When I was 11 my parents were out of town and i made myself a black label and coke using my 32 oz King Kong Cup from Universal Studios. I felt like absolute hell the next day. I did not drink to any kind of excess until later in life (16). In college it was crazy but as i have grown older....more moderation.Also i wish i learned early on how to deal with stress without alcohol and also how to deal with the need for dopamine that i get from drinking. Thankfully I have alot in my life that keeps me in check.Also there is a large discrepancy between daily and a few times a week.

I do remember the first time I drank. I was too young and at a party with friends. I don’t recall feeling any particular way. I have always drank in moderation but often go through ebbs and flows where I don’t drink at all.Looking back, I wish I had focused more on my total development than being so concerned with the social development!!I do believe the older I get, there is a higher the probability that I will stop drinking for good so I can live longer!

I grew up in a culture where alcohol was served with meals and on special occasions ( birthdays, special holidays) a small amount was offered to children without making a big fuss.I drank rarely a beer in late high school years going out with friends for pizza.I do not ever remember being drunk or hung over.I enjoy a glass of wine with dinner and I very seldom drink liquor.I feel I have complete control over alcohol.

I was 18 years old the first I drank alcohol. It was not a bad experience but I drank to get a drunk or get a buzz. As I have grown up my relationship with alcohol has change from “partying” to now an occasional drink with friends or at dinner.

The first time I drank I was 15. I had fun, so it was a “good” experience. All my friends drank too, so we would when we would go out. It’s the same for me now. I drink when I’m out, but not on the daily.

The first time I 'tried' alcohol I was a teenager at a family reunion. It was a controlled environment and it was limited to 1 beer. There was always alcohol in my family so it wasn't something that was viewed as 'bad' or 'wrong' so it wasn't something I felt I needed to sneak and try. I drank beer at parties in high school, tried the hard liquor, and got drunk for the first time my senior year off of margaritas on an empty stomach and got ill, so I learned early what that could do, so I understood my limits early on. I think I have good control over my alcohol intake, but I also was told about the alcoholism that runs in my family, so that is always in the back of my mind. My sister recently realized that she does NOT have a good relationship with alcohol and has recently quit drinking.

The first time I had alcohol was in France while sitting with my grandparents. I was 8. They poured about an inch of red wine into my glass and then added water. I felt so grown up and sipped it, even though I didn’t think it tasted that good. Towards the end of the meal I was given a full flute of champagne. I drank it in a single gulp not knowing to savor it. I was called a vacuum. It was a positive experience while celebrating Easter with my family. Now I drink at most a beer or one drink a day. I don’t enjoy more than that. I don’t like the feeling of being drunk. College was a different story, but I was responsible.

My 1st experience with alcohol was watching my mother get drunk. And at times taking a drink of what o thought was a glass of water on the counter but was vodka. I started drinking in college and realized quickly I hated how it took away my control. After going to ACA meetings in college and supportive friends I learned that I can enjoy the taste but I rarely have more than one drink because I feel the effects. I want to enjoy the taste but not be out of control. And I never drink to escape or if I need to feel better about myself.

The first few times I drank I did it with my friends in 10th grade to be cool. At the time it did not feel like peer pressure, I just wanted to do what everyone else was doing and it felt like we were all in it together. I remember being careful, not getting too drunk at first because I did not want to be out of control and make a fool out of myself. From there on we drank most weekends a little bit but I only got really drunk occasionally. I still drink today when we go out to dinner or are hanging with friends.