No Beer

[DispNowCopL8r]

Ok this is probably gonna seem like a very dumb question...but I'm wondering from all the officers and everyone else employed in LE. what was your drinking history like before 21 and after 21 till getting employed???

My situation...
I am coming up on my 21st b-day here soon, and can honestly say I have never had any alcohol to drink. I know I am in the minority, but by how much, I get harassed day in and out at my Dept about this, and must have my next 5 weekends taken up by coworkers, etc taking me out.

But really how rare is this? how many of you held out till 21? and since becoming a cop, how has your drinking habits changed? Is it something I should be very careful about until I get hired as a full time Officer? Or as long as I am careful, I should have fun? Would it be weird to backgrounds/interview parts to learn that I am dry, ie inexperienced in the alcohol area...lol.

I know very stupid question, but just wondering?

[DelC]

Remember, there is such a thing as a non-drinker and they are becoming more popular every day. There was a time when you had to have a social drink with your co-workers, just to be part of the group. However, those times are going by the way side. If you don’t care to drink, then don’t. Nothing wrong with having a coke. Today, it’s very easy to get slamed for DWI.

[Shadowknows]

I have a buddy that is and has always been a non-drinker. He has a much fun as the rest of us, and gets to do all the driving. Nobody bothers him, that may be do to his size I'm not sure LOL:), but then I don't care. We just have fun.:confused:

[Mongo]

Before college, I never really drank. In college I played rugby, and anybody that knows rugby...should realize that drinking is part of the game. While I found myself in some wild situations, I always remembered what my goals in life were. It's one thing to have a few drinks after a game and celebrate with the team and opposing team....it's another thing to get totally wasted and make stupid (drunken) mistakes. You will be 21, and at this point (according to law) should be mature enough to handle the responsibility that comes with drinking.

Drinking is only a problem, if you let it be a problem. It's easy to say no, and more and more people are respectful of other's decision not to drink.

[Raven231]

Well I can say I drank before I was 21. I actually didn't drink until I entered the military wehre it was my BN comannders policy that if your old enough to die for your country your old enough to drink a beer.

So I did drink rpiorto 21 which by state law was illegal. It has never came up in a backround investigation, I was resposible about my alcohol and only drank when in the barracks.

So if theya re giving you a hard time its because your the exception and not the rule these days. Stick to your guns and don't bend on the fact that you haven't drank.

Raven231

[gcc123]

RARELY DRANK UNDER 21. DRANK ON MY 21ST B-DAY (IT WAS OVERRATED) DRANK MAYBE 5-6 TIMES SINCE THEN, AND I'M NOW 24. SO I GUESS MY DRINKING IS LIMITED AS WELL I THINK THAT YOU ARE AMONG THE SMARTEST IF YOU HAVEN'T DRANK YET!! LIKE DelC SAID IT VERY EASY TO ACQUIRE A D.W.I. SOMETHING YOU REALLY DON'T WANT

[Kahuna5150]

If you don't drink now, and you really don't have any desire to, why start? I don't drink either. I'm almost 30. I don't touch a drop. Had some when I was a teen, the typical stuff, but was never into the party scene. Since being 21 I think I have had one mixed drink.

If you can think of one positive reason to start using alcohol, then go for it. I have thought long and hard about it and can't think of one good reason to drink. Personal choice of course, but I have seen more people's lives destroyed, (even literally wtih death) over alcohol.

I always go with my friends to the bars for drinks, but I'm the Pepsi type of guy myself. Don't let others peer pressure you into drinking. To make it seem like turning 21 requires some rite of passage to manhood/womanhood by getting drunk is dumb... If you dlon't want to, just don't. I think even those that pressure you will respect the fact you joke it off an say, "No thanks".

Happy Birthday! Have your friends buy ya some Pepsi, and use the rest of the money they would have spent on drinks for you on a nice dinner!

Kahuna

[jaybird]

Its your life, you're the one that is going to live it.

Just my 2 cents, but if you haven't been drinking, why start now?

