[quote=@Kassarock] Hey Cu Chulainn, I don't know you personally and I don't think I've ever really roleplayed with you before, but I'd like to thank you for making this post. I'd especially like to thank you for talking about your issues with alcohol and writing, because I suspect its a something more common on this site than some might believe. I've had a similar issue at one point when I was really struggling with writers block both in my personal life when writing for fun, and in my professional life when I was trying to write for academic journals. When you're sat there trying to get blood from a stone on a piece of work you know you need to finish and it just won't come, there's a terrible temptation to try and 'loosen up' just to get something to flow. To get something, anything, you can work with. This might not seem like a problem when its a beer or two, or a glass of wine. But when you realise you're working on probably the most important piece of your career so far, something that is going to be peer reviewed and published, and you are flat out [b]drunk[/b] - then you might have a problem. I think I certainly did a few years ago. Thankfully, I don't do that anymore. I still drink, but only socially. Never by myself, and never when I'm working. Anyway, thank you for opening up and sharing. I'm glad that this site has been able to help you, and teach you some things about yourself. [/quote] Thanks for your response. To be honest, I was worried about including my issues with alcohol here for a variety of reasons. For one, I didn't want it to be seen as an excuse since I've had, and will always take responsibility for my actions while under the influence. It almost didn't feel appropriate for the post context, but I decided to add it after all as it has affected a couple major moments during my time here. Seeing your response, I'm glad I've decided to add it in the end and I'm happy there more people I can relate to for this issue. The issue of using alcohol to help ease the mind to get to work is definitely a relatable issue for me. It hasn't only plagued me in writing, but also social situations as well. For writing specifically, though, I've had issues where I would disconnect with the character I've written, and only a stiff drink can really get the gears turning to write for him. I've had to leave roleplays due to that habit. In any case, thank you for sharing your experience with alcohol as well. What hit especially hard was the realization of being drunk while writing something career-breaking. I've gone through a similar event, though not as extreme, and at the very least it ended up better than expected. I'm glad that me sharing this bit about myself was able to resonate with you, moreso that you had your own experiences to share as well.