Designated Driver
For those who choose not to drink.
The Infinite Loop of Drinking and Depression
I've struggled with depression for pretty much my entire life. Over the years I feel as though I've gotten better at managing it but I suppose the disappointing reality is that it still feels ever present and part of me wonders if I will spend the rest of my life feeling this way.
Brandon KrogelPublished 7 years ago in ProofThe Destructive Nature Of Alcohol
I feel like alcohol rarely gets the recognition it deserves as one of the most destructive and detrimental creations to ever affect the human race. Maybe there's a reason for that. Booze is sneaky. It can spill into your life little by little and before you know it, you're drowning.
Brandon KrogelPublished 7 years ago in Proof- Top Story - June 2017
10 Things I Learned from 30 Days of Not Drinking
Mocktails will save your life. As a casual wine drinker (it's 5 o'clock somewhere), I had to immediately find a substitute beverage for my evenings and social events. Sparkling water became my go-to, either alone or with juices and fresh or frozen fruit (still served in a wine glass for old times' sake). La Croix and cranberry-apple is my staple, but don't forget about smoothies and any (virgin) summer cocktail. When out at the bars, soda water and a lime will keep anyone from asking you where your drink is.
Brooklyn HughesPublished 7 years ago in Proof Signs You Need to Stop Drinking
Have you ever met someone who never seemed to be fully sober? They may have an overall cloud of melancholy around them, may have health problems that involve alcohol as a root of the problem, and are generally just not doing too well. Straight up, most of the people who are like this are addicted to alcohol.
Rowan MarleyPublished 7 years ago in ProofHow To Handle A Drunk Friend
If you've been following my writing, then you know I'm a party animal. Though many people would say that partying isn't good for you, I'll beg to differ. I think that partying has a lot to teach you – particularly when it comes to social skills.
Skunk UzekiPublished 7 years ago in ProofAlcohol Addiction: Mental Disease or Choice?
As I reach for my third water bottle within the hour to cure my killer hangover, I think back to the vague events of the night before. I scroll through my camera roll at the numerous pictures taken to help my memory. Cheeks pressing together with big smiles pass by, live photos capture stumbling dancers. The next photo is one of me by myself, and from the first glance at my eyes, low and red, I get an intrusive thought, one that has haunted me for years: Am I becoming my father’s daughter? After a decade of watching his internal battle with alcohol addiction, I have suppressed numerous lingering questions that have perplexed my subconscious. The one that stumps me the most, may be the most significant one to find an answer to: Is alcohol addiction a choice or a disease?
Taylor FlahertyPublished 7 years ago in ProofComing Out...As An Alcoholic
Over the years, I had given a lot of thought to quitting drinking. The first thing that troubled me about it was the word “alcoholic,” and, worse, having to admit that I was one. I had a problem with its connotation. In my mind, alcoholics were the people that drank the mouthwash under their sink for a buzz. That wasn’t me. Plus, as long as I didn’t drive after drinking, to me that counted as drinking responsibly.
Brooklyn HughesPublished 7 years ago in ProofWhat to Do When You’re the Only One Not Drinking
I hate being the only one not drinking. I hate the awkward silences and muffled whispers when you announce your sobriety for the night and people awkwardly start to shuffle away from you. I mean, you would want to distance yourself from a weirdo too right? That’s exactly how my thought process used to be... Until I actually tried being the only one not drinking.
Aaliyah WilliamsPublished 7 years ago in Proof