Damning Indictment of Ireland's Attitude Towards Alcohol

Pottler

mathepac wrote: »

Is that a bit like a reformed cancer patient, or a reformed manic depressive, or a reformed assault victim?

because alcoholism is an...illness??? waytafukwillya

IrishAm

Pottler wrote: »

because alcoholism is an...illness??? waytafukwillya

Alcoholism is not an illness. Its a form of weakness.

Tombi!

IrishAm wrote: »

Alcoholism is not an illness. Its a form of weakness.

That's daft.
Giving up alcohol, now that's a sign of weakness. Too weak to handle booze. :pac:

IrishAm

Brutal Deluxe wrote: »

That's daft.
Giving up alcohol, now that's a sign of weakness. Too weak to handle booze. :pac:

Depends how much you are chugging each night. If you go out and can't go home until you are smashed, you have the beginning of a problem. Which can exasperate out of control if left unchecked.

And it will.

Seanchai

Erdinger Non-Alcoholic tastes nice - at least it's easily the nicest of the non-alcoholic beers.

If people are against "non-alcoholic beer" they might as well be against decaffeinated coffee. It's a bit thick, given that there is much more to the taste of both beer and coffee than alcohol and caffeine.

For that matter, try tasting pure alcohol and you'll get the idea. In fact, why are you having an "alcoholic" beer that's 95% non-alcoholic? :rolleyes:

If anybody really thinks the point of drinking alcohol is to get drunk, rather than to help them relax, they've got problems.

IrishAm

Seanchai wrote: »

Erdinger Non-Alcoholic tastes nice - at least it's easily the nicest of the non-alcoholic beers.

Exactly. If you want a few tasty beers, but want to remain sober enough to drive home, quality non alcoholic beers are the way to go.

Seanchai wrote: »

If anybody really thinks the point of drinking alcohol is to get drunk, rather than to help them relax, they've got problems.

Its quite easy to become a social alcoholic in Ireland and indeed, many countries, in the western world. I should know, I am one. "Ah, hes a laugh on the gargul". "Hes just having a good time".

Once you earn your own cash, don't cause problems when you drink and pull women, you don't have a problem. Supposedly.

irishconvert

A_Sober_Paddy wrote: »

Sorry for the long thread title firstly...

So onto the topic at hand, Ireland and its attitude towards drink.

I went into town today with a mate, we went to a pub and set out in the sun and we grabbed a beer each.

I got an alcohol free beer, and my mate got an alcoholic beer. To which he turned to me and said


I told him I bought it because I liked how it tasted and that was the most important thing to me. He rolled his eyes and said I was wasting my money on it.

To me it was a ridiculous attitude to have. I made a choice to have a drink I enjoyed and because it was alcohol free it was stupid.

I think what I'm getting at, is the people in this country are so obsessed with alcohol, they will only drink to get drunk and taste isn't important where as my approach is, to drink something that I enjoy the taste of...

Sorry if I'm not getting my point across in the most coherent manner, but the more and more I think about it and more annoyed by the whole thing I am...

P.S It was an Alcohol Free Erdinger I was drinking today

It says more about your friend's insecurities about his drinking than the Irish people as a whole.

IrishAm

irishconvert wrote: »

It says more about your friend's insecurities about his drinking than the Irish people as a whole.

It was probably an oft the cuff remark. I suspect its the norm in some social circles.

Off topic, as an Irish convert to Islam, do you still have the occasional sup?

irishconvert

IrishAm wrote: »

It was probably an oft the cuff remark. I suspect its the norm in some social circles.

Off topic, as an Irish convert to Islam, do you still have the occasional sup?

Not a sup has passed my lips for 5 years! I do drink non-alcoholic lager though, still like the taste.

helimachoptor

Something is wrong with your mate, alcohol free erdinger is minging

irishconvert

helimachoptor wrote: »

Something is wrong with your mate, alcohol free erdinger is minging

Maybe it was becks!

IrishAm

irishconvert wrote: »

Not a sup has passed my lips for 5 years! I do drink non-alcoholic lager though, still like the taste.

That's cool. Do strict muslims venture into Irish pubs? It it the main hub of social interaction at weekends, after all.

Completely off topic here, but I pass by the Mosque on the SCR at least twice a week. Some of my buddy's have played five aside against lads who congregate there.

Would an average Dub be welcome inside, purely as a curious outsider?

I would like to. As I know the square root of fuck all about Islam. Or would it be dodgy?

irishconvert

IrishAm wrote: »

That's cool. Do strict muslims venture into Irish pubs? It it the main hub of social interaction at weekends, after all.

Completely off topic here, but I pass by the Mosque on the SCR at least twice a week. Some of my buddy's have played five aside against lads who congregate there.

