I had sworn off “hard” liquor on June 24th, 1986. It was right after I drank a fruit glass filled with mezcal and right before I tossed my cookies. Today I drink beer until I fall asleep, which is often after one or two.
This summer, my bro, and I went out (walked) to one of the watering holes of our youth when we were both back in our hometown. It’s been many, many years since the 2 of us have been “home” together.
I drank a lot, probably enough to qualify for whatever “binge drinking” is. After being appropriately oiled, I mixed poisons; lots of beer, shots of whiskey and tequila.
What a dumbass thing to do. But also a nice reminder of stupidity of my youth. I don’t think most folks plan to go out and get blotto; there is usually a “connecting of the stupid dots”. I forgot about that bulwark of steps that I had built up over the years. I suppose that I fell prey to the whole sentimental trip down memory lane.
I knew in advance not to involve a vehicle, which was a good thing, but a lot of other bad things can occur while so severely altered; women, fightin’ and just plain sayin’ stupid stuff that you’re certain to regret if you even remember it the next day.
Anyway, I’m 44 now and I think that I had my ticket punched for the rest of my life. Not a great thing to do, but I think it served a purpose for me. It seems unlikely that I will ever drink so much in one sitting again. I hardly doubt that I will wax nostalgic for all the alcohol that I have NOT consumed.
You’re just a youngster, so take care of yourself. Don’t be all “absolute”. If you drink, period, it could happen to you again. One bad decision with alcohol can easily lead to another. Stay on your guard.
I do try my best to stay on top of it. The only problem is I don’t know my limit really, and sometimes I don’t want to just drink beer.
But it’s a learning process.