Just Curious... - Murrieta,CA

Updated on October 04, 2010
R.M. asks from Evanston, IL
49 answers

So out of curiosity, how often do you drink an alcoholic beverage? I know some people won't admit their consumption, but anyone who would be willing to answer honestly would be much appreciated :) I overheard a group of moms talking at my son's baseball practice and they said they all (4 of them) have a nightly glass of wine. I was kind of surprised but I think that is b/c I have a mother who is an alcoholic so I have a hard time distinguishing "normal" drinking from alcoholism. I know there are also a lot of moms who do not drink at all. I do like to have 1-2 glasses of wine or sangria and probably have it 2-3 times a week on average, after the kiddos are in bed while my husband and I watch tv or play a game. I usu work nights so these nights are on my nights off. My husband could have 1-2 beers 7 days a week and not think anything of it but then again his family, while alcohol drinkers, are not alcoholics. Just trying to figure out what "normal" people do as far as drinking is concerned. :)

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B.C.

answers from Dallas on

My husband and I both drink nightly after the kids are asleep. I know that it isn't healthy, but that's the way we choose to wind down.

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M.P.

answers from Dallas on

I am one of those who doesn't drink at all. Although I'm religious, I certainly don't think it is a sin to drink:). I simply don't like the taste of alcohol. I always heard that it's an acquired taste for some and I guess I just don't care to acquire it:)!
Loni

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J.C.

answers from Columbus on

I kind of have drinking phases, where I will drink as much as 1-2 beers/night up to 4 nights a week, but when I am not in a 'phase' I will go weeks or even months w/o any alcohol.

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A.F.

answers from Columbus on

We usually drink every night after the kids are in bed. Either wine or a couple ice cold beers.

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R.J.

answers from Seattle on

It depends on geography and season.

In Italy, I have a glass of wine with lunch, and at least one more with dinner. An average of maybe 3-5 over the course of the whole day/night. It's local custom *and* I don't drive in Italy at all (fun driving there though, I like "common sense" rules.

Here in Seattle, I drink maybe once a week in the spring and fall. Less in the winter. In each case however, it's a few glasses. In the winter I hardly drink at all... maybe once a month (I have to take pain meds in the winter, and I don't mix the two). In the summer I'm often cooking with others, and when I cook with others I drink wine while I cook. :D LOVE drinking wine while cooking. I could quite happily have a glass of wine every night, but while I'll sometimes drink alone (beer after mowing, or cocktail and cleaning, or wine and a bubble bath), I'm alone most nights.

For nights "out" (usually "in" but social affairs in), however, I greatly prefer martinis and other hard alcohol.

Actually, no matter where I am in the US I drink less here than in EU. But 80% of that is driving. I drive everywhere here... there I walk and catch the train.

I've drunk like a fish, and gone years without drinking. To me it all hinges on responsibility, balance, and timing. Alcohol is a nice extra, but it's just that. An extra.

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T.K.

answers from Dallas on

My husband and I like to drink. We have times that are just ritualistic, like when watching football, or after mowing the lawn, or when we go out on a date. My husband would like to drink a beer or 2 every night after work to unwind, but we limit to 3 or so nights a week just to keep a handle on it. I don't want him to get to where he can't sleep without it. I like to drink more at a setting. SO, he likes to drink more often, I liket o drink less often, but dont see the point if I don't get a buzzzzz. To each his own so long as it isn't causing problems in your finances, with your family, at work, or spiritually.

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A.C.

answers from Cincinnati on

I will often go a couple of weeks without having a drink, but then if I am going to pour myself a glass of wine, I'll probably have 2-3, and when we go out to eat, I love to have a cocktail. I'm not a-glass-of-wine-a-night girl, though.

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L.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I rarely drink alcohol. Once in a great while, maybe every couple months or so, I might have a glass of wine. My fiance doesn't drink at all. He emphatically says that he has never even tasted any kind of alcoholic beverage. I believe him. He won't even take a sip of something I'm drinking to taste it. He doesn't have alcoholism in his family, he just doesn't want to drink. Go figure.

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B.

answers from Augusta on

Depends on my mood, lately it's only been on weekends, not because I have set a rule about it but because it has just ended up that way.
Some weeks it's one drink a night , either a "foo foo beer" or a glass of wine.

