The Finer Things (Alcohol & Tobacco)

[tinnitus]

As a lifelong rock and blues guitar player, with a 'checkered past' of my own, I was interested to read somewhere that Eric Clapton (founder of the substance abuse rehab facility Crossroads Centre Antigua) successfully quit all of the insidious recreational substances he was addicted to back around the era when Derek was a Domino - but still struggles on and off with cigarettes.

[RP]

Originally Posted by tinnitus

...I was interested to read somewhere that Eric Clapton (founder of the substance abuse rehab facility Crossroads Centre Antigua) successfully quit all of the insidious recreational substances he was addicted to back around the era when Derek was a Domino...

Where did you get that idea. My impression was that he wasn't fully sober until just before the death of his son in 1991...

He was an alcoholic and addicted to heroin by the time he began playing solo in 1970. It wasn’t long for his addictions to affect his career. Clapton passed out onstage during George Harrison’s Concert for Bangladesh in 1972. Even when he was strong enough for overcoming drug addiction, Clapton still had his battles with alcohol. He once had to perform a concert lying on his back, as he was too drunk to stand up and play. “It didn’t seem that outlandish to me, and in fact, probably was all I was capable of. It was either that or just laying down somewhere else,” he said to NRP Music in 2007. “The fact that I was laying down on stage means at least I showed up.”

“The situation was so dire, label boss Ahmet Ertegun tried to intervene. He didn’t want Eric to go down that road. But he did, he was already on the way,” explained Clapton’s Derek and the Dominos bandmate Bobby Whitlock to Nick Murray of Rolling Stone. “You can’t stop a junkie. Only death stops a junkie.” The statement turned out to be true, and the drug-induced Derek and the Dominos soon fell apart. The man was even suicidal until successfully overcoming addictions in the mid-Eighties.
“I thought there was something otherworldly about the whole culture of drinking, that being drunk made me a member of some strange, mysterious club,” Clapton said on “The Today Show.” “It wasn’t until I was quite a bit older that I finally did ask for help.”

It took two decades for Eric Clapton to get successful drug addiction treatment and kick his nasty habits. At first, making memorable music without drugs and alcohol was challenging. Clapton felt like sobriety paralyzed his artistic creativity. Everything sounded too loud. Regardless, reestablished self-confidence and was able to continue playing the blues. In 1989, a sober Clapton released the critically acclaimed Journeyman, proving that the public still supports his music.

[CoffeeFan]

I'll enjoy a nice cigar every now and then. I quit a 33 year, two pack a day habit back in 2012. I used Wellbutrin and the patch, and I've faltered not even once. And don't believe that nonsense that you need to "step down" in patch strengths. I had one 21mg patch left, getting ready to go buy the 14mg patches when it hit me: "Why do I want to buy these? I'm done!"

Alcohol? Depends. For whatever weird reason, I can't drink beer at home. Beer is for when I'm out at the local biker bar with friends. I like Fireball, but also can't drink it at home. I'm sure there's some clinical name for whatever it is that prevents me from enjoying these at home.

At home, it's Grey Goose Martinis or Merlot. My favorite Merlots at the moment are from Decoy and Chateau St. Michele (the Indian Wells edition). A friend who's been on vacation up on Long Island is also bringing me back three bottles from Pindar...

[RussL30]

Not a smoker of any kind, but I like a good sip of bourbon or a good beer every now and then. My newest discovery has been Eagle Rare bourbon. I’m really enjoying it so far. I like it over ice.

[Silly Moustache]

Used to smoke a little, I'm of an age when it was deemed socially acceptable. My father's retirement business was a specialist tobacconist so I was given free rein to "sample the goods".

I never "needed" tobacco, a pack of ciggies would last me a week or more. One drunken night, I decided it was a silly habit, and gave it up that night, dragging my wife kicking and screaming with me. That was around 1980.

I have now had an allergic reaction to nicotine - it hurts my nose, lips, eyes etc. and as I have a lung issue, I will not be in the company of smokers.

I'm trying to think of any smokers I know- one woman who visits from South Africa and an unemployed young chap that came to my club.

Generally smoking is rarely seen here now, but according to google a pack of 20 is £10-13 ($13-$17) but if it is seen - it is usually kids or very poor people - never could understand that.

I used to enjoy real ale, wines and Whiskey, but they warned me tat after my throat cancer treatment I would probably be unable to drink again.
I still do, (not likely to drink in a pub any time soon) so stuck with bottled pale ale -not the same but OK but just one bottle (4%) makes me feel tipsy (never liked feeling drunk).

