I can count the number of times I’ve been sloppy, in the gutter, don’t know my name kind of drunk on one hand. In fact, 3 fingers is more accuate. I remember all three of those incidences VERY well. I have not repeated them because frankly, I HATE the feeling of drunkeness.

I’ve never understood why anyone would seek such a horrible state. But, I digress.

Yes, the question should be, how sharp do you want to be? I’m a night time sipper. I’m not a binger, but occasionally I wouldn’t exactly call my mental state after a few hours of “sipping” exactly sharp.

I’m not a fan of hard liquor and rarely drink a beer. My drinking is primarily, nearly 100 percent, red wine.

So, here I go again, over-thinking and talking this stupid issue to death. (one of my short-comings – over thinking that is).

I think I need to just chill out and take Patrick’s earlier advice……..”determine if it’s a problem. If it is, it is. If it’s not, it’s not. Talking the stupid subject death is pointless.

Thanks, however, for your input.

I like the idea of a 30 day trial as well. To do 30 days with no drinking and be especially mindful of how the sobriety works for you….might be worth a shot.

Just wanted to add my two cents if that is OK.

I made a personal choice a long time ago not to drink alcohol and not take any other mind altering drugs (unless I have some medical emergency the requires it). I consider my mind my most valuable asset — I was only given one and I feel it is my duty to protect it to the best of my ability. I know that being careless with this amazing part of my being will compromise my own survival potential. After all our ability to pose and resolve problems, be able to see differences and similarities is what sets us far apart from the rest of the animal kingdom. And our reaction time is super important when it comes to staying alive.

Regular alcohol use, does alter the way a person perceives themselves and their environment. This is what causes slower reaction time and the lessened ability to tell differences. That altered perception does not completely “bounce back” when the person is again sober. There is always a residual lessening in the person’s ability to have full perceptions. So there is an accumulation of damage over time.

Alcoholic or not may be the wrong question in your case, Magnolia.

Maybe the question should be, how alert and sharp do you want to be?

I suggest you focus on your amazing abilities, your spiritual intensity, your basic personality and decide if alcohol is going to enhance or lessen their quality.

Does that help?

Sigal Adini