I still drink, but basically limit it to beer (and usually a preservative-free one like Labatts). Sometimes may have vodka mixed with something I know is safe for me, like lite gatorade, but as vodka tends to have a “hit me later” reaction for me now days, I don’t drink it much any more. I would stay away from all those sweet/artifical mixes and definitely the iced tea vodka. I tried that and it put me into a MAV- back slide for weeks. Doc said it was because of the tea (caffeine), artificial coloring, and just drinking too much of it - lol. I also recently tried a new drink called BLAST put out by Colt 45. It is a malt liquor by definition and very sweet and while uses some natural flavoring, has artifical coloring. I only tried it as a sample in the store (ok, had more than a sample because I made friendly with the person!) but by the time I went home later, I was spinning and feeling totally out of it (brain fog/removed) and not because I had a buzz. Too bad because it tasted good and does have high alcohol content and would give you a quick buzz, but damn, that stuff scared me! As for wine, only do some white zinfindel occasionally. And yes, I too have to keep in mind how much I drink due to the meds I take. Very important.
— Begin quote from “Victoria”
A Margaret River sem sauv bla. Not the bestest drop but it’s got alcohol in it so…you know…does the trick!
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— End quote
la-de-dah madam :lol:
Hi everyone…
I realise I’m reviving an old thread but I wondered how many people enjoy a drink now and again with MAV? This stems from an evening out last night - first “night out, out” for a long time (years) me and the girls went into town and everyone was drinking cocktails… I really wanted to let my hair down but I still dont dare drink alcohol! Which in a night club is very odd…
I handled the strobe lighting and people bumping into me fairly well loud music, even danced a little which was a little awkward stone cold sober! I dont want to be a party pooper and am eager to have fun again.
Any tips for someone who hasn’t drank alcohol for maybe 7yrs…
If you’re going to have a drink, invite a trusted girlfriend over to your place for dinner and have white wine. Keep it to one or two. Make no plans for the next day. Don’t do it if your thresholds are low and avoid every trigger you can. The club is the worst possible setting.
I gave up all alcohol six years ago when my symptoms spiraled out of control, and it became very obvious that alcohol was a trigger. I occasionally miss it but overall abstinence has been a positive in my life. Still, if I felt I could safely drink I’d be right back to my daily cocktail or glass of wine in a heartbeat.
I’ve experimented with non-alcoholic beers – they’re not fabulous, but IMO the German varieties are the best. Many bars and restaurants carry them if you ask. If not, I order sparkling water, and no one is the wiser.
With a lime. 
Once I was more stable, shortly after starting Ami, I had the odd drink or two, with only an increase in tinnitus. Try to avoid hangovers though!!!
Thank you everyone…
As you can imagine when MAV struck I was very young and having a social life was the be all and end all at that time. When I decided not to drink anymore it was for the good of my health although I never really over did it.
I have tried the Becks Blue and Heineken alcohol free and they’re a convincing substitute its just my friend is getting married next year and Id like to be able to have a glass of wine for the toast and it not be a massive deal for me. @flutters Emily thanks for your imput! I think I’ll try your suggestion… maybe a small white wine spritzer? Last time I tried a shandy with fosters larger my lips felt a little numb? 
Reading your post sat in a bar drinking red wine 
I think the issue is more the sugar content than the alcohol but the quality you get in a club is worth avoiding anyway. If I go ‘out out’ I go 2 beers max and then onto Gin & Soda Water (Again because Tonic is loaded with sugar)… back to the metabolic discussion…
Alcohol is poison anyway (well most things are, it’s just a question of quantity - some say any alcohol is poisonous) and linked to weight gain so don’t be in too much of a hurry to re-acquire the habit.
SO …
Stay original and don’t drink alcohol? 
It’s a cultural bad habit.
Yes James I wasn’t much of a drinker in my late teens anyway. A sophisticated glass of wine with the ladies over dinner would be nice, every once in a while… 
I shall let you all know if I do actually try it… 
Would the alchohol react with the meds?
I think you can on Amitriptyline but the likelihood is it will make you quite tired. Im talking about having one glass of wine though with evening meal. Naturally I guess it would depend on the meds you are taking. Consulting a dr is your best bet if you’re not 100% sure
I had absolutely NO PROBLEM drinking with Amitriptyline. The time you pay is during the hangover which will definitely make you less comfortable and increase your symptoms, so try to keep drinks to two or three max.
Occasionally it is nice to have a drink and it’s really important to relax and socialise and forget your troubles.
Getting too obsessed with a discipline can also make you more mentally ill. Do not limit your socialising unnecessarily. Having friends around can return a bit of normality and improve your life quality.
If you want a drink on occasion with friends, GO FOR IT!
Are you on any meds?