Would an average Dub be welcome inside, purely as a curious outsider?

I would like to. As I know the square root of fuck all about Islam. Or would it be dodgy?

Strict Muslims wouldn't go near a pub. Some won't eat in a restaurant that servers alcohol. It's not just the alcohol which is a problem for them, but the behaviour of people when they are drunk. I am used to it so it doesn't bother me, I meet my friends in the pub when I am home (don't live in Ireland anymore).

As for going into the mosque, I'd highly recommend it, you will be very welcome. The lads love seeing non-Muslims come in and should make you feel very welcome. If you have any questions just ask and they will be happy to explain to you, they will even be happy to answer any tough questions you may have and hopefully clarify any misconceptions about Islam you might have. Don't forget to take off your shoes before you go into the prayer hall!

mariano rivera

A_Sober_Paddy wrote: »

I liked how it tasted and that was the most important thing to me. He rolled his eyes and said I was wasting my money on it.

No wonder he was rolling his eyes

Beer dosnt taste nice

Fanta Tastes nice

Tea taste nice

Water tastes nice

etc.


Beer is there to get drunk. Your not meant to taste it



Non-alcoholic beers is for alcoholics


The hint is in the name!!!

IrishAm

irishconvert wrote: »

Strict Muslims wouldn't go near a pub. Some won't eat in a restaurant that servers alcohol. It's not just the alcohol which is a problem for them, but the behaviour of people when they are drunk.

Gotcha. In fairness though, the Irish rarely get drunk and act obnoxious in restaurants. We happily pay five euro for a bit of a sliced bread roll covered in garlic and then toasted.;)

We act the bollix in bars/clubs. We accept poor standards in restaurants.

irishconvert wrote: »

I am used to it so it doesn't bother me, I meet my friends in the pub when I am home (don't live in Ireland anymore).

That's sweet as. The pub is a social hub, so everyone should welcome. Even non drinkers.

irishconvert wrote: »

As for going into the mosque, I'd highly recommend it, you will be very welcome. The lads love seeing non-Muslims come in and should make you feel very welcome.

Its purely as an inquisitive local. Growing up, I rarely if ever heard of Islam. I now hear of it through the media. But I would much prefer to meet the people, instead of using the media for my interpretation of the people. If that makes sense? For what its worth, me mates had a great time with the muslims(Turks) whom they played against. They were invited back to the SCR for a bite to eat.

Is that true? The mosque supplies food for all?

irishconvert wrote: »

If you have any questions just ask and they will be happy to explain to you, they will even be happy to answer any tough questions you may have and hopefully clarify any misconceptions about Islam you might have. Don't forget to take off your shoes before you go into the prayer hall!

Yeah, I watched Ian O'D's show on RTE when he engaged with muslims and lived amongst them when I returned back home to Dublin. In fairness though, he was squaring for an argument. Both sides didn't come off too well.

I would like to experience and engage with every day muslims for myself.

suicide_circus

OP with a name like 'a sober paddy' i'm guessing you're a militant tea-totaler and possible ex alcoholic who likes going round pontificating to people about their drinking habits. In short, the worst person to go to the pub with.

irishconvert

IrishAm wrote: »

Its purely as an inquisitive local. Growing up, I rarely if ever heard of Islam. I now hear of it through the media. But I would much prefer to meet the people, instead of using the media for my interpretation of the people. If that makes sense? For what its worth, me mates had a great time with the muslims(Turks) whom they played against. They were invited back to the SCR for a bite to eat.

Muslims are just like anyone else, there is no mystery. We go to work, watch football, worry about our kids, try to do the best for our families, enjoy the weekends, etc etc. There are good and bad Musims, the same as there are good and bad non-Muslims.

IrishAm wrote: »

Is that true? The mosque supplies food for all?

The food is not usually free, except during Ramadan (which it is now) many mosques will provide a free meal to people breaking their fast.

There is a small restaurant in SCR Mosque, you have to pay for the food but as they invited you, and in line with Turkish culture I expect they would have paid for the food.

IrishAm wrote: »

Yeah, I watched Ian O'D's show on RTE when he engaged with muslims and lived amongst them when I returned back home to Dublin. In fairness though, he was squaring for an argument. Both sides didn't come off too well.

I would like to experience and engage with every day muslims for myself.

I was not too impressed by that programme. And if i remember correctly, didn't they drag out that guy again who is the most extreme version of an Irish convert to Islam? He actually does so much damage to the image of Muslims and I would say turns so many people off the religion.

Anyway, I've just started my fast and am off to bed now. If you have any other questions feel free to PM me.

irishconvert

mariano rivera wrote: »

No wonder he was rolling his eyes

Beer dosnt taste nice

Fanta Tastes nice

Tea taste nice

Water tastes nice

etc.


