What's out: Bar hopping. What's in: Pre-gaming.
Filed under: Extracurriculars, Food
Even though alcohol is often considered recession proof, the current economic situation has led to a change in how many people including myself consume it. The change is actually a regression to an earlier stage of life; one where money was tighter and friends pooled their resources to achieve a common goal of inebriation. While the cost of booze at my local joints may be a bargain compared to those in bigger cities,I still find it disturbing that I can only get two beers for the cost of a six-pack; and don't even get me started on the hard stuff!It's for these very reasons that pre-gaming is poised to make a comeback amongst the very crowd who had recently left the practice in their dorm rooms next to tattered Maxim magazines and their crumpled Animal House poster. Pre-gaming, for the un-initiated, is the practice of beginning your drinking in the comfort and the cost effectiveness of your own home. Once you've worked up a good buzz then you can head out for a night on the town and sustain your inebriation for a fraction of the cost. While many associate it with underage consumption many pre-gamers are simply trying to avoid the high cost of drinking in public.
Pre-gaming doesn't come without any drawbacks though, especially in areas without a good public transportation system. Depending on how far you plan to go and the number of clubs you'll be visiting, you can quickly eat up your savings in cab fare. Of course you can always rent a designated driver if you don't have a friend to step up, but you'll still be on the hook for $25 an hour. Additionally, there are concerns that pre-gaming can lead to increased inebriation and lack of control, so be sure to pre-game responsibly.
Personally, I find myself avoiding drinks with dinner in favor of a cheaper, more enjoyable drink before or after dinner with friends. One of the great upsides to pre-gaming or simply having a house party is that with your pooled resources a decent bottle of scotch is still cheaper than the combined bar tab of the group. Call me a tightwad, but I'll take a glass of Glenrothes over a watered down bar drink any day of the week!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-22-2008 @ 12:00PM
Rana4ian said...
What I find distressing is the fact that you used a photo of young (underage in most states) drinkers. The idea that you suggest that you should get buzzed at home and then drive somewhere and get high is really a careless suggestion on AOL's part. The insensitivity to those who have lost loved ones to drinkers, especially underage drinkers, is staggering. Brainless!
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11-22-2008 @ 1:40PM
Hank said...
This has been popular with broke college students for years and years.
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11-22-2008 @ 9:22PM
weetz said...
So true. Not always smart. But you do save money at the bars. Hopefully you always have a designated driver or your destination is walkable/public transportation friendly.
11-22-2008 @ 1:40PM
Frank Briard said...
Are you kidding with this despicable article? Shame on you!!!
You may as well change the title of this article to
"How to Jump Start Your Life of Alcoholism"
Next time, show some responsibility.
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11-22-2008 @ 1:43PM
Josh Smith said...
Frank, please explain how advocating drinking at home, rather than barhopping will jump start your life as an alcoholic.
I encourage you to read the link in the article addressing the concerns of those who pregame, rather than calling this article despicable.
Thanks,
Josh
11-22-2008 @ 9:22PM
Tzip said...
What a constructive way to spend your time. Tell me, what frat are you a member of?
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11-22-2008 @ 8:51PM
Tzippo. said...
What a constructive way to spend your time. Tell me, what frat house do you live in?
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11-23-2008 @ 8:58PM
KB said...
I've done this for years and I think it's smart but to show a photo of what appears to be under-age drinkers is irresponsible. I know middle-aged and older people who do this (like my parents). It's not just for times of recession but why not save a few bucks? I always get a glass of wine or a cocktail when I go out but I like to start with a drink at home and I don't get in the driver's seat afterwards. I walk to the restaurants and bars in my neighborhood.
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11-23-2008 @ 8:58PM
lynn said...
By not drinking or drugging at all, we can save hundreds or thousands of dollars per year. What better time than a recession to conserve brain cells, major organs (liver, lungs, etc.) and driving records? Never know what might be needed for survival in the economy to come. Also national healthcare doesn't seem to be on its way, so rehab may not be covered for all the poor suckers who get hooked on the stuff.
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11-24-2008 @ 12:07PM
Frank Briard said...
Josh:
My point is that this is the kind of information that does not warrant a prominent place on your blogspot and judging from the other comments, I am not alone in this opinion.
To wit: "Once you've worked up a good buzz then you can head out for a night on the town and sustain your enebriation for a fraction of the cost."
These are your own words and represent "how to get drunk cheaply and stay that way for the rest of the night." The article you indirectly reference is "off page" and is not likely to be followed by your young, susceptible readers. You would have better made your point about the dangers of alcohol abuse by including the downside risks inside your article. This is why I stand by my accusation of irresponsiblity on your part.
Furthermore, social drinking does not imply "inebriation". If you have to get drunk to have a good time, then you are already on your way toward alcoholism.
All things considered this piece of writing is a needless and reckless piece of work! I look forward to better things from you in the future.
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