I like a glass of white wine with a meal - but can sadly no longer drink red wine - hurts like drinking acid for me.
Coffee dries my mouth out, but thank god for tea!

[foxo]

I’ve been struggling to quit smoking recently. I started smoking again when I was in Japan last year because it was so cheap and you can legally smoke in pubs and restaurants - few smokers could resist that temptation. I managed to quit again using the Nicorette spray but during lockdown relented, mainly through boredom. At this very moment I am facing an internal battle over whether to go to the shops and buy 20 Marlboro Gold or stay at home and fight the urge.

[rllink]

Originally Posted by foxo

I’ve been struggling to quit smoking recently. I started smoking again when I was in Japan last year because it was so cheap and you can legally smoke in pubs and restaurants - few smokers could resist that temptation. I managed to quit again using the Nicorette spray but during lockdown relented, mainly through boredom. At this very moment I am facing an internal battle over whether to go to the shops and buy 20 Marlboro Gold or stay at home and fight the urge.

Go running. That's how I quit, I just went running every time I wanted a cigarette. For a while it seems like that was all I was doing.

[foxo]

Originally Posted by rllink

Go running. That's how I quit, I just went running every time I wanted a cigarette. For a while it seems like that was all I was doing.

My lack of willpower got the better of me and I caved in. Problem is I had some left over from the night before, I am planning to quit Friday now once these are finished. It’s too difficult to stop if you have smoked the same day.

Congratulations on quitting!

[Cypress Knee]

I tried smoking post-high school and just didn't get it. A couple of packs and I was done.

Never tried pot. In the ninth grade a police officer gave a speech at an assembly period and part of his talk was about how marijuana would "crack your chromosomes." I didn't know what it meant, but I sure did not want to have my chromosomes cracked, so I stayed away.

When the lockdown started back in March, I had collected several bottles of Scotch, but never tried them. So I did my own little taste-testing series just to find out what the fuss was all about. My personal conclusions?

1. I cannot financially afford to be drinking single malt Scotch every day.
2. I cannot physically afford the the next day results that come from drinking single malt Scotch the previous evening.
3. Nonetheless, favorites emerged. Talisker and Bowmore followed by Kilchoman and Ardbeg. Auchentoshan Three Wood from the Lowlands and Glenmorangie from the Highlands.
4. But they stay locked up in the safe. Maybe some day there will be an opportunity to invite friends over and have a celebratory toast.

[MrDB]

I don't smoke anything. Never had the urge. I enjoy a cold beer and drink several a week, mostly craft beers. Used to be a Budweiser man but have left Bud behind for the craft stuff.

I also enjoy Gin and Tonic. My preference is Tanqueray but Bombay is good as well. Gotta have a lime in the glass as well.

[Ruppster]

I consider myself a bit of a health nut. My dad was a high school coach and athletic director and he pushed us hard to be physically fit. That said, I have played in bands since the late 70s and have partied pretty hard along the way. Turned 60 this year and I’m starting to slow down. Still Gigging five or six times a month, playing tennis several days a week and working out with light weights. Don’t drink as much as I used to but sure enjoy sipping on bourbon when I’m gigging. I have also become a bit of a golf nut and have found it pairs wonderfully with a good cigar. The Rocky Patel Square press vintage 1992 is my current favorite. Not particularly cheap and not particularly healthy but sure is a nice companion with a good round of golf.

[Wellington]

Hmm, funny how I specifically reached out to those who would be offended of other people having a discussion about something, when they have the complete freedom to not enter the thread and as a result, not be bothered by it but despite my comment, they choose to continue obey in the thread and be offended. I completely understand your reasons, trust me, but no one is making you take part in the discussion, I enjoy these products and its my own life choice, and despite having spent years working at food Bank and soup kitchen where I built relationships and engaged with drug and alcohol addicted all day every day, their addiction is not mine, i can still enjoy these things for myself. Please respect that.

Originally Posted by HodgdonExtreme

I love tobacco, kinda unfortunately... I've quit smoking cigarettes several times but always seem to find my way back. Currently, it's been a year since the last one.

I've got much better control of cigars or an occasional dip. I love an Acid brand cigar - I like the "wafe" form factor. In fact I had one this weekend - first one in months. It was glorious. It's nice to occasionally be fully overwhelmed with rich nicotine from a cigar!

I was enjoying it alongside a lovely lady and some quality mimosas made from Moet Brut and pineapple/orange juice on a temperate Tennessee afternoon. Did I mention glorious?

