light beer or a wine spritzer with a big meal with several chasers of lightly sweet lemon iced tea or water afterwards. Otherwise? Nah. I partied hard enough in my twenties to last me till I’m dead. Seriously…if someone says, “Shots!” out loud at a bar, my liver twinges lol

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Loud_Journalist_663@reddit

53 and after being out last night and having a several drinks, going home and taking my usual before bed meds, I had horrible nightmares and even woke up during the night hallucinating.

I’m not all the way done, but it’s probably best for me to stick to one or two drinks paced a while apart.

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candlegirlUT@reddit

I had 3 seltzers last night while I was painting a spare bedroom. In bed by 9:30, woke up with a hangover.

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MidwestAbe@reddit

Oh I can. It's one of the great skills I have. But I quit at the start of the pandemic. Im generally sober. I drink here and there. A glass of wine or when I got handed a really good bourbon drink a long time ago.

I probably have been dry for 5 months. Just day drank a 12 pack and then some on a lake day. Hardly got a buzz. It reminded me of both why I LOVED drinking and why I mostly quit.

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Cubbance@reddit

I mean, I CAN drink, but I usually choose not to anyway, because it's so fucking expensive. I'm 50. Tonight I went out with my friends (who are all much younger, so they're still in that drinking phase). I had three drinks through the evening. I got a decent buzz on, but I usually front load the drinks so that by the end of the evening I'm fully sober again. Doing it this way, and making sure I never get fully drunk, I haven't had any physical problems or anything like that.

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14MTH30n3@reddit

I noticed that I have a lot less desire to drink, especially alone.

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No_Character_4443@reddit

51 here. Gave it up entirely about 4 years ago. Didn't sleep well, felt crappy the next day, and the calories weren't doing me any favors. Haven't missed it at all.

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jigum777@reddit

I'm 48, and can't handle drinking at all anymore. Just 2 or 3 drinks will have my heart racing, a night with shitty sleep, and hangxiety the next day.

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dukelivers@reddit

I drink pretty well. The next day though...

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Luder714@reddit

If I do drink, I have like 3 beers and give up. If I plan on really tying one on I’ll have a double shot of whiskey with my first beer. If I make it to a fourth beer I’m having 10.

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jamminstein@reddit

I rarely drink alcohol anymore, maybe a beer or two with dinner once in a blue moon. As I got older hangovers became worse and hard to justify. Additionally, my next day was completely shot, along with any chance of productivity. I switched to vaporizing sativa or gummies at night whenever I feel like I want to relax. Since making the switch, I wake up refreshed, feeling well, and can be as productive as I want to be the next day.

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jRok57@reddit

I still drink. Hell, I have a drink sitting next to me right now while I'm writing this. I don't drink during the week, but almost every weekend, yes.

It's partly because my daughter spends her weekends at her mom's house, but really: I just like drinking.

I'm of German, Irish, Polish and Russian descent - so I was born and bred for it. Beer, whiskey, vodka, Jager, schnapps, gin - no problem. If I could meet a Caribbean Mexican lady, we could make super drinkers

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ColonelBourbon@reddit

I would throw up after just one drink. No clue why. Used to be able to drink a lot but now I rarely even try.

Not sure how to deal.

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digdugnate@reddit

Liver disease for me- noooo way.

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Tasunka_Witko@reddit

I stopped drinking in 2006. Alcohol poisoning will really shake things up

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SmellyBaconland@reddit

I can't drink after watching too many people slowly die from it.

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hoya_courant@reddit

Yeah I can still drink- on occasion. Can’t recover and do it again the next day like we used to. Now a big night puts me OOC for a couple days. Steady debate whether the interference with training is worthwhile

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Beautiful-Routine489@reddit

Older than you, woman, but even 1 drink just makes me feel so awful all over and just TIRED, it’s not worth it.

I almost wish I could drink, because I kind of miss the relaxation and just feel-good of it. Not any more.

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bwerde19@reddit

I can still drink and occasionally, very occasionally do. But mostly I just choose not to. Every day that goes by it feels like the science gets more clear about the negative effects of even moderate alcohol. And honestly, I just don’t enjoy it the way I used to.

