# Alcohol and studying **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 5, 2004, 5:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-and-studying/278171 "2004-12-05T05:14:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Hostile\_Dialect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e495f1/32.png) [@Hostile\_Dialect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hostile_Dialect)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2004, 5:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-and-studying/278171/1 "2004-12-05T05:14:41Z")
I have heard recently from several other students that alcohol helps them study. It makes them more relaxed, they say, which helps them focus on their work. Well, armed with a plentiful supply of vodka and Dr. Pepper, I decided to put this theory to the test. I poured myself a not-too-strong mix, cooked some pasta while waiting for it to take full effect, and then sat down to begin studying for my paper that’s due Monday. The experiment was an utter failure, I must say. I cannot concentrate on studying, and oddly enough, taking more of my delicious study aid does not help at all. However, I find it difficult to become distressed about this situation. Cheers! ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2004, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-and-studying/278171/2 "2004-12-05T05:18:39Z")
I am sure that these other students of which you speak end up with knowledge of their studies equivalent to their knowledge of the effects of alcohol on the brain. I tried that a bunch of times in college with the same results that you got. That is what alcohol does. ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2004, 5:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-and-studying/278171/3 "2004-12-05T05:21:35Z")
The exceptionally talented screenwriter [Bruce Robinson](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0732430/) used to chug a bottle of red wine, first thing in the morning, to help him write. He’d do another one after lunch, and another one in the evening. So clearly it does help some people. When I was an actor, I found that smoking a big hash joint before learning my lines made them stick in my brain. The first five plays I tried this for, including one where I was on-stage for three hours with constant dialogue, it worked brilliantly. But the effect wore off after a while, and in the end it actually damaged my ability to learn. I’d say coffee would be the strongest narcotic you should really try for studying purposes. ---
**Author:** ![Incubus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c68b51/32.png) [@Incubus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Incubus)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2004, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-and-studying/278171/4 "2004-12-05T05:22:21Z")
Perhaps alcohol would work as some sort of anti-anxiety elixir (helping you to calm down about deadlines, being able to relax to the point where you actually work on assignments rather than procrastinate and fret about it) but I don’t know. The only thing Alcohol did for me last weekend was tell myself, “Screw it, I can put that research paper of mine off to the last minute” forcing me to frantically finish it early this evening, when I could have freed up THIS weekend if I didn’t decide to get drunk at my friend’s apartment last weekend :mad: ---
**Author:** ![CynicalGabe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3e96dc/32.png) [@CynicalGabe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CynicalGabe)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2004, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-and-studying/278171/5 "2004-12-05T05:26:02Z")
I had intended to study from noon to 5PM today for a big test on Monday, and to do the same tomorrow. I failed miserably today. I am going to go to the bar and consume some alcohol, and tomorrow I shall study all day!! I’ll update you tomorrow night on my success or failure. ---
**Author:** ![Hostile\_Dialect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e495f1/32.png) [@Hostile\_Dialect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hostile_Dialect)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2004, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-and-studying/278171/6 "2004-12-05T05:33:26Z")
> [@jjimm](#): > > The exceptionally talented screenwriter [Bruce Robinson](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0732430/) used to chug a bottle of red wine, first thing in the morning, to help him write. He’d do another one after lunch, and another one in the evening. So clearly it does help some people. I’m not incredibly surprised. It’s no secret that all good writers are fueled entirely by alcohol. Speaking of which, alcohol and drugs (particularly downers and psychedelics) do seem to make me more eloquent and entertaining in my speech and writing. > [@jjimm](#): > > When I was an actor, I found that smoking a big hash joint before learning my lines made them stick in my brain. The first five plays I tried this for, including one where I was on-stage for three hours with constant dialogue, it worked brilliantly. But the effect wore off after a while, and in the end it actually damaged my ability to learn. That’s interesting. I can certainly see cannabis as good for reducing stage fright and anxiety. I’m not sure where it would help you with writing things to memory, unless anxiety was a major detractor from this. But to each their own. ---
**Author:** ![Hunter\_Hawk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/50afbb/32.png) [@Hunter\_Hawk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hunter_Hawk)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2004, 8:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-and-studying/278171/7 "2004-12-05T08:27:43Z")
I had a creative writing professor once say that having a couple shots of whiskey before sitting down at the typewriter was often a good idea–but that having more than that tended to mess up your typing skills. ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2004, 10:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-and-studying/278171/8 "2004-12-05T10:55:38Z")
I find it makes me more distractable, and more likely to walk away from studying, and totally forgetting I had to study in the 1st place. OTOH stimulants like coffee will help me relax and focus. But each person has to find out which drug works best for them. ---
