There are countless varieties of vodka, as there are other spirits and beer. Most people choose either a spirit or a beer as their drink of choice, with many alcoholics choosing vodka as their go-to. Some of the reasons for that is because it looks like water with its clear, unmistakable appearance and lack of strong odor compared to other spirits.
A preference for vodka doesn’t automatically confirm you’re an alcoholic, but undoubtedly it’s often the preferred drink among alcoholics. How do you know if you consume too much vodka?
According to the US National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the suggestion is that men should consume “less than four drinks per day and less than 14 drinks in a given week.”
Conversely, women are far fewer, with only “less than three per day and only seven in a week suggested.”
Vodkal’s alcohol content is exceptionally high, causing those who drink the liquor straight to get drunk rather quickly. However, the habit of doing so can also be harsh on your health if you do so excessively. Let’s look closely at vodka to see why it’s a preferred drink, particularly over the ever-popular beer.
Why Vodka Is The Preferred Drink For Alcoholics, Even Over Beer
Usually, when considering alcohol abuse, many would believe that alcoholism is associated with beer since it’s readily accessible and affordable, and most people enjoy the taste. But actually, a favored choice over beer for alcoholics is vodka, surprisingly. Some reason for the choice is the fact that the spirit has virtually no odor, is colorless, and resembles water.
If you want to be discreet carrying it in a glass or bottle, no one will be wise to the fact you have alcohol. The presumption will be that you’re carrying water, allowing alcoholics to drink anytime and anywhere without any hassle. Let’s look at reasons alcohol would be the choice for alcoholics over other options.
1. The calories are lower in vodka than in most spirits, beer, or wine
The distillation process for vodka is distinct, with the substance processed as much as six times before being filtered and then incorporating a “freeze filtration” to remove excess impurities. This means the buyer is receiving straight alcohol. The calories are even reduced through this process.
With other alcohol products, including beer, the caloric content is high due to the fermentation processes. An alcoholic will prefer to drink a substance that won’t alter their appearance drastically because this will alert friends and loved ones of a problem. That means they’ll start to ask questions.
Alcoholics want to be discreet without drawing attention to their problems. The best way to do that is to drink something that won’t make others question their behavior.
2. The shelf life for vodka is virtually indefinite
When vodka is unopened, it can remain in a household cabinet or bar indefinitely. That’s not a concern for an alcoholic since they will drink the contents relatively quickly. Still, a primary concern for the individual is running out of liquor. The longevity of vodka means they can stock up without fear of the product expiring.
That’s not true with something like beer. Any brand has expiration or “drink by” dates that, once reached, the flavor will be altered. Vodka will retain its flavor even after it’s been opened for years. However, if it’s stored where it’s exposed to extreme heat, the taste will be lost. The ideal setting is in the freezer.
The liquor offers an incredible taste when exceptionally cold or on the rocks. The liquid won’t freeze when stowed in the freezer, either.
3. There are varied uses for vodka aside from drinking
Vodka traces back to the early 1400s when it was introduced in a medicinal capacity. It is still a substance people can use as a disinfectant for open wounds since it can efficiently and effectively kill germs. The substance comprises basically water and ethanol. Once filtered and distilled, it can be used in numerous ways for sterilizing and cleaning around the home.
This might sound unusual for an alcoholic to consider these uses. But when you think about an alcoholic in the home, these individuals often stumble, trip, or fall in the household, hurting themselves and getting gashes or wounds that they don’t want anyone to know about. Instead of going to a medical facility, they want to handle their own care. Vodka is an easy answer.
4. Vodka warms you up
The suggestion is to try to avoid drinking in the winter, but vodka boasts of an appropriate spirit, and one alcoholics enjoy year-round. One reason is the beverage touts a warming effect. Plus, it mixes relatively well in warm drinks, including hot cocoa. With its versatility, the liquor is one that fits an alcoholic’s way of life.
Not only that, but, again, tracing back to its history and medicinal beginnings, it’s suggested that a shot of vodka can prove helpful if you’re suffering from a fever or develop a winter cold.
Alcoholics tend to isolate themselves, often avoiding doctors or seeking medical attention when warranted. For them, alcohol is their medication; in this case, vodka serves that purpose.
Conclusion
You don’t have to be an alcoholic to enjoy vodka as your drink of choice. As you can see, there are many reasons people favor the beverage. But it’s also a preferred option for alcoholics for many of the same notions. Some alcoholics like the immediate sharpness that the liquor provides when taking the first taste.
The buzz is smooth and relatively quick when consuming the substance straight from the freezer. There is virtually no odor or color, plus it resembles water. That allows the discretion that an alcoholic prefers in order to keep the secret and avoid questioning from close friends and loved ones.
Plus, it traces back historically, showing purported medicinal properties that it still boasts, like disinfecting and killing germs, helping with colds and fevers, and producing a warming effect in the cold winter months. That’s certainly no reason to overindulge or binge drink.
If you have a problem with alcohol abuse, it’s vital to reach out, even to a close friend you trust, so that they can help you.
I am a passionate beer connoisseur with a deep appreciation for the art and science of brewing. With years of experience tasting and evaluating various beers, I love to share my opinions and insights with others and I am always eager to engage in lively discussions about my favorite beverage.
