Do people need alcohol to have fun?

Question

Okay, first things first: I drink alcohol. I understand the risks involved with drinking way too much of it. I would also like to point out that this question can go hand in hand with why people use recreational drugs at parties and other social events.

This question has been in my mind for awhile, and since NYE is approaching in approximately 36 hours (here at least), I decided to ask it. Drinking is certainly a great social activity; it's made shy people more outgoing, it's helped others get laid for centuries, but it's also killed millions and caused others to become chronic alcoholics. I have no problem with drinking at parties, as long as it's done in MODERATION and nobody drives drunk. Moderation is key when it comes to drinking alcohol.

There are posters all around my university that say: "If your friends can't have fun without alcohol, maybe you need new friends." That statement makes me uncomfortable. I would much rather the posters said something like this: "If your friends can't have fun without alcohol, maybe you should talk to them about it/help them with their problem."

So why do people feel the need to drink at parties? Is it so they can feel accepted by a certain group of people? Maybe so they can get into bed with the hot person in the corner? I don't think that people need to drink alcohol in order to have a good time. Alcohol doesn't make things more fun to do - it just clouds your perception and masks reality. Ever heard of the term "beer goggles"?

I personally believe that if somebody says they absolutely can't have any kind of fun without having alcohol in their system, then they have a problem with drinking. I'm sorry if this offends anyone, but this opinion stems from my personal experiences. I come from an alarmingly long line of alcoholics on both sides of my family (but my mother doesn't drink and dad drinks in moderation), and they have all said something along those lines.

I would just like to know your opinions on this. I'd also like to know how you have fun without alcohol.

RandomTree23 · Accepted Answer

Nope - not in the least.

The reason why people drink to have fun is because they are afraid of other people.

How does this relate?

Well, alcohol impairs peoples' inhibition, making it so they're more open to things and are more open about themselves. People are somewhat afraid of making a bad impression on people and believe that if you didn't do your best the first way around, then you are completely screwed. Alcohol helps remove those fears by actually removing your ability to have those fears for a short period of time.

One other thing about fears is that removing one's inhibition makes it so they are more willing to do things that may publicly humiliate them. They look at it and say, "It's okay, I was drunk," and societies usually accept that when someone's impaired, it makes everything all better because that person didn't actually want to do that. I look at that and say, "Why can't I do what I want to do, and if I don't want to do it, why would it be alright with me if I did it when I was drunk?"

(As an example, of other societies, the Japanese society teaches people to be very closed off, so when people drink, they drink a lot in order to have fun with others.)

Just like how people drink to get rid of their problems, drinking doesn't improve the person's personal position. They still have the problem (fear of embarrassment/whatever else), but at least they did feel better for a short period of time.

There are some people who just can't have fun unless they drink, because they are so closed off from other people. (People always have those that they are close and open to, but I'm talking about total strangers or people you don't know that well.) Those are usually the types of people who basically try to force others to drink, rejecting to look at what the other person thinks, because they can't comprehend how someone else wouldn't want to drink when they have so much fun themselves.

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In the end, if people force you to drink (yeah, yeah, yeah, you can always say, "No," and leave), then you can just slowly drink what you do have and get buzzed. Getting buzzed can pretty much help out everyone be more open, but when you have worked through your personal problems with approval of others, it doesn't really help you out that much.

WeaponZero · Accepted Answer

People who live active lifestyles and enjoy physical activities tend to be able to have a blast without alcohol. I never was much of a drinker. I have fun by doing things like

-Exercising at the gym

-Watching great movies

-Riding my motorcycle

-Putting together models

-Drawing

-Writing

-Seeing standup comedy shows

The problem people in your age demographic have is that their "social environment" revolves around meeting up at places where alcohol is freely flowing. Bars, clubs, parties, etc. This is your life and you forgot about things like

Going skydiving

Going rock climbing

Going camping

Going swimming

The world is full of activities you can do without alcohol to have a great time.

And if you think drinking makes shy people outgoing, watch how much that shy person opens up after he's just gone on a group ride with motorcycle riders leaning it into corners with them. Soon as the helmet comes off, he becomes MISTER SOCIAL!

