speaking of alcohol

I've made the decision to avoid social drinking for a while. This is
because I found myself happily spending time at a friend's house not
just for the company, but also out of a "need" to get plastered. I
do not appreciate this desire to drink solely for its fuzz-inducing
properties. Once in a while it can be fun, and I enjoy the
incredulous comments some people make when I inadvertently
demonstrate the ability to "hold liquor." I won't dispute these
things. But with alcoholism on both sides of my family, I need to
set myself straight: Any time I feel a "need" to drink is a very
good time to avoid drinking altogether. Especially when I'm well
aware of a decent element of stress. Which I was encountering at
work for a good while there.

Awareness, I reflect, is a very good thing to have of one's familial
history. Armed with this knowledge, I hope that I'll always be able
to enjoy the taste of my favourite alcoholic beverages without worry
of turning into an irresponsible blemish on the face of my life. If
I ever head in that direction, God, I hope someone informs me of it
in time and that I listen!

~nv