I stopped drinking roughly 8 years ago. I use to work long office hours and partied 3-4 times per week also. I find even now that society and people wish for me to drink for their own convenience. I've had to make a lot of changes to distance myself from such bad influences. Ultimately I believe it's made me a better person and a healthier one too.
I'm quite the introvert and having a few drinks used to make it a lot easier for me to talk more and be more comfortable in a social environment. When I was living in Japan, a Chinese friend of mine said something along the lines of "You're so much more fun when you drink! You should drink more often". While I was never that frequent of a drinker, when I did, I drank quite heavily. It made me realise it was kind of a crutch for me to be able to freely talk with people, so I ended up just cutting back a lot on my drinking maybe 1-2pints across the night and just worked on trying to be myself a bit more without over analysing every situation. While it was quite uncomfortable for a while, I've gotten a lot better with social interactions without being drunk.
So much self awareness here and glad you've been able to get to this point without being wasted! And lol at what your friend said to you - there is so much social pressure to drink.
I voluntarily stopped drinking alcohol about 4 years ago now. The social pressure to drink is real! I have people asking how I get through life's stressors without it, I just tell them I found other outlets that don't waste time and money and make me feel worse afterwards.
Nice. You have a strong mind to be able to do that so well. don't forget the biggest problem w a regular drinking schedule is, it speeds up aging of organs and clouds the mind.
Hi Erica, when I went through some things in my 30s etc the main thing I learned was that alcohol is a depressant and that's why it makes you ultimately feel worse. I've barely touched it since then.
Hi Erica, just found your Chanel because of my planning in moving to Japan. I found myself a harsh truth, that alcohol was a covert form of victimism, a forced feeling of joy specially in moments of anxiety and loneliness. Then, I replace that social impulse validation learned subconsciously with my parents - colleagues & a form of escapism, with quality time re connecting with all of my early passions from adolescence like collecting, drawing, painting and creating new recipes of food and write them on a copybook.. all things that not required any external validation. I feel a genuine Joy sharing this activities with my daughter and nephews, also in workshops and drawing trips in nature. I wish you the best... Miguel.
@@EricaLion I am humbled by your heart comment Erica, I also remember when i tend to do the same social routine with this toxic habit, thank you for sharing this. Getting drunk sometimes is a covert way to feel more childish, most of us have a pure intention of healing and scape from a Narcissistic Western Culture but we can't afford a proper therapy, well.. Abusive Capitalism Normalization is in decay nowadays. Children are here to teach us in a big, big way, being cute & have a sense of humor/empathy allow us to be capable of transform the pain into joy. This is a key to find our true self, not a weakness. Have a great week!
I am 44 I didn't drink in my 20's and started when I was about 32 Im trying hard to not drink anymore but I'm a social drinker and when I go out it's so hard to not drink so I am in a hermit stage lol . Very good video and drinking is a poison and expensive . 7 days without a drink so far .
Yes, I can totally relate. I almost never drink these days, but here are the reasons I used to drink: 1) The ladies seem more frisky and can even be a bit aggressive, in a good way, after a few drinks, 2) Fun - people will dance, be goofy, laugh out loud, and get silly when drunk and ... I like that, 3) Life sometimes is painful, and even just one glass of Jameson makes everything seem ok again. That being said, I wish there were more fun places for sober people. I feel pressure to drink when I go out ... and I would welcome suggestions of things to do that are just as much fun, and also I need some good excuses for not drinking.
I don't drink and never did, excepted occasionnaly. I had a friend who delt with many many drugs addictions and personnal issues that hurts a lot. She said to me the most painfull experience, the most difficult goal she had, was to stop alcohol. Despite all the other drugs she went into (we're in France). Actually alcohol is one of the reasons why I don't go out. I'm not introverted. But i'm "socially akward" as you say (no friends, working from home as a freelancer). I tried to get outide my comfort zone by going to bars and pubs, drinking, meeting people. It never led to an healthy relationship. Being depressed and burned out, i've begun to drink alcohol home alone, to help me decrease the amount of dark thoughts, and to fall faster to sleep. One time I begun to felt like, alright, i'm becoming addict. I've stopped right away, and consume wine maybe once every 2 months. I don't despite alcohol. But for me, it is a pleasure i want for only when i'm well and happy. It is not something i want automatic, i have no shame to order sparkling water in a bar. Thanks for your sharing. I don't really expect mine to help, but maybe you'll be pleased to have inspired this level of trust and share. And that's my way to be greatful. Take care, I wish you the best!
