It is said that your first interactions with alcohol can determine your relationship with it moving forward. Do you remember the first time you had alcohol? Was it a good experience or a bad? Did you learn how to drink in moderation or do you not have any control? What do you wish you knew or had done differently when you were younger?
WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH ALCOHOL?
(answer as much or as little as you want)
46, Female, Fort Lauderdale, US
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.
42, Male, Dallas, US
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.
43, Female, Miami, US
I grew up drinking a sip of wine with my parents and the idea of alcohol being taboo wasn’t really a thing. I also never saw my parents drunk so I didn’t view it as very destructive. The first time I remember getting drunk was at a family friend’s new years party when I was 13, all the kids snuck some alcohol and by the end of the night most of us were puking. I felt so sick I didn’t drink again for a long time! I would say my relationship with alcohol is good at this point in my life, I drink socially.