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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

We're not big drinkers. I maybe have alcohol once every other month. My husband might have 2 beers per week. Honestly. :-)

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L.A.

answers from Austin on

I would say maybe a Dirty Martini or a White Russian every 2 weeks.

When we go camping I have a little more since I know we are not driving anywhere..
I took wine tasting class for 2 years.. Had some of the best wines.. but now I am so spoiled, I have a hard time drinking anything but a really good wine. When I do, I cannot drink but 1 nice big glass.

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K.I.

answers from Seattle on

In the summer time I drink more often...it's just our routine, playing in the backyard by the pool, do some barbecuing, and relax with family and friends...other than that I will get a drink (usually some sort of flavored martini) when hubby and I go out to a nice restaurant but that's about it. Hubby isn't a big drinker at all, when he does it's a weird beer (Alaskan Amber is his fav) or red wine...we have had the same 12pk of Bud Light in our fridge for about 3 months now...we o own a KegO'rator that we thought would be really fun to have in the summer but we have only ever bought one Keg for it and then never again...now it just take up space in our garage!

My sister and her hubby are more social type people and he is in a band and they go out after work to get a drink almost nightly...my hubby and I only join them for special occasions, like St. Patty's Day or BIL annual 3 day birthday bash/pig roast.

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C.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

I have not had even 1 sip of any alcohol in 8 years. I just don't like it. I hate the smell of alcohol and the couple times only that I did have any I ended up way drunk (before kids and before getting married), so I do not drink at all, and neither does my husband

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B.R.

answers from Pittsburgh on

In college I worked really hard to enjoy alcohol. That lasted my first semester. I don't drink now. I just don't like the taste of any kind of alcohol. I've tried a lot too and just don't enjoy it. My aunt calls me a teetotaler (and not in a nice way). I don't care if you drink...in fact I'm sometimes jealous of those who like the taste. There are days when I feel I could REALLY use a drink but I'm not going to drink something I don't like just to feel all warm and fuzzy. I can find that relaxation and fuzzy feeling after a romp with the hubs...hence the 5 kids.

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S.B.

answers from Kansas City on

my husband cant drink (liver problem) and I've never been a big drinker, but I'll have a fruity adult beverage about 3-4 times a year.

I think 1 glass of wine is ok, if they were getting drunk every night that would be something to worry about.

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M.M.

answers from Washington DC on

I haven't had a drink in a long time, maybe Easter. My hubby has a beer every night or so but I just don't even think about it. I do drink about 2-3 Dr Peppers every day.

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A.S.

answers from Davenport on

I am not a big drinker. I will drink maybe 1-3 times a month (that is one drink and I sometimes go months without drinking). Usually white wine or cider. Growing up, no one in my immediate family drank alcohol. My M. would have one drink a year (tequila sunrise) and I have never seen my dad drink and fully believe he had one beer, hated it and hasn't looked back since. My sister (a mother to two) drinks 1-3 rum and cokes on Saturdays. Now my husband's family...that is another story. I personally think a lot of his family members are alcoholics. They drink beer like it is water every night of the week and on the weekends each person (mostly the men but his cousins who are mothers are like this) easily goes through at least one 24 pack. My husband drinks a 6 pack a week (given his family and the fact that his dad is an alcoholic he limits himself). I have often wondered this question myself since I didn't see drinking growing up...so, thanks for asking...I''ll have to read the responses you get.

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E.H.

answers from Kokomo on

When not pregnant or not breastfeeding(which I am due very soon so it will still be a while before I start again) my boyfriend and I will drink maybe once or twice a month. I am so super super against driving when consuming any amount of alcohol so we do it at home. We usually do it on the same night and after our daughter is asleep we play games together or watch movies or a show. He gets a six pack , and I get a bottle of Korbel. We don't always finish them because we get tired. lol But it is a nice way to just relax and enjoy an evening either together or just for ourselves.

I also have alcoholism and other addictions in both sides of my family so I am very concsious of the fact that I never want to do it too ofter or too close together. I am a very anxious analyzing person that is constantly thinking. When drink I get a break from that, but I do not want my brain or body to get used to or dependent on that feeling to cope when things get difficult.

Everyone is so different, what is fine for some is not for others..

