I used to be a problem drinker-still am given the opportunity-in order to cope with anxiety/de-mask in social situations/de-stress. I’ve heard it described as paying for tonight’s fun with tomorrow’s happiness. For me, it’s been essential to understand why I’m drinking, and in addition to regular water drinking, take regular mental check-ins. When I drink a pint or two with friends it’s usually as a social lubricant. When I stay at the bar after for another 8 by myself-there’s usually something else going on.

Frankly it’s literal self-harm. It’s only legal because capitalists use it to exploit the proletariat to great effect.

That said too, 4 pints in a night now give me the equivalent hangover that a case would- aka the enshittification of my liver- and yes it will happen to young folks too- faster than you think. I’ve heard 100% agave tequila doesn’t have the same depressant effect. Idk if it’s true, but if I wanna get blasted that’s usually my drink of choice.

I try to stick to thc edibles now when I want a buzz- in a legal state so unfortunately isn’t the case for everyone.

Final moralizing point- take care of yourself, friend. Treat yourself like you would a dear friend. Drink water, talk about what’s bothering you, and pace yourself. We live in a hell world, and can only persist together. The capitalists want you to drink yourself to death-don’t give them that pleasure.