I beat my crippling fear of alcohol!

[u/ShellaStorm]

So I was abused terribly as a small child, and I always equated the abuse with the smell of alcohol on my mother's breath. This led to a crippling fear of alcohol, as in no partying in college, wouldn't date a person who drank and very limited socialization at work. The smell of alcohol was a showstopper-sometimes leading to flashbacks and fighting to leave the situation.

I've slowly gotten better, but tonight was Christmas at my best friend and her fiancé's house. I've been dealing with a bulging disk in my back, which has led to more pain than I can generally handle. People are making drinks, and the smell registered a flat zero for me. No association. So I tried my first mixed drink (screwdriver, mixed light) which dulled the pain long enough for me to enjoy the evening.

Do I want to make a habit of it? Hell no, alcohol tastes vile. But I did it. I beat my fear finally. They could drink and it didn't affect me at all. (Only took til I was 43.)

[u/TricksyGoose]

Congrats on punching that fear right in the face! Even so, you're smart to be wary of alcohol, it's not a healthy habit for anyone, so it's understandable to not want to associate with it much in general, so there's no shame there either if that makes sense!

[u/Trixie1143]

Based on the above, you may be at risk for alcoholism. Tread lightly, friend.

[u/ShellaStorm]

I take too much medication to mess too much with it. I refuse to keep it in the house, and I don't go out places to have a drink even once a month. Plus, it tastes revolting. Even in mixed drinks. But I appreciate your concern and I will take it to heart.

[u/Appropriate_Iron7850]

Sorry about what you went through as a child, I wish you a happy and healthy life

[u/Amazing_Ad6368]

You should try Berliner Luft if you like peppermint. It goes beautifully with hot chocolate.