Why Do I Get So Grumpy And Murderous When I Drink Alcohol?

[chanel5]

After just one glass of red wine, and a nip of whiskey in my coffee, I am ready to commit homicide. Why is this? I wasn't always like this, and other people can become pleasantly mellow when they drink. Not me. I could fight for Ireland after only a small amount of alcohol.

[naomi24]

Don't drink it then.

[anneasquith]

are you taking any medication ?

[EcclesCake]

Are you perimenopausal?

[naomi24]

It doesn't matter why. If that's the effect alcohol has, avoid it.

[Prudie]

Isn't this a very common example of the different ways people react to alcohol - some get punchy (like you), some get silly and childish, some get sloppy and romantic, some fancy anything going etc etc. I assume it has something to do with genetic make-up.

[EcclesCake]

But Naomi the question is 'Why?', the answer may be to avoid alcohol but it doesn't explain the why.

[naomi24]

True. Sorry, I don't know the answer - just the remedy.

[ducksie]

I don't think you need to drink alcohol if you feel like that. Are you with company having your drink? I would say don't drink alone and you've already realised it doesn't do good for your mind, if you have issues with drink dependency you should seek professional help or attend an AA meeting, drinking socially should bring out the best in you, the best thing you should do is avoid alcohol until you source the root of your anger (brought out with alcohol)

[chanel5]

I agree with all the answers here. It might be time of my life (I am fairly long in the tooth), maybe a change of medication (I did change things recently) but as for genetics, I wasn't always like this. Only lately has this effect been observed. I agree, I should avoid it now, since it has this effect, but I used to enjoy a nip or two or a glass of red, and I would be very sad to give it up. Still, if needs be . . . . . Ho Hum. Thanks for reading my rant.

[Prudie]

I'm not sure drinking socially brings out the best in anyone, I don't know anyone who is specifically at their best when drinking socially.

[pixie373]

Is it the same, no matter what alcohol you drink? Smirnoff and Stella can both make people aggressive - not really sure why (different chemicals?). Maybe a white rum, or something instead?

[ducksie]

It may not be a rant but a cry for help, with medication etc I'd suggest a visit to your GP as you say you're long in the tooth, maybe somethings amiss you need to get sorted

[anneasquith]

why not try sticking to one or the other drink, ie just wine and see what happens.

[ducksie]

Prudie, I know drinking socially won't bring out the best in everyone, I was thinking more like in a party atmosphere where everyone is happy and no aggression in a group

[Prudie]

ducksie I think I know what you meant - that it should make you cheerful and jolly (rather than the you at your best). I've always envied those who are affected by alcohol in that way because I never am, for me it's a sliding scale between calmer and asleep!

[pixie373]

Alcohol can accentuate how you're already feeling. I agree, if you're stressed or struggling generally, speak to your doctor.

[ducksie]

I'm so glad you understood what I was getting at Prudie :}

[Buenchico]

In vino veritas ;-)

[Prudie]

^ I've always hoped that isn't true

[DTCwordfan]

Alcohol is alcohol, good old Ethanol C2H5OH, not unless you have taken to Methanol - which is certainly not good for you, even in the short term. However, I would accept that there may be some effects caused by some of the side chemistry between the various drinks.... ketones, acetones, salts, that sort of thing.