Article August 23, 2004 Issue

High on reality, not alcohol

By Elizabeth Beam

When I was sixteen, I would drink to feel better about myself and more relaxed with others. One night when I was partying with my friends, I ran into a friend of my brother's. I'd always thought he was very cool, but he never usually gave me the time of day.

This night, though, he was also high, and unlike his usual manner, he was also very friendly. We seemed to really connect that night. It felt so good. I was sure we would talk at school now, and our relationship would be different.

Then Monday came, and he again acted as if I didn't exist. This devastated me. I really had thought things would be different. What a shock to find out those friendly feelings weren't genuine. They had no staying power because they were a delusion created by the drinking. This was my first inkling that possibly alcohol didn't always come through on the promises it made.

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