We Need To Talk About Alcohol | Teenage VS Twentysomething | Melanie Murphy & Jessie B
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- Ireland has an alcohol problem. We both enjoy a drink, but once had terrible relationships with alcohol...today we talk drinking culture!
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Please share your experiences/relationship with alcohol in the comments section below, we'll both be reading them all! xxx
Please share your experiences/relationship with alcohol in the comments section below, we'll both be reading them all! xxx
I'm 21 and live in Bristol UK but grew up in Paris so i definitely notice this cultural difference relating to alcohol. In Bristol the drinking culture is very similar to what you described of Ireland, which was a huge shock to me who grew up in France. When I moved I considered myself to be a fairly seasoned drinker for an 18 year old as I drank a single glass of wine at dinner with my family most nights a week, but had never been drunk or even come close. In France generally binge drinking is pretty well restricted to the 16-21 year old category and it is also much less extreme... Also, it is not uncommon to turn up to a club in France sober, having had nothing to drink or maybe just wine with food. Then the few drinks bought in the club don't seem that bad!
I'm seventeen and live in America where I could get alcohol if I wanted to, but I choose not to. My biological father was an alcoholic and so are/were lots of other relatives so that's kind of turned me off to drinking. I know that having alcoholic relatives doesn't make me inherently one too, but alcohol is just a bit of a sore subject to me. Once I'm twenty one (the legal age to drink in the U.S.) I'll probably drink a bit, but as of now, I'd prefer to just...not lol.
I feel like anywhere that alcohol is legal there is so much social acceptance to having/ using alcohol for almost all types of gatherings. Maybe because the age limit is soooo young in Ireland is why it might seem more of a problem.
Me personaly, I've had numerous problems in my life due to alcohol...I dont seem to have an off switch...like once i start drinking I just want more and more and more. That is never a good thing. I guess that is one factor that makes me " not a normal/ responsible" drinker. 😲 😬😞it really sucks actually being that way. But anyway, Great topic!!
I come from a family that don't drink so I have never felt the need to start. My boyfriend also doesn't drink (due to his father being angry when drunk) but we get pressured a lot to drink by our friends. I wish drinking wasn't such a normal thing in England, I'm sick of being pressured
I´m 17 and also from Germany and a friend of mine is in a quite similar situation, I´d say. She just doesn´t like alcohol and also does not need the buzz. I personally think, that the tolerance towards non-drinkers depends on the friend group you´re in. In our group nobody really cares if you drink or not, it´s important that everyone feels comfortable and has fun. And although I like drinking, sometimes do not drink bc I do sports on like a kinda professional level. Btw I appreciate your attitude towards the whole alcohol topic, it´s always a healthy behaviour to just do the things you know are good for you :)
Australia has a similar culture of drinking, and binge drinking. I've been sober for about two-ish weeks, and the pressure to drink is literally everywhere, not to mention you get looked at weirdly if you opt for a non-alcoholic option. I even got a comment from waiters in a restaurant about me not ordering alcohol when everyone else was. Personally, I don't like the person that I become when I drink, and it just increases my anxiety the next day - that's why I've stopped drinking. I didn't even anticipate the feedback I'd receive from others about it. It's a struggle to not drink when society has taught us that if you don't, you're no fun and you're not going to "have a good night out".
So true. And everyone assumes you're pregnant if you decide not to drink.
My friend that has alcoholic tendencies had an intervention on herself and decided to go without alcohol for a while (so incredible), and when we went out she ordered a mocktail and the bartender was SO RUDE and unsupportive! I feel so self-conscious when I decide to go without alcohol, people act like I won't be fun, yet I can have as much fun, if not more, without alcohol... (because I have imagination and they don't!)
You go girl! Do what feels right for YOU
I'm new to Aus but I know exactly what you mean. The pressure to participate in social binge-drinking is INSANE.
Good luck with your sobriety!
Binge-drinking is such an epidemic and there's not much education available about it at all.
Thank you so much for your kind wishes!
I'm 15 and Irish and I HATE going out with my friends because they always feel like they have to drink. They turn into completely different people and are hard to deal with. It makes me so sad to think we can't all just go out for a good time without having the burden of 'having to drink' over us. I don't drink when going out which makes me notice it even more.
You may have to change friends. Sometimes, that's what it takes.
the natural makeup is so good on jessica xx
I don't drink, but some of my friends do and I'm so sick of people using being drunk as an excuse for their behaviour : if you know being drunk makes you really aggressive or argumentative then stop before you reach that point. Being under the influence of alcohol is not an excuse!
I love this.. Wish I had this conversation with my younger self! Australia has a similar binge drinking culture for people between the age of 15-25... It took me a long time to realise that's not the norm and how unhealthy it is for your body and mind! I also think about how lucky I am that nothing horrible happened to me some of those nights getting home by myself! Xx
I've never drank, mainly because the idea of not being in control or not being able to remember stuff scares me. I also don't really like the taste. It's a really interesting topic, interesting to hear other peoples views.
My sister is 25 and is an alcoholic but a lot of the time (in her case anyway) it stems from mental health issues. She has always suffered with depression and bulimia which has led to her ‘drowning her sorrows’ with alcohol. We have been trying to get her help since she was 16. We have got her into a specific rehab to help with her mental health as well as the alcohol ( funded by my family). There isn’t enough help for young people with this issue! Thank you for shining light onto it! Very important to talk about! Thanks xxx
So true about the size vs. how much you can drink not being totally accurate. I'm quite petite and to most people's surprise my tolerance is very high. If you're new to alcohol start slow and drink with friends who care about your well-being and who will check in on you throughout the night. Don't assume just because you're larger or smaller that your alcohol tolerance will be a certain way because that's not always the case!
I fit too the stereotype though. I'm petite and it takes me about 1 and a half/2 cans of cider to get tipsy. It will take me this plus a glass of vodka and Coke to get drunk
My mom was alcoholic and she died of cancer when I was 16. I don't touch alcohol for that reason. Not enough people are aware that excessive drinking increases risk of certain types of cancers!
