Cannot tell you how much I loved this, Elizabeth! And, also, you are ME. And in more recent times, I have become so much more sensitive to 'substances' - even caffeine - meaning that if I have coffee or tea after noon I will be a gibbering, anxious wreck till 3 am. I gave up on trying pot many years ago as it did not agree with me at all.
Until VERY recently, I always enjoyed 2 glasses of wine each evening while I made dinner and loved the ritual. Never more, just a lovely, cherished time.
But guess what? I've had to admit to/notice lately that the alcohol has been impacting my sleep and really exacerbating anxiety later. I was extremely angry and frustrated about this (another simple pleasure being taken away with aging) but now a few weeks in, I am sleeping better and probably only as anxious as everyone else on the planet right now. This alone is reward enough. I think your "It’s all about our relationship with the cross-fade" is a brilliant observation.
Thank you for such a playful, yet helpful take on all this.
What a bright, valuable comment, Sue. Loving our solidarity but also very much appreciating the observations you've shared about how you are reacting differently to things you once enjoyed. As Darrell says below, I understand that marijuana is much stronger now than it was when we were kids. There's quite a bit of related info out there on that that I opted to not include. (The darn thing was long enough already!) But I think your realization of how these things interact with less-young body chemistry is a critical consideration that we should/could take more seriously.
I appreciate your input. I'll let you know if I shift any other habits as a result!
I remember with great fondness a time in graduate school when I smoked some dope, and spent the rest of the evening, laughing uproariously about everything that anybody said. I was in fact, the most entertaining person you have ever met. With that in mind, I was recently at a party where someone had something to smoke. I was looking forward to the hilarity. 20 minutes later, lying on the floor, so I wouldn’t pass out, it didn’t feel so funny. It is also very disappointing because it isn’t easy to find things to laugh about these days. I hear that the marijuana these days is much stronger than 50 years ago. That sounds about right to me.
Geez, Darrell -- I'm so relieved to know it's not just ME! You're right about the super-sized strength of what's out there these days. It sure seems to be playing out accordingly in my life. One sip of tea? Seriously?!
I hope this brought you a rare humorous moment for the day. Great to see you here.
My goodness, such a different world. I’m thankful to be a ‘boring’ Aussie country girl. I’ve had to give up caffeine due to my heart slowing to ridiculously low levels 90 minutes after a cuppa. (Thank goodness they make good decaf these days.) And I only have a wine🍷 every month or two as part of a nice outing. Weed? I don’t think I’ve run into any since the 70s or 80s! Ah well. A fascinating and somewhat educational read! Hugs from afar.
You are a wise soul, Beth, and thanks for your openmindedness. May your good habits bring you much longevity!
All the rumors you've heard about us renegade Americans are probably true. 🤣 It is a different situation here, what with the legalization of cannabis in so many states (but not federally). Thankfully, that's not a scene I need to learn to navigate at this point in my life.
So funny, these three exhibits. Really. Your conclusions about some replacing one habit for another to get through January.... interesting to consider. When I hear about Dry January, I think of it just like I think of other 30 day challenges (like not shaving all month) ... or like art challenges I might do....simply about the discipline of doing it more than it being something more life-altering. (I was honestly surprised to hear a 20-year old tell me this week that some of his 21-or-older friends were doing Dry January this year.)
You're right, of course, Amy. It's just a "thing" we either set our minds to do or not do. The difference, I think, is that in addition to the physical and mental drivers that come with things we eat and drink, there are also such strong cultural influences asking us to keep drinking. And now, with evidence that folks are switching teams, the marketing is leaning heavily in that direction. So many new products "infused" with cannabis-adjacent goodies.
In the research I did for this piece, there were studies suggesting that the 20-somethings were big into Dry January, and also the most likely group to substitute alcohol with another option, not necessarily always weed, but often.
We are a fascinating species! 😅 Thanks so much for the comment.
Cor! Elizabeth! You risk taker! I would never have thought! And I'm using EXhibits A, B and C as excellent warnings.
I must confess there have been times when I've had the late Terrier's CBD Oil in my hands when dosing him and wondering what it would be like. I've never had cannabis and given my reaction to most drugs (the medical sort), I seem to be one of those very reactive types, so I'm not sure I'll ever try. That said, toward end-of-life, if I have any terminal illness, I suspect I'll give it a go. Under supervision so I don't upset everyone by going ga-ga.
Alcohol? I gave it up many years ago after a gallbladder op and sepsis turned my liver reactive. I haven't missed it at all. Except visiting the tasting cellars amongst all the spectacular vineyards through our island. Somehow sitting there with a glass of water seems a bit ordinary.