Beer is there to get drunk. Your not meant to taste it



Non-alcoholic beers is for alcoholics


The hint is in the name!!!

You must be a new drinker! After years of drinking beer it is nice to taste!

Festy

There is alot off alcoholics on boards tonight.

charlemont

IrishAm wrote: »

I would like to experience and engage with every day muslims for myself.

I live amongst a lot of them on the terrace and have no problem with them, Most of them are decent good people, A lot more interested in their religion than us but lots of them drink too or smoke Weed, No different to anyone else really, Very diverse group of Muslim's here from all parts of the world so they have varying attitudes to their faith.

Its a dangerous enough area here but the vast majority of trouble is from our own, Surprise surprise.. Any of the very religious Muslims don't put in or out with anyone and as far as I know the more religious ones never drink or do drugs.

Good neighbours in all.

DEFTLEFTHAND

Festy wrote: »

There is alot off alcoholics on boards tonight.

I'm feeling Supersonic give me Gin & Tonic.

suicide_circus

irishconvert wrote: »

Not a sup has passed my lips for 5 years! I do drink non-alcoholic lager though, still like the taste.

non alcoholic beers still contain like 0.5% alcohol

embee

I've found Irish people can be highly suspicious of a non-drinker. I haven't really drunk alcohol regularly since before I was pregnant in 2005. Mostly through choice, but I just don't have the cash to be honest. I often go out with friends, and I'll drive to and from the pub (another reason to not drink - I live in the middle of nowhere and taxis cost an absolute fortune!) and more often than not, I'll be interviewed at length as to why I'm not drinking.

"Have you college/placement in the morning?" ... no, I just don't want to drink.
"Oh, are you sick?" .... no, I just don't want to drink.
"You must be pregnant then!" ... no, not pregnant, I just don't want to drink.
"Ah, what's the matter that you aren't drinking?" .... back to square one, repeat to each person ad nauseum. I invariably become the designated driver, but I don't mind that.

I think, when I was in my 20's, I probably thought that there was something strange about my peers not drinking. I drank plenty whenever I did go out but that I suppose is the joy of being in your early 20's and well able to deal with hangovers. At the lofty age of 31, I drink probably 3-4 times a year if that. I don't miss it at all... I do find it curious that Irish people still, in this enlightened age, cannot understand the logic and/or motives of the non-drinker.

mackg

My only problem with drinking with a non drinker is if they are the camera carrying variety.

grenache

mariano rivera wrote: »

No wonder he was rolling his eyes

Beer dosnt taste nice

Fanta Tastes nice

Tea taste nice

Water tastes nice

etc.


Beer is there to get drunk. Your not meant too taste it!!!

such a load of bull$hit I've never read before. How old are you, 10?!!

Of course you're supposed to taste it!!! You clearly know little about beer.

Is it any wonder we have such a problem with alcohol in Ireland when immature clowns like you are in the majority.

Tombi!

embee wrote: »

I've found Irish people can be highly suspicious of a non-drinker. I haven't really drunk alcohol regularly since before I was pregnant in 2005. Mostly through choice, but I just don't have the cash to be honest. I often go out with friends, and I'll drive to and from the pub (another reason to not drink - I live in the middle of nowhere and taxis cost an absolute fortune!) and more often than not, I'll be interviewed at length as to why I'm not drinking.

"Have you college/placement in the morning?" ... no, I just don't want to drink.
"Oh, are you sick?" .... no, I just don't want to drink.
"You must be pregnant then!" ... no, not pregnant, I just don't want to drink.
"Ah, what's the matter that you aren't drinking?" .... back to square one, repeat to each person ad nauseum. I invariably become the designated driver, but I don't mind that.

I think, when I was in my 20's, I probably thought that there was something strange about my peers not drinking. I drank plenty whenever I did go out but that I suppose is the joy of being in your early 20's and well able to deal with hangovers. At the lofty age of 31, I drink probably 3-4 times a year if that. I don't miss it at all... I do find it curious that Irish people still, in this enlightened age, cannot understand the logic and/or motives of the non-drinker.

I met one person who didn't drink. Well two, actually. One just didn't want to drink and the other didn't like the taste of the drinks he had.

I find their choices to be perfectly logical.
On the other hand, they're constantly bombarded with puzzled looks and questions of "why don't you drink? What's wrong with you".
It is really the attitude of "you have to drink" on a night out that's baffling.

grenache

LaVail wrote: »

I think you're blowing this out of proportion op.

The Guards, paramedics and nurses in A&E staff on a Saturday night would disagree with you.

