Alcohol ?

[ghstlght74]

Question. . .why does it seem that rampant alcoholism is commonplace amongst the gay community??

Comments

[lost_logic]

Insecurities. Taking a fun privilege and abusing it. Interesting question

[ghstlght74]

Thank you. . .and btw I might be in Orlando next weekend to visit family. I'll keep you abreast.

[skeelig]

I don't think it's just in the gay community. It's in the straight community just as much (if not more). Here in Rochester there is an entertainment district that probably has a total of 15-20 bars and that entire section of the city is PACKED all weekend long.

I personally don't think it's alcoholism, but just the consumption of alcohol. And a lot of people enjoy it and partake in it. And I guess it's fine in moderation, but I personally don't drink and never plan on it. Which like you've said in some comments, makes it hard to find social activities that don't involve it. People go on wine tastings, wine bars, bars, attend dinner parties with alcohol, house parties with alcohol, etc. It's just a big thing I guess. There's really not a lot to do that doesn't involve alcohol at all... movies... coffee shops (though that's changing to where coffee shops are now offering beers and alcohol as well), and uhmmmm... mini golf?!? :P

Now what was my point? I ferget :P

[ghstlght74]

But I enjoy movies, coffee shops, and mini golf. *smirks*

*BIG HUGS*. . .I luv you.

[ex_stormwin]

I think Dan touched upon it, but I think it's less a problem of actual alcoholism than it is of alcohol fueling the gay social scene. Basically, to be social and mingle with the gay crowd, more often than not you have to go to the bars.

[ghstlght74]

Which would probably explain why I haven't been to a bar in over a year and a half. . . .and why I haven't had any actual physical interaction with any gay men in the same time period. *shrugs*

*BIG HUGS* wuv you too

[khrysso]

Alcohol is the cheapest, most accessible, and most social acceptable drug with which to self-medicate emotional pain, which continues to exist in the gay world in spades.

[ghstlght74]

Thank You!! That actually is very understandable and perfectly logical.

[leolz]

This is just plain ridiculous. People drink alcohol for many different reasons, just as people do drugs for many different reasons. Some are healthy and some are not. I do know from personal experience because I have been a drug abuser (not addict, there's a difference). You could never understand because as I can see on your profile, you've never been down that road. It's not uncommon in people from academia such as yourself

[better_angel]

I'm not saying that your message is wrong or that your intentions weren't clear, but they would both be more powerful (and perhaps more well-received which I hope was a goal of yours) if you refrained from referencing a person's academic background (to the degree that it limits his ability to perceive reality) and his geographical location (to the degree that it narrows his world view). One could argue that urban dwellers are immune to the struggles of rural gays, but that argument (like yours) does nothing to support your message.

I don't think anyone can argue that only the abuser or addict himself can change his situation. But there's nothing wrong with reaching out for moral support or a shoulder to cry on along the way. Just because the author of this post is in a different place than you are now does not mean that he's unwilling or unable to, as you say, "buck up."

[better_angel]

I disagree; I think it's commonplace everywhere, but gays are perhaps not inclined to hide it as much. (We have to hide enough as it is...)