On the Psychic Effects of Moderate Inebriation
Or: Why Frank doesn’t mind getting drunk anymore.
There is a long and rich history of the relationship between recreational drug use and scholarly knowledge production. From Walter Benjamin to Michel Foucault, academics have been getting “lifted” for about as long as “critical theory” has existed as its own legitimate form of academic inquiry.
As I enter the end of my fourth year as a doctoral student (when will it end!!!), I am realizing just how productive “getting high” can actually be for stimulating the mind. Now, I must admit from the start, I do not “do drugs” in any form: no coke, no ecstasy, no crystal meth, not even a little hit of marijuana every now and then. I’m pretty much a squeaky clean “drug free” kid.
But lately I have been experimenting with alcohol (which, considering that I usually don’t drink at all, simply means that I’ve been daring to having three or four drinks at a party) and have been amazed at just how effective a little “buzz” can be for stimulating the scholarly mind. This revelation took place almost entirely by accident: about two weeks ago I got drunk out of my mind at a club with friends and was later flapper gassed to realize that I had an easier time writing my dissertation prospectus while inebriated then while sober. The following weekend I repeated the pattern, yielding similar effects (productively, concentration, relaxation) and affects (happiness, nonchalance, stress-free-ness).
When I was a “kid” (i.e. 19-24) alcohol had the unattractive effect of making me irritable, overly-excited, obnoxious…basically all of things associated with undergraduate intoxication. However, as I get older, I am noticing that by body responds to alcohol differently: now it carries with it a “grown and sexy” effect, helping me meditate, relax, and calm down (and trust me, during this moment of pre-dissertation angst, anxiety is endless).
Is this some terrible, tragic foreshadowing of a troubled career as a professorial Lush, or is it simply a testament to the fact that alcohol, when used “responsibility,” can be incredibly rejuvenative, reparative, and even utopian?
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Posted by
Unknown |
12/22/2007
I would have to say it’s the latter, Frank. I’m currently writing a novel and I find that a bottle of wine, preferably a nice Riesling, helps loosen the pen. It frees me of inhibitions that I cannot afford to harbor as a writer. Shots of Vodka straight out of the freezer have a similar effect. For three years, I struggled to produce the first draft of my book. Then earlier this year, with the help of a little liquid courage, I completed that sought after first draft within one month. How do think Michael Eric Dyson writes two books a year!?! Just kidding, Mike. Happy Chrismahanukwanzakah!!!
Posted by
Unknown |
12/22/2007
Frank, I would just say please be careful with too much alcohol. I've seen what it do to some people. Just reconsider it. I just don't like the thoughts of people over using alcohol. As a current graduate student, I am experiencing a great amount of stress. However, I do not drink. I witnessed people drink and completely my a fool out of themselves.
Posted by
Anonymous |
12/22/2007
I prefer to keep it cute with dryer, paler wines, Fino, Chablis, etc. when being literary. Vodka's even too much for me. And I definitely can't get away with mixing in too much sugar or caffeine if I want to get some work done...
Posted by
jbyrd130 |
12/22/2007
Frank, you are absolutely correct, there have been studies showing that many writers and artist have a more creative flow after using various drugs and not to mention the alcohol. That may be okay for some, but any drug or alcohol alters the mind no matter how creative the work may appear to be; writers, actors and many artist use the drugs and alcohol as a diversion. Stop experimenting with the alcohol it can be very habit forming and dangerous when done excessively.
Posted by
Chet |
12/22/2007
Alcohol can loosen those creative juices. It can also loosen other things, like assholes without condom protection. Be careful.
It may be true that many, if not most, of the best writers have been drunks but is this what you want to be.
I think a little marijauna, though, is a good thing. Hard drugs are ALWAYS bad.
Posted by
Anonymous |
12/23/2007
Weed....unprotected sex...Eric dyson lol It's all too much.
I'm convinced some of this comments were initiated by a few substances. Geezze peeps give'em a break people!
Posted by
Anonymous |
12/23/2007
People, people, people! Please join me in RELAXING. I can assure you that this post was composed in a tongue-in-cheek fashion and in no way points to a future of Frank Roberts' endless inebriation.
Trust me, I have not committed to a career of academia and activism to be boggled down by alcohol.
Please remember that I specifically stated that for me "alcohol experimentation" simply meant three or four drinks in a social setting. Surely you'll agree that there is nothing excessive or crazed about this. Also, as I already made clear in my post, I do not do drugs of any kind.
Relax brothers. Have a drink.
Posted by
the young people's professor |
12/23/2007