As for myself, I 'll have a beer every once in a while when I'm out with the guys. I'm not big on the DUI stuff though. That isn't cool.

As for background investigations, I've applied with one department and I got on with them so I haven't worried about a BI with another agency yet.
My experience with my first and only PD is the Capt asked about what I would drink now if I went out and how much. I guess he's just trying to see if I had a problem that was uncovered concerning alcohol.

Goodluck and have a Coke and a smile :)
Stay Safe,
Jay

[donnie999]

I drank a few times mostly due to peer pressure I was drunk once never drove cause that is dumb. If you are going to drink make sure you are in the company of friends, not just coworkers, friends will lookout for you. Most of all be safe and DON"T DRIVE.

[Noodle]

Just saw on MSN.com yesterday (1-27-2) that if you drink 1-3 drinks a day it will lower your chances at getting alzheimers, demensia, and strokes. Also it stimulates something in your brain that allows you to think sharper a few hours later, but as we all know the short term effect is that it makes you a babbling idiot if you drink too much. I know that they recommend that cyclests drink one glass of wine a day. supposed to help flush the crap out of them that they get from following behind cars. Never read the scientific papers on this but have scene articles. Both had the disclaimer that they do not recommend additional drinking for people who did not drink prior, and only to those that can take the drinks physically and mentally.

As for me drinking. never touched the stuff before 21, even though I was in a Frat. After 21 I went to the same bar and still do every friday night for several hours, but never get drunk. I do not think that I have gotten drunk in several years. I do not like the head aches and learned my lesson by getting punished in the frat once. I also like to have a drink with dinner if I am eating with someone. If done in moderation it is alright, nothing big. in excess, it should not be touched. Never was a problem in my BI

Best American Beer: Yuengling (Also the only good thing to come out of Pittsburg, no offense to the LE types there) Go Browns
Best Import: Double Diamond -English

[TANKMGA8]

Well, I drank like a fish before I was 21, from my junior year in high school on. And yes I was stupid and after I drank I did drive several times. This is not an excuse, but in the town I grew up in there was two things to do on weekends, drink beer and/or have s*%.

Unfortunely after joining the military, I kept it up. Somehow the man upstairs was looking out for me and I never got into any trouble. But by the time I was in the Army I knew better than to drink and drive. After Desert Storm, (and I don't know why) I have drank alot less. Within the last 6-7 years I bet I could count the 6-packs I have bought on one hand.

My history with alcohol could have been alot worse than it was. I admire you for waiting, and I ask the same question that jaybird did, if you haven't been drinking why start now? Also my alcohol prior to 21 did not hurt me in getting hired and I disclosed all the times that I could remember that I was drunk and still drove. Of course, I am 32 now and all those were pre-twenty.

Don't be pushed into drinking, If you want a drink after 21 get one, if not just drink a soda. In my book I would go with Dr. Pepper instead of Coke or Pepsi.

[RandyG]

I used to drink, and thinking back, that's when I got into trouble or said s tupid stuff. I don't drink any more, maybe one beer per month. For new years, we had a party, and i did average one beer per hour, and only because I knew I wouldn't be driving.

Alcohol is a major problem in US, destroyed many lives. It could have destrroyed mined too. But the LORD was watchingout for me.
RandyG

[Codeman]

I'll just chime in here, just so everyone knows there's a DEA agent in jail being charged with murder and three Secret Service Agents who will more than likely face criminal prosecution and lose their jobs all due to alchohol and bad decisions. If you don't drink, I see no reason to start, it's not worth all of the BAD things that could happen. I watched my uncle die from sorosis of the liver because he just couldn't kick the Budweiser habit. Just go and enjoy a Dr. Pepper and a clear head. The days of getting totally smashed and being cool are fleating, especially with all of the DWI deaths and severe health problems from alchohol. Ok I'm off rhe box now...... :)

[nsedet]

I generally don't ever drink alcohol...drank maybe 3 or 4 times when I was in college (at 18 and 19), only once was it more than 1 or 2 beers; drank on my 21st birthday (was already in LE by that time); and pretty much haven't drunk at all since...in fact, just about the only time I ever drink now is when I have to for work (u/c). I find that it's generally more entertaining to watch other people get drunk and make asses of themselves...

