Alcoholic Beverages
 

For someone with no serious health issues, and who has been drinking 3 to 4 alcoholic beverages every day for 60 years, does it really make any sense to quit? Opinions please.

Drink sensibly
 

No. If that's an honest statistic, in my opinion. Any DUIs on your driving record? Any stop-or-I'll-leave-you demands from spouse(s)? No, then why do you ask?

Winston Churchill started each day with booze and ended each day with booze, and he lived until age 90. If your body isn't telling you something's wrong, then enjoy your remaining years with a pop or two a day. Like when my doctor told me to eat less, I told him, at my age it's the only thing I still do well.

Somebody once told me that there are drinkers and there are alcoholics and there is a big difference.

But I don’t know the answer to the question. Maybe it is a matter of Can the person quit? v. Should the person quit? v. Why should the person quit?

Boomer

Tell me, what do you think?

Personally, I think it makes no sense, and could possibly be harmful. But, I don't know.

Here you go, RG123. You've opened up the flood gates for comments :)

Juice has too much sugar, coffee and tea have caffeine that is bad, decaf is done with chemicals which are bad, even bottled water is now bad so really what can you safely drink?

With respect, why would you ask a chat line group this question? If you are the drinker and your doctor told you to quit then there may be a reason to stop. Nobody here can possibly answer your question without a lot more information which you probably do not want to put out there.

I think I provided sufficient information for posters to express an opinion. To me, it is an interesting question.

I know I joke about being a drunk, but I knocked serious drinking on the head many moons ago.
I have the odd pint, and a glass of wine with dinner some nights.
My opinion is the less you imbibe as you age the better.
Brain and body slowing down anyway, no need to help it on its way.

Have you considered a breathalyzer test in mornings.
Have a friend who had a few beers each night, and got nicked for driving over the limit next day.
May surprise you what alcohol level you are driving under!

In my case my body has told me to cut down on drinking. Specifically my liver.

I stand corrected, it is an interesting question and should get some very interesting answers.

I used to enjoy a drink now and again until one very hot summer day I drank too much and ended up with a three day dry heaves episode. You will only understand how much I wanted to die if you have ever experienced the dry heaves. I no longer drink, even the smell of it turns my stomach.

Do you drink by yourself on a regular basis?

Have you ever had any alcohol-related problems - DUIs, arrests/legal issues, physical violence, accidents around the home, "the shakes", etc.?

Do you crave alcohol, or could you quit "cold turkey" if you wanted to - being 100% honest with yourself?

If it has not affected your health in any significant way, and you're always in control and show good judgement (not getting in the golf cart/car right after pounding 4 beers), I see no reason why you should quit.

Maybe you should test and see if you have any liver damage.

From Mayo:
As the liver becomes more severely damaged, more obvious and serious symptoms can develop, such as: yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice) swelling in the legs, ankles and feet caused by a build-up of fluid (oedema) swelling in your abdomen caused by a build-up of fluid known as ascites.

How do you get tested for liver damage?
Aspartate transaminase (AST).
What is the best indicator of liver damage?
Aspartate transaminase (AST).
An increase in AST levels may mean liver damage, liver disease or muscle damage. This test is sometimes referred to as SGOT.

You can trust me, I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

;)

Quitting would be harder than just cutting back. But at that age why, unless too many are constantly giving the person too much grief to deal with then maybe you just need to get different people.

answer is no why quit now.

I understand the body talking to you but specifically what did the liver say to you ?

The missing information would be why are you asking? Did your doctor tell you to cut back or quit? If so, why? Did your spouse/partner ask you to quit? If so, why?

If this is something that just came to you in the shower or on the treadmill, my answer would be that it probably doesn't matter at this point after 60 years, so do what you want, but disclaimer: Consult a medical professional and don't take medical advice from strangers on the internet, etc.

If you're pushing 80 and otherwise in good health, then why upset the applecart?

Alcoholics Anonymous - 10 Questions Are You An Alcoholic?
Do you lose time from work due to drinking?
Is drinking making your home life unhappy?
Is drinking affecting your reputation?
Have you felt remorse after drinking?
Do you crave a drink at a definite time daily?
Do you want a drink the next morning?
Do you drink alone?
Have you ever had a complete loss of memory as a result of drinking?
Is drinking jeopardizing your job or business?
Have you ever been to a hospital or institution on account of your drinking?
If you have answered YES to three or more of these questions, you have a definite problem with alcohol.

60 Years? Wow, that is some accomplishment. I would say you have great genes and are very lucky to have survived and with "no serious health issues". Also, if you have been drinking for 60 years, you obviously really enjoy it, so I would say pour yourself another. Cheers!

Quit for 30 days, see how you feel.

Follow DEWilsons advice…..

I passed your test. I knew a guy who drank beer, starting in the morning and he drank beer all day long. He must have drunk at least 50 beers per day. He died at 49 of liver cancer. I really felt sorry for the guy because he had no control over it. I also feel sorry for people who are addicted to smoking.

On this topic re drinking. Last night we had a discussion with friends re drinking in TV and they said bars are open until 2 or 3 am. I raised my eyebrows but didn’t want to say You must be wrong! Are they???

Well, it is not "my" test but the questions are good ones. It seems some people are predisposed to addictions whether it be alcohol, a substance, food, exercise, or other activity. Probably the last thing I would ever want to have to give up is my morning coffee.

