As I get into this please keep in mind that this is what I’ve learned from my experiences as well as those around me. I am not a certified professional of health by any means. Today, I’d like to review the advantages/disadvantages of drinking alcohol.
Advantages
Social-Going out for drinks is a social event for people. Sometimes work places have happy hours. A bar is also a good place to get together with friends or meet on a first date. Drinking has a social aspect to it. It’s similar to meeting for coffee in the way of it’s casualness. Parties are also a big place for social drinking. Especially in college with Fraternities and such. Or even at New Year’s parties at people’s apartments or houses.
Chatty-Although alcohol affects different people in different ways, I know that it makes some people feel more relaxed and social. Alcohol makes some people more outgoing and as a result they may talk to someone that they wouldn’t normally chat with. Or they may have a deeper and more philosophical chat with someone than they would sober. People that are typically reserved and quiet may become chatty and outgoing.
Clubbing/Dancing-Drinking and dancing can be a fun combination. I know when I drink that I feel more confident in my dance moves (even though my moves are terrible). I enjoy dancing more when I’ve had a few drinks in me. This can be a great way to let loose and burn calories on the weekend. Singing is also fun to do when you are tipsy. That’s why they invented clubs and karaoke bars of course.
Disadvantages
Calories-I know that I have often heard the term beer belly used to describe someone who has put on the weight from- you guessed it, drinking beer. Whether we like to admit it or not, just like anything else that we consume, alcohol contains calories. One glass of wine contains between 125-150 calories and that’s just for a serving size (4.5 oz). Some restaurants offer 9 oz pours which is double the serving size and-you guessed it, double the calories! Say you have 4 glasses (4.5 oz) of wine in one night, that adds up to 600 calories!
We all know that sometimes when you start drinking, you lose track of how many glasses you have had. A can of beer has about the same calories as wine. Mixed drinks are higher in calories because you have the actual alcohol and the mixer to consider. Don’t even get me started on how much sugar is in some of those mixers!
Addiction-Some of us enjoy a nice cocktail on a Friday night. But with all good things-moderation is key. If you find yourself drinking every single night or making excuses as to why you are drinking-it may be time to get some help. If you feel as though you need alcohol to get through each day, then you have a serious problem. Once again, I am no expert, so please do further research or talk to a health professional before diagnosing this.
Peer Pressure-I think a lot of times people drink because they feel pressured by their peers. This happens a lot in high school and college. Teens often think that they are “cool” if they drink underage. They think it’s fun to sneak off to a party in high school and drink watered down beer. Part of this is rebellion and part peer pressure. My advice, never let other people control your actions. Always do what feels right for you. Don’t do something just because everyone else is doing it. That’s easier said than done I know.
Also, if you find yourself hanging around people who always want to drink when you hang out with them, it may be time to get new friends. You should be able to do other things with your friends that don’t involve alcohol.
As always, thanks for reading.
Topics We Often Think About 