Laura O C first off all I'm very sorry for you and I hope you get well soon or you are well 💕 I agree with you so much
Aw thank you! xx
My mum is an alcoholic too and I never drink or have for that reason too. I get a lot of people saying just do it it's fine but they don't understand the impact it can actually have.
The morning after anxiety/depression is so me! I always call it hangxiety 😂 I only drink at the weekends, but a big part of me (sometimes, over) drinking is for additional confidence and to take the edge off of worries and anxiety. I stopped drinking for a few months a couple of years back and felt amazing, when I started again I gave myself a limit (3 drinks) which worked well. Feel like I mostly have a good relationship with alcohol but sometimes push it too far. SO nice to listen to a conversation about alcohol/drinking without everyone being like 'lets get smashed!'. Enjoyed this ladies 💚
I won't touch alcohol because I had an alcoholic father who I no longer speak to. I really appreciate you addressing you some issues with it and the importance of drinking responsibly. You both are so amazing. Much love to you!!
Jessie, your highlighter is distracting me. I couldn't stop staring at it haha
Not sure if I love your videos because of the content or because of the accent. I’ll go with both !
Legal drinking age in Germany starts at 14 for beer, champagne and wine with parental permission.
16 and up: beer, champagne and wine without parental permission.
18 and up: all other alcoholic beverages (without parental permission of course)
Our laws are designed to teach kids and teenagers a healthy approach to alcohol and it works according to the statistics :)
I started drinking when I was 14 and never had a bad relationship with alcohol. Coming from a small village, I drink quite frequently but alcohol abuse is very uncommon between my friends because we learned from the beginning what influences our body and mind in which way. xx
celine same✌🏻Dorfleben ist einfach chillig
Thank you for talking about this, my mom passed away this year due to an alcohol addiction so I've never really had a good relationship with alcohol. I've done all the things you've said; been out binge drinking then not remembering then things I'd done then next day. Moms addiction made me see alcohol in a different light, it went on for over ten years and destroyed her life. It can be so dangerous! I would never tell people not to drink as I still drink every now and then (not currently cos I'm pregnant!) but my eyes are so open to the dangers xoxo
I was a "problem drinker" once upon a time. I stopped 40 years ago and haven't touched a drop since. What came with stopping, was being ostracized from the group of friends I had. In small town America (where I'm from) if you don't drink, and run the bars, you have virtually no social circle to join. IF you aren't into the church scene, then there is no scene to be in without alcohol. That being said, dropping the booze was the single best decision I ever made for me.Albeit a bit more difficult life though.
non-drinker in england here, I hate how normalised unhealthy drinking is here, especially at a younger age, like 15-25
Elise Collins younger people now are starting to drink less
Yes I have heard that, that's good news I hope it keeps going that way!
I had a fake id from when I was 15 and it worked about 45/50% of the time, I used to go out drinking in the park with my mates every friday and Saturday night, if it wasn't bottles of Frosty Jacks or White lightning (shudders) when we didnt have a lot of money to the days where I would go into the local supermarket and buy 3 or 4 bottles of tequila or vodka and we would share it and get plastered, to getting our older siblings to buy us weed. Its definatley a problem in the Urban UK areas as well. We never caused trouble though and we always had a lot of fun. Even my parents brought me alcohol from when I was young age.
Thanks for talking about this. I'm 22, Irish and in my first year of college. It is strange how many people I can think of that are alcoholics or how many have issues with alcohol. I've a feeling we all go through trouble patches with alcohol since, as you say, it heightens whatever you're feeling at the time and nobody's happy 100% of the time.
For myself, I don't drink atm for health reasons. I didn't drink anything until 6th year after I'd been 18 awhile and even then only ever one or two. Nobody in my family drinks, same with family friends. They had all seen and tlld stories of how drink had changed people for the worst and you never know if you could "have a taste for it". In saying that we'll have a Bailey's come Christmas. Life is a bit strange here not drinking - across weddings, debs, birthdays, funerals... In the end I just found it easier to have one and nurse it for the night instead of having people chat to me about why I'm just drinking a coke.
I met the two of ye in Schuh a few months ago. I was pretty stunned and not in a very good place at the time. The two of you were so nice even though you were rushing. Just wanted to thank the two of you for your kindness and for your solid content time and time again.
Hope all well after the hurricane! X
So glad I can across this video. I've had a bad year with alcohol and it also kicked off with relationships ending. If I have a bad day or feel stressed I do turn to wine and often don't know when to stop. I'll have a glass of wine and then want another, and another and cannot tell what is too much. I also have the same bad relationship with pizza, on bad days I want to buy pizza and have wine but just because I think I will feel better. This video has made me so much more aware of my alcohol consumption and why I turn to drink. Loved this video and you guys are awesome
I'm 18 and Irish and I don't drink at all, I've tried drink in the past but it just doesn't interest me at all, I've seen what drinking too much can do to people. There are a few people in my family that cant go a day without drink and I do not wanna turn out that way, I think witnessing that is probably a good thing because I know what it can do to us and I don't think I will ever drink
Jonathan Mulligan Good on you pal!
Well done Jonathan 🤗👌
good for you, it's overrated anyway. I know so many people who don't drink and have a great time
Amen!
Fair play to you. When I was 18, the thought of going against what my friends did (especially in terms of drinking) would've terrified me. I'm glad you're able to be your own person and do what feels right for you.
Jonathan Mulligan pussy
This is a topic that really needed addressing thank you! Ireland's drinking culture is crazy. I don't think I've been to any other country where its even close to ours. College is a massive problem when it comes to binge drinking in my opinion. I think one of the main reasons for this is because drink is so expensive when you go out. People buy the drink and drink it at home because its so much cheaper and don't expect to buy any when there out. The problem is 90% of the time from what I've seen, is that people do end up buying more drink when here out. Personally I don't go out that often because I play sports which is a great distraction from the drinking culture, but when I do go out I also fall into the same trap as most people and probably drink more than I should. As Jessie said it's just like eating Pringles!! Haha such a good comparison!!
