“It’s not easy…” is an expression we know and use a lot. When it comes to getting rid of the tyranny of alcohol, the phrase takes on greater meaning.
Countless people have fallen into the vice of drinking and do not know how to overcome it.
Among the indelible memories I have had since childhood is that of that schoolmate who one afternoon asked me, “Help me go after my dad…” He explained what it was about: we had to go to a bar his father frequented when he left his job. There, on pay days, he would get drunk until he lost consciousness and lie on the ground. His grieving wife, who did not have access to that place, gave his son a coin to encourage him to go and rescue his father. That time I helped my partner, we had to drag the smelly gentleman who had lost his salary and dignity in that joint on the sidewalk.
The subject of drinking, when it becomes vice or illness, is so complex and delicate that it is impossible to develop it into a single number. We will therefore begin with some general aspects.
In several cultures, wine and other spirit products are attributed to a divine origin, and this has given rise to myths, legends and ritual celebrations. In the tradition of many peoples, these drinks are part of meals and an essential element in the festivities. Let us therefore say, openly, that wine and other spirits are not in themselves bad products. The problem is in excess.
A spontaneous question
Why does a person drink too much? There can be many causes.
There are those who drink by an inherited inclination. The children of an alcoholic father are more likely to fall into alcoholism as well.
Others drink out of acquired love, by frequenting places where they drink or walk with drinking friends.
Some drink induced by despondenty or pressure from unresolved problems. In such cases, the drink is a false compensation or counterproductive leak. Many still think it is possible to “drown the sorrows.”
There is no need to overcome one’s own shyness or cowardice. This is the case for those who become emboldened or bluff when they are drunk. It’s also the case for those who get sentimental and even cry when their glasses go up.
In short, excess drinking is usually based on a deficiency, not a virtue or strength.
Stop drinking – the theme announced – refers to those who have exceeded the limit of what is acceptable and need to adopt a liberation plan. We’ll take care of this later. Now we will simply focus on an objective that we should all set ourselves: how to drink in moderation.
We have already pointed out that wine and other drinks are part of traditions deeply rooted in many cultures. Art and literature confirm this. In Mediterranean cultures, for example, wheat bread and grape wine are two infallible products on the table. It is sufficient to remember that Jesus Christ wanted to crown His teaching by sharing bread and wine with his apostles and identifying himself with these elements. We therefore reiterate that what is reprehensible is not the drinks that rejoice and comfort, but their immoderate consumption.
How to drink in moderation
We propose some useful strategies for those who want to ensure moderation in drinking.
Propose it firmly: “I will always observe the moderation in the drink”. This purpose is more achievable than that of absolute abstention.
Avoid at all costs entering places where you know in advance that you go there to drink and have unrestricted fun, and also avoid the company of so-called friends who openly invite you to drink. Saying, “No, thank you, I don’t like to drink,” could provoke a momentary burlesc reaction, but deep down people who don’t bend are appreciated.
In social or family gatherings where the offer of wine or spirits to diners is normal, a good strategy for moderation is to keep the glass itself as long as possible full or almost full without consuming it. The coffeemakers easily distinguish moderates and stop offering them more drink.
Just as having several bottles at home makes it more difficult to moderate in the drink, not have wines or spirits on hand, or have them in a very small proportion, makes it easier to moderate. Conclusion: decrease the risk by not accumulating bottles.
Never drink alone, even if you try to push him into a difficult situation. Don’t do it for simple taste either. Drinking alone and for pure taste can be the beginning of dependence.
Consider moderation a virtue. It is, indeed, and it is already known that every authentic virtue is of good example. Just as the drunk harms one’s own person and does an evil to his family and society, a person capable of drinking without losing sobriety is an example of balance, of firm character, of practical wisdom. Ω
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