26 Feb 2009
The Dry Month
<!--
@page { size: 21cm 29.7cm; margin: 2cm }
P { margin-bottom: 0.21cm }
-->
In January, I was the victim of a hellish flu that was at the very
least amplified by consumption of alcohol and having realised how
dependant I am on alcohol for socialising, (and having been forced
off the stuff for at least 10 days in any case by a course of
antibiotics and steroids) I made the resolution to give up alcohol
for the month of January. I thought of it as part social experiment,
partly as a means to a healthier lifestyle and partly as a means of
saving money.
And the results of my experiment were
very much mixed. The principle test of my program was a gay night
out. Socialising for both the Irish and the gays is arguably
inextricably linked with the drink it was bound to be at least
somewhat tedious, though I must say I enjoyed myself. I noticed,
however, many things I wouldn't have if I was drinking. It's amazing
how un-subtle people trying to be subtle are. If that makes sense. It
is also noticeable how some people seem to make the demon drink a
catch all excuse for less than stellar behaviour. What was glaringly
apparent to me also was the fact that I was considerably shyer and
self-concious when it came to things like dancing or talking to
people
The notion that the strength of my
social skills is a function of my alcohol intake is, at first,
somewhat alarming. I still believe, however, that the use of alcohol
for letting off steam insofar as it is done in moderation is a
positive.
A friend of mine, who I was out with
that night, talked very candidly with me when we were getting food
after the club, about life, work and the pursuit of boys (Remember
your homo declaration of Independence?). I got to thinking on my way
home, haven't I had some of the best extended conversations and made
some of the best friends after having my tongue loosened a little by
the sauce? And as long as one knows ones limits and remains in a
comfortable environment, there is no harm done, right?
I must protest at anyone who says those
on the wagon are healthier and spend less money on a night out.
Firstly, I must confess that part of my motivation for this
experiment was from countless articles that claimed that an alcohol
free lifestyle gave one more energy and led to all round better
health. Whilst I must say, I did enjoy hangover free Sunday's where I
got so much more done than before, on the whole I notice no marked
improvement in health. When I think about it, I had to give up red
wine for a month which isn't necessarily a good thing for someone
with a history of heart problems in the family.
The idea that sobriety leads to a
healthier bank balance is the greatest fallacy I have encountered.
One will rarely pay less than 3,50€ for 250ml of Orange Juice in
the city centre. Do the math – that's over 7€ a pint! The high
prices we pay for alcohol in this country are often attributed, for
the most part rightly so, to our high sin taxes on booze. What,
therefore, is to account for high price of non alcoholic beverages?
Could it be the greed of the pub trade? Far be it from me to suggest!