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AIBU?

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Original poster

Low level alcoholism?

31 replies

pinkmushroom5 · 20/03/2024 17:56

Most days, I crave a drink.

I never actually get drunk - it's normally just a couple of measures of a spirit, a glass of wine, or a beer, and I don't actually have it every day - probably 4 nights a week. I've been like this for years and I've never had more of a problem with alcohol than this.

But it is definitely a craving, it gives me a release, and sometimes it is secretive behaviour - e.g. I'll have it before my other half gets in from work, so he doesn't know.

AIBU to think that this is a problem/ low level alcoholism? Or is it fine?

YABU - it's fine, nothing to worry about
YANBU - it's a problem

OP posts:
Original poster
pinkmushroom5 · 20/03/2024 18:06

bridgetreilly · 20/03/2024 18:02

What would happen if you had to stop drinking (e.g. for a medical reason)?

There’s your answer.

I wouldn't struggle to stop for a medical reason, if I absolutely had to.

But I would struggle to just 'decide' to stop, if that makes sense.

OP posts:
Original poster
pinkmushroom5 · 20/03/2024 18:05

Delatron · 20/03/2024 18:01

I think we need more info. Do you always stop at 1? So you have one drink 4 nights a week? Because on the face of it that’s not bad.

Why do you feel the need to be secretive? Would your DH not be happy if you had one glass of wine with dinner?

What stops you on the other days? Does the craving pass?

Sometimes I will have up to three drinks (maybe once or twice a week). It's never more than three. Sometimes I stop at one.

I guess I feel secretive because my OH is squeaky clean - he's very much in control of his vices - he doesn't really have any except a single square of chocolate in the evening!

Of course we'll have wine when we go out/ with dinner etc., but I do feel a bit judged if he comes in and I'm drinking on my own, so I do hide it. It's not that he 'wouldn't be happy', just that I feel a bit embarrassed by it.

I think it's because I see drinking at home on your own as a bit sad, or something? I don't know why I feel the need to do it and wish I could just drink socially, but it seems to be a release that I need - so in that sense I worry it's a bit of a dependency.

On the days when I don't drink, I am just busy/ with my OH or friends or working all day/ don't have the craving as strongly.

OP posts:
bridgetreilly · 20/03/2024 18:02

What would happen if you had to stop drinking (e.g. for a medical reason)?

There’s your answer.

PeatandDieselfan · 20/03/2024 18:02

It's only a problem if it bothers you, or the people close to you.

BigFeetEnergy · 20/03/2024 18:02

I think the secretive drinking is more concerning than anything else. Why are you hiding it?

Could you stop drinking today and not drink again for x number of weeks?

Does the amount you're drinking concern you for your health? Cancer risk? Weight gain? Liver etc?

Delatron · 20/03/2024 18:01

I think we need more info. Do you always stop at 1? So you have one drink 4 nights a week? Because on the face of it that’s not bad.

Why do you feel the need to be secretive? Would your DH not be happy if you had one glass of wine with dinner?

What stops you on the other days? Does the craving pass?