So happy you made a video about this! Ireland needs to come to terms with our unhealthy attitude towards drink. Alcoholism is normalized in Ireland (which is crazy!) and non-drinkers are often frowned upon and excluded from social groups. I believe that the problem stems from years of poverty and oppression. Drinking was used as a coping mechanism years ago when these problems were in full swing and we continue to cope in the same way today, as the country continues to feel this trauma that has been passed on through the generations. Irish people were banned from practicing our own culture and language by the British and once freed from that oppression, we were oppressed once again by the Catholic Church and to this day every Irish person (to an extent) maintains a "What will the neighbours and the local priest think" mentality! We are a deeply damaged country and as much as I love being Irish and having a drink, I believe that we all have to acknowledge the fact that there is a problem and we need to attack the root if we want to fix it.
(This comment was not intended to be anti-Catholic or anti-British - Just laying out the facts!) x
Thank you so much for this. I'm dealing with such difficulties at home right now. I've had to move back to help my mum who is a major alcoholic (she hides wine in shampoo bottles so she can drink in the shower in the morning). She also pissed the bed... It's awful and a few nights ago I came home to find her passed out on the floor. It's heartbreaking and it is so true that wine is like Pringles. X
So sorry to hear that, stay strong
Yeah man stay strong. You're a great person for taking care of your mother. Learning more about addiction and alcoholism might help you better understand her. Also don't forget to take care of yourself.
Laura O C thank you so much x
sour cream thank you, your message means so much x
Boho Bookworm
I have depression, but lately I have been in an amazing state of mine, and just have felt so happy from day to day, but sometimes when I go out and drink, it changes that. I am 19, and my worst years for drinking were 17 and 18, and I still do go out at least once every month or 2 but I never get drunk unless we are all going to a nightclub, but lately I have became Extremely wary. On two occasions, I have found myself standing in the middle of the dance floor by the end of the night, and my mood goes from extreme happiness and giddiness and drunkenness to serious drunkenness and low feeling, where I have actually thought about jumping into a river in my town, to end my life. On two occasions, and I wouldn't even call myself depressed anymore? But I was very lucky, because the first time I went to leave in that situation, my boyfriends friend ran after me and sat me down and brought me back to my friends, the second time I left, my friend happened to be collecting and had just drove up to the nightclub and saw me and ran after me, but where would I be if they didn't show up? And I don't get it because I am so so happy right now, and these occasions were only lately. A week ago, a girl in my town committed suicide and I saw the devastation and heartache it brought, and its only now because of that, that I realise that i need to be really careful and wary about my drink and how it makes me feel. I wonder is it because my antidepressant and alcohol are fighting against each other? I just find it interesting because for the past few months, I have no symptoms of depression anymore, but when I get to a level of drunkenness, I can feel so doomed for those 10 minutes and actually consider harming myself? It is crazy!.
Mixing antidepressants and alcohol wouldn't be good, I think. If I know I'm drinking, I don't take mine (symptoms have been mild so...). I'm not a professional but maybe drinking revives some of the symptoms and feelings you've had in the past? Anyway I think it's great that you know this about yourself, and it seems like you're getting help since you're taking meds. Keep it up!
LeeLee G the two times I’ve tried to kill myself I’ve been super drunk
I'm a Canadian student who studies cultural and social history. I just got back from a term spent in Scotland and as a foreigner traveling the UK and Ireland, I saw a massive difference in drinking culture. I really didn't realize how extreme the levels of alcoholism were before I arrived and it was very interesting to see how governments were attempting to combat it. For example, it was frustrating to find out I couldn't purchase alcohol after ten, and that most pubs closed at midnight. However it was also shocking to see so many people with blatant alcohol problems, lying in the streets as we left the bar. In terms of the roots of this issue, I was able to look into this a little bit in my studies. From what I gathered a lot of it stems from a class issue and drink being one of the only affordable and available activities for this who were working class-not to mention an escape from the pretty horrific living and working conditions most people were experiencing. Having this historical, cultural connection with alcohol is one of the factors in the alcohol problem you're feeling in Ireland. But it's also worth mentioning that this is a very complex issue with many, many layers to it, many of which we're still sorting out. Thank-you for opening the conversation, you're doing good in the world
New Zealand has a similar issue with a v strong youth binge drinking problem, as well as social drinking being so common place. It's normal now to go out into town (in akl and wellington at least) and see teens absolutely smashed and staggering about. Also seeing how dependent people can be on it, has definitely made me aware of the dangers, and i make a concerted effort to not drink everytime i go out, like opting for a L/L/B instead! Solid video!! :))
Thanks so much for sharing your experiences! It was really interesting to me, as a teenager who gets a lot of these talks from school and has friends who I know are partying and drinking a lot.
I'm 17 living in California. I'm from a family that discourages drinking, plus my mother and older sisters hate the taste of alcohol. Because of this, I've always been the goody-2-shoes who never drinks. I've mostly been okay with that, until now. I don't always want to be afraid of drinking and never try drinking at all because I'm afraid to get too drunk or binge drink or something. I think I have a healthy relationship with alcohol because I'm so aware of all of this stuff, and I have supportive people in my life. Also, I would never hide my alcohol usage. I would tell my parents, even if they weren't happy with it, and I think that's what matters. So now I want to allow myself to be free and have drinks with friends because I trust myself and the people around me to be aware of how I'm using alcohol and keep it safe and healthy.
I'm an Irish 22 year old and I've never had a drop of alcohol and I don't plan to. I hate it when I meet people on a night out and they ask what I'm drinking and I say a coke or something they automatically assume that either A) I'm pregnant (which I'm not) or B) that I used to have a drinking problem (which I haven't). When I tell them that I've never had alcohol they all go "Fair play to ya" or they look at me like I've got ten heads! Last year I was out with my older brother and his friends at his birthday party in a pub/nightclub in Dublin and when I told when of his friends that I don't drink he literally started to question me for the next 45 MINUTES! He was in shock that I never had some cider down the park when I was younger. Also, as a student living away from home for the first time in a different city, I find that I'm not invited out with my friends from college because they automatically assume that I don't like pubs or clubbing. I'm half Irish, half English I LOVE going down to the pub and having the laugh with my friends! Just because I don't drink doesn't mean that I don't like going out with friends on a night out. I find it really sad that we have such a big alcohol problem in Ireland and no, neither of my parents are alcoholics. The reason why I choose not to drink is A) It's WAAAY to expensive! I'm a broke ass college student! B) I don't need it to have fun. Also I'd like to say that no, I don't shame my friends for drinking or anything like that. If they want to drink, let them drink! Rant over.