Thank you so much for sharing. I love that you've gone through a journey, full of ups and downs to reach what sounds like a place where you're comfortable and balanced, not giving into social pressures. Keep doing you! 💜
I am quite a happy drunk, and very social. But the more I learned about the body and nutrition, the less I drank, and now for 2-3 years I don't drink at all. Nowadays I am more of a social introvert 😄, and while I do think a cold beer on a hot summer day is awesome, and a glass of umeshu is so delicious, I stay away from all of that, I have done enough damage to my body and now I work hard to keep it healthy instead, and it makes me feel so much happier, have so much more energy.
My view on alcohol changed since I witnessed what it does to people who got addicted to it. As you mentioned it alters the chemicals in the brain for the worse. It reduces serotonin production and when it's used as a coping behaviour a vicious circle begins. After this experience I stayed away from drinking for some time and thought I would never drink again but eventually started drinking occasionally, usually when going out which doesn't happen often. Admittingly I do regret it as soon as I get too tipsy. I hate the loss of control as if my body and my mind don't align anymore. I also regognized that I can get quite irritable and act in a way I probably wouldn't if there wasn't alcohol in my system. Despite all of that I still enjoy having a beer occasionally, so completely quitting may not be feasible for me. However, I believe cutting out cocktails and hard liquor, which haven't benefitted me in the past, is the best option for me right now.
THIS. 100% - it's so scary seeing what it does to regular heavy drinkers, in their actions, appearance, personality, everything... I think I'm in a similar place to you, not tee total, but definitely drinking way less, and infrequently.
People who rely on alcohol to relax and talk to people more openly, do so *just because they never explored other ways to relax and talk to people more openly!* Good interesting video. Salaam to you and to all.
I had a close friend, who I wouldn't have called an alcoholic, but who loved beer and had a pint or two most nights of the week. Sadly he dropped dead in the street at the age of 64, 14 years before his projected life span should have ended. 14 years early is also the average age for an alcoholic to die. As for myself I used to drink too much when I was in my teens living in Sydney. I used to go to the bottle shop and buy a gallon flagon of wine for the weekend! Then I moved to London and my drinking became more moderate, just one or two vodka and tonics with friends from work. Then one day in my mid twenties I suddenly lost the desire to drink alcohol and other than an occasional can of low alcohol shandy, I haven't had an alcoholic drink for decades and have no desire to.
Oh gosh, I'm so sorry about your friend Steven. An unexpected death is always so shocking...it's wild that doctors don't really tell us how detrimental alcohol is to our health. And good on you for being sober for decades! I can definitely see how there is a HUGE drinking culture and pressure in Australia.
I’m super awkward, and quite an introvert. I don’t drink (never have) but don’t mind hanging out with those who do. You are not awkward, just normal! Love those true crime documentaries 😂 When you said histamine, I’m wondering if that means those people might be slightly allergic to alcohol?
Haha thanks love! Glad you can relate. Yes I guess it is an allergy, not being able to metabolize it efficiently without the enzyme..which means it stays toxic in your body for longer - so scary if you think about it!
I quit drinking 7 years ago but no one really knows. When I go out I order interesting virgin drinks I find on the internet and everyone just assumes it's alcohol. I still have a great time. I'm a pretty anxious person but strangely enough I start to relax the more people become buzzed. I think because any intimidating factors about this person I have in my head go away as I see them in their "new state of mind" lol. I stopped drinking because the hangovers were just too much and it would take me 24 hours to fully recover. So one day I just thought "Oh well that was fun while it lasted, time to find something else to enjoy"
Don Quijote freaks me out when I'm sober. Going in there drunk would give me nightmares for weeks 🤣 That said I don't drink much and it is crazy how much drinking alcool has been made into a social obligation. I live in Quebec and there has been a lot of discussion on this topic recently so going out and not getting blind drunk is more normalized but it is still considered unusual.
I drink alcohol because, honestly, I like the taste of alcohol. I used to drink a lot in my youth (30+ years ago). I consider myself fortunate that I have a low chance of addiction. When there's no alcohol around, I don't miss it.
👋🏻Ich habe mit mitte 20 aufgehört mich diesen Gesellschaftlichen Druck zu beugen, bin jetzt ü50 und bin damit gut zurecht gekommen. Ich bin nicht gegen Alkohol, es kommt auf die Menge an,wenn man leicht einen Sitzen hat kann das ganz angenehm sein 😉. Aber ich entscheide wann und nicht andere. Alles Gute für Dich aus 🇩🇪👋🏻
Dont drink often, only when socializing with my fellow 80s babies pals. Sure love a good German beer, not in excessive amounts though one pint is plenty. Older I get I just want to be left alone and enjoy the peace and quiet. Cheers 😘
I used to love to drink to socialize until my gallbladder broke open and all the enzyme went down to my liver. Luckily, I am still alive. I will never drink again....I will never drink again....I will never drink again. Thanks GOD!!!
