I started drinking the same way most people do. As a teenager at a family event sneaking sips or at the park in high school. I didn’t grow up with daily drinking being normal but it was always part of celebrations and parties. Being drunk looked like so much fun – of course I wanted to do it. I didn’t drink too much in high school but by the time I got to uni and got a fake ID and things really kicked off.
Uni for me was one long party and binge drinking was the norm. Hey, it wasn’t a good night if you didn’t remember going home or someone didn’t vomit. Back then our only worry was who could make it to McDonald’s in the morning for the greasy food to feed our shocking hangovers.
Then, I moved swiftly into the entertainment industry, which again was one long party. Never drinking every day – that would mean you had a problem! But lots of big parties and drinking on weekends. I lived in New York on and off for 10 years, bars were open till 4am and we never started work until 10am. I had a fantastic time, and never once thought I might have been brewing a bad habit.
When I moved back home the partying had started to take its toll and I was looking for a quieter life. I was definitely partying less but I never ever thought about giving up drinking entirely. Why would I? I love it, its fun, and apart from the hangover, what are the risks? It never ever occurred to me there could be long-term risks.
Sally Doran on Insight, speaking about her experiences.