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L.U.

answers from Seattle on

I may be the odd man out. It is a RARE occasion for me to drink. I think maybe I have had 10 drinks in my life. (I am 33)
My brother is an alcoholic and my Aunt. I hate what alcohol does to people, how it "loosens" them up, how they can't watch their mouths, how they say things they wish they could take back. I get uncomfortable around people that have more than one drink. I like the person they are, not what they become with alcohol.
My husband is a recovering alcoholic. He drank 18-30 beers a day. A DAY! it was awful. Thankfully we were not married at the time. But, my thoughts are this....if you NEED alcohol to function then you are an alcoholic. (I say "you" as the universal "you"....Not that you are an alcoholic!)

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M.D.

answers from Dallas on

I'm 36 and I probably drink 2-3 times a year, maybe one or two beverages when I do. Been like this for years, I guess in my early 20's going out with friend is when I did my heavy drinking. I wouldn't call it an alcoholic just a party girl. Special occasion now, it usually makes me tired and I'm exhausted as it is.

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L.C.

answers from Allentown on

Isn't a daily small glass of wine recommended for women's health? I used to have a glass of wine or weak cocktail 3 or 4 times a week with dinner. Some weeks, every night. The question for me then was, is it very moderate and can I control it? And now I don't drink much at all. These days I can't tolerate alcohol much, seems to boost the hot flashes, so I might have a drink on Friday night or if we go out (rare).

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M.G.

answers from Dallas on

I have heard the Today Show say that it is perfectly okay to drink 1 glass of wine every night (preferably red wine b/c it contains antioxidants). However, I also heard the Today Show say that a nightly glass of wine is not good b/c that's too much alcohol. They are always coming out with new alcohol comsumption studies, which is annoying.

I drink on the weekends and sometimes during the week. If I drink during the week, it is just 1 glass of red wine one night per week. On the weekends, it is usually 1 or 2 glasses of red wine on Sat. nights.

If your husband is drinking 1-2 beers every single day, I think that is too much.

You also need to consider your family genes, which contributes a lot to overall health.

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A.G.

answers from Houston on

i have 1 or two drinks a night, one with dinner, and one before bed, sometimes not always one with dinner, but one ALWAYS before bed. Its usually red wine or snobby beer, but sometimes the occasional bloody mary, margarita, or pina colada slips in. Im just not one of those people who likes getting drunk, so i have maintained this type of drinking habit since my teen years.

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C.F.

answers from Boston on

The evenings when my DH is home, we'll drink after the little guy goes to bed and catch up and have some laughs... I Enjoy drinking martinis, wine, beer - he likes beer and The Captain! LOL i say to each their own, i don't judge those who Do Not drink - so please don't judge us that do ! I don't believe there is a "normal" in this category....to each his own :-) I'm a Drinker and not afraid to tell anyone who asks. I am Not an alcoholic

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J.P.

answers from Boise on

I also come from an alcoholic family, so I am very sensitive to drinking, but do drink myself. I say that I drink, but I can't remember the last time I had more than a sip (I am breastfeeding my daughter who is 4 months old, before that I was pregnant, before that, breastfeeding my son, then pregnant, then trying...). I USED to have about a glass a night, or skip the weeknights and split a bottle with my husband on the weekends. I rarely got tipsy, and the moment I felt anything, I would stop. I have noticed since my daughter was born that my husband has at least a drink a night. I'm not sure if this is bothering me because of the alcoholism in my family, or what, but I know where you are coming from.

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R.D.

answers from Kansas City on

I don't believe there is a "normal." That is subjective. I think as long as it doesn't get in the way of anything, and as long as if you went a few days (or a week, a month, whatever) without it you don't feel you need it or are missing out.

I waited until my son was past 2 yo and only nursing a couple times a day before I had my first beer. Now that he is totally weaned, I still only have one - maybe two - but no more. I will have a beer, a glass of wine, or maybe a Mojito when out to dinner with my parents. With the exception of the three (?) seperate times I had a Mojito with dinner, I wait until he is asleep for the night before pouring a glass of wine or opening a beer. I may have a beer (or glass of wine) three nights in a row, then not again for a month. Then have one two nights that week. There is no pattern. I don't feel like I want one because it is Friday, or because I have had a bad or stressful day, or just because it is routine. I just like the taste. In fact, the 12-pack of beer that is in my fridge now has been there for at least two months....and there are still two left!

