Bottoms Up, Character Down

See, our brains are wired to seek pleasure, and alcohol is like a shortcut to Pleasureville. It’s like we’ve got this internal GPS always pointing us towards the next dopamine hit. And in moderation, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. A cheeky pint here and there can make life pretty sweet. But when we start chasing it like it’s our job? That’s when things get dicey. Just ask any person with an addiction.

Think about it like this: Have you ever had one of those nights where one drink turned into ten? At first, it’s fantastic. You’re riding that alcohol high, feeling like you’ve discovered the secret to happiness. But the following day? You’re sprawled on the couch, groaning, questioning every life choice that led you to this moment. That, my friends, is the pleasure paradox in action.

The ancient Stoics were hip to this game. They weren’t total buzzkills who thought all pleasure was evil. Nah, they were more like, “Hey, maybe ease up on the wine because too much of a good thing can seriously mess you up”. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between “YOLO” and “Oh no, where’s the paracetamol?” for me, that is sobriety.

“Therefore, explain why a wise person shouldn’t get drunk — not with words, but by the facts of its ugliness and offensiveness. It’s most easy to prove that so-called pleasures, when they go beyond proper measure, are but punishments.” — SENECA

But here’s where it gets interesting, especially when we talk about alcoholism. The more we chase those quick hits of booze-induced pleasure, the less satisfying they become. It’s like building up a tolerance. Suddenly, one pint isn’t enough. You need six. And then twelve. And before you know it, you’re knee-deep in empty bottles, wondering why you still feel empty inside.

This is where the “punishment” part comes in. By constantly chasing bigger and better alcohol-fueled highs, we’re setting ourselves up for a never-ending cycle of dissatisfaction. We’re like hamsters on a wheel, drinking faster and faster but never actually getting anywhere.

Character Assassination: How Booze Kills Your Inner Awesome

Now, let’s talk about this character assassination business. It’s not as dramatic as it sounds — there’s no hired hitman taking out your personality. But when it comes to alcohol, it can be even sneakier and more dangerous.

Every time we choose the easy route of drowning our sorrows or celebrating with a drink, we’re chipping away at our character. It’s like erosion — you don’t notice it day to day, but give it enough time, and suddenly, your sturdy cliff of awesomeness has turned into a sad little pebble floating in a sea of booze.

Take a moment — if we’re always taking the path of least resistance (i.e., reaching for a drink), How will we navigate the challenges that life unexpectedly brings our way? If we can’t say no to “just one more round,” how are we gonna stay focused on the big, important stuff?

The Stoics knew what was up. They understood that character is like a muscle — it strengthens when you put it through its paces. By always opting for the bottle, we’re basically letting our character sit on the couch and binge-watch reality TV while downing pints. Not a good look.

But it’s not just about missing out on character gains. It’s about actively weakening the character we’ve already built. Every time we give in to that “just one more drink” urge when we should be working on our goals, we’re teaching ourselves that immediate pleasure is more important than long-term success. Every time we hit the pub instead of the gym, we reinforce the idea that comfort trumps growth.

Over time, these little choices add up. They become habits, and those habits become who we are. Before we know it, we’ve assassinated our own character, replacing the robust, disciplined, excellent version of ourselves with a booze-seeking shadow.

The Higher Pleasure Principle: Beyond the Bottle

But here’s the good news: there’s a way out of this boozy trap. And ironically, it involves seeking a different kind of pleasure.

Marcus Aurelius, that wise old Roman dude, talked about the pleasures of wisdom, freedom, honesty, kindness, and saintliness. These aren’t the quick-hit pleasures we’re used to chasing at the bottom of a bottle. They’re more profound, more lasting satisfactions from living in alignment with our values and pursuing meaningful goals.

Think about it: Have you ever felt the rush of accomplishment after finishing a tough project sober? Or the warm glow of contentment after helping a friend in need without liquid courage? These are the kinds of pleasures that don’t leave us feeling empty or regretful (or hungover). They’re the ones that build our character up instead of tearing it down.

So the next time you’re faced with a choice between another round and long-term awesome, take a beat. Channel your inner Stoic and ask, “What would Marcus do?” Your future self will be raising a glass (of water, probably) in your honour.

Now go forth and pleasure responsibly, you magnificent Stoic-in-training! Remember, the real fun begins when you start mastering yourself instead of being a slave to the bottle. It’s time to level up your pleasure game, no booze required!