Cultural consumption patterns

[vinceconaway]

I was very strict on my intake. At least one day, weekly, without consuming, and a minimum three-day break every month. Then a dental problem with TMJ meant I couldn't have it anymore.

I miss caffeine. But what strikes me is that when I described taking six days off every month from coffee people would look at me strangely, but if I describe drinking alcohol 24 days of the month I sound like I have a problem.

This despite the fact that I've never gotten a headache from lack of alcohol, never been unable to get out of bed without it. I wonder if our cultural stigma pattern is based on work, where alcohol is seen as an indulgence while caffeine is an enabler. I wonder if it's because our culture has seen a lot more trauma from alcoholism since its later stages are far more problematic. I wonder if I have a drinking problem, even though I'm very rarely tipsy.

But I'm Louisiana so I'm in good company; I'll worry about that in Ohio.

Comments

[horsetraveller.livejournal.com]

I just watched a documentary about the history of the British Empire. One of the things they mentioned was the new consumption pattern of British people mixing sugar with caffeine (tea and coffee) plus tobacco, all these things were having a much different effect on people than beer, which is all they had before international trade. Maybe part of the industrial revolution was fuelled by these new drugs (and counting sugar as a drug).

[vconaway.livejournal.com]

That's a really interesting observation and I wouldn't be surprised.

[horsetraveller.livejournal.com]

Someone made a comment once about Americans totally thinking you are mad if you don't have a drivers license.

You've probably found another thing that people expect everyone does.

I've learned how to make the appropriate conversation, especially the days I keep working after working in the night. I like the taste of coffee and I like drinking it in the morning and the usual times but I don't really notice it "waking me up" like people talk about.
(Sometimes I find myself not falling asleep so I try to be careful abut having coffee before bed)

I'm sorry you had to stop caffeine for health reasons. Is tea forbidden as well? (if you ever liked tea)

[vconaway.livejournal.com]

I loved tea, but I'm off all caffeine for the forseeeable future.

[vconaway.livejournal.com]

I'm not so sensitive however, that I can't have decaffeinated earl gray or coffee

[horsetraveller.livejournal.com]

It's helpful that you can have some things. I basically like hot sweet drinks, but it's easier to ask for things that other people also drink. Decaf coffee seems to be reasonably available.

[vconaway.livejournal.com]

It's definitely helpful, and still has all the comforting little rituals