DeadJerusalem

In my mind alcohol and drug use are really similar to religion in that they're both ways for people to avoid having to deal with reality. What are your thoughts?

I can count the number of times i've been drunk on one hand and can't say it's ever been enjoyable. I just can't stand having anything stopping me from thinking clearly, it's the ultimate violation. The only thing i've found beneficial to it is that it makes being around drunks slightly more tolerable.

My idol, and fellow atheist, Penn Jillette claims to have never tried alcohol or any drugs. He also says that if he goes out to dinner with someone and they even order a glass of wine he'll get up and leave. I dont think i'm going to go to that extreme but i often feel close to it.

I'm still sorta trying to figure out what my own position on the whole thing is, so more opinions and points of view would be great.

dementedspork

I agree with you. Even though everything goes away for a while, when youre sobered up, you not only have to deal with reality again, but also a nasty hangover, so it makes reality even worse. Kind of pointless if you ask me.

George

Nothing wrong with casual drinking in my opinion.

In fact people who can actually be casual drinkers without letting it become a habit are often people who are in confident and in control of their lives. It's the weak ones who let it control them, again in my opinion.

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rowan

I think it's not just a reality avoidance issue, but an addiciton issue as well. I've seen many, many people who get sober and become addicted to religon instead. Or give up gambling and go to church. It's all a crutch for those unable to live their life on their own terms, in my opinion.

George

Very well said.

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mplltt

religion = crowd + control (?)

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Thank you, I am impressed that you are forgiving enough to approach this line of reasoning.

mtatum4496

I'm with George, in that a little something to drink is typicall okay. An exception would be someone who knows he or she has a predilection to alcoholism.

It's been years since I got drunk. Didn't like the way I felt while I was drunk, and didn't care for the way I felt the next day. When your hair hurts and you feel the need to comb your tongue (provided you can get that layer of Siran Wrap you are wrapped in loose), it is time to re-evaluate your alcohol consumption.

George

Ahh college days

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LadyLuck

hmmmm random???

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Vfr

Sure people escape through religious fantasy. Isn't it much easier to fantasize about something else than stay in the hear and now? I try and catch myself when I practice this escapism and work to bring my thoughts back to the present. Whenever the fantasy starts I check to see what I am escaping from? Why do I fixate on something else instead of where I'm at? Practicing mindfulness of the present moment as part of a Buddhist practice has helped.


You see, many people do with religion and their religious fixations the same as the compulsive gambler does with their fantasy.

Excerpt From: Gamblers Anonymous pamphlet "The dream world of a compulsive gambler." A lot of time is spent creating images of great and wonderful things they are going to do as soon as they make "the big win."... No one can convince them that their great schemes will not come true. They believe they will, for without this dream world, life for them would not be tolerable.