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DatGuyatLarge@reddit

In 2016 I figured out that if I have a drink of anything alcoholic, I get sick. Not the first day after, but the day after that, and it lasts for 4 days before it ends. I went to Doctors to figure it out, even saw an allergist but no answers. The only advice I was given was, “If it makes you sick, then stop drinking.” So I have and haven’t tried drinking on purpose since. I say on purpose because last year I ordered a Mocktail (Virgin Caesar) and it had vodka in it, so two sips and I realized but it was too late and I got sick.

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Medium-Mission5072@reddit

I have a glass of good bourbon 3 times a week. I usually pour maybe a shots worth into a Glencairn glass and sip it over the course of an hour or so after dinner.

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72vintage@reddit

I used to have a pretty heavy tolerance, but the last time I drank hard was December of 2019. I haven't drank often since 2002, but I could still put 'em down if I wanted to, until the Covid lockdown. I just haven't drank hard since then. I didn't drink at all during lockdown, and ever since then I'm half shitty off 3 drinks. A couple weeks ago I went to an anniversary party and had a wine sampler - like 5, 4oz glasses of different wines. I was just about ready to fall over after that. I sobered back up quickly, but it hit me like a ton of bricks and I doubt I'll be overindulging anytime soon...

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Legitimate-Pirate-63@reddit

I look last may off of drinking to get in a little better shape for the summer. It ruined me. If I have 4 beers now, Im on life support the next day and useless for the day after that. I did drop a ton of lbs tho lol.

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ziggy029@reddit

Last year I pretty much stopped drinking beer and I really don’t miss it. I’ve lost almost 40 pounds in the last 9 months just by doing that, and I’m sure we saved hundreds of dollars, too.

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DryFoundation2323@reddit

I have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and have been told not to drink. I do cheat on rare occasions but only a beer or two. I'm in the process of losing weight so I am hopeful that some or all of this condition will be reversed.

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Cute-Aardvark5291@reddit

I can still drink. I just have never really liked to. On the very rare occasion I do have a drink, I do not notice a difference. My brother drinks far more frequently and is older and handles it about the same as well. We are both in our 50s

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huckleberry402@reddit

past few years? like since covid?

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dynoman7@reddit

I no longer get drunk unless I'm drinking hard liquor in vast quantities

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USAF_Retired2017@reddit

I can only drink one or two glasses of wine and I still hate my life the next day.

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Emotional_Ad5714@reddit

Drinking even 2-3 drinks will zap my energy for the rest of the day. If I have 4+, I have a hard time sleeping and have a bit of a hangover the next day. I still do it, but it hits me much harder. In my 20s, I could drink 5 shots of whiskey and a dozen beers with less impact on my body.

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chrisreddit8888@reddit

I have become more of a professional, getting better at boozing all the time. Not sure if that is good or bad. Wait, it is good.

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Heinous_beesh@reddit

I can have one standard drink—one beer, or one glass of wine, or a cocktail. Beyond that I feel like garbage in the morning. It also sort of interferes with my sleep at any dose so I only have a drink on the weekends, when I can sleep in.

A few years ago I was drinking a bit too much. Work stress, home stress, Covid stress. A glass or three of wine every night, more on the weekends. Then one day, I lost the desire for anything more than the occasional beer. Just didn’t really want it. Something just clicked in my brain and that was that. I’m not afraid to have a drink, I never want more than one, but I also never crave drinking either. I could take it or leave it.

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anti-ayn@reddit

Can but don’t. Dropped it twenty years ago and never felt that compelled. Plus I’m on more meds now. I do miss cigarettes on occasion though :/

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HLLAuntClaire@reddit

Tito’s Vodka will kill ya - 4 of my uncles friends died from drinking and they all only drank Tito’s .

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duecesbutt@reddit

57M (if that matters). I can still drink but now it sets off my GERD something fierce. I am drinking less now than in the past (was a bad binge drinker) but I still have the talent, dammit

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Material-Dream-4976@reddit

St. John's Wort permanently destroyed my abilty to drink any alcohol since my late 30's. 15+ Yrs later, no recovery from that.

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imalloverthemap@reddit

My new thing is I get heartburn almost immediately! Never had heartburn before except for eating too late at night then laying down

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krakmunky@reddit

Just let it go.

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dcamnc4143@reddit

I drink often, but not a lot. Usually 2 max. Had a Red Oak tonight.