Later we had a Bombay Sapphire G&T with fresh mini limes.

I've not spent much time with a pipe, but a friend sometimes pulls one out and I really rather enjoy it. No idea what tobacco he uses, but it's thick, lush and extremely smooth.

I've never even heard of Acud brand, keep in mind I live up in Canada. I've never gotten into expensive cigars, I've certainly smoked some nice ones including some nice Cubans with my fatherinlaw but when I buy cigars they're usually from a corner store, often smaller cigarellos like Captain Black, Prime Timea, Colts etc. I really enjoy Backwoods, theyre leaf wrapped.

I have always found the process and act of smoking pipes relaxing, forces you to be patient, its nice.

Originally Posted by rllink

I drink, some might say a lot, but according to my doctor I'm only halfway to excessive. Also I'm retired, so I have more time for it. My choices are beer, rum drinks, vodka drinks, tequila drinks, brandy straight, and wine. I'm kind of a wine snob, but otherwise not particular. A funny story, several years ago someone gave me a bottle of brandy and told me to save it for special occasions because it was "the good stuff." So Saturday evening I had a friend stop by and we finally finished off the bottle. I told my wife and she said that she would put it on the grocery list. I told her that she probably couldn't get it at the grocery store, because it is " the good stuff. " A few minutes later she said, "that brandy that you and your friends have been having over the last four years is sixteen bucks at HyVee, you want more than one bottle." Okay, it sure tasted like the good stuff. I wonder if the knowledge that it's sixteen bucks a bottle will change how it tastes.

Speaking about experiences, what is it with smoking cigars? I have a couple friends who are really really getting more out of sucking on those big things than I'm comfortable being around them with, at least in public. I mean, maybe get a hotel room? I smoked cigarettes when I was in the Navy and quit after I got out.

Thats hilarious about the Brandy lol, ill be honest ive never had brandy, I think ill have to put it on the list for this weekend its high time i tried it. As for wines you would probably balk at what I drink if you're a wine snob haha, pretty well always under $20 a bottle, heck sometimes $10! Some of my favourites have been very cheap, shame on my palate!

Originally Posted by HodgdonExtreme

Last year I developed a taste for Brandy/Cognac. I've tried every brand VS, VSOP and XO I can find for under ~$100. That includes a bunch of the fancy French Cognacs...

My favorite, by far, is E&J XO, which runs about $30 for 1.75L in my area. Good stuff!

What is a Cognac?

[HodgdonExtreme]

Brandy has a loose definition, but generally, it is considered distilled wine...

Cognac is Brandy that's been made in the "cognac region" of France - similar to champagne being sparking wine made in the "champagne region" of France...

If you've never tried, I suggest you do. Couple it with a cigar or pipe for a relaxing and mellow experience!

[RedJoker]

We like to try different things but don't actually consume large quantities of alcohol. Our beer fridge is absolutely packed with things that we enjoy or want to try. We just don't drink it nearly as fast as we buy it, apparently.

I added another tap to my kegerator / homebrew setup yesterday bringing the total to three concoctions on tap at all times. I always have one tap that is something apple cider based, currently ginger-lime cider. One tap is always some beer that I try to keep seasonal. It's just an IPA at the moment. What's on the tap I added yesterday? Water. Yup, I have one keg that I just put plain water in so we always have carbonated water available. We mix it with various juices.

[KevWind]

Originally Posted by d.loseth

Hmm, funny how I specifically reached out to those who would be offended of other people having a discussion about something, when they have the complete freedom to not enter the thread and as a result, not be bothered by it but despite my comment, they choose to continue obey in the thread and be offended. I completely understand your reasons, trust me, but no one is making you take part in the discussion,

Funny how some people think they have, or should have control, or be able to set arbitrary conditions over what others decide to reply in a thread.

Also noting the overall negative effects both individually and collectively of alcohol and tobacco , is not being "offended" or "bothered" it's being objective...

While I chose to simply state my brief experience with tobacco and my significant experience with alcohol .

I am also aware of the fact that that these habits do not remotely exist in a vacuum. The myth that it's simply "my habit my problem" is specious at best, and completely ignores the staggering cost to the health care system and shared by all of society, often associated with long term tobacco use, and alcohol abuse.

BTW "freedom" works both ways, the freedom not post in a thread is the same as the freedom to post in a thread . Just like if one does not want to have comments about the negative effects of alcohol or tobacco, one is "free" to not post the thread in the first place OR choose to not complain about them ......... jusss saying