The earliest evidence of fermented beverages created by humans dates about 7000 years ago in China, where clay pots were found with traces of alcoholic beverages made from rice, millet, grapes, and honey. China, Japan, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, and the entire Mediterranean area. Worldwide. There is a high consensus: alcohol has played a central role in absolutely all human societies and cultures, regardless of time or space. (Grains were equally grown to make beer, not just bread).
We know just as clearly that drinking has always been a social activity, a kind of social contract through which humanity marks the transition into new major stages of life (weddings, baptisms, funerals, etc.) or the transition to new moments of the day or week (the after-hours drink, going out during the weekend). Drinking brings us closer, makes us laugh and share experiences and have sparkling conversations.
In some countries, drinking is associated with wild, violent, even anti-social behaviour (UK, Scandinavian countries, USA, Australia), while in other cultures (Mediterranean ones, some South American countries) the normative behaviour during drinking is pacifist, in an understanding and good mood. I am sure that just as you read, certain images appear in your mind confirming these observations. Anthropologists and social psychologists argue that these variations cannot be explained by the chemical effects of ethanol or by obscure or non-existent genetic differences, but rather by social and cultural factors (different cultural beliefs and expectations regarding alcohol and its effects).
We also know that alcohol is highly addictive (and alcohol addiction is much more common than drug addiction). However, drinking is not at all a black-and-white story: this behaviour covers a continuum, from occasional drinking, to binge drinking, alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction.
During the Covid19 lockdown, drinking became a response many people used in a desperate attempt of coping with the severe anxiety and sense of social isolation, but also with the tension resulting from economic uncertainties and difficult relationships with family members. For some, it was a temporary coping mechanism; for others, it has turned into a chronic condition (more and more reports are now beginning to emerge warning of the wave of future medical problems caused by this increase in alcohol consumption).
I’ve written this intro wishing to create a framework allowing you an honest exercise of introspection regarding your own drinking. Most of us have a complicated relationship with drinking. Unfortunately, discussions on this topic usually end up being limited to two strongly divided (but equally hypocritical) positions: the moralizing and self-righteous attitude that demonizes alcohol versus the glorification of drinking, in an exercise of self-delusion and Peter Pan like syndrome, only caring for instant gratification.
Moving away from the extremes, I suggest you look at things in a slightly more nuanced manner; as you read or immediately after, you can ask yourself certain questions to help you consciously define your relationship with alcohol:
- What does drinking mean to me? What do I associate it with?
- Do I drink alone or with others? What am I looking for/trying to achieve when I drink alone?
- Is drinking my favourite way to feel good?
- Is drinking my preferred way of managing my emotional life?
- How often do I drink more than I intended?
- Do I ever feel the urge to have a drink?
- Does alcohol interfere with my life in any way? Does it affect my work, responsibilities, relationships? Have I ever been in danger because of this?
- Am I aware of the health risks?
- Do I know the limit beyond which drinking is considered problematic? (If not, look at the Well-being vitamins section – you will find a useful tool there).
- What do those close to me have to say about my drinking behaviour?
So, how complicated is your relationship with alcohol?