But I shall never ever give up my addiction to chocolate. Ever!
I have to lean on Beth T's comment here, Prue. I think it is more of a cultural difference than personal. If anything, I'm "conservative" (I hesitate to even use the word) among many of my circles here, to the point that nothing I've ever done has felt especially risky. Not that it wasn't, based on how things went for me! As I understand it, alcohol still features prominently in Australian culture, and it does here, too. But now we've got relatively easy access to a new toy and people are playing, and trading one for the other, it seems.
Given your reactive tendencies, I don't blame you for steering clear of CBD as well. Though it's marketed as not psychoactive, its compounds still affect the body and mind, which is how it does what it's meant to do.
I hope you're not thinking *less* of me now, knowing what you know. 🤣 I'm glad we can be chocolate buddies, at least.
Not at all. Never. I hater pontificating judges. they bring out the rebel in me. We all had our youthful experiences, that's for sure.
Alcohol is as much a serial offender here in Oz as anywhere. I now see 40+ year olds hopelessly addicted and I feel sad. As sad as I do for smokers, having seen both parents die of that addiction. Then there's coke etc - all the smart drugs. Used openly. The police have a tuff time...
In my youth, dope was very new, coming in on the beginnings of the hippie era. I just wasn't inclined.
Chocolate and many other things - buddies forever.
I wondered how this piece would land with you, Switter, since I knew of your sobriety. And, I'll add here that I wondered for more than a minute if that was the right word. We tend to use it to mean that you are not its opposite, but in its true sense I think it simply means someone who is not experiencing the effects of drugs or alcohol at any moment. Anyway, I can't think of anything of much significance that you're missing in your reality, at least in so far as consumption is concerned.
I was grinning, of course, when I wrote it. For better or worse, I’m stuck being bulged-eye sober. As an old drunk I worked with when I was a kid once told me one hungover Monday morning coffee break, “I couldn’t live like you, boy. Right now is the best you are going to feel all day. I know I’m going to clear up and come on strong about quitting time, so I have something to look forward to and you don’t.”
Some deep research on getting high and going dry….I can relate to “It’s an inexpensive investment in the future of my attitude.”
Hardly drinking at all these days as an effort to keep the winter blues at bay, feeling it might stick even when the sun comes back again. It takes more than it gives of late.
I can’t smoke pot because of my job, but I asked my neurologist about it. He said “Well, it’s really only helpful with anxiety, pain, and sleep”. The holy trinity! Might have to dabble after I’m no longer a fly girl.
Not unlike you, I find my consumption of everything is dwindling, Eileen. The tools need to be updated to fit the current machine. Still, it interests me the many institutions upholding the use of alcohol but not marijuana. Years ago, when one of my kids was still in college, she dabbled on spring break in CA, then learned (was reminded) she'd have to undergo drug testing back home for placement with an internship in a Memory Care unit. I ended up on the phone with the dean of the school explaining that even if they wanted to make an example of my daughter, it was an issue the institution would have to reckon with. Because it was legal in the location where the dabbling took place. In some ways, we are a slow-turning ship, so the speed at which certain changes are taking place is that much more astounding.
Thank you for being part of the conversation.
p.s. She passed, or "passed," the test. We'll never know which.
I read this on the train last week and kept meaning to follow up with you. OHMYGOSH. Thank you for doing the research so I don't have to. When I was in college I dated a slightly older fella who had traveled around for a few years with a rock band (which, yes, does seem slightly out of character), and he would introduce me to his friends with, "Man, you are not going to believe this. Nicole... has never done drugs." And they would do a double-take, sore amazed.
Because my parents and siblings have struggled with addiction, I've never been tempted to try anything fun. My children have been known to say things like, "Sure, I will pour you a glass, but you know you won't finish it. Just have a sip of mine." I don't think of my abstinence as morally anything, just a fact of my life, and a fact of my post-mortal-peril need for medication that is contraindicated for alcohol consumption. (Or vice-versa? I never remember which way the contra and indicating work.) I do recall being at a very dark, low point, and thinking — okay. This is why people take drugs. To make this feeling go away.
ANYway. Thanks, as always, for your excellent story, and all the research that went into it. :-)
Makes so much sense, Nicole. Whatever examples there were in my family, I suppose they weren't close enough to me to generate cause for alarm, even if they should have. I appreciate the comment, learning a bit more about you, and that you found the research useful. Personally funded explorations be the best we get in the foreseeable future. 😬
Cannot tell you how much I loved this, Elizabeth! And, also, you are ME. And in more recent times, I have become so much more sensitive to 'substances' - even caffeine - meaning that if I have coffee or tea after noon I will be a gibbering, anxious wreck till 3 am. I gave up on trying pot many years ago as it did not agree with me at all.