**Author:** ![Chairman\_Pow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/838e76/32.png) [@Chairman\_Pow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chairman_Pow)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2004, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-and-studying/278171/9 "2004-12-05T14:35:41Z")
Ah, alcohol makes you study better, what a great college thought. I’m surprised they didn’t tell you that wearing a hat will warm up your brain and help you study better as well. Same for studying naked outside, studying while getting a bj, studying in dim light so you can concentrate more… > [@fetus](#): > > I’m not incredibly surprised. It’s no secret that all good writers are fueled entirely by alcohol. Speaking of which, alcohol and drugs (particularly downers and psychedelics) do seem to make me more eloquent and entertaining in my speech and writing. Is that your opinion or do others share that as well? ---
**Author:** ![Helen\_s\_Eidolon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/8edcca/32.png) [@Helen\_s\_Eidolon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helen_s_Eidolon)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2004, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-and-studying/278171/10 "2004-12-05T14:38:19Z")
I don’t make a habit of it, but a glass of wine or a pint of cider doesn’t harm my ability to study in any way. Doesn’t have much effect at all, except MAYBE I’m a little calmer. ---
**Author:** ![Hanna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b3f665/32.png) [@Hanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hanna)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2004, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-and-studying/278171/11 "2004-12-05T14:41:35Z")
I suffer from severe test anxiety. I am seeing a counselor about it, but the professor of the class where this anxiety is affecting me the most actually suggested I have a glass of wine to relax before his tests. I am, of course, of age. I haven’t tried his suggestion for a few reasons, one is I commute to school so I’d have to sit in my car to imbibe (illegal), and the other is the class is at 8am - way too early for wine IMHO. I don’t drink much so I have never studied while intoxicated. I would think that anything I studied while under the influence would be difficult to remember later. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2004, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-and-studying/278171/12 "2004-12-05T14:49:24Z")
> [@jjimm](#): > > The exceptionally talented screenwriter [Bruce Robinson](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0732430/) used to chug a bottle of red wine, first thing in the morning, to help him write. He’d do another one after lunch, and another one in the evening. So clearly it does help some people. > > When I was an actor, I found that smoking a big hash joint before learning my lines made them stick in my brain. The first five plays I tried this for, including one where I was on-stage for three hours with constant dialogue, it worked brilliantly. But the effect wore off after a while, and in the end it actually damaged my ability to learn. > > I’d say coffee would be the strongest narcotic you should really try for studying purposes. Curious - did you have to be stoned to remember your lines? There’s a theory called "[state dependant memory](http://library.thinkquest.org/C0110291/science/factors/state.php?tqskip1=1) " that says, basically, our physical, emotional and drug induced states are cues in memory - that smoking hash may make you remember lines better. The catch is that the memories are best accessed when you are once again in that state. Some domestic violence groups think this is why drunks don’t “remember” what they did while they were drinking - not blackouts per se, but because they’re not in the state to remember it. Get them drunk again, and they’ll remember. If this is the case, it’s probably not the best study method! Unless your professor will let you bring vodka to your final. ---
**Author:** ![lezlers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/258eb7/32.png) [@lezlers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lezlers)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2004, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-and-studying/278171/13 "2004-12-06T02:04:16Z")
I don’t know about alcohol, but my best semester academically as an undergrad was spent stoned off my ass. My biggest hurdle to studying is being constantly distracted. Since I’m such a procrastinator anyway, I start _looking_ for distractions (“oooh, shiny!”). After I smoked, however, I was able to lock down and focus like no one’s business. Haven’t tried it yet in law school, though. Considering I’ve got midterms starting next week, I think this may not be the best time to experiement (a little too much at stake). Next semester is another story though… 😃 ---
**Author:** ![spingears](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ebca7d/32.png) [@spingears](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spingears)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2004, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-and-studying/278171/14 "2004-12-06T02:13:57Z")
> [@fetus](#): > > The experiment was an utter failure, I must say. I cannot concentrate on studying, and oddly enough, taking more of my delicious study aid does not help at all. However, I find it difficult to become distressed about this situation. Cheers! An alterrnate to alcohol… Early Sat. afternoon. Studying Physice hard in despeate attempt to improve my grade point average. Phone rings. YL on line from OOT. Met her previous year in distant state, CO to be exact. Picked her up asap and forgot all about Physics exam till the fatal hour on Monday AM. Fellow students asked as I walked in to class room: “All ready for the big exam?” My reply: “What exam?” End result was that having forgot ALL about the exam till time to take it I received the highest grade ever! It did indeed accomplish what I desparately needed, an improved gpa. ---
