I drink a lot less than I did a few years ago and so does almost everyone I know, even in London. People just can't afford the daft prices of drinking out any more, and don't tend to drink as much at home (although the rising sales of booze may indicate more booze is being drunk at home than out and about)

But I don't know much about more 'working class' drinking habits - the culture of 'getting wrecked' does seem to have accelerated in that area over the last few years and is probably not abating

And my age and that of my friends may be a factor too!

i've actually been drinking less... not really any change in frequency, but lesser amounts than the party days of my 20's. not sure if it is just that i don't need as much, or if the thought of a hangover is finally starting to catch up to me, but it's not a bad thing either way. because i still really enjoy a well made drink... and it's a good time to sit around with my closest friends and talk into the wee morning over drinks and under stars.

Blue Ix, you'd be surprised at how many people are sauced at that hour. That time of year especially--many people are working hard, eating erratically due to functions, and squeezing in a drink here and there while in the pre-supper twilight zone. They might think one or two glasses of wine is okay but the reality is there is a likelihood they've drank that wine on an empty stomach.

Sorry--that sounded like a lecture but the truth is this topic is very interesting to me (I work in traffic for a living and have a library of observations in my head, lol).

I am drinking less, and have been since Saturn in Virgo. So is Leoman. Part of it is vanity for me--it was making me break out and I don't like feeling like shit or looking haggard. I have a VERY high tolerance for alcohol (I can drink a lot and not feel it; 12th House Neptune).

High tolerance=more money spent and quite frankly I can't afford to.

I actually feel like my tolerance is a little weaker now, but I still drink with friends. I just sip slowly and I don't drink more than I can handle.

If anything, I'm more cautious now than I was before. I still enjoy it though! Just enough to get a little buzz.

Also:

Dutch Chocolate Ice Cream with a drizzle of Kahlua is AMAZING. <-- my friend made it for me last week. You do get a little buzzed, but it's delicious!

Slowly getting rid of my addictions, one by one, which mostly had to do with blocking my "sensitivity." I actually feel equipped for that, now.

Very trippy day. But no fear. Isn't THAT amazing.

I think fear is the bottom line in this conversation. But I'd hesitate to put that on everyone. Speaking for myself only, then. Though there is definitely a generalized fear permeating life... I'm hoping to be part of spreading the opposite.

I got rid of my coffee addiction! haha