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S.H.

answers from Huntsville on

I'm also not a drinker. Like Madelon P., I don't care to acquire the taste for it either :) I've tried a few things, but it all just reminds me of the cough medicine I hated taking as a kid! lol

My husband is Irish, so he loves to drink lol But he doesn't drink at home, and never in front of our daughter. Actually, he's never had much in front of me either. It's usually when he's out with friends or he & the other soldiers get a free evening to do so. His dad was an abusive alcoholic, so he swears he will never be like that.

T.C.

answers from Austin on

I may drink a glass of wine once every couple of years, like at a wedding, a winery tour, or a sample at the grocery store. I've never tasted beer. My husband doesn't seem to like the taste of wine, and doesn't even want me to cook with it. Our families don't drink that much either. My MIL often wishes she could have a glass of wine, but it would interact with her medicines. My neighbors sometimes get together in the evening and have a drink, and I feel left out.

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F.M.

answers from Lincoln on

my husband can have 2-3 beers maybe say oh.... 3-4 times a week. He doesn't get drunk, he likes to drink because he has a stressful job and like to come home and relax with a beer or two. I on the other hand might have a glass of wine 1-2 times a month, sometimes only once a month.
To me, an alcoholic is someone who drinks everyday around the clock, and they have to drink to get drunk or drink to satisfy the jitters they get because their bodies are already going into that alcoholic stage.
I personally dont think a nighty glass of wine is an alcoholic.

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M.L.

answers from Houston on

I don't. I always say I drank enough in college for a lifetime, so, the desire for the hangover and not remembering is just not there. I don't have a taste for wine, to desire that with dinner. So, I just don't drink alcohol. It doesn't bother me if others have it around me, it is just not for me. :)

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J.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

That's funny! Same thing happened to me when some Moms and I were outside while the kids were playing. One M. commented about couldn't wait to open up a bottle of wine with the hubs that night. I then commented that I have a glass of wine at least a few times a week after the kids are in bed. She laughed and said "Me and DH pop open a bottle of wine every night!" I was surprised to hear that all the Moms had at least one glass a night. I actually felt I was in the minority!

For me it's a nice relaxing way to end my day with my DH every now and again. Some nights I'm just too tired and go to sleep right after I tuck the kids in otherwise maybe I would everynight LOL!

J.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

Just depends. I honestly like the answer "not often enough!" LOL Some weeks I have a drink every night, then sometimes I can go months or even years without having any alcohol.

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S.L.

answers from Boise on

I've never had a drop, and never will. I know that's not "normal," but thought I'd chime in.

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R.C.

answers from Nashville on

I might have a drink once or twice a year. I prefer not to drink my calories and don't like how alcohol makes me feel. We used to drink most weekends but got tired of that scene 10 or 15 years ago.

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A.O.

answers from Sherman on

I have a glass of wine or a beer 4-5 nights a week. Nothing excessive, just enjoy having a glass of wine with dinner or with my hubbs after the kids go to bed.

G.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

1-2 drinks, 2-5 times a week. I really enjoy the taste of liquor, beer and red wine (I wont touch the white or pink stuff. LOL!) but more than two has become a headache in the making. After abstaining through two pregnancies, I have sort of reset my limits to almost zero. :(

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L.L.

answers from Hartford on

I guess maybe I drink once a month. Usually at some type of get together or party. We always have beer, wine and liquor at house, but I don't usually have any unless it's a social occasion. When we have a bbq, or New Years Eve party, the adults all drink and plenty of it, So everyone stays the night at who's ever house we go to that year. I did have a martini last night night for no reason at all :) I would say that my husband and I do not have drinking problems, unless the problem is we don't drink enough, lol. I usually look at it this way... it's a problem if it interferes negatively in your life, your family, work, or safety.

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T.L.

answers from Columbia on

i drank every weekend for almost 7 months before i got pregnant, i quit as soon as i found out and since she was born (10 months ago) i've had one shot. I dont feel the urge to drink anymore. i do turn 21 in like 2 months so you best believe i will be having a few drinks =] whats a 21st birthday without any alcohol?