Mr Benevolent

Pottler wrote: »

Alcohol-free beer is like going down on your sister. It tastes the same, but deep down, you know it's wrong.

Not even close. It's like going down on the inflatable doll version of your sister.

Jimminy Mc Fukhead

A_Sober_Paddy wrote: »

No it was alcohol free of that I'm certain...

Non-alcoholic beer contains alcohol

eth0

Nothing like doing 150 on the motorway and taking a swig of alcohol free beer each time you pass out a car.

Or even stopped in traffic on a sunny day with the window half down take a swig. Mighty stuff. Shiny '12-D people carrier coming towards you with a yummy mummy, dad and 3 children in the car, take two swigs, make sure they can see you.

A_Sober_Paddy

suicide_circus wrote: »

OP with a name like 'a sober paddy' i'm guessing you're a militant tea-totaler and possible ex alcoholic who likes going round pontificating to people about their drinking habits. In short, the worst person to go to the pub with.

You should read the thread, I'm not an ex alcoholic nor a tea-totaler.

I've cut back on drinking since the turn of the year, I've drank alcohol on 5 occasions this year, and to be honest only 2 times was by my choice the other 3 three were pretty much me just giving in so I'd not have to listen to some of my mates(these are mates I'm currently phasing out)

@Jimminy Mc Fukhead
I'm also aware that alcohol-free beer still has a small amount of alcohol, lower levels than that found in root-beer which is sold has a soda in Oz, the States & Here in Ireland

hatrickpatrick

*sigh*
I don't drink a lot when I go out, many nights I never drink anything at all (Friday in Krystle for instance, didn't have one beer). It's because it brings out a depressed and angry w@nker in me, unfortunately, not a fun lad.
I don't, however, roll my eyes at other people who DO choose to get drunk.

Nothing wrong with deciding not to drink, just for the love of God don't develop a "superior" attitude about it.

why is everything a "damning indictment" lately

how about a damning indictment of our vocab

Pantsface

A_Sober_Paddy wrote: »

You should read the thread, I'm not an ex alcoholic nor a tea-totaler.

I've cut back on drinking since the turn of the year, I've drank alcohol on 5 occasions this year, and to be honest only 2 times was by my choice the other 3 three were pretty much me just giving in so I'd not have to listen to some of my mates(these are mates I'm currently phasing out)

@Jimminy Mc Fukhead
I'm also aware that alcohol-free beer still has a small amount of alcohol, lower levels than that found in root-beer which is sold has a soda in Oz, the States & Here in Ireland

you sound like too much fun

Enkidu

bluewolf wrote: »

why is everything a "damning indictment" lately

how about a damning indictment of our vocab

That response is a damning indictment of your attitude to After Hours.

ScumLord

irishconvert wrote: »

You must be a new drinker! After years of drinking beer it is nice to taste!

You have to become accustomed to the taste and most people probably wouldn't put the time into becoming accustomed if they weren't going to end up drunk at the end of it. It's also likely we come to like the taste because we associate it with becoming drunk.

If beer,wine or spirits didn't get us drunk we more than likely would never drink them because they don't really taste that nice to an untrained tongue. At best we look for the most palatable out of an unpalatable bunch.

cocktails, they're the business

BunShopVoyeur

mathepac wrote:

I'd estimate 5% of the drinking population, who unfortunately seem to have a damaging relationship with alcoholl

That is complete shît.

Grayson

I wouldn't think anything of a mate who ordered a coke or fanta. But for some reason I'd take the piss out of them if they drank a non alcoholic beer.
I work Saturdays which is a bit of a problem because everyone I know heads out on Fridays. I'll still head out, have a few pints and switch to coke about midnight. I'll be tired the next day, but not hungover.
I know plenty of drinkers who won't drink at all if they're working the next day (although they tend to leave early. Most pubs are not places you'd want to be if you were sober after midnight).

Still, none of us would order an alcohol free beer.

barry711

Maybe you ought to change the title to "Damning Indictment of my friends attitude toward Alcohol", as it currently suggests we all think like your mate does.

Pottler

Seeing as the Muslim population in Europe is booming (some are booming more than others, obvs, but they tend to just boom the once) will the attitude to bewz change/consumption go down I wonder?
OP, you should start hanging around with only Muslim friends, problem sorted - ye can head out together for a night of Bhangra and 7Up and no more gay jibes. See, I knew I'd come up with a simple solution. Just keep the conversation light, no politics, no war, deffo no religion. Maybe grow out the auld smeg a bit to blend in. If they try to convert you, just go along with it but profess an addiction to Denny skinless as the stumbling block - they have no answer to that one apparently. A great bunch of lads. Big on the sobriety thing - you know it makes sense. No need to thank me btw.:)