At my age, I have learned moderation in ALL things is important. Listening to experts and following their advice is crucial. If you have been told to stop drinking by medical professionals, then do it. If you are healthy, drink alcohol in moderation. There is no sense in risking your health by consuming alcohol daily. There are other things that can bring you enjoyment. The key is to find a balance and knowing when to say, enough is enough. If you are drinking to be part of the crowd, ask yourself. Will they still like me if I do not drink? If the answer is no, you need to find a better group of friends. If you become ill, most likely they will lose your number and won't even send a get well card. You have ONE BODY, take care of it!

Since you haven’t gone without 3-4 drinks per day for so long you really don’t know how your body and mind will feel without alcohol. I would suggest you abstain for a month and see what it’s like. If you feel like you have more energy, sleep better, and think clearer without it than that’s your message. If you feel no difference, then why not continue with your routine? It’s really the only way to get the answer you’re looking for in my opinion.

Better hope it’s not moonshine?
Depends on how much proof in the drink and how tall the glasses are?

Any medical professional will probably tell you to stop drinking alcohol, cola’s, and watch sugar intake I would I imagine?

I’d say 3 is enough… :shrug:

Yes. Maybe not totally quit, but a simple Google search will show multiple medical sources advising consuming less alcohol than this. It affects your sleep /sleep quality, your very vital liver, and lots of other things. Not worth the risks..

Some interesting science. https://youtu.be/DkS1pkKpILY?si=PyRUIklGt3ibtJo7

Quitting alcohol completely would probably do no harm and may increase your life span. Continuing to consume alcohol at that rate is likely to be somewhat harmful and may shorten your life. If any of that matters to you then the wise choice is to quit alcohol. If that does not matter to you then continue.

I grew up in a neighborhood, where putting an 8 hour shift in a bar was normal, it was a place to hang out.
The only question that should determine if you should stop or not is if you enjoy it or you need it.
If you enjoy it especially after 60 years, I don't see any reason to stop.
On the other hand, if you need it there is a problem, that is an addiction.
I lost three friends, two to alcohol and one to drugs.

Quick question…..what color is your golf cart so I can get the hell out of your way !

“Dry January “

It sounds like you have great genetics! If you’re drinking daily, and haven’t had a serious illness yet, that’s remarkable. Of course people “drink” differently. A white wine spritzer with ice is different than a Martini!

So, many people try to cut back or eliminate alcohol using a current trend I’ve read about called Dry January.

BTW I’ve picked up on another trend recently, with 0 alcohol liquor. I tried the 0 proof wines that have been around for awhile and they were awful. However, I tried a couple of new 0 proof liquors with better results. Tried the “tequila alternative” recently, mixed it with lime juice, triple sec and it tasted good. These are premium products and go for $27 to $34 each. You can also cut back on alcohol by using these along with a reduced amount of alcohol.

Anyway, Cheers to a happy 2024!

“Dry January” etc.
 

It sounds like you have great genetics! If you’re drinking daily, and haven’t had a serious illness yet, that’s remarkable. Of course people “drink” differently. A white wine spritzer with ice is different than a Martini!

So, many people try to cut back or eliminate alcohol using a current trend I’ve read about called Dry January.

BTW I’ve picked up on another trend recently, with 0 alcohol liquor. I tried the 0 proof wines that have been around for awhile and they were awful. However, I tried a couple of new 0 proof liquors with better results. Tried the “tequila alternative” recently, mixed it with lime juice, triple sec and it tasted good. These are premium products and go for $27 to $34 each. You can also cut back on alcohol by using these along with a reduced amount of alcohol.

Anyway, Cheers to a happy 2024!

It will increase your chance of cancer. Especially if you eat a standard American diet.

7 Sobering Facts About Alcohol’s Link to Cancer | Phelps Health

Three Things to Know

Alcohol has been linked to breast, colorectal, esophagus, liver, mouth, throat and larynx cancers.
Alcohol can damage the DNA in your cells and prevent the body from repairing the cells, which can lead to cells growing out of control.
The best way to reduce your risk of cancer is not to drink alcohol at all.

“Dry January” is an actual thing, why not try it with a new set of 30 days and see what happens.

What has prompted you to ask this question- after 60 years. Did you ever ask this question prior to asking it here? If so, why did you ask it then? So, did you ask this here simply because you are curious- or did someone tell you that you drink too much so you are hoping to get a lot of, "You're OK" answers here?

Heavy Alcohol Use (as defined by National Institutes of Health):

NIAAA defines heavy drinking as follows:
For men, consuming five or more drinks on any day or 15 or more per week
For women, consuming four or more on any day or 8 or more drinks per week
SAMHSA defines heavy alcohol use as binge drinking on 5 or more days in the past month.

Drinking Levels Defined | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

At the 4 drinks per day you claim to limit yourself to, you drink about 2x the amount considered problem drinking. In 60 years you have consumed approx. 600,000 drinks. If your daily consumption is actually closer 5 or 6 drinks that number jumps up to 900,000. You didn't say what you drink, but if each drink averages $2 you have spent $1.2 Million - $1.8 Million on your habit.

Why have I made taken the time to do all this math? I think there was a reason you came here to ask. And I think that somewhere in my long comment you may find an answer.

Yes as no one should be drinking 3-4 alcoholic beverages per day.