It's good to drink when your young, but then you get board with the scene and as you get older you realise the health implicaions and the hangovers are worse. Also nightlife doesnt seem to be what it used to be when you where younger and pre covid, not in australia anyway. Must be more tempting for you to live in tokyo, Im getting on abit but thinking of going to south korea to experience there nightlife there.
I stopped drinking roughly 8 years ago. I use to work long office hours and partied 3-4 times per week also. I find even now that society and people wish for me to drink for their own convenience. I've had to make a lot of changes to distance myself from such bad influences. Ultimately I believe it's made me a better person and a healthier one too.
That's amazing! So true, there's no way we can be our best selves when regularly getting drunk.
I'm quite the introvert and having a few drinks used to make it a lot easier for me to talk more and be more comfortable in a social environment. When I was living in Japan, a Chinese friend of mine said something along the lines of "You're so much more fun when you drink! You should drink more often". While I was never that frequent of a drinker, when I did, I drank quite heavily. It made me realise it was kind of a crutch for me to be able to freely talk with people, so I ended up just cutting back a lot on my drinking maybe 1-2pints across the night and just worked on trying to be myself a bit more without over analysing every situation. While it was quite uncomfortable for a while, I've gotten a lot better with social interactions without being drunk.
So much self awareness here and glad you've been able to get to this point without being wasted! And lol at what your friend said to you - there is so much social pressure to drink.
I voluntarily stopped drinking alcohol about 4 years ago now. The social pressure to drink is real! I have people asking how I get through life's stressors without it, I just tell them I found other outlets that don't waste time and money and make me feel worse afterwards.
Yesss love it! So true re time and money and next day feels.
Nice. You have a strong mind to be able to do that so well. don't forget the biggest problem w a regular drinking schedule is, it speeds up aging of organs and clouds the mind.
Hi Erica, when I went through some things in my 30s etc the main thing I learned was that alcohol is a depressant and that's why it makes you ultimately feel worse. I've barely touched it since then.
Thanks for sharing Sam - I'm definitely going that way too!
Hi Erica, just found your Chanel because of my planning in moving to Japan. I found myself a harsh truth, that alcohol was a covert form of victimism, a forced feeling of joy specially in moments of anxiety and loneliness. Then, I replace that social impulse validation learned subconsciously with my parents - colleagues & a form of escapism, with quality time re connecting with all of my early passions from adolescence like collecting, drawing, painting and creating new recipes of food and write them on a copybook.. all things that not required any external validation. I feel a genuine Joy sharing this activities with my daughter and nephews, also in workshops and drawing trips in nature. I wish you the best... Miguel.
This is amazing! So true and awesome that you’ve found more fulfilling passions ❤️❤️
@@EricaLion I am humbled by your heart comment Erica, I also remember when i tend to do the same social routine with this toxic habit, thank you for sharing this. Getting drunk sometimes is a covert way to feel more childish, most of us have a pure intention of healing and scape from a Narcissistic Western Culture but we can't afford a proper therapy, well.. Abusive Capitalism Normalization is in decay nowadays. Children are here to teach us in a big, big way, being cute & have a sense of humor/empathy allow us to be capable of transform the pain into joy. This is a key to find our true self, not a weakness. Have a great week!
I am 44 I didn't drink in my 20's and started when I was about 32 Im trying hard to not drink anymore but I'm a social drinker and when I go out it's so hard to not drink so I am in a hermit stage lol . Very good video and drinking is a poison and expensive . 7 days without a drink so far .
Thank you and keep it up! I can totally relate to the feeling.
I got soft spot with the idea of biking around Tokyo and then telling stories like this. Thank you.
Aww tysm 🥰
So happy to see you back posting!
Thank you for watching Gareth 🥰
Life is full of pain, and some joy, I want to experience it all without numbing my brain
Yes, I can totally relate. I almost never drink these days, but here are the reasons I used to drink: 1) The ladies seem more frisky and can even be a bit aggressive, in a good way, after a few drinks, 2) Fun - people will dance, be goofy, laugh out loud, and get silly when drunk and ... I like that, 3) Life sometimes is painful, and even just one glass of Jameson makes everything seem ok again. That being said, I wish there were more fun places for sober people. I feel pressure to drink when I go out ... and I would welcome suggestions of things to do that are just as much fun, and also I need some good excuses for not drinking.