**Author:** ![Antigen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/848f3c/32.png) [@Antigen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antigen)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2004, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-and-studying/278171/15 "2004-12-06T02:48:25Z")
This is the weirdest thing ever… I’m sitting here studying hemostasis over a glass of wine! I come to the Dope for a little break, and fall onto this thread! Spooky. I don’t usually do the drinking/studying thing for fear of losing brain cells. But a glass of wine isn’t quite the same as getting hammered, now, is it? Last night was another intense study session, and I was getting very frustrated because nothing was making sense anymore after hours of studying and many _many_ cups of coffee. I decided to give up, wandered off to the kitchen, and found a bottle of wine in the fridge. My mom had brought it back form the office Christmas party or something, and it was just sitting there uncorked. I figured why not, I deserve a break, maybe it’ll calm me down and I’ll go to sleep soon. Sat back with my wine and came online, where my friends, equally frustrated and tired, were on MSN asking questions. I looked in my book to see if I could answer a couple for them, and suddenly found that the concept my poor brain couldn’t wrap around earlier was as clear as day! So I studied for another hour, and _all_ of it got absorbed. I think it has to do with the relaxing effect of the alcohol. I’m very stressed right now, because I have eight exams in five days, five of which are lab exams. I don’t _think_ I’m panicked, but I must be without realizing it. The panic and exhaustion just causes my brain to shut down in frustration. So here I am again, with that glass of wine (what, can’t let the bottle go to waste!) and tonight it’s a hemostasis marathon. Again, things are making more sense now than they did an hour ago after a 6-hour study session. I understand the concepts now, and I’ll remember them in the morning. At least, I _hope_ I do! Cheers! ---
**Author:** ![infamousmom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/d6d6ee/32.png) [@infamousmom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/infamousmom)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2004, 8:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-and-studying/278171/16 "2004-12-06T08:50:05Z")
> [@fetus](#): > > I’m not incredibly surprised. It’s no secret that all good writers are fueled entirely by alcohol. Hogwash. That’s your pickled brain cells talking. You’re trying to justify being an alcoholic, and that just won’t wash. \*Some \*well-known writers were drunks. There’s no way of telling if they would have written better had they been sober, but the fact that most of them died relatively young might be a hint that swilling hooch all day wasn’t smart, and they’d surely have written \*more \*if they hadn’t croaked way too soon. Isaac Asimov was a teetotaller, by the way. I don’t equate quantity with quality, but he did prove that one can be a good writer and not drink. ---
**Author:** ![davenportavenger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/5f8ce5/32.png) [@davenportavenger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davenportavenger)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2004, 9:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-and-studying/278171/17 "2004-12-06T09:26:31Z")
> [@infamousmom](#): > > Isaac Asimov was a teetotaller, by the way. I don’t equate quantity with quality, but he did prove that one can be a good writer and not drink. Uh, Isaac Asimov proved that? :dubious: Okay, he was a pretty good nonfiction writer. I don’t find that alcohol helps my writing ability at all. It tends to make my mind wander. When I have more than a few drinks, I go into a depressive torpor and don’t want to do anything but lie down on the couch and sulk. This is often also the case when I eat a lot of carbs (like pasta) so I don’t think your choice of meal helped either. Caffeine, OTOH, is a very good substance for gaining focus. A few cups of coffee and I’m focused, determined, and can type roughly twenty WPM faster than normal. When I was working on the first draft of my novel, I took a few caffeine pills (legal ones) every day and that really helped. It’s not something you should get into the habit of doing, though, because that stuff isn’t really good for you. Well the pills, not the coffee. So yeah, if you want to try drug-enhanced studying again, brew up a giant pot of coffee and supplement with caffeine pills and a protein-heavy meal, like a big steak or something. That will put you in the mood. Cheers! CE ---
**Author:** ![Scribble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scribble/32/3317_2.png) [@Scribble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scribble)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2004, 9:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-and-studying/278171/18 "2004-12-06T09:44:50Z")
My drugs of choice for staying up all night studying, writing, etc. are ephedra and guarana (like, something made with guarana syrup or with powdered guarana, etc. The soda pop stuff doesn’t work too well.) They’re both legal; you can often find them in health food stores or herb shops (like, the above-board kind.) They’re also both stimulants, so they work well to keep you up and moving. I find that having a little boost in energy from either of these lovely plants also gives you a small feeling of well-being and optimism. That can be a real life-saver when faced with what seems like a borderline impossible academic task! ---
**Author:** ![Scribble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scribble/32/3317_2.png) [@Scribble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scribble)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2004, 9:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-and-studying/278171/19 "2004-12-06T09:49:35Z")
They’re also gentle. I find that, if I try to depend on coffee to keep me awake, motivated, and focused, I end up with weird stomach cramping and a headache several hours later. I’ve never had any of these problems with ephedra or guarana. ---
**Author:** ![irishgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/8edcca/32.png) [@irishgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/irishgirl)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2004, 11:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-and-studying/278171/20 "2004-12-06T11:43:03Z")
Nix the alcohol. Think about drink driving, if it’s doing that to your co-ordination and reaction times, you can bet its wiped out a fair amount of your higher cortical functioning too. Also, doing an exam with a hangover is not a great idea. Personally, my study involves lying in bed, in my jammies, with textbooks and reading them cover to cover. It’s unorthodox, but it works for me because I can relax my body and focus all my attention on learning. I need to coffee so I don’t fall asleep though. The BEST way to study, is to get all your friends over, and have everyone explain the bit they know best. There is nothing like teaching other people to get the info imbedded in your brain, and if you have a problem, hearing one of your peers explain it is often better than reading a complicated and boring explanation from a textbook. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-and-studying/278171.md?page=2)