Too DRUNK for your own GOOD.

About four months ago, I hit my drinking rock bottom. I'm a bartender, so my day to day routine includes pouring alcohol to a number of different people. Some social drinkers, some loners, and some with serious alcohol issues. I've seen it all, through non judgmental eyes, because I myself am I drinker.  I've even cut people off before the hour of 5pm. (yeah it's serious) Anyway, four months ago, I went out with a friend, and decided that I would drink like I was in college. I say this, because I've actually become a pretty smart drinker. I know what to drink now, and what not to mix, and how not to end up with hangovers etc. So, we started with Jameson, which has always been pretty good to me. Usually I pick my poison for the night, and drink nothing but that for the remainder. I don't know who I thought I was, or who I wanted to be, but the next thing I know, we're drinking tequila, then red wine, and ending it all off with hookah. You can already predict how this night ended. I had completely blacked out. I still don't even remember making it home. What I do remember, is waking up to my carpet being covered by a white towel, and me thinking 'why the hell is this towel here?' I later discovered the present I left myself, which was a huge pile of upchuck, that drunk Ariel tried her best to clean. I was mortified, I was embarrassed, I was downright angry with myself. I couldn't even remember throwing up. I got the lecture of a life time, but I wasn't mad because everything my parents told me, needed to be said. It is extremely dangerous, especially being a female to drink to the point where you can't even remember throwing up. I could have chocked on my vomit, and died. I could have died from extreme alcohol poisoning, and the least of all the extremities, is that it's not cute at all. I told myself that was the last time, I'd ever allow myself to get to that point again. I gave myself a pep talk, because even though I tried to laugh it off, I was downright ashamed of myself. I still drink, many of my friends can attest to this, but I have not even gotten anywhere close to that night.


I'm never gender specific, but in this case I will be. As a female, we have a lot more to be concerned with. Men are constantly offering to buy us drinks, always know there is an ulterior motive behind every shot they're buying. The nicer you get, the more of a chance for them to get you in their bed. In worse cases, guys will get you as drunk as they can, to take you home and take advantage. You never want to be caught slipping, because there's always some creep ready to catch you. The fact is, we can't and shouldn't drink as much as a man. A friend of mine told me a story of a girl who got so drunk, his boys we're plotting on all sleeping with her. If he didn't save her, she would have woke up sore in all the wrong places. Everyone is not your friend, and no matter how fun you think they're having with you, its all part of the calculated plan of luring you to their beds. Be smart, be sharp, and don't get caught slipping out here. Be the girl who can buy her own drinks, and when offered will drink off whoevers tab, and still go home to your bed, if thats what you want. If you end up in anyone's bed, do it because you know in you heart if you were sober, you'd still end up there. Don't do things that will lead to regrets in the morning.

It's okay to go out, and have a good time. Throw a few drinks back, but you must know your limit. Drink with people who actually give a fxck where you end up after, and your safety. Know when to say I've had enough, and always, drink water. No one wants to babysit you, so be able to be your own baby sitter. Don't be the drunk friend everyone hates, because you will be the only person that regrets that.  It's scary how much our generation drinks. We are all guilty of excessive drinking, and I don't think we realize how detrimental it can be until it effects you or someone close to you.  I have a close friend that has approached their drinking rock bottom, and I'm extremely worried about them. I love them dearly, and want them to realize how much their drinking is hurting them. I just re-watched Amy Winehouse's performance video when she was clearly too drunk to be on stage, and I just think maybe she had no one her in circle to care enough to tell her she needed to stop. Sometime's people have so much bothering them in their life, and they're not able to let go of it, and move on, so they turn to drugs and/or alcohol. It's okay to be sad, but it's not ok to try and drink your sorrows away. It will only make them worse, and you'll just end up being the drunk friend that ruins the mood. Drink only to have a good time, never to get drunk, or to feel better. You'll only end up feeling worse. If you or anyone you know is approaching their drinking rock bottom, be fully mature and take responsibility of your actions.Do not be in denial, and really make and conscience effort to be better. If its someone you know, do not be judgmental, truly go into helping them with an open mind. Let them know how much you care, and are worried for their health and safety. Be stern, and show them proof of why you think they need to stop.  Drinking can be fun, but alcoholism is a serious disease, know when to spot the signs. I hope you all take heed to what I've said! And to all those safe drinkers out there, never chase anything but your tequila ;)


Lots & Lots of love !

---A