Haha you've really summed up all my thoughts in one paragraph 😂
I spent 20 years in the Navy and in those early years if you didn't drink they would have given you a Psych Eval-lol
It is the best cure of my anxiety and I always feel good after this 😌
I don't drink and never did, excepted occasionnaly.
I had a friend who delt with many many drugs addictions and personnal issues that hurts a lot. She said to me the most painfull experience, the most difficult goal she had, was to stop alcohol. Despite all the other drugs she went into (we're in France).
Actually alcohol is one of the reasons why I don't go out. I'm not introverted. But i'm "socially akward" as you say (no friends, working from home as a freelancer).
I tried to get outide my comfort zone by going to bars and pubs, drinking, meeting people. It never led to an healthy relationship.
Being depressed and burned out, i've begun to drink alcohol home alone, to help me decrease the amount of dark thoughts, and to fall faster to sleep.
One time I begun to felt like, alright, i'm becoming addict. I've stopped right away, and consume wine maybe once every 2 months.
I don't despite alcohol.
But for me, it is a pleasure i want for only when i'm well and happy. It is not something i want automatic, i have no shame to order sparkling water in a bar.
Thanks for your sharing. I don't really expect mine to help, but maybe you'll be pleased to have inspired this level of trust and share. And that's my way to be greatful.
Take care, I wish you the best!
Thank you so much for sharing.
I love that you've gone through a journey, full of ups and downs to reach what sounds like a place where you're comfortable and balanced, not giving into social pressures. Keep doing you! 💜
I am quite a happy drunk, and very social. But the more I learned about the body and nutrition, the less I drank, and now for 2-3 years I don't drink at all.
Nowadays I am more of a social introvert 😄, and while I do think a cold beer on a hot summer day is awesome, and a glass of umeshu is so delicious, I stay away from all of that, I have done enough damage to my body and now I work hard to keep it healthy instead, and it makes me feel so much happier, have so much more energy.
Yess! So amazing to be in tune with your body and listening to it. We all tend to forget alcohol is literally a poison because it's so common.
Great content, I really love how you filmed and shared the experience, also fantastic smile.
Aww tysm 🥰
Have non-alcoholic beers (NAs) or mocktails. You can still feel social that way, but without the bad effects.
Love your videos! ❤
Thank you 🥰 And totally agree! I had some excellent non alcoholic wines in Australia. The taste and the festive feel was great.
My view on alcohol changed since I witnessed what it does to people who got addicted to it. As you mentioned it alters the chemicals in the brain for the worse. It reduces serotonin production and when it's used as a coping behaviour a vicious circle begins.
After this experience I stayed away from drinking for some time and thought I would never drink again but eventually started drinking occasionally, usually when going out which doesn't happen often.
Admittingly I do regret it as soon as I get too tipsy. I hate the loss of control as if my body and my mind don't align anymore. I also regognized that I can get quite irritable and act in a way I probably wouldn't if there wasn't alcohol in my system.
Despite all of that I still enjoy having a beer occasionally, so completely quitting may not be feasible for me. However, I believe cutting out cocktails and hard liquor, which haven't benefitted me in the past, is the best option for me right now.
THIS. 100% - it's so scary seeing what it does to regular heavy drinkers, in their actions, appearance, personality, everything... I think I'm in a similar place to you, not tee total, but definitely drinking way less, and infrequently.
People who rely on alcohol to relax and talk to people more openly, do so *just because they never explored other ways to relax and talk to people more openly!*
Good interesting video.
Salaam to you and to all.
great to see you uploading again!
I stopped alcohol at 28 and then my full introversion took over. Never regretted it :D I am alone but never lonely :D
Love this!
I had a close friend, who I wouldn't have called an alcoholic, but who loved beer and had a pint or two most nights of the week. Sadly he dropped dead in the street at the age of 64, 14 years before his projected life span should have ended. 14 years early is also the average age for an alcoholic to die.
As for myself I used to drink too much when I was in my teens living in Sydney. I used to go to the bottle shop and buy a gallon flagon of wine for the weekend! Then I moved to London and my drinking became more moderate, just one or two vodka and tonics with friends from work. Then one day in my mid twenties I suddenly lost the desire to drink alcohol and other than an occasional can of low alcohol shandy, I haven't had an alcoholic drink for decades and have no desire to.
