Andy Payton

Drinking isn't so much a vice in our culture until it becomes a problem for the individual, then you learn who your friends are. I made a conscious decision to stop drinking 2 months ago. The main reason was I met the girl I want to spend the rest of my life with (we've known each other a few years). I have been diagnosed with clinical depression previously and do believe alcohol was a contributing factor. But there are a whole host of other factors that I won't go into here. The other reason I stopped was i could see where i was headed, I'd become alcohol dependent and needed it, craved it and used it as an almost daily pick me up and convinced myself it was some kind of reward. I'm glad I stopped but alcohol (and depression) is a very personal thing and I won't (and I'm not qualified to) offer any advice. That being said, you're one of my favourite posters and if you're ever feeling low drop us a message, i'm always here for a chat.

Ps. Smoking is now my only real vice, when I sparked up in front of my colleagues in the summer over a (rule-of-6) drink, judging by a couple of faces I may as well have just rolled up my sleeve and tied a belt round my arm. Drinking can be frowned upon but smoking is the ultimate social faux pas. I understand it in a way, but some people shouldn't be so judgemental, people do what they want and have their own hidden problems, I'd never judge anyone for their drinking, and the advice your doctor gave, blaming your issues all on the drink, is unhelpful, and in my opinion fobbing you off.

 

Blooming heck. I’ve all on remembering who scored last week. I have to search most of my stuff.

 

Right foot, left foot and a header if I remember correctly ?

 

Cheers mate. I stopped smoking regularly back in 2011 when I met Laura. I never took it back properly because my lungs were crystal clear at A and E when I had my anxiety attack. Oddly I was never addicted to smoking and still do have a roll up with my mate at Court House now and again on matchdays.

 

That’ll be it!

 

Good man. Smoking is something I've always gone back to and even now (after quitting drinking) the thought of stopping smoking makes me anxious. I hope I kick it one day. I know the risks obviously, and that it's largely a waste of money. But, dare I say it, I enjoy it.

 

Went through my history on Youtube, no joy