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A.H.

answers from Washington DC on

Both me and my husband are not consuming any alcohol . There is a history of alcoholism in both of our families. When I was pregnant with my daughter I saw how people especially women acted when drinking even the smallest amout. I was at times the only one that did not have drink at a get together and man it was an eye opener. Only after a drink or two people cange, they get loud and silly. The worst thing I wittnessed was a woman crawling on the floor still holding a drink in her hands. I promised right there and then that my child will never see me in any state of drunkeness ever. Have not had a drink since then. I do not miss it.

A.R.

answers from St. Louis on

Robyn,

I don't drink. My only drink is for New Year's Eve if I can call it a drink, because I just sip a little bit of Champagne
I dislikes a lot the taste of alcohol. It is odd but, my husband is the same..It is nothing about opinion or ideas. It is just the taste, it's so awful!
Have a great day!

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K.H.

answers from Washington DC on

A glass of wine each night is not over indulging , I don't drink a glass every night , but most Friday or saturday nights I do have 2-3 glasses.

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C.T.

answers from Dallas on

When I was in college and my 20's, I drank several nights per week. Quite a bit each night. Once I got married, my husband and I would go out on Sat. night and have several drinks and sometimes during the week, I would go to happy hour with my girlfriends. Since we've had children, I only drink once in a while. This is usually at my dinner club once a month and a drink or two if we go out to dinner. I do overindulge once or twice a year at a special occasion like NYE, but not to the point of acting like an idiot. I have a history of alcohol in my family, but I like a drink once in a while.

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S.F.

answers from Reno on

I generally have one, maybe two, (sipped) glasses of whiskey at Christmas/New Year's and the very rare glass of wine with dinner (I usually can't stand more than half a glass). Other than that, it's just something I think about doing but never have time for...or want to waste the money on. I'd rather buy books, a frappacino or a pizza. Different strokes for different folks!

I think alcoholism is when you can't live without whatever you do normally. Never feel bad about your decision to drink or not drink. I consider myself a non-drinker because 1-2 glasses of whiskey a year doesn't feel like it counts for much and the only alcohol in my house is what my father in law brought over 6 years ago. My husband's clients give him wine all the time but we rarely, if ever, open it. The strangest thing is that I've been "peer pressured" more by adults about not drinking than I ever was in high school. Go figure on that...

C.T.

answers from Detroit on

i kind of do it spartically. i get a half gallon of hennesey form the army base, everyday!!! but when it runs out sometimes i forget to order some more and it will take me months to have another drink. if i;m at a party and there is wine then i will have a glasses. but as i am getting older i my tolarence is getting lower and lower so i can go without a drink for months and forget that i like alcohol! lol but the more my kids get on my nerves the more the need to hit the army base!

A.G.

answers from Pocatello on

I don't drink at all. I used to when I was younger...like in high school and of course once I was legal at 21. But honestly I have not even had a sip of any type of alcoholic drink for about 6 years. I don't think badly of anyone who does want to have a drink now and again but for me.....I just don't. I don't think alcohol is healthy so I don't drink it and really I don't miss it. I think I'm probably in the minority with this but that's just the way I am :)

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M.R.

answers from Chicago on

I rarely drink, mostly because it would interact with some of the medicines I have to take. If I could drink, I'd probably have like one drink a month and that's about it. I have nothing against drinking - Lord knows I did my share in college! - but anymore I'm too tired and it would only knock me out.

When I do drink it is usually when I get together with girlfriends or having a date night with my husband and even then I only have two at the most.

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M.W.

answers from Boise on

I drink zero alcohol. Never have, never will. I am not bragging, because sometimes people don't want to hang out with me or invite me to things because I don't drink.
Anyway, if alcoholism runs in your family, I think you should stop all drinking.
PS I saw a documentary on food and the reason why wine has antioxidants is from the grapes, so grape juice has the same benefits as wine, oh, actually better because it is not fermented. You don't need wine in your diet.

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...

answers from Phoenix on

I don't drink alcohol at all. Never have and probably never will.

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S.D.

answers from Dallas on

I'm a 35yo wife/M. of 3 (13y, 9y, & 7wks) and I have never consumed an alcoholic beverage in my life. Just never had a desire.

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