Endorphins and adrenaline can do what alcohol can do for you only better and without the negative side effects.

hallieb26 · Accepted Answer

There is that certain age where people seem to have that mentality where you can't have fun unless you drink. I went through high school without drinking and by the time senior year came around I had less to do socially because nearly all of my friends thought that the only fun things to do involved drinking. My main reason for not drinking was because I played sports and I wanted to be as healthy as possible in and out of season. Plus, I didn't and I still don't really see the point of getting wasted and acting a fool.

I thought when I got to college I'd be able to find other people who didn't want to drink, but I was wrong. Every weekend is drinking and party time. That's just what people do and what they think they have to do to be cool and have fun. I decided to have some alcohol at two of the parties I went to just because of the social aspect, but I monitored myself because I didn't want to get drunk because I still have yet to understand the point. It may have been easier to socialize at these parties if I had more to drink, but I think that has more to do with me being shy. At one of them though the party was all about drinking and get drunk as possible... so I left ha ha

Maybe I'm biased because I haven't actually been drunk, but of course you don't need alcohol to have fun. I've gone to parties without drinking and I had a good time, but I find other things more enjoyable than that anyways. Fun is not what should come into question in these situations. For this age group the thing that will be easier with alcohol is being more social. I don't really drink and I don't party too often so it is harder for me to find friends because if we hang out I'd rather watch a movie, play video games, or play a game of pick up and there aren't too many people who feel the same way. So as a result it has taken me longer to find friends in college that I will hangout with outside of classes and clubs, but I don't mind because I think these friends will last longer and be better than most of the friends other people make just because they all like to party.

So in short, no I don't think you need alcohol to have fun. I just think it may be difficult for you socially (depending on your age of course) if you choose not to drink. Sorry that was so long lol

lapa5 · Accepted Answer

I´m not sure. I have fun without alcohol. I don´t really think using alcohol equates to having fun WITH someone. It´s just a state of mind that leads you to believe you´re fun. When in reality you talk nonsense, do stupid things and most of the time you forget what happened. If all of the people were drunk than then they all think they were fun, when reality they did nothing but drink.

Then again this rises a philosophical question: "Does it mean it was having fun if you THINK you did something, or does the illusion of a deed not count as the deed itself?"

Of course you had fun, so who cares if that fun came from the bottle and not reality?

In the end there is the little fact of alcohol ruining half of my family so I have the "alcoholic gene" as some would call it. There is the price in money and the fact that I watch my weight and it´s not so easy when you get drunk. Basically I get absolutely NOTHING out of it. =/ Call me lame or a dork if you will. But I prefer my lame life just the way it is. =)

I´m lucky to have found people to share my lifestyle. So it´s not as lonely as one might think.

windy-rose · Accepted Answer

I personally don't require alcohol to have a good time. I'm not a fan of being drunk, I drink because I like the taste of what I do drink, and to a lesser extent, be included with the activity with people.

Social drinking is one of those activities that just by holding the drink in your hand can give you a bit more inclusion with a group. Even if people say they're cool with someone's choice to not drink, unless they're still actively engaging with the group, there's still a divide there.

A lot of people aren't self assured enough to hold their own without the drinking as a key in the social door. The dropped inhibitions help them as well as it being the norm of the situation. Drinking activities are those that tend to get the most credit and hype in our culture, so its easy for people to latch on to alcohol as the only way. Even though there are thousands of funner, more rewarding, and social things to do in the world.

Its easy, can be added to anything, and common to just about everyone.

Konnour · Answer

This question bothers me to no end.

You go to the club - alcohol.

You go to the parties - alcohol.

You go the bar - alcohol.. okay, that was bad example

Hell, you go to the school or college - alcohol!

I used to be totally against it, as both of my parents used to have drinking issues and also I used to have relatives who died from drinking.

But I opened my eyes and looked at the horrid reality - by not drinking at all you will have no social life whatsoever. Vastly different people, they all drink. Everyone!

It can be nightclub, it can be heavy metal concert, damn - sometimes the church or library - everyone drinks!

The common thing of them all is that they are... people. From the age of 10 til... death. They drink.

But I'm extremely lucky.

I've tried alcohol and it didn't pull me in its webs. I receive no pleasure from drinking. First - alcohol tastes like sh*t! It makes me something like this: >~< or '_<

And I've been really drunk only once in my life. And I seriously taught - is this feeling supposed to be "good"? I had a hangover from hell for 3 days!

