[shermanator]

Alcohol is my vice. Always has been, always will be. I am not an alcoholic, but I have a big problem with binge drinking.

I have been a social drinker since I turned 18. My drinking picked up when I hit 20 and by the time I graduated University, I was typically going to the pub for 1 or 2 beers almost nightly and partying every weekend. Typical University stuff. This lasted for a few years as I worked entry level jobs that I hated, but as I reached 30 I started weening off of this routine and would instead go for a wing night once a week and drink more on the weekend. I would probably binge drink once or twice a month on the weekends.

My issue has been that one of the things I enjoy the most in life is going to a pub and having a few beers with friends. It helps me get over the fact that I spend most of my time on this planet going to work. I never drank alone, but I would also usually be the one organizing the pub nights to get my fix. When I was going to the pub 2 or 3 times a week, having 2 beers and going home was no big deal. But as weeknights at the pub were phased out of my routine, when I did get the chance to go out, I found myself binge drinking more and more. I never aim to binge drink, but I find that when I have one or two and am having fun, the question "should we have one more" is common, and after asking that a few more times, I would lose control.

When I am in that state, quite frankly, I am an idiot.

The binge drinking really picked up when Cavalry started playing, as I had dozens of like minded individuals who were keen to drink every game who I could feed off of. Luckily, I managed to cut that cold turkey as I had a baby the week after the season ended, and was able to keep it under control for a period while shifting responsibilities. However, I had a particularly bad night this past February where I got into big trouble and realized I needed to get things in control. After that night, I quit drinking for 10 weeks to get the situation under control, and have really worked hard to limit what I drink whenever i do. I have not been drunk since, although there have been a few nights where I have had an extra drink here or there.

I do find myself having a beer or two once or twice a week during this pandemic. Some nights I really enjoy the beer. Some nights I ask myself why did I even drink the beer. Most nights I just want to go to a pub for 2 beers with some friends.