Sir, – Over the last 20 years or so, a new feature has evolved in Irish drinking culture, the planned hangover.
In earlier times we suffered hangovers entirely by accident. They were always painfully surprising, and sometimes very inconvenient.
Now many people plan their time so that a night out is followed by a full day without activity of any sort to accommodate the hangover.
One could argue that this shows a degree of intelligent foresight. However, to me it shows a lack of understanding as to how to drink sanely and pleasurably.
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Alcohol can work positively or negatively both for the individual and for society as a whole. It is not always easy to distinguish when it is working positively and when it is not.
One of the signposts to help us judge what is actually going on is the presence or absence of a hangover.
The rational response to a hangover is to observe the poisoning, feel the pain and resolve to do one’s best to avoid this in future.
Planning time off for recovery shows an inadequate understanding of how to use alcohol. – Yours, etc,
DAVID S KELLY,
Sandyford,
Dublin 16.