I live in Australia and I think that the drinking culture, and more specifically the binge drinking culture, is very similar to that of Ireland. I'm in University right now and the drinking culture can be very damaging, especially living in the residential halls.
This video really got me thinking. I was under the impression that myself and many of the people I live with have a healthy relationship with alcohol, but now I'm thinking that I think that because of the drinking culture that we were raised in, and that if we were to compare ourselves to people in a different place that may not be the case.
This is so needed in our society to talk about this and give it exposure. Thankyou for doing this 💖💖
New Zealand (my country) has a horrible binge drinking problem, much like Ireland. Similar to you two, I had my first drink when I was 16 going on 17, but at that point I was already late to the game; people here often start drinking at 14 or 13. I'm in a group that thankfully doesn't drink a lot, so I've never really felt the pressure to need to drink, but I've seen it happen to other people and it can be pretty nasty the pressure to drink until you vomit or blackout. It's interesting when you consider the reasons binge-drinking really started in NZ was that the government wanted to cut back drinking issues (temperance in the 1890s) so the time pubs shut was put forwards, so instead of drinking less they drank more in a shorter space of time, and when the time restraint was lifted the binge-drinking culture had already stuck.
you both look stunning in this! I love the way you both do your makeup ahhh 💚💚💚
My friend is black and blue all over her face from getting wasted and this is not the first time and I'm so worried but she thinks it's funny! It's normalised in society in the UK to get smashed every weekend
Love this convo!! I'm half French half Italian so I've always grown up with wine in the house and had a sip here and there and never thought nothing of it until people at high school started commenting how it was weird that I'd already tasted alcohol. I have a very healthy relationship with alcohol but I think it was mostly because my parents taught me to drink it in moderation, and never without good food and company!! Maybe if you were able to teach all children to drink healthily then it would be better but it would be such a culture shock here idk
You both look beautiful in this omg
Evie Dewdrop left.
i've actually been thinking about going sober recently but i'm from the central belt of scotland and the drinking culture is making that quite difficult to do. it's annoying because drinking is so intertwined with socialising and "having fun" here that, if you don't drink, you're made to feel like you're ruining everyone else's fun. and if you want to go out with your friends on a saturday night, the only options you really have are bars, pubs and clubs, which i find really frustrating. it makes me really hopeful for the creation of social spaces not fully centred around alcohol, but i know that that sort of thing really isn't likely.
Well done for speaking out about this💚... drinking really is a problem in Ireland but is kind of swept under the carpet which really is terrible. Open conversation is very important. Another brilliant video!! 💚 also ye look stunning in this as usual 😍💚
Thank you so much for this video Mel. Looking back, when I was 17/18 I had such an awful relationship with drink. I'm only after realizing that after watching this video. For me, it was because of a bad break up aswell. I just had it in my head that I needed to go out and get locked and have 'fun' to make it seem like I wasn't hurting. I didn't want to come across weak so I wouldn't miss a single party. I would drink a 70cl (nearly a liter) of Lidl vodka at house parties and I got alcohol poisoning a couple of times. I would also mix this with taking drugs/smoking weed. It was so unhealthy and like the girls, I put myself in some extremely dangerous situations. Today, I still love a drink but do it very rarely, once every couple months probably, and stay far away from drugs. I'll never go back to that place, it was an awful time and really enhanced the symptoms of depression and anxiety I was feeling at the time. If alcohol wasn't such a huge part of Irish culture, I would probably give it up all together.
I'm 19 and I'm from Italy. At the moment I can't drink for some health issues, but I never ever got drunk! I started tasting alcohol at a very young age, but this has taught me to appreciate it and to drink it for its taste and for pleasure, avoiding to get drunk. Here we have a very strong alcohol culture, and with this I mean we have a lot of different wines and liquors, and also cocktails, that we enjoy in particular occasions. For example, I'm absolutely in love with spritz 😍, which is the most important part of aperitivo
I'm from the Netherlands and the legal drinking age is 18 but it used to be 16, it changed right before I turned 16 myself years ago. But my parents and my brother and basically everyone grew up with the legal drinking age of 16. Ofcourse you can see problems in that but honestly there isn't that much binge drinking or problems here at all. I know that in Belgium the age is still 16 and I believe it goes perfectly fine there. But maybe I'm bias because I started drinking around the age of 16 but I have a good relationship with alcohol. First of all I have a very high tolerance, and I am hardly ever drunk. I'm also always still myself and I never get myself in dangerous situations or do things I normally would't do. I just simply like the taste of it and the fact it's making me a bit more lose and stuff when I go out, but I'm not dependant on it! I can have great fun without alcohol as well. But I have so many friends that will not remember a single thing that happened and I'm always taking care of everyone on a night out and that is definitely not a healthy relationship with alcohol.
Hey fellow-dutchie! I'm a bit older than you; for me, the drinking age changed when I was already 18. I do know there are people that drink themselves into a coma though, but I personally don't know anyone. Glad to hear you're not one of those!
I'm a Brit and live in Tilburg and see alottt of binge and over drinking but maybe it's because it's a very studenty place?
I can completely relate to your experiences, I'm 29 now but went through a few bad years with alcohol (probably 19 to 22) as a result of an unfortunate incident that occurred when I was 19. I went on to start drinking heavily and putting myself in danger many more times after. I was usually angry, not pleasant to be around, but the next day I wouldn't even remember that I'd done anything. Once I got in a better place mentally, I haven't had the same issues with anger or drinking to such excess - but I still have beer fear every time I've been drinking! I live in England and don't notice much difference between how I (and my friends drink) compared to when in Ireland - binge drinking is definitely an issue here too (at least in Manchester) but then my family is Irish so maybe it all comes back to Ireland!
