Originally posted by dottewellSwitch to vodka - the drink of champions!
After another drunken blunder (game in progress, can't post link) it is time for me to sacrifice one or the other.
Chess - fun, stimulating, meet players from all over the blah blah blah.
But drink... How could I ever leave you, dear friend?
Originally posted by dottewellAre you an alcoholic for whom drink is ruining your life? Stop drinking. Otherwise stop chess.
After another drunken blunder (game in progress, can't post link) it is time for me to sacrifice one or the other.
Chess - fun, stimulating, meet players from all over the blah blah blah.
But drink... How could I ever leave you, dear friend?
Such a dilemma--sort of like giving up fishing or sex. It raises the question whether there is any reason to continue the charade. You should admit yourself to a mental hospital immediately, or an alcohol treatment program.
There is never a good reason to give up chess. But, some folks should give up drink--pity them.
Alcohol, hmmm? Well, I personally do not think alcohol and chess go together. To make a long story short, alcohol destroyed my career, and it forced me to withdraw from classes three courses shy of a Masters of Arts in English literature. My step-father was a raging alcoholic pharmacist. My real father was an alcoholic, too. Since the age of 25 until now - I'm 34 - I have seen alcohol leave my life in a wreck at times where I thought I would never bounce back. So far, I've been clean and sober for nearly 100 days. I feel better. I see life and the chess board much clearer now. Alcohol does nothing but make people dependent on a feeling that doesn't long last. Eventually, we should ask ourselves, "Can't life be fun without a temporary panacea?" If you're an alcoholic, there is help out there. Chess, beer and life DOES NOT mix. It destroys a generally good person's life! It bestows a false sense of pride and makes you look like a fool while all along making you think you're God's gift to this world. No, Chess and booze do not mix. Just something for thought. A piece of wisdom from a retired drunk.
p.s. I also had a very beautiful lady friend in high school die in an alcohol related automobile accident. Alcohol? Oh, it is so fun to drink! Her parents are recluses now and never come out of their house - never! They're wealthy but they would give anything monetary to have their daughter - Shannon - back home in their arms. But, today, Shannon is in the cemetary and her only bed is soil to which she returned. I still remember her smile like it was yesterday. Long beautiful blond hair. Pretty blue eyes. We studied for our Senior English Exam in her home. We were friends, nothing more. I soon realized - after she died - how life is such a very fragile thing and you can lose it at anytime. One day you're smiling, the next day you're dying.
Originally posted by powershakerEx-drinkers are as notorious as ex-smokers for their holy crusades. Please remember that not all who imbibe are as unable to function as you may have found in your experience. Some of us smoke, drink, and sin in other ways without ever giving in to excess (or at least not since that first year of college--when straight shots of vodka, bags of Doritos, and one midnight donut left me passed out on the sidewalk in front of the donut shop).
Alcohol, hmmm? Well, I personally do not think alcohol and chess go together. To make a long story short, alcohol destroyed my career, and it forced me to withdraw from classes three courses shy of a Masters of Arts in English literature. My step-father was a raging alcoholic pharmacist. My real father was an alcoholic, too. Since the age of 25 unti ...[text shortened]... gile thing and you can lose it at anytime. One day you're smiling, the next day you're dying.
Originally posted by WulebgrThat is true, also. I agree with you that there are other sins. We're not judging anyone here. We're just discussing the millions of lives alcohol has destroyed. 🙂 I'm on no holy crusade. I do go to an occasional AA meeting, but there's nothing wrong with that at all. A lot of good retired drunks go to AA, too. They help people help themselves. Nothing wrong with that, do you think? And other people who "imbibe" are not me. If someone can't drink one glass of wine or one beer and stop without feeling completely miserable like I do, then good for them! But, that's just not me. I know my limitations and within those limitations I can become stronger. I do warn though that in college I imbibed in alcohol greatly, suddenly to have it lock on to me in my late 20s. Many alcoholics start drinking in college. At first, there's no notice of a problem. You're young and your liver can handle it! Smashed the night before the final exam and still pass!? I've done it! But, eventually, it locks on to you. You begin to depend on an empty feeling.
Ex-drinkers are as notorious as ex-smokers for their holy crusades. Please remember that not all who imbibe are as unable to function as you may have found in your experience. Some of us smoke, drink, and sin in other ways without ever giving in to excess (or at least not since that first year of college--when straight shots of vodka, bags of Doritos, and one midnight donut left me passed out on the sidewalk in front of the donut shop).
In the long term, the chess is going to be better for your health. Mental stimulation will improve your chances of keeping your wits as you get older/decrease your chances of dementia.
Drinking in low quantities has some health benefits, but if you're having large enough amounts to affect your chess, chances are you're having too much alcohol for the health benefits to outweigh the health risks. You're not doing your brain any favours, not to mention your liver.
Ultimately, only you can decide the priorities here. If you seriously want to give up drink though, despite the enjoyment it gives you, then get support.