As many of you know, indulging in alcoholic beverages is not something I do very often. I can't deny, however, the lovely feeling of warmth that accompanies a good drink.
Neurotransmitters
Alcohol's effect on the brain, although it can be damaging over time, is undeniably magical. Certain neurotransmitters, the little messengers that carry signals throughout your body, are triggered by consuming alcohol. In this case, these guys are called GABA, which cause slurred speech, numbness, and slowed motor function that all accompany drinking.
Dopamine, perhaps more commonly known to accompany drinking, flows into the brain's reward center when introduced to alcohol. Therefore, the feelings of pleasure we experience while drinking are very real and physical, there's no doubt about it. In some cases, as many of us know, we get addicted to these moments of euphoria... which leads to a more complex subject I won't get into here.
Social
First date? Ladies night? Birthday party? Holiday party? Pretty much any celebration in existence? "Let's get drinks."
Social drinking exists in so many cultures for a reason. Drinking is something we can all relate to in some way, and it makes us feel physically lovely and mentally relaxed... which increases confidence. Feeling physically great and confident? Sounds like a perfect time to relax with friends or meet some new ones.
Flavor
Although alcohol itself is an arguably "acquired" taste, the sheer variety of beers, spirits, and cocktails makes drinking all the more exciting. My friends who love to drink love to share their discoveries of new beers or new cocktail recipes.
No matter what type of flavor you desire, there is a drink for everyone. Smoky, sweet, bitter, salty, hoppy, floral- you name it- there are always so many options. Conversely, the most indulgent drinks seem to be those that do not have any trace of alcohol flavor or "bite" at all.
Genetics
I admit, I have not done very much research on this facet of drinking. In my circles, it does seem that drinking is a family affair. Children learn from their parents and often pick up their habits, especially they habits that seem to make them feel so good.
There are definitely exceptions to this assumption, myself being an example. My parents have always enjoyed drinking, while I prefer other forms of entertainment and indulgence. One of my best friends, whose parents do not drink at all, is a cocktail connoisseur. Now you understand the tagline of my blog being "not-so-scientific."
Taboo
Finally, before the age of 21, many of us found drinking exciting and "off-limits," something to be done in secret. I don't have a theory about why, but humans seem to thoroughly enjoy being naughty once in awhile. Many being drinking before 21 not because they enjoy the taste, but because of it's taboo.
When we finally reach drinking age, some of us may already have experience with it's positive effects on the body and mind. When we are able to order yummy cocktails and drink things other than Natty Light and Jager, drinking only gets better from there.
Tiki bars are fun. This drink, a delightfully creamy, tropical, slushie was called "Josie's Family Vacation." I got to keep the plastic shark.