As someone who doesn't drink, has never drank, and doesn't plan on ever drinking(I'm 17, so that might change, but as of now, I don't plan on it), I found this so interesting to watch. My mother and my grandmother were pioneers, and have never drank, and my father is french, so he grew up surrounded by the idea that alcohol is a kind of delicacy. My dad drank from the age of 14, but he never binged on drink/ It was always a glass of wine at the dinner table with my granddad. He often comments on how dangerous the drinking culture is here in Ireland. How, when you turn eighteen, the biggest thing you think of is 'Yes! I can drink now!'. I'm very lucky because I haven't grown up in an environment where drinking is seen as an essential or as something that is part of life, because it doesn't have to be either of those things. Thanks for your insight, I really enjoyed this!!
I am from NZ and we also have an unhealthy drinking culture! Kids as young as 13 are drinking, and adults openly binge drink, 15 and 16 year olds are binge drinking and partying all the time. Im lucky to come from a family that enjoys a wine with dinner but dosent abuse alcohol. It saddens me to see such young kids and teens turning to alcohol! Love you both xxxxxxxxxx
You both look absolutely gorgeous (just watched you do those lovely makeup looks on Jessie's channel) and I noticed that Jessie looks like the perfect picture of summer and Mel is the perfect picture of autumn/fall lol ..anyways love you two!
I'm German and startet drinking at the age of 14.. not really proud of that. I was influenced a lot by my older boyfriend at the time even though he was only 16ish himself. Because of my young age I wouldn't know my limits and for a year and a half I had terrible experiences getting drunk, being wasted and blacking out. After that I sorted myself out. I now hate the feeling of losing control over my body and having headaches the next day so barely get drunk. on the occasions I drink I do so just in save environments. As I don't like the taste of Alkohol either I just drink cocktails where it's well hidden. That makes me drink even less.. 😅 and I'm cool with that ☺️
Thank you so much for this video Melanie! Absolutely amazing ! The drinking culture in Norway is the same way... a lot of pressure to drink in many situations
I had a phase when I drank every night, finishing several bottles of whiskey in a week. Counseling helped me figure things out at a deeper level, and I naturally stopped using alcohol. Now I drink rarely (because I get really depressed too the day after) and have total control over when and where to drink! Being drunk and merry in a social situation is still always fun though.
I love the topics you discuss. I'm seriously ill (tube fed, fainting condition and condition that means I dislocate many times a day), and you give me the confidence to talk about difficult things on my channel 💗 I only got drunk once before I became seriously ill, and I liked how loose it made me feel - but it wasn't great the next day!! Xx Reading your book at the moment. Your publisher sent it for review - it is wonderful!! Xxx
Hannah Hodgson eds?
love your channel x
I LOVE HOW UA-cam KEEP PUTTING YOU AND LUCY INTO TRENDING OMG YAS QUEENS YAS
Australia is similar to you guys... big binge drinking culture and legal age starts at 18. I started drinking at 13, not all the time but whenever we could sneak it. And I used it very destructively, to get 'wasted' and I'm similar to you Melanie - I can't even fathom some of the dangerous situations I put myself in, and the absolutely STUPID things I've done. I started drinking heaving again during uni. In hindsight, I now realise my depressive moods and awful stuck feelings came from alcohol! I moved from the city to the country to have a break and get on track, because drinking was hard to stay away from. But I love a red wine with dinner and a Bailey's with my Mum. I do recognise it as a poison - I've never been an alcoholic, but I've definitely just been a sheep and done what everyone around me was doing. I'm keen to keep it for very special occasions :)
Thanks for sharing, you're both so beautiful and hilarious! X
I adore this video. I come from a family of heavy drinkers, but we all keep one another in check. It's a very fragile system. We have to make sure no one falls off the handle. If I didn't have family watching out for me and vice versa, we'd probably all be alcoholics. But honestly, back home in Ohio in the states, we all started drinking at like, 15 in my small town. But we weren't ever heavy drinkers. We all just did it every once in a while to have fun and get drunk with friends. It was very social. Now, living in the city at 21, it's much different. It's still social, but it's much more often and maybe a bit less drinking.
I live in England and I'm 16 - I've been drinking champagne and stuff (at celebrations) since I was like 11. And slowly I've had more as I've gotten older and I have a really healthy relationship with alcohol - I feel like it's because I've been used to it and have drunk in safe environments. I think it's far more dangerous when people just start drinking when they turn 16/18 because they get out of control. Also I think that in the UK the drinking age is 5-15 if you're in a private area. 18 is the legal age to buy alcohol. Great video!
zoellafan_ 5?! Wtf I live in Germany and I was 14 or 15 and I think this is even young
Helena Stillfried A small glass isn't harmful really - that's what they do in other places in Europe like France and Italy.
Many people start drinking in england young I started when I was 11 aswell
Helena Stillfried it's more that your parents are legally allowed to let you have alcohol from 5 up at their discretion. At 16 you are allowed beer wine or cider with a meal if accompanied by an adult. Despite this many restaurants (particularly chains) will refuse to serve any alcohol to under 18s anyway.
Funny enough my terrible relationship with alcohol began after my trip to Europe, with my last stop being Ireland! Lol no correlation at all but I did fall in love with your Irish pubs 😂😍 Jessica I feel like we are such similar people!!! I also had a 1 year toxic relationship that triggered my depression terribly. I also have a high tolerance, but now I can have a couple of beers or glass of wine and feel content. ☺️ Oh I wish I could come buy each of you a drink! So much love from Michigan, U.S ❤️
I didn't start drinking until I was 19 due to both my parents having somewhat unhealthy relationships with alcohol as I was growing up, and I think I'm glad I waited. I'm from the US but studied at a uni in the UK for a year and also worked in a pub after and personally enjoyed the binge drinking culture. Not that I think it's positive overall, but for me I knew I didn't like the idea of drinking everyday and letting it become habitual, but having one night every couple of weeks when my friends and I would get kinda messy was actually really cathartic for me (I can be pretty anxious otherwise) and there were only a few times that I ever regretted it. Fortunately I'v never turned to alcohol as an escape, and I can see how those habits plus a heavy drinking culture can be a harmful combo. Now I'm back in the US I very rarely drink. I feel there's much more judgement around it here, like people are quick to hand you a beer but also quick to tell you that you're too drunk and should be ashamed a few hours later (not so much from personal experience as observations of others). Plus you have to drive everywhere, and I'm small enough that even one strong drink could put me over, which really limits options for social drinking.