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RoughAd5377@reddit

My friends and I drink heavy two days a week. And maybe everyone drinks light with dinner 1 day. I am sober the other 2-3.

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ChefNo4180@reddit

I'm 54 and quit not long after my 50th birthday. I celebrated pretty hard that night and after 3 days of recovery I decided it wasn't worth it

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clintfrisco@reddit

I can. I’m really good at it.

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DoomOfChaos@reddit

Rarely

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vwaldoguy@reddit

I'm 55, gave it up almost 2 years ago.

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WellWellWellthennow@reddit

Mine kicked in then too. It changed and I didn't like the feelings.

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TK-385@reddit

I can handle alcohol just fine, but I don't go nuts with it. I don't plan on playing a game of A Hole like I did in my 20's.

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AUCE05@reddit

No. I started methotrexate

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CompassRose82@reddit

Virtually never. Max 2 drinks a month

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KitchenNazi@reddit

Don't drink like I used to but only because I don't go out like I used to. But no issues yet! My wife is in her late 40s and one drink will make her feel bad the next day.

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AuntBBea@reddit

Nah, my stomach protests.

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johnnyg08@reddit

I've cut waaaay back and it's basically zero. It just doesn't do anything for me and it's expensive.

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Johnny_Royale@reddit

I drink fairly excessively at times but I get hungover way too easily now and it’s getting to the point I may have to slow down

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gobbledegook-@reddit

I’m on my porch with my wind chimes and some kind of drink - typically something fruity from a bottle or some liquor mixed with a soda - basically every night.

Sometimes it’s more than one drink. Depends on how the day went. Nothing crazy.

Sometimes I add a glass of wine sometime before bed.

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LadyNiko@reddit

I've always been a lightweight with alcohol. I'm having a strawberry margarita slushy tonight because it is too damn hot outside at this concert!

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truemore45@reddit

Sir since weed became legal I much prefer it. Less pain in the morning. Plus I don't like the taste of liquor for the most part.

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WolverineFun6472@reddit

Quit by the time I turned 30. Felt like poison

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likeittight_@reddit

That’s because……

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electrictatco@reddit

Nope. Nope. Not falling for it again.

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rgbkng@reddit

I'm down to about 2 glasses a week.

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mmpjd@reddit

52 here. I haven’t been able to drink for many years. It just makes me way too sick now. I was unstoppable in my 20’s & early 30’s.

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MeadowLea79@reddit

6 years ago I had surgery, one of the side effects of the surgery was seizures. I just so happened to have alcohol be a trigger, so I haven't had anything to drink in 5 and a half years. Learned what my trigger was and haven't missed it since.

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Acceptable_Mirror235@reddit

I might have a glass of wine but I’m one and done. Always have been

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Snugrilla@reddit

I seem to be drinking more than ever now. I have to drink a lot before I feel drunk and then the effect doesn't last very long. Usually just a few minutes. No hangovers either. I'm 51.

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Ok-Association-2134@reddit

46 here gave it up 3+ years ago.

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ronwabo@reddit

My wife and I go out every Friday for happy hour and dinner, on nights we want to drink, I may have 3 or 4, but usually only 2. We only drink one or two nights a week I usually sleep fine, but I smoke weed. I could give up alcohol almost completely if we didn't do that.

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rb3438@reddit

Gave it up for good about 3 years ago. For a few years before that I’d have a beer or two now and again. In my younger days the sky was the limit.

I don’t miss drinking like I thought I would. I really don’t miss hangovers. About the strongest thing I have these days is coffee, and maybe a gummy a few times a year.

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Infinite_Pudding5058@reddit

Nup. I’m 40, probs more millennial technically but feel Xenial. I’ve 99% given up alcohol. I felt like a beer at the footy recently so got one and enjoyed it but didn’t want anymore. Don’t miss it at all. Before this I loved wine and would get a bottle every week.

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lipstickandlattes00@reddit

45 here. I cannot even take a sip. I look back to all the alcohol I consumed in my younger years and wonder how? That, and when you have an abusive alcoholic family member, it will completely turn you off to any alcohol - at least in my case.

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Muggi@reddit

I have several friends that have had the same path as you - just not worth it anymore.

But I ain’t one of em! Cheers

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