The Feels of Getting Tipsy: From Fear to Freedom

Have you ever wondered what you feel first when you start to get tipsy? What initiates the transition from sober to slightly intoxicated, and how it affects your emotions and behavior?

Feeling Fear or Freedom?

Today, if I actually drink enough to get tipsy, my first emotion is fear. The main fears are these: the fear that I might enjoy it, the fear of a hangover the next morning, and the fear that another 18 years may pass before I experience sobriety again. So, needless to say, I stop before I become tipsy.

A Warm Sensation and More

Other times, when I start to get tipsy, I notice a warm sensation washing over my body. Initially, a warmth rising towards my face is the first sign. This sensation is followed by a subtle buzz, akin to the initial effect of a first cigarette or when you're feeling energetic and alert. My mind begins to slow down, and I stop feeling the anxiety and pressure of a job interview. Instead, I feel more like myself and can relax and be more authentic in my communication.

As the buzz becomes more pronounced, my words flow more easily, and the conversation takes on a more engaging and personal tone. Gone are the mundane, clinical interactions; my feelings and thoughts become more genuine and heartfelt.

Completing the Transition

I used to adore that feeling. However, reflecting on the decade I wasted trying to get into the music business, I now feel nauseous. The best decision I ever made was to quit drinking, and my dreams began to come true quickly. Despite working with many 'functioning alcoholics,' I realized I needed to be the "leader" in every project and strive for a level of sobriety that aligned with my goals. I quit drinking, smoking, and using marijuana—the three legal substances that were holding me back.

Empowering the Body and Mind

Alcohol affects your body and mind in a variety of subtle ways. It can slow down your reflexes, cause blurred vision, and make your senses feel a bit numb. Touching something might feel light, and you might feel slightly lightheaded. It can also influence your mood, making you feel more cheerful, relaxed, or even gloomier.

Indeed, it's fascinating how alcohol can transform your state of mind and body. However, the next morning's physical and emotional post-alcohol hangover is a stark reminder of its adverse effects. While I feel energetic and happy when tipsy, the next morning, I often feel listless and ill.

My decision to quit drinking has empowered me in numerous ways. Alcohol is not a work drug for me, and I'm amazed by the creativity and productivity of people who perform miracles while consuming more alcohol than I could handle in a peak state over three nights.

In conclusion, while the initial effects of getting tipsy can feel liberating and exciting, it's important to be mindful of the consequences. Choosing to maintain sobriety can lead to healthier, more fulfilling experiences.