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You are here: Home / Everyone / The Joy of the “Happy Buzz”

The Joy of the “Happy Buzz”

May 16, 2017 by Jill Whitney 2 Comments

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How much is the right amount to drink when you’re out to have a good time? Do you know how many drinks you need so you’re happy and relaxed—but not wasted, sick, or out of control?

I call this middle ground your “happy buzz.” It’s where you’re feeling the positive effects of alcohol (a little looser, say) without being so impaired that you’re a danger to yourself and others. Not only are you less likely to be hung over, there’s also less risk of sexual behavior you might regret.

This concept is particularly useful for teens and young adults, who may not know their own drinking limits and who may get into sexual or other trouble when things go too far. They may enjoy the feeling of a “free pass”—thinking that they’re not really responsible for their behavior (especially sexual behavior), and won’t be judged by their peers, because they were trashed.

Of course, most parents would prefer their kids not drink at all. But the reality is that many do. It’s also true that many teen sexual assaults and a lot of poor decision-making involve alcohol. Explain to your child the benefits of waiting to start drinking (because the brain keeps developing until 25, and addictions can develop quickly in younger people). When he does drink, encourage him to leave getting wasted to others and just enjoy his own happy buzz.

 

 

Filed Under: Everyone, Featured, For Parents of Teens and Preteens Tagged With: alcohol, drinking, parenting, teens

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  1. Birds & Bees TalkStarter: The Kavanaugh Accusations – Keep The Talk Going says:
    September 18, 2018 at 2:25 pm

    […] alcohol is so bad for their developing brains. But if they do, they should learn what level of “happy buzz” makes them relaxed but not out of control. Staying sober, or at least not too drunk, makes them […]

    Reply
  2. What Good Guys Need to Know about Consent – Keep The Talk Going says:
    October 15, 2019 at 7:54 pm

    […] into an abuser—but getting blotto is. That’s one reason I’m a fan of what I like to call the “happy buzz”: Drinking only enough to feel relaxed, but not so much that things get out of […]

    Reply

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About the Author

Jill Whitney is a licensed marriage and family therapist dedicated to improving communication about relationships, sexuality, and intimacy. Learn more about her and her practice at Green Tree Professional Counseling.

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