Addicted to wine

[tryingtobethebestican]

Ok so I really think I have a problem, I drink almost a bottle of wine most nights, although on a Friday or Saturday night it can be just over a bottle. It isn't doing me any favours and my sleep pattern is dreadful. I don't want to - well I do - but I think I need to - I have said to myself I am going to try and do dry January - as a starter but realistically I think I need to stop drinking...full stop....please can someone help and give me some motivation. And will power and how Can I do this successfully. Please x I'm staying up late tonight because I'm kind of telling Myself it's my last of drinking so making the most of it.....

[MissConductUS]

How long have you been drinking like this? If you can't "just stop" you have developed some level of addiction to alcohol, which involves changes to your neurochemistry:

Molecular basis of alcoholism

It's very unlikely that you'll be able to stop drinking without some outside assistance. I'd recommend starting with a visit to your GP to discuss it. It's a medical issue and no cause for shame. Your doctor will respect you for coming forward and asking for help. There may be medications that will make it a bit easier.

You will also likely need some sort of peer group support. That could be AA but there are other groups as well.

You're in much better shape than I was when I quit and I've been sober for 23 years. Feel free to ask any questions and good luck.

[tryingtobethebestican]

Thank you @MissConductUS I've had a quick look through a few pages of the link - I hadn't realised it was so complex. It has been a long time so I know it isn't going to be easy. It is quite ridiculous and boring so I don't know why I do it...it feels more like a habit - I think. Well done for doing it 23 years ago. How much were you drinking and did you have support?

[LuxuryWoman2017]

I was like you, drank more in fact, I was slipping into 3 bottle territory tbh.

I managed to stay off the wine from last January apart from one Champagne binge in November. Come join the Brave Babes thread in relationships, there are lots of us who struggle/d with wine in particular and you will get heaps of support, advice, company and we are never, ever judgemental.

It took me a long time, planning and thinking to end my habit, it wasn't overnight but facing up to the issue and wanting to stop is a massive first step.

[MissConductUS]

I was drinking quite a bit more than you and I did a five day detox in hospital, followed by group addiction counseling for two months and then regular AA meetings and periodic check ups with my GP.

I'm an HCP and just posted the link because some people don't think that there is a physiological basis for alcohol addiction. Don't fret if it's a bit complex.

You can try stopping on your own but I really don't recommend it. At least discuss it with your GP.

[dementedma]

I second luxurywoman. Come and join us on the Brave Babes thread and you will get loads of support there.

[tryingtobethebestican]

Thank you @LuxuryWoman2017 and well done it is good to hear that people who have drunk even more than me are able to stop I will look for the thread you and @dementedma kindly suggested. Thanks again @MissConductUS I have managed to not have a drink tonight that must be the first alcohol free night in at least two years. I Probably have had hardly any wine free days in at least the last ten it's scary how it creeps up on you to be a problem. I think I I have an addictive personality and started drinking more when I gave up smoking. I know it's only one day but it's a small step in the right direction. I am worried I won't be able to sleep tonight though. Thank you all again x

[OvertheSargassoSea]

Hello hows it going. Scared to seek any help don't want ss involex

[MissConductUS]

Well done, @tryingtobethebestican !

If you start to feel poorly don't be shy about seeking a bit of help, and let us know how it goes.