Thank you so much for talking about this. Alcoholism runs rampant in my family, probably because of our Irish and German heritage. I've decided I just really don't want to drink because I can see how much it can f up someone and their family
Both looks so good in this!! The natural makeup looks so amazing on Jess!😍
I'm 23 and when I was 18 and started college I socially drank. As time wore on and friends came and went I had a bad bout of binging when I turned 21 and then felt the need to drink when I went out. Now I have a drink now and then and enjoy being sober/ buzzed off of the people around me. My drink of choice is a gin and tonic with extra lime. It's just so darn refreshing.
Love you both ! Thank you for addressing those issues that are really present in my life right now. I'm from France, and alcohol is also a big part of the culture, and I think we all drink too much, but still I like to drink on parties. But I don't think we should be pressured to drink in anyway, and moderation is always a must.
I recently spent four weeks in Dublin and can confirm what you said in the beginning. Now I'm sure that there are similar drinking "cultures" in other countries like my own. What struck me the most was, that most of the Irish people went with the stereotype and presented themselves and their culture as everyhing was about the alcohol. I felt like there was nothing else to do in Dublin than going to the pub - in the middle of the day!
In Finland we have alot of alcoholism, not necessarily binge drinking, but more like everyday drinking problems, and among 12-16 year olds as well! The younger people have more of a problem with binge drinking, but the older you get in Finland the more routinely you drink according to statistics!
I live in the US now and whenever I'm back from visiting my dad and mum back in Ireland I go off alcohol for weeks without even trying! Moving abroad really made me realise how much everything revolves around drink in Ireland. You're always offered a drink with food and going out for a pint is the default thing to do! Also the quantity is so different. US pints are smaller and a default can is 350ml instead of 500ml. The US obviously has drinking problems but Ireland's drinking culture is definitely strong
My father has always had a horrible relationship with alcohol. I would consider him a non-binge-drinking, highly functioning alcoholic. He drinks basically every night, never hard alcohol, but it’s always slightly too much. When my brother and I were growing up it would make him angrier than he already is, and it was scary. It really affected mine and my brother’s perception of alcohol. Other people have no clue and don’t see anything wrong with it. But my dad got really horrible cancer, doctors told him to stop drinking, and he didn’t. Because of how someone else’s drinking affected me, I rarely drink and when I do I have one drink. I’ve never been drunk or hungover, and at 24 people see that as almost something to be ashamed about, but I’m confident in my decisions. I American but I studied in London for a year and I had a total of two nights when I drank more than two drinks. I go out and not drink and it made other people angry. I don’t understand why it seems to affect other people when I don’t drink. My brother was so affected by my dad’s drinking that he never wants to drink at all. I wish there were more conversations about the fact that alcoholism isn’t always getting crazy drunk all the time. There are many ways it can manifest. I truly believe it could change things. I think people look at themselves and think “well I don’t get drunk all the time so I must not be an alcoholic”. Which isn’t necessarily true, and even if you’re not an alcoholic you may have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.
I'm Irish-American and I started drinking at 14, but not in party situations; I started drinking to get away from my problems and for a good two years it's been rough. It's gotten to the point to where I only drink if I get extremely incredibly nervous (not good I know), which is a good thing for me.
I think this is a really great video to get people talking about the risks involved with alcohol use. I work in alcohol research and my one piece of feedback would be to try to stay away from the term "alcoholic." Just like anybody with any sort of disability, disorder, etc., you don't want to define a person by one aspect of who they are (e.g., schizophrenic). So in the field we would say "people with alcohol use disorder" but really you could say anything where you focus on a person being a person first, and then you could use other terms to describe their behaviors (e.g., "people who struggle with alcohol", or with my previous example you would say "people with schizophrenia").
I’m 19 and I’ve never had alcohol, and I honestly don’t know if I ever will! When you’re an Irish young person this is pretty much unheard of, but hopefully one day it will be accepted by society! You shouldn’t have to explain yourself for choosing not to do something that you’re not comfortable with, even if ‘everyone’ else is doing it.
I'm from Russia and we do have a problem with binge drinking here too.
I started drinking when I was 16, I think, I looked really grown up for my age and I was the one who bought the alcohol. My worst year was when I was 19, I got so drunk, I threw up and felt terrible after. I was so disappointed in myself, I didn't drink anything for 6 months. I do drink now occasionally, when I'm with my family or friends I trust, but never to get drunk, just for socializing...
You girls are both gorgeous. The look Jessie gives the camera makes me crazy.
Often I feel as though I should give up drinking because I've literally had some of the worst and most embarrassing moments whilst drunk, and I've had so many blackouts and almost completely sabotaged relationships, but I've also had some of the best times when I've bonded with people on what felt like such a deep level and had really amazing conversations..
I rarely ever drink and don't really enjoy getting drunk at all. I personally enjoy the buzz you get and the relaxed state alcohol can put you in but I always like to be in complete control of what I'm doing etc, so I rarely ever get drunk. I started university just a month ago and some of the things I've seen have genuinely shocked me. If you like the taste of it and can limit yourself that's not a problem! There is definitely a very unhealthy attitude towards alcohol in the UK, especially among students, but I'm lucky in that I'm surrounded by lots of positive influences and people who never pressure me to drink!
I agree!! I tend to drink one or two because I enjoy it, I feel like it otherwise upsets my stomach and my mood... But I've grown up with people *striving* to drink so much that they wouldn't remember what happend the next day. Friends of my mine have gone on the pill just so they wouldn't (hopefully) get pregnant, when drunk and out of control.