[DispNowCopL8r]

Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences...it's nice to know that not many people did drink before 21 and if so it was pretty minor.

I've been 21 now for almost 2 months, and I have had my fair share of drinks, mostly free!:D

But as a final to anyone who is going to be in my situation...It's not all that it's cracked up to be (at least in my opinion)...I have found maybe 1-2 drinks that I like, the rest it's not worth the time and especially the MONEY OMG!!! I have spend so much money, even with all the free drinks! I'm going seriously back off on the drinking now that I've had the experiences.

Again thanks for sharing...

[nsedet]

Disp,
If you go someplace outside downtown Seattle, you'll find it more reasonable...hell, it costs me like $6 for a Coke at most places downtown...

[kels]

I drank very little in high school. I had an evening job and usually went home after getting something to eat.
I drank moderately in college. Back in dark ages it was legal to drink beer at 18.
Since 1984 when I put on the badge, I have had three drinks.
A free one at a motel and twice on New Years Eve.
Being a SOBER driver at college is usually good for some freebees.
One of the kids I worked with at the college, use to get a steak dinner with all the trimmings. They also paid for his pop and junk food while they were out. He always got paid up front.
That boy ate more steak during college than anyone I know. You would be amazed how many people he could get in a minivan. GRIN

[universible]

Personally, I had a buddy that turned 21 before me. He never really drank when he turned 21. We house sat for some people over Xmas holiday, when I was 20. We had a couple beers, what not. Then we went to Vancouver later that year, and got really messed up there. When I got home I didn't drink again till I was 21. Then we use to have "happy hour" at the old place I use to work at. Still didn't drink much.

Now I adhere to the "Steinbeck Rule Of Drinking"...the character Doc, in Cannery Row had a rule that he'd only drink 2 beers. The first one was because he was thirsty, the 2nd was to enjoy. That pretty much sums up my drinking...so I have a couple pints when I go out with friends, or a glass of wine with my wife...but nothing more.

I have another friend who never drinks. Hasn't ever tried it. When he was going through his BI for Santa Clara, I went in for my interview with the hiring Sgt. He actually made it a point to bring up this drinking habit. He looked a little shocked when I started laughing a bit. I said that not only had he never had anything to drink, but he's actually gotten mad at me for having a beer when we would go hang out and have dinner.

Remember, like everyone's said before...its just a drink...If you like it fine...if you don't think you want to drink, even better. Its when it controls you that it becomes a problem, and a major one at that.

Ted

[Newcop]

I agree with nsedt, I've eased up on my drinking quite a bit since I got into LE, and it is more more fun to watch others make A$$es of themselves. Also when you go to a bar and tell them you are the DD you usually get free cokes. All the fun, and no headaches the next day.

[Mister Jinxy]

I drank pretty steadily since I've been 18. Haven't had anything stronger than beer in about 8-10 years. Recently gave it up totally. Cold turkey. 46 days and no beer. Believe it or not, that's pretty good for me. Most weekends were spent with a 12 pack or two of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. Now I enjoy getting up early on Saturday and Sunday morning, having a clear head and not having my mouth taste like the cat took a crap in it. I've made it to 9AM Mass for the last 5 weeks in a row so I'm getting straight with God to boot! Have lost some weight and am training for a marathon. Doing an 18 miler this weekend. I miss it and will one day, I am sure, have a beer or two. But there comes a point when you gotta get your priorities straight. You can't stay in a fraternity forever. Only took me 31 years to realize that. To each their own, though.

[Mister Jinxy]

Favorite literary quote:
"Mike was a bad drunk. Brett was a good drunk. Bill was a good drunk. Cohn was never drunk"
(The Sun Also Rises, Earnest Hemingway p.152).