Great story Peter, I appreciate you telling it. So many things you said here hit home, particularly with the university drinking experience. Been there, done that. Have the scars to prove it. Alcohol is the one legalised drug that almost every adult on the planet at least dabbles in. And it's the one drug that is justified for all occasions. Celebrating? Drink. Sad? Drink? Bored? Drink. etc, etc.
I loved drinking as well but I largely quit a few years ago after reading Jason's Vale's book 'Kick the Drink...Easily'. But it's so hard because the peer pressure from everyone is real! I can relate to your struggle.
It's good you touched on the mental health aspects as well. You really don't hear much about this side effect, and I think it should be discussed more. Thanks for sharing your experiences. It's a very relatable post, and I think anyone who reads it will get something out it.
Thanks @choogirl. It's funny you sometimes where the 'peer' pressure comes from as well. I found older family members were bemused about my decision and tried to force me to drink at family occasions! Then when travelling for work, I would be anxious about dinners with my host, as inevitably they would offer a drink. They would sometimes be offended at my refusal which led to the mental health conversation.... Sometimes now I just say "I won't but you go for it, don't feel funny about drinking in front of me if you would like something". I think it helps most of the time....