Playing sober, can’t do it
- Thread starter cbi1000
- Start date
Mr Machine
Well-known member
No one sets out to be an alcoholic.
Or a junkie.
Or a meth-crack-opiod head.
Its a trip to get there.
Some are shorter trips than others.
Some folks don't know they're even on the boat...
But the key is knowing where you are on the journey.
And jumping off the ship before the point of no return....
and preferably while you can still swim back.
Having a couple beers while shooting pool a couple times a week is one thing.
Going thru a case of beer, at home, in a day or day and a half is another.
Quitting drinking was WAY harder than quitting chewing tobacco.
And quitting chewing tobacco was way harder than quitting pot.
Blow? I tried it three times in the 80s and realized that I liked it way, way too much and stopped right then and there. And this was while I was major leaguing the other 3 vices.
Just recognize it for what it is and where you are.
There are plenty of folks that can have a glass of wine or a beer with dinner and be done. I'm not one of them.
Or a junkie.
Or a meth-crack-opiod head.
Its a trip to get there.
Some are shorter trips than others.
Some folks don't know they're even on the boat...
But the key is knowing where you are on the journey.
And jumping off the ship before the point of no return....
and preferably while you can still swim back.
Having a couple beers while shooting pool a couple times a week is one thing.
Going thru a case of beer, at home, in a day or day and a half is another.
Quitting drinking was WAY harder than quitting chewing tobacco.
And quitting chewing tobacco was way harder than quitting pot.
Blow? I tried it three times in the 80s and realized that I liked it way, way too much and stopped right then and there. And this was while I was major leaguing the other 3 vices.
Just recognize it for what it is and where you are.
There are plenty of folks that can have a glass of wine or a beer with dinner and be done. I'm not one of them.
Great thread. I have some issues myself. It started as kind of a joke with my teammates claiming I played better after some Tequila, affectionately known as “ stroke lube”. Then, in playoffs and more serious and important matches I would not drink until after the first match. I would tell my teammates “ see, I can play without drinking, it’s just not as much fun”. I’ve essentially just given up on trying not to drink, but do try to limit it and find a happy medium. It is almost like the old saying, I am afraid to try to stop drinking, because maybe I can’t. It has been very enlightening and encouraging to read through this thread. Good luck and God Bless to all.
Exactly!!!
There are a lot of us on this ride! Lots of good info here.
Woodshaft
Do what works for YOU!
Unfortunately alcohol and pool go hand-in-hand in pool leagues, especially APA.
My only suggestion is that you drink watered down drinks for longer sessions.
I've never met a pool player who had a substance abuse problem that could play well consistently though, so good luck!
My only suggestion is that you drink watered down drinks for longer sessions.
I've never met a pool player who had a substance abuse problem that could play well consistently though, so good luck!
Excellent post. A+
I got off of work one night and headed to the pool hall, obviously completely sober. When I got there I was a little bloated and uncomfortable in my work pants. Also thinking/worrying about other things in the pool hall. About 3-4 drinks in, my pants felt great and I put up a 5 pack on an 8ft table. Not saying I could maintain that speed for the entire night, but the alcohol definitely relaxes me, and allows me to focus on just the table and not outside distractions.
Woodshaft
Do what works for YOU!
Big deal. Do it consistently.
I know some shortstop users who could be pros if they weren't hooked on "stuff".
You can have all the physical talent in the world, but if you need external substances to perform at a high level, you will never be consistent enough to be a threat to an equally talented non-user.
You got the 8.
Woodshaft
Do what works for YOU!
Cute, you'd be in over your head if I gave you the 6.
Get clean my friend, or don't.
Either way, substances are for the weak. I hope someday you and many like you can overcome your weakness.
I truly wish you the best!
Freddy Fuzzmore
Member
I stopped drinking almost eight years ago. I want a gin and tonic so bad right now. You don't know how bad.... 
I’ve never had a drinking problem actually it’s been over 20 since I had a single drop.
When I go fishing I go there to fish
When I go play golf I go there to play golf
When I go play pool I go there to play pool
My point is if you have to drink to enjoy a hobby it’s time to get a new hobby.
I also understand that people have addictions and they are very hard to overcome. I used to play ball with a guy who had tons of talent. He went to college on a baseball scholarship. We played softball together for years and he was a hell of a player but only when he wasn’t on the stuff. When he was on the stuff he was more of a liability.
When I go fishing I go there to fish
When I go play golf I go there to play golf
When I go play pool I go there to play pool
My point is if you have to drink to enjoy a hobby it’s time to get a new hobby.
I also understand that people have addictions and they are very hard to overcome. I used to play ball with a guy who had tons of talent. He went to college on a baseball scholarship. We played softball together for years and he was a hell of a player but only when he wasn’t on the stuff. When he was on the stuff he was more of a liability.
Perhaps the 7 brain cells that I utilize have left me confustgated, but don't you ride a motorcycle at the track?
I discovered that's my favorite a couple years ago.I stopped drinking almost eight years ago. I want a gin and tonic so bad right now. You don't know how bad....
I had another friend who wrestled in the WWF back in the 80s. Was making killer money. He had an addiction and started missing shows and got cut from the circuit. Struggled with it for years after that. Managed to do small shows and grind out a living for several years. Fell over dead at 48.
Can I select "All of the above"?
Serious question for some of you.
For those that have a table at home to practice on, do you feel the need to have a drink to practice there? I almost never have a drink at home while practicing, sometimes I am a little shaky the first few balls, but most always goes away after a few shots. At times it doesn't, and I just quit and come back later to practice and all is fine.
I do occasionally have a beer while practicing when a nascar race is on, or the wife's packer game is on, but that's it.
Reason I ask is I most always have a couple beers when out shooting. Is it a crutch, a need , or just a want? Who knows, I do enjoy having a couple when out, but most always limit it to two or three. There have been a few times though on this new bar league that the wife and I started shooting this year. They are some heavy drinkers there, and I have to be carefull to not let it get out of hand.
Not sure what I'm going to do as we've made some good friends there. Will have to make a decision about that when league is over.
For those that have a table at home to practice on, do you feel the need to have a drink to practice there? I almost never have a drink at home while practicing, sometimes I am a little shaky the first few balls, but most always goes away after a few shots. At times it doesn't, and I just quit and come back later to practice and all is fine.
I do occasionally have a beer while practicing when a nascar race is on, or the wife's packer game is on, but that's it.
Reason I ask is I most always have a couple beers when out shooting. Is it a crutch, a need , or just a want? Who knows, I do enjoy having a couple when out, but most always limit it to two or three. There have been a few times though on this new bar league that the wife and I started shooting this year. They are some heavy drinkers there, and I have to be carefull to not let it get out of hand.
Not sure what I'm going to do as we've made some good friends there. Will have to make a decision about that when league is over.
If it is at night I'm probably having a drink.
Not really sure how people fall asleep without it!