And like, I don't wanna separate myself from that thinking, I've really considered it, especially when you're not feeling so great about yourself. People will think you're weird for not finishing the 10 wodka bottles with them...
Awesome video, lovelies!!
I'm 26 and have never had an alcoholic drink. Friends and other people have asked me over time, and I tell them I just don't want to. Most are fine with that answer, others pry a bit more, and then I tell them that my mom was alcoholic when I was a kid (and a large part of my family is, too), and I just don't want that to happen to me. Plus I personally don't see the appeal for me to drink. Like, I don't care if people around me are drinking or whatever, but I like being the one completely aware, and if someone needs help then I can help them. My friends and everyone are all very nice about it and ask me sometimes if I want anything and say that it's okay because I'm with friends, but I just don't want it in my body. Nice chat about this topic, ladies!
Jessie is so good at makeup im always shook HER FACE BEAT IS FLAWLESS
I'm 17 and from Greece, although I was born in England and have also lived in Ireland and in my opinion what contributes to all this binge drinking in the U.K. and Ireland is the taboo that surrounds alcohol and peoples attitudes towards it. Like, in Mediterranean countries alcohol really isn't a big deal and children are exposed to it from a young age, usually through their parents/grandparents. My parents always let me taste their drinks and we talked open.y about drinking and so now, most of my friends and cousins who come from similar backgrounds mainly just have a drink or two when we go out to bars and get maybe tipsy at parties, just bc they like the taste (I don't drink). Also where I live now, in Cyprus, he drinking age is 17 but anyone at any age can pretty much buy alcohol and be served at bars and it's not an issue and I think that's a good thing bc teenagers will drink anyway might as well do it responsibly and in a chill way
I have only drank a bit of wine in a church when I was young and nothing after that. I'm soon-to-be 20 and I don't drink. I do go to the bars and clubs with my friends still and I have fun, maybe even more than they do! I love dancing so i really enjoy clubbing and then just the overall buzz of the night like Melanie said. People usually think that I would be blthered if I was around people who drink but that's not true either! So I'm glad that you are talking about this because like in Irelend in finland the alcohol culture is a big thing and kids start really young...
First id like to say I love your videos! Im 22 and live in the US. I usually drink maybe one shot of chilled cinnamon whiskey or gold schlager a year maybe...usually around my birthday. My parents always were very open with alcohol around my sister and I. We learned about it early on and how to to be responsible while drinking. I tend to not drink though because when I have drank before my negative emotions came out worse. For example if I was sad the sadness just became more apparent after a little bit of alcohol.
I'm 26 and I moved to England three years ago. I'm from France and before moving here, I had never touched a drink, never. I started drinking here as I felt completely out of place when going out with people. Over time though, I didn't feel pressured anymore however I would keep binge drinking because I just can't face the idea of socialising sober. I got very drunk last night not because I enjoy it but because I'm way too anxious to be around people without it. I don't find it fun to poison myself but I have to if I don't want to stay isolated at home.
I've gotta write this. Jessie, you look soo splendid with that light maku up!
I've found my relationship with alcohol has really changed since I started university. I started off having the odd really weak drink on special occasions when I was about 15 - wkd, bacardi breezers, just basic alcopops. I would go out and drink at the odd party, but I rarely went out and didn't really drink excessively. There was one time where my mental health was playing up and I went out and bought a bottle of apple sourz and drank it all myself, I was so sick and sad and bawling my eyes out, it was terrible, but I've never done that since because it was awful. But I started visiting friends at uni and partying with them, have since become a student myself and the drinking culture is insane. Everyone just seems to be trying to get as drunk as possible, we all play board games with shots whenever we have flat nights in - Snakes and Bladdered, Shot Roulette, all this crazy stuff. And I've been suffering so badly with hangovers, I've blacked out a few times from being so drunk, just through trying to keep up with people and fit in. I had a scare a few weeks ago where two guys I barely knew had to put me to bed because I was so drunk and I didn't even remember it. After that I took a few weeks off from drinking and I've been very careful to moderate myself more now I do drink again, and I try to limit myself to twice a week, tops. I hate knowing I've wasted a whole day through being hungover, and yet it's so normalised to do that and people go to lectures drunk, drink DURING lectures, all sorts of things. It's crazy.
I'm 17, from Essex and I've been drinking since I was 16, I started drinking around my family first because my parents knew I was getting around the age where I would be interested in it and wanted me to be in a safe environment when I started. I don't go out that often, I have done more recently because a lot of my friends have been turning 18 so I've been to house parties. I really enjoy the taste of alcohol, the social aspect of drinking, the confidence it gives me and the fun moments I've had with my friends. However, there is a history of alcoholism in my family (ironically the Irish side of my family) so Im always conscious to only drink when I'm in a good mood.
I love your videos together 💚💚literally #sister goals
My mentality is that alcohol should purely be a social thing as I've seen people close to me greatly effected when they drink alone or for other reasons. Personally I still haven't decided if I enjoy drinking as I don't do it often so it always feels like a new experience. Sometimes it can feel quite scary and I feel a bit distant from my body but I have found that when I'm just chilling out with a few friends with no pressure for it to be a "wild night" it can be quite a pleasant experience.
This is the best video ever. You never hear Irish people talk about the drinking culture in Ireland. As a 18 year old Irish girl I completely agree with everything in this video
I'm from North Wales and I think that the drinking culture here is very similar to that of Ireland, or maybe it's just the particular place I've grown up in. I started drinking when I was around 13y/o, nearly 14. Myself and my friends would ask strangers to go into the shops for us and I would drink, usually, a whole bottle of 20cl straight vodka most Friday nights before going ice skating! My worst years of drinking were probably around 14-15 when I would go to house parties most weekends. I was in a long term relationship from 16-18 and realised that my drinking slowed down, and even since turning 18 I didn't go out regularly like my friends did, I thought maybe I was over it since I'd been doing it since such a young age. However, now I'm nearly 19 and just started uni in Liverpool and I've found that my drinking habits have worsened quite severely, probably due to my relationship ending too! I think the UK as whole has a really bad drinking problem, especially compared to abroad!xxx
as a 13 year old living in England feel that my parents have always been very good around alcohol. I have wine with lemonade at Christmas, new years and big family dinners other than that I occasionly have some cider but I feel that my parents have brought me up so far to have a very healthy relationship with alcohol.
