Why are so many writers alcoholics?

Question

It seems a lot are and I thought about it after watching the movie, 1408. He mentions he drinks because he's a writer.

Answer 1

Some writers claim that it's a stimulant for their creativity.

Answer 2

I doubt that alcoholism is more prevalent among writers than among non-writers.

Writers typically use their personal experience as a resource, and thus may come to write about their experience with alcohol. Their writing offers a platform for their "going public" with an alcohol problem. Non-writers don't have the equivalent inducement. So there is an apparent discrepancy in alcoholism rates between writers and non-writers, but the real difference may be one of degree of openness rather than fact of addiction.

Answer 3

It seems that some writers are "haunted" (no pun intended in actuality) by inner pain, tumultuous pasts, and sometimes troubled psychological or physiological aspects of themselves.
Most people need to cope with these sorts of things and use writing their thoughts out to translate unwanted/taboo/biting memories into literal works in hopes for freedom from their torment.
Some individuals feel the need for something more to ease the pain and turn to substances, writers or not.
Of course, as with anything, a generalized statement that one would drink merely because one is a writer could get you into trouble in certain companies. :)

This is just my opinion, hope it helped!

Answer 4

i am a writer and i am not an alcoholic, nor do i do other drugs. maybe its just a steriotype. its like in history class, generaly they cover the more scandelous presidents instead of the more "boreing" ones that were more well behaved. theres many writers that are extremly well behaved and pretty famous as well. its just not as interesting to make movies and stuff out of.

Answer 5

i think a lot of people who like to write have dramatic experiences or emotions that they feel they should express through writing. drinking too much can cause people to act different and affect their lives.
or writing can be really stressful. when someone wants to write but they can't think or have some other block, they get really frustrated.

Answer 6

Writing is not easy so I assume that they turn to the bottle hoping that the next chapter will come a little easier if it is inspired by bourbon.

Answer 7

People who are hypervigilent -notice everything- tend to be sensitive to the things that they observe - they might react to it with anger, sadness, etc....but the fact is they are sensitive....
And alcoholics are notorious for using booze to medicate emotional pain.

Answer 8

I must be in the minority. I drink no alcoholic beverages of any kind, nor do I drink coffee and tea for stimulates. But I enjoy writing.

My one vice are Oreo cookies.

Answer 9

Because roofers drink tea.

Answer 10

I almost couldn't read what you wrote...damn double vision *hiccup*