Why I’m not ashamed of being a ‘great drunk’

Booze has been getting its fair share of bad press lately, and I’ve found myself feeling slightly defensive of it. In the shift from December to the new year, it transforms – in most of the nation’s eyes – from social lubricant and fun-facilitator into liver-rotting Satan juice and something that would be considered poison if it were discovered now.

Many people carry on their Dry-Jan-ness into the following months, which is totally fair enough. There’s plenty of truth in alcohol not exactly being the best thing for you – and for many, being sober is far preferable and more sensible than not. I for one know some people who certainly don’t suit being drunk, or struggle to control their drinking. Additionally, addiction is a gruelling and harrowing thing, and sobriety is admirable – for those who choose or fight for it.

But those of us who don’t switch to teetotal are being constantly reminded of the myriad evils of alcohol and shamed for not being able to enjoy life without it. To say drinking has been demonised lately is an understatement.

That’s why I felt slightly vindicated to hear my thoughts echoed in author Caroline O’Donoghue’s live special of her podcast Sentimental Garbage, in which she and Dolly Alderton lament that there’s just not enough credit for the good – or even “great” – drunks out there.

“Yes, substance addiction is a really serious thing”, says Alderton, “and those stories must be told. But there’s also this majority experience which I think isn’t told enough, which is, some of it’s good, some of it’s bad, you learn your boundaries, you push it too far, you bring it back. And then it becomes this brilliant, therapeutic, joyful thing in your life.”

I felt seen, in the way that Alderton often makes twentysomething to fortysomething women feel seen – and that I don’t actually have to feel shame around enjoying a good old-fashioned drink. If anything, being able to enjoy alcohol and not feel that it brings any real detriment to my life is something to celebrate.

From getting very drunk off “borrowed” white wine with my cousins at the ripe old age of 14, and nailing cider in vast quantities throughout my teens, to pretending I know more about wine than I do (one drink I do think we should ban is the test sip at the start of a restaurant meal), I’ve learnt my limits and what suits me; beer is fun, prosecco is funner, and gin will probably make me cry. I’m lucky enough that it doesn’t make me angry or violent, and I’m good at staying in control.

I’ve got booze to thank for so many great memories and conversations – so many times when my friends and I have been able to open up to each other. Distant family gatherings go from awkward to convivial. Silly antics that just wouldn’t occur if all were sober. Hangovers on the sofa, when everything is hilarious and everything tastes delicious. Silly dancing, parties, festivals, holidays and weddings. The camaraderie of getting through a long day after a big night. Cold lager in the sun, mulled wine in the cold, and Guinness all year round. Indeed, life is still fun without booze, but I’m not afraid to say I find it more fun with.

I thought the advantages of booze would surely all be social and psychological, but apparently moderate drinking is linked to surprising health benefits, from regulating blood sugar to reducing heart disease. But it’d be a lie to say this is why I’m defending drinking, or that I always drink in moderation.

I find my friends funnier, I find myself funnier, I enjoy music more, I can chat for hours, and I can’t fathom karaoke/weddings/office parties/first dates without it.

I’d like to make it clear that I’m not trying to glamourise alcohol or undermine addiction and health issues. These are very real things. I’d just like to raise a glass to those of us who consider ourselves great drunks.

If you or somebody you know is struggling with issues relating to alcohol, you can call Drinkline, the national alcohol helpline, for free on 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm). For more resources, please refer to the NHS alcohol support page here