LOVED THE VIDEO, I have one of the strangest relationships with alcohol. I really enjoy a social drink with family but I get extreme anxiety when people go on a night out or a party and people are really drunk, I think its a trust issue?!?!
I did my exchange year in Ireland last year. Never ever drunk before, than my family started drinking at Christmas which was so strange for me, cause we don't do it over here in Germany. So they all got tipsy first, so did I for the first time in my life. Than we all had too many drinks... I didn't even think I was like that, but now I'm back and not scared of drinking anymore and going out a lot, which is so scary, how this year have changed me!
Melanie, I admire your honesty. Thanks so much! Actually, you have no reason to tell us anything about you. But still... you make us feel so much better by doing so... and so we feel so much more normal. I guess, we all struggle with something. But only because we feel alone with it. But when you talk about stuff... damn! We are all alright. If only we would talk much more about it. :*
I just turned 16 (US) and I've only gotten drunk a couple times at some parties and alone with my brother.
I went to a house party and, unfortunately, a cute, older boy convinced me to get super drunk. He taught me how to shotgun a beer and we took many shots...I didn't know any better because I'd never drank more than a couple sips.
Luckily, I knew I was with my brother and he took care of me very well :)
I'll never forget the memory of sitting in my bed, embarrassed and hiccuping like mad, and my parents listening through the door and laughing (they're strict, but very open about alcohol and we have an honest relationship).
I’m 14 and have never properly drank before, which I’m glad about as I haven’t gotten involved with the wrong people! Most people in my year (2nd year) drink a lot but I honestly just want to save the experiences for when I’m a bit older! Also my mam would killlll me hahahaha xx loved this video girlies 💚
I live in America and I actually just turned 21 so I am really only now starting to drink. There was really only one time when I drank underage and I was sexually assaulted so I never drank again until I turned of age. I find that I have quite a high tolerance for alcohol but I still only have one drink at a time if that! I'm terrified of not being in control of my actions and thoughts so that's why I limit myself. I have found that I really like citrus beer as well as red wine but I haven't really tried much more than that! I steer clear of shots and only have liquor if it's in a mixed drink (a dark and stormy is my favorite so far!) I love that you guys talk about these subjects that everyone else just seems to ignore! I love how honest you are! Wishing you the best❤️
I’m 24 and I rarely drink. I’ll have the occasional cocktail at dinner, or a drink at home with my mom. Other than that, the only time I actually drink is when I go out with my mom and sister when we go see a musical at the theatre. Same with parties; I’ll have a drink but then follow it with water because when I was in school, high school and college, we had a program called “every 15 minutes” which basically is when students act out the dangers of under age drinking. That set me straight for good.
I think one of the issues we have in the UK is that we drink alcohol without food a lot of the time. Whereas in Spain for example you eat lots of tapas with your drink, and so it’s a slower process of consuming alcohol, and I guess the food absorbs some of the alcohol as well. Rather than just drinking lots in a pub!
I’m from Australia and there is a huge drinking culture down here. If you are aged between 15-25 and don’t centre your weekends around binge drinking “you aren’t having fun”. It’s even more prevalent in 18-25, especially at uni. I don’t like who I turn into when I drink so I stopped at 22. Have felt so much better since.
I'm 19 and Irish and I don't drink, nor have I ever. When all my friends started drink at about 16/17 it made me so so anxious and panicked, I didn't like hanging out with them if they were drinking and it was a serious issue for me. I hated the idea of how damaging them drinking was to themselves and sneaking around behind parents backs. It was always thought to me when I was younger that alcohol is bad and from seeing what it does to people I just was never comfortable with it. My favorite teacher once made a comment that if alcohol was founded today it would be illegal because it basically is a drug. Over the years I've gotten more comfortable with drink around me but if I'm honest it can still make me panicked sometimes, like if someone drunk was to come up with me acting so unusual to how they normally do I would get incredibly uncomfortable. Part of me wishes I did drink and that I liked it because although they say "you don't have to drink to go out and have a good time" I haven't found that to be the case yet. I don't go out that often but when I do I never really enjoy myself, I prefer to hang out in a friend's house than go to a club or bar which is really difficult when I have just started college and ever Thursday being bombarded with the "are you going out?" "Aw why not?" questions and having to make excuses. I'm hoping that over time I'll find away to be part of going out and manage to enjoy myself...
I’m 15 and I’ve recently started drinking at house parties. I seem to make a show of myself every time I drink so I’m going to try and stop for the next party.. it’s so embarrassing remembering what you did the following morning!
watching this while about to go to a party 😁 in love with this series ❤
Drinking is a pretty big problem here in the US as well. Part of it seems to be the cultural pressure to drink early in secret (in your house by yourself or with a friend) which makes it easier to lose track of how much you are drinking. Another is how culture gives more supprt to drink than see a therapist for mental health issues. Most importantly, people aren't educated on alcohol. What do they mean by alcohol poisoning? What does liver or kidney damage look like? How do you handle this poison/drug responsibly? Personally I don't drink, but it's frightening that people who do sometimes don't know information that can save their lives.
In America drinking is a problem as well but not to the same degree. My town is mixed as in some people drink a lot, some a little, and some don't at all.
My year in school was a very fast crowd, some kids started doing drugs and drinking at around 12 years old. I saw my older sister get in trouble for being influnced by a bad crowd act a certain way. I'm also am very close with a few people who have and are struggling with it.
I try to surround myself with people who like me only really drink on certian occasions like going out with friends or sometimes on holidays.
I suffer with anxiety so the idea of getting drunk and forgeting what happened the next day terrifies me. I'll usually when I am drinking I will only have two or three drinks in a night and making sure that am in a happy and postive headspace.
I make sure that I'm around people who know that I can trust and when I am in situations or places where I feel 100% safe. I also make sure that I am consuming enough food staying hydrated in between drinks and while drinking.
enstef I’m 14 and drink