Oh gosh, I'm so sorry about your friend Steven. An unexpected death is always so shocking...it's wild that doctors don't really tell us how detrimental alcohol is to our health.
And good on you for being sober for decades! I can definitely see how there is a HUGE drinking culture and pressure in Australia.
I’m super awkward, and quite an introvert. I don’t drink (never have) but don’t mind hanging out with those who do. You are not awkward, just normal! Love those true crime documentaries 😂 When you said histamine, I’m wondering if that means those people might be slightly allergic to alcohol?
Haha thanks love! Glad you can relate.
Yes I guess it is an allergy, not being able to metabolize it efficiently without the enzyme..which means it stays toxic in your body for longer - so scary if you think about it!
"Ramen at midnight is still ramen" 😋
I drink every time I have to be social, which is about 4 times a year. And I usually black out about half those times.
Oh no! The infrequent is good but black out is worrying...make sure you eat well before drinking!
I quit drinking 7 years ago but no one really knows. When I go out I order interesting virgin drinks I find on the internet and everyone just assumes it's alcohol. I still have a great time. I'm a pretty anxious person but strangely enough I start to relax the more people become buzzed. I think because any intimidating factors about this person I have in my head go away as I see them in their "new state of mind" lol. I stopped drinking because the hangovers were just too much and it would take me 24 hours to fully recover. So one day I just thought "Oh well that was fun while it lasted, time to find something else to enjoy"
Love this! I guess there isn’t necessarily a need to do a big announcement on sobriety ✨
Don Quijote freaks me out when I'm sober. Going in there drunk would give me nightmares for weeks 🤣 That said I don't drink much and it is crazy how much drinking alcool has been made into a social obligation. I live in Quebec and there has been a lot of discussion on this topic recently so going out and not getting blind drunk is more normalized but it is still considered unusual.
Lol I know - don quijote is such a sensory overload 😅
And I love that more and more younger kids are going sober curious.
I drink alcohol because, honestly, I like the taste of alcohol. I used to drink a lot in my youth (30+ years ago). I consider myself fortunate that I have a low chance of addiction. When there's no alcohol around, I don't miss it.
Alcohol (ethanol) itself doesn't really have a taste. You like the buzz.
I think addictive personalities or not definitely plays a role.
Huberman and Chris Williamson have got me down to booze once a week, if not once a month. 😄
@@ScratchySpoon That Huberman episode was def a game changer! I’ll check out Chris Williamson too.
I drink less, but with better stuff, but im in my 40's now
Hehe the road to Shimo, I know it well! Who did you meet up with? Miss you my friend
When you know, you know.
😂
Sending you my best wishes.
Thank you Angelus!🥰
Been missing your content
👋🏻Ich habe mit mitte 20 aufgehört mich diesen Gesellschaftlichen Druck zu beugen, bin jetzt ü50 und bin damit gut zurecht gekommen. Ich bin nicht gegen Alkohol, es kommt auf die Menge an,wenn man leicht einen Sitzen hat kann das ganz angenehm sein 😉.
Aber ich entscheide wann und nicht andere.
Alles Gute für Dich aus 🇩🇪👋🏻
Love this! 🩷
Dont drink often, only when socializing with my fellow 80s babies pals. Sure love a good German beer, not in excessive amounts though one pint is plenty. Older I get I just want to be left alone and enjoy the peace and quiet. Cheers 😘
Can relate!
You don't seem like a heavy drinker... once in a while is ok ... this applies to a lot of things in life I guess, be moderate and you'll be fine .
Everything in moderation!
I miss your vlogs
Just don’t drink 😒 1800¥ for ramen is highway robbery
i drink coz i want to forget 😢
I know the feeling 🥲
I replaced alcohol with cannabis, would highly recommend x
Glad it works for you!
Alcohol is poison
I used to love to drink to socialize until my gallbladder broke open and all the enzyme went down to my liver. Luckily, I am still alive. I will never drink again....I will never drink again....I will never drink again. Thanks GOD!!!
Oh my goodness, what a horrible thing to go through! I’m glad you’re ok now and with a newfound resilience 💜
i assume you be half american but what kind of half is that? just curious and bow out...
Half mum and dad? 😂
@@EricaLionGreat answer 😂
It looks pretty there can I join pls?
It's good to drink when your young, but then you get board with the scene and as you get older you realise the health implicaions and the hangovers are worse. Also nightlife doesnt seem to be what it used to be when you where younger and pre covid, not in australia anyway. Must be more tempting for you to live in tokyo, Im getting on abit but thinking of going to south korea to experience there nightlife there.
Totally agree!