Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

I feel proud of not drinking for a night - does that mean I’m an alcoholic

233 replies

cbr333 · 02/06/2026 13:03

I have posted here before about trying to reduce my alcohol intake. I have it all together on the face of it but have decided to try and do dry June as I have been drinking one or two glasses of wine every night and more at the weekends. Doesn’t impact my day-to-day but I definitely don't feel fresh in the mornings.

I managed last night and feel confident I can do the same tonight, but the sense of achievement I’m feeling about a single day off wine is a bad sign isn’t it.

I feel like I’ve sleep-walked into a problem and because it’s lovely cote de Provence rose and I’m drinking it alongside perello olives and Torres crisps that it’s somehow not an addiction but just a mum of youngish children having some sort of reward