Actors and Thought Work

We have schedules that often mean different, hurried, isolated meals.

We work a lot of nights, if we are theatre folk.

We decide we are stressed.

We want to drink.

And we do.

To celebrate, commiserate, reward ourselves.

To feel connected to our company, to get to know each other, to let off steam.

Because we want it.

Deserve it.

It tastes good.

We feel better.

All fine.

And that dopamine hit is mighty fine.

But when we use alcohol to escape from our lives, or to dull our painful emotions, or as the only reward after a show.  

When we think about it while working...

I can't wait until I can have a drink.

At least we are going out afterwards.

When we are tired, as we often can be, after a 2 show day, or a long shoot with odd hours, our primitive brain takes over.  That is good in many ways.  Our primitive brain has kept us alive through terrible and wonderful times, by seeking pleasure.

Because that is how our primitive brain responds to the concentrated affects of alco...