In Italy their first taste of alcohol is at the dining room table with the family having wine, a sip or a gulp. Or giving your baby boy a beer for a photo or just to see him sip like a big boy. It’s very hard for some families, people, to understand what could be the consequences of that first sip. It is also very hard for some to see the effects of alcohol when it doesn’t affect them directly. It’s a complicated disease that many do not fully understand.
My first taste of alcohol was at the age of 9. My grandparents, mom and dad and I were at a lake having so much fun. Dad was chasing my stepmom around the picnic table trying to capture her to throw her in the lake. My grandfather was enjoying his beer laughing as they ran around, yelling, get er Bob, get er! My Nan and I were also laughing and encouraging my mom to run away! As we sat and watched, my Nana turned to me and asked if I wanted to taste a little cherry brandy. Of course I said yes, If she was drinking it it must be good, but I also knew that there was alcohol in it, Something kids can’t have. An adult drink. I tried it but I can’t remember if I liked it or not, I just knew it was wrong. I never had another drink until grade 9. It was wine of course. White wine. I felt exhilarated, free, and so much more alive.
As I got older and more comfortable with it, with the feeling, I loved it. I was having so much fun! I wasn’t shy anymore, I could engage in conversations and meet new people. Blah blah blah right.
So my question is, did that one drink set the stage? Did it leave a taste for more at that age? I liked it then but I was a child so when I was older and knew I liked it did that make me indulge more?
I don’t think so, but I know it is not wise for my grandmother to offer me alcohol at age 9.
What are your thoughts.
This is Being Me Sober
Being Me Sober 
I remember my dad drinking beer and watching TV. I might have been 8 or 9, too. I snuck a drink and thought it was the worst-tasting stuff I’d ever had! Why would anyone want to drink that!? Then, in high school, someone brought brandy. I had a taste of that too. Same reaction. Then vodka. It wasn’t until I was 19 that it really took hold, and I realized how “fun” it could be. I, too, was shy, and alcohol gave me courage. Borrowed courage, but courage nonetheless. It was wonderful, until it wasn’t.
But, back to those first drinks… I do think it leads up to it becoming an acquired taste. You see how fun it is for everyone else, so you end up drinking it until it doesn’t taste that bad. The reality, though, is that stuff is gross… it’s poison. I’m glad I’m sober now.
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I remember drinking my dads as well. Yuck! Hahahahaa. Thank you for taking the time to read my post! Thanks for sharing 😊 Stay sober!
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