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Small-Scale Question Sunday for April 19, 2026

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.

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Do you drink alcohol? If so, how much and how often, and what's your age?

I'm mid 40s and I used to be a social drinker, but gave it up 2.5 years ago because the hangovers, even after 2 drinks, became atrocious. Even if I ate something, spread out the drinks, hydrated, etc. Of my greater social group, though, I'm the only one to give it up. I keep hearing about people drinking less, but no one I know among my age group has slowed down or given it up.

Early 40's. My drinking is social/event and sporadic. The thing is, I like drinking, but only to get drunk. I rather dislike the feeling of having 1-3 drinks. I like the taste, but I feel like I get little of the upside effects while still feeling enervated for the rest of the night. My idea amount would be a pint of whiskey over the course of an evening, culminating in a tall glass of water and then passing out.

The problem is that doing this basically ruins me for the next day. It's just not worth it any more.

The big exception is concerts of a certain exuberant, energetic variety. I get drunk enough to lose the perfect amount of inhibitions, but a few hours later I feel fantastic. I have absolutely no scientific basis for the claim whatsoever, but I feel like I sweat the alcohol out, or maybe it's just getting buried and swept away by other happy brain chemicals.

Most of my friends have quit or severely cut back, some for the post-40 hangover reasons, some for more serious medical concerns that justified cutting all things bad for them, and some in preference for legal THC.