Until VERY recently, I always enjoyed 2 glasses of wine each evening while I made dinner and loved the ritual. Never more, just a lovely, cherished time.
But guess what? I've had to admit to/notice lately that the alcohol has been impacting my sleep and really exacerbating anxiety later. I was extremely angry and frustrated about this (another simple pleasure being taken away with aging) but now a few weeks in, I am sleeping better and probably only as anxious as everyone else on the planet right now. This alone is reward enough. I think your "It’s all about our relationship with the cross-fade" is a brilliant observation.
Thank you for such a playful, yet helpful take on all this.
What a bright, valuable comment, Sue. Loving our solidarity but also very much appreciating the observations you've shared about how you are reacting differently to things you once enjoyed. As Darrell says below, I understand that marijuana is much stronger now than it was when we were kids. There's quite a bit of related info out there on that that I opted to not include. (The darn thing was long enough already!) But I think your realization of how these things interact with less-young body chemistry is a critical consideration that we should/could take more seriously.
I appreciate your input. I'll let you know if I shift any other habits as a result!
Totally snagging "less young" as a far superior adjective to the dreaded "senior" gah! Thanks for your reply xo
I remember with great fondness a time in graduate school when I smoked some dope, and spent the rest of the evening, laughing uproariously about everything that anybody said. I was in fact, the most entertaining person you have ever met. With that in mind, I was recently at a party where someone had something to smoke. I was looking forward to the hilarity. 20 minutes later, lying on the floor, so I wouldn’t pass out, it didn’t feel so funny. It is also very disappointing because it isn’t easy to find things to laugh about these days. I hear that the marijuana these days is much stronger than 50 years ago. That sounds about right to me.
Geez, Darrell -- I'm so relieved to know it's not just ME! You're right about the super-sized strength of what's out there these days. It sure seems to be playing out accordingly in my life. One sip of tea? Seriously?!
I hope this brought you a rare humorous moment for the day. Great to see you here.
My goodness, such a different world. I’m thankful to be a ‘boring’ Aussie country girl. I’ve had to give up caffeine due to my heart slowing to ridiculously low levels 90 minutes after a cuppa. (Thank goodness they make good decaf these days.) And I only have a wine🍷 every month or two as part of a nice outing. Weed? I don’t think I’ve run into any since the 70s or 80s! Ah well. A fascinating and somewhat educational read! Hugs from afar.
You are a wise soul, Beth, and thanks for your openmindedness. May your good habits bring you much longevity!
All the rumors you've heard about us renegade Americans are probably true. 🤣 It is a different situation here, what with the legalization of cannabis in so many states (but not federally). Thankfully, that's not a scene I need to learn to navigate at this point in my life.
Appreciate you chiming in.
So funny, these three exhibits. Really. Your conclusions about some replacing one habit for another to get through January.... interesting to consider. When I hear about Dry January, I think of it just like I think of other 30 day challenges (like not shaving all month) ... or like art challenges I might do....simply about the discipline of doing it more than it being something more life-altering. (I was honestly surprised to hear a 20-year old tell me this week that some of his 21-or-older friends were doing Dry January this year.)
You're right, of course, Amy. It's just a "thing" we either set our minds to do or not do. The difference, I think, is that in addition to the physical and mental drivers that come with things we eat and drink, there are also such strong cultural influences asking us to keep drinking. And now, with evidence that folks are switching teams, the marketing is leaning heavily in that direction. So many new products "infused" with cannabis-adjacent goodies.
In the research I did for this piece, there were studies suggesting that the 20-somethings were big into Dry January, and also the most likely group to substitute alcohol with another option, not necessarily always weed, but often.
We are a fascinating species! 😅 Thanks so much for the comment.
I think where I am, most young people probably started out with pot….
Interesting...the tides have turned.
Cor! Elizabeth! You risk taker! I would never have thought! And I'm using EXhibits A, B and C as excellent warnings.
I must confess there have been times when I've had the late Terrier's CBD Oil in my hands when dosing him and wondering what it would be like. I've never had cannabis and given my reaction to most drugs (the medical sort), I seem to be one of those very reactive types, so I'm not sure I'll ever try. That said, toward end-of-life, if I have any terminal illness, I suspect I'll give it a go. Under supervision so I don't upset everyone by going ga-ga.
Alcohol? I gave it up many years ago after a gallbladder op and sepsis turned my liver reactive. I haven't missed it at all. Except visiting the tasting cellars amongst all the spectacular vineyards through our island. Somehow sitting there with a glass of water seems a bit ordinary.
But I shall never ever give up my addiction to chocolate. Ever!
I have to lean on Beth T's comment here, Prue. I think it is more of a cultural difference than personal. If anything, I'm "conservative" (I hesitate to even use the word) among many of my circles here, to the point that nothing I've ever done has felt especially risky. Not that it wasn't, based on how things went for me! As I understand it, alcohol still features prominently in Australian culture, and it does here, too. But now we've got relatively easy access to a new toy and people are playing, and trading one for the other, it seems.
Given your reactive tendencies, I don't blame you for steering clear of CBD as well. Though it's marketed as not psychoactive, its compounds still affect the body and mind, which is how it does what it's meant to do.
I hope you're not thinking *less* of me now, knowing what you know. 🤣 I'm glad we can be chocolate buddies, at least.
Not at all. Never. I hater pontificating judges. they bring out the rebel in me. We all had our youthful experiences, that's for sure.
Alcohol is as much a serial offender here in Oz as anywhere. I now see 40+ year olds hopelessly addicted and I feel sad. As sad as I do for smokers, having seen both parents die of that addiction. Then there's coke etc - all the smart drugs. Used openly. The police have a tuff time...
In my youth, dope was very new, coming in on the beginnings of the hippie era. I just wasn't inclined.
Chocolate and many other things - buddies forever.
My system simply doesn’t tolerate drugs and alcohol. For better or worse, I’m stuck with reality.
I wondered how this piece would land with you, Switter, since I knew of your sobriety. And, I'll add here that I wondered for more than a minute if that was the right word. We tend to use it to mean that you are not its opposite, but in its true sense I think it simply means someone who is not experiencing the effects of drugs or alcohol at any moment. Anyway, I can't think of anything of much significance that you're missing in your reality, at least in so far as consumption is concerned.
Thanks for chiming in!
I was grinning, of course, when I wrote it. For better or worse, I’m stuck being bulged-eye sober. As an old drunk I worked with when I was a kid once told me one hungover Monday morning coffee break, “I couldn’t live like you, boy. Right now is the best you are going to feel all day. I know I’m going to clear up and come on strong about quitting time, so I have something to look forward to and you don’t.”
Some deep research on getting high and going dry….I can relate to “It’s an inexpensive investment in the future of my attitude.”
Hardly drinking at all these days as an effort to keep the winter blues at bay, feeling it might stick even when the sun comes back again. It takes more than it gives of late.
I can’t smoke pot because of my job, but I asked my neurologist about it. He said “Well, it’s really only helpful with anxiety, pain, and sleep”. The holy trinity! Might have to dabble after I’m no longer a fly girl.
Not unlike you, I find my consumption of everything is dwindling, Eileen. The tools need to be updated to fit the current machine. Still, it interests me the many institutions upholding the use of alcohol but not marijuana. Years ago, when one of my kids was still in college, she dabbled on spring break in CA, then learned (was reminded) she'd have to undergo drug testing back home for placement with an internship in a Memory Care unit. I ended up on the phone with the dean of the school explaining that even if they wanted to make an example of my daughter, it was an issue the institution would have to reckon with. Because it was legal in the location where the dabbling took place. In some ways, we are a slow-turning ship, so the speed at which certain changes are taking place is that much more astounding.
Thank you for being part of the conversation.
p.s. She passed, or "passed," the test. We'll never know which.
You are such a good mom. ♥️
'Besides, it’s a weeknight.'
🤣🤣🤣
I mean, boundaries, right? 😂
🤣
I read this on the train last week and kept meaning to follow up with you. OHMYGOSH. Thank you for doing the research so I don't have to. When I was in college I dated a slightly older fella who had traveled around for a few years with a rock band (which, yes, does seem slightly out of character), and he would introduce me to his friends with, "Man, you are not going to believe this. Nicole... has never done drugs." And they would do a double-take, sore amazed.
Because my parents and siblings have struggled with addiction, I've never been tempted to try anything fun. My children have been known to say things like, "Sure, I will pour you a glass, but you know you won't finish it. Just have a sip of mine." I don't think of my abstinence as morally anything, just a fact of my life, and a fact of my post-mortal-peril need for medication that is contraindicated for alcohol consumption. (Or vice-versa? I never remember which way the contra and indicating work.) I do recall being at a very dark, low point, and thinking — okay. This is why people take drugs. To make this feeling go away.
ANYway. Thanks, as always, for your excellent story, and all the research that went into it. :-)
Makes so much sense, Nicole. Whatever examples there were in my family, I suppose they weren't close enough to me to generate cause for alarm, even if they should have. I appreciate the comment, learning a bit more about you, and that you found the research useful. Personally funded explorations be the best we get in the foreseeable future. 😬