I’ve had a difficult time in growing up with being around people who drink to excess. In college, graduate school, and all through my 20s (and even 30s), I’ve known some people who have chosen to abuse alcohol. I’ve always felt uncomfortable when people drink to excess at a party. I’ve seen fights break out, arguments, and words being said that are regretted the next day.

I’ve felt most comfortable when I did not have to be around people drinking at a party. But unfortunately, many in America like to drink to excess. I’m all for people having the freedom to choose what they want to do, but I’m not in favor of their decisions affecting me.

Now when I’m out, I ensure that I have an exit plan. If I go to a party and people are there to get wasted and I see that there’s a potential for a fight or big argument, I make certain that I leave before any of those things happen.

The problem that I’ve found is that within a family there could be different opinions about alcohol. If you live with a family member who drinks more than you (and has a problem with alcohol), that’s a difficult problem to resolve.

What’s most important is that you need to decide what works best for you. Your relationship with alcohol is for you to decide and only you. If you want to drink or not drink, that’s your decision.

Problems arise when you’re in conflict with others. And that’s where you may not be able to come to an agreement with other members of your family.

When I was in my late teens, I grew up in an Italian family and was allowed to have a small glass of red wine at dinner. But at my friends’ house, they used to sneak alcohol from their parents’ liquor cabinets because they weren’t allowed to have any alcohol.

What you decide to do is up to you.

But beware that the struggle between you and others within your own household can be difficult.

Stay strong with what you believe in, take time to consider your decision, and work with what’s healthiest for you.

Like what you’ve read? Be sure to check out my other posts in my Let Go and Be Free blog.