And the worst part - it doesn't make me any more outgoing! Though I still am without it anyway

Many people definitely need it for many reasons. Some can't get laid without it, but they make bad surprised to the people they got laid with.. in the next morning.

But regardless of the enormous peer pressure, I avoid alcohol as much as possible, no matter what everyone else are doing. I don't need it in any sense of that word. And it's actually harmful, in many ways.

Becoming an alcoholic is much easier than many people think, and I rather not jump in that pit, even if everyone else will!

AllDay · Answer

One of the reasons I don't drink.

I don't need something to have a good time.

All I need to have a good time are good people.

My boys and I have had a fun chill out when we were in my car. We couldn't decide where to go so while we were deciding what to do we were just cracking jokes. And had one of the best times.

My one friend has become so dependent upon it that she puts vodka into a water bottle. And drinks it whenever she feels she's not fun anymore. I'm guessing she puts it into a water bottle because people won't judge her and she doesn't get in trouble because she is under age. She feels she cane be "herself" without alcohol.

If you want to drink in moderation then I would suggest hanging out without alcohol.

If you want to have fun without alcohol all you need is good people.

If shy people want to be more outgoing then they should do it on their own. They shouldn't become dependent upon some substance. And since when is being shy a bad thing?

People getting laid isn't a definite good or bad thing what happens when one doesn't consent? Or is so intoxicated that they don't know what's going on?

And what about drunk driving?

Kids drink cause it's the "cool" thing to do. They want to be more and more rebellious.

Funny joke about beer goggles

A two at ten is a ten at two. Get it?

How many people who have a problem drinking admit they have a problem?

Just--a--Girl · Answer

i definitely don't think you need alcohol to have fun.then again, I'm 16 so maybe I'm not in the sort of age group you were going for. I do drink although I only started earlier this year really and most of the time I do enjoy it but sometimes it can get scary or me / my friends end up regrtetting things. so there's no way I would stop, pretty much for the reasons you said you think it is good at parties but sober fun like going on a horse ride, shopping, going to the cinema, going on random drives, staying in and playing games - stuff like that is just as good as going out drinking :)

AdamCallum · Answer

In my point of view, wine is not is a key reason for have fun as it will drive out the wild part of a person (depends on how much a person takes). I agree with WeaponZero's point. However good thing is that now some peoples are realising that they do missing real fun after having alcohol. For such peoples, I think private GP is helpful for them. I have a friend who had the same issue after having trouble with alcohol he gets help from local GP at"regentstreetclinic". Now he is not taking less alcohol compare to the past.

FrancoBattiato · Answer

I've never touched alcohol in my life. I'm a Royal Navy sailor and though my friends do involve that in our banter I'm never seriously pressured by them and I still have a good time when we go to the pub. I'd never go near a girl who was drinking with the intention to possibly pick up a guy so beer goggles aren't an issue regardless. You don't need alcohol to have fun.

SweetAsSugar15 · Answer

Srry I didn't read the whole thing I will dorectly answer you main question ..

Well no people don't need alcohol to have fun .. For us as Muslims its forbidden yet we are really enjoying our time .. I'm wondering what kind of fun are you having when you are drunk ? Drunk = you don't feel anything around ya so ... amm ?!

DebiPie · Answer

Hmmm...Interesting "question."

No, I do not, and never have needed to drink to have fun. In fact, in college, in for the last 30 some years, I was always the D.D. Mainly because my husband always drank. And drank, and drank. He needed to drink to have fun, etc. I always found that if I drank, and this is a true fact about me, I got really sober when I drank. I know, it's odd but true. I even did one of those response tests with the highway patrol where you drink a shot every 10 minutes and then you drive a simulator...I became a better driver after like 12 shots. But I would never do that for real.

I socially drink, but for me, that's like cold beer on a hot day. When I drink, I get too sleepy to socialize. So, I'm more festive drinking coke when I party. Besides it's more fun to watch the fools who can't contain themselves.

ManaX · Answer

Don't think I need it, I'm pretty confident without it. I have one or two friends that I think drink to open up but only one or two. Funniest nights have always been when someone or all of us is drunk. Not that I haven't had good night out stone cold sober, but drunken party nights always seem to be funnier. It's not about the alcohol, it's more about what we do, I have had crappy nights where nothing happened and everyone was almost drunk.

For me to have fun without being drunk I would just do the same think but without alcohol. My mates are pretty hilarious anyway, we have a lot of good times just sitting around talking.

walkingonadream · Answer

At parties, I typically drink. I don't "need it" to have a good time, it usually helps, even if I don't get drunk. I'll just have a shot or two, or a beer just for social purposes, because I'm quiet around people I don't know very well. I have just as much fun with it as I do without it.

I cannot speak for everyone else though, some people are so used to going to parties and drinking that it's all they end up doing. They probably don't "need it" it's just a bad habit and it makes them "nervous" around others if they aren't doing it.

Anonymous · Answer

I drink and get drunk at parties sometimes, but I have been cutting down how much I drink because I don't enjoy getting hammered and being hangover. My friends an I also enjoy activities that don't involve drinking alcohol. We have tried many rooms by this provider
. Alcohol can sometimes bother to have real fun.

Anonymous · Answer

i don't need it, I get high on sugar

but having one drink once in a blue moon is fun

ill be honest though I'm not too crazy about alcohol sometimes its too strong and I get dizzy/sleepy later

but I love margaritas, mojitos anything fruity

i love wine though. with cheese = heaven.

Markezzo · Answer

As you've stated moderation and knowing how to have fun with it is key.  Alcohol - because no good story started with someone eating a salad.

Anonymous · Answer

meh,

i have a very high tolerance to alcohol, only twice in my life have I been really truly pissed.

i don't drink a lot and most of the fun things that I do don't involve alcohol (or only moderately)

- hiking, biking, running, gym

- road trips,

- seeing good films

- listening to good music,

- eating good food at good restaurants.

- painting

alcohols a very small part of my life and I don't need it, but I'm not prude either, sometimes there are social situations, like parties, dancing, where alcohol helps a lot. if id never been drunk I would have missed out on some wild experiences, like sharing flaming b52s with a bunch of french art students in a bar in paris,

or partyng in barcelona at a massive free st concert.

CindiluvsFriends · Answer

Yup,I'm one of them.  I feel like such a youngin' for saying that. lol  But it's true.  In fact I'm going out tonight and plan on having a good time:) And don't worry,I'll get a ride home if I feel I can't drive myself.

angyismytitle · Answer

I have chosen not to drink because I see no benefits to it personally so yes I can definitely have fun without alcohol just living my life and being myself.

gamechangerr · Answer

I just ended an engagement because he was an alcoholic and would not seek help. he claimed he was just being a man - but his rationale made no sense, he would just making up reasons for his drinking like "it's my friend's birthday" or "my friend just got out of jail" or "the game is on" - but the drinking would last for days each time. He lost jobs because of his drinking and his relationships are suffering (me, family) - even received a DUI

Another of my exes drinks on a daily basis and thinks he cannot enjoy his life otherwise - he has given up driving and does feels socially inept without alcohol in his system

People don't realize that it is a drug and can become just as addicting as heroin.

gotc147 · Answer

I'm not much on parties, that doesn't mean I don't have fun. But my idea of fun requires me to be sober as it requires some skill.

exitseven · Answer

I gave it up 20 years ago. Not because I had a problem with it but because I was unemployed and it was one less thing I needed to spend money on. When I went back to work I decided I didn't need it anymore. The only time I miss it is in the summer when I go to Maine and see this beer I loved in the grocery store.
I just live my life like I always did but now I don't drink anymore.

chriiistelkelly · Answer

no one NEEDS alcohol to have fun, but it always makes things a bit more exciting.

but it stops being fun when someone drinks too much and ends up puking everywhere. too much alcohol is a bad time. but just a few beers, coolers, or shots is good. you don't need to get drunk to have a good time is basically what I'm saying.

Creativenickname · Answer

I'm rather outgoing, but alcohol makes me able to talk to anyone, anywhere, even if I don't know them at all - I quite like that. Also, the buzz feels nice. But too much makes me regret it even before the day after, and hanging with people who clearly have had too much to drink isn't very fun either. So, as you said, moderation is key. And I, at least, only drink at parties.

Do people need alcohol to have fun?

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