Originally Posted by proskuneho

First, read these articles that begin to make my point for me.

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/ma...cant-taxi.html

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/ha...ng-pilots.html

Wow.
I understand that many people think that drinking is a stress reliever. I can enjoy A drink also, but I am responsible about it. Some alcohol is enjoyable in moderation, but why waste your life getting drunk? I used to party hard and I even "won" several drinking contests. (Wow, I should have been so proud.)
But then one day about 45 minutes after 18 shots of Jack Daniels in a 10 minute contest, I had an epiphany! As I bowed before the porcelain throne of a college dorm bathroom and my insides were nearly rejected, I thought, "Why am I here? Is this supposed to be fun? There has to be more to life than this!" That was 13 years ago.
Well, there IS too much to life to waste away in a drunken stupor. Pilots are supposed to be known for good judgment. Why would I ever put myself in a position where my judgment is compromised?
We all had basic training on aeromedical factors. Remember a little thing called hystotoxic hypoxia? Remember a little detail from high school health class called alcohol poisoning? Getting drunk overloads your liver, kills brain cells, and lowers inhibitions.
Life is too precious. There are better ways to have fun - fun that doesn't ruin your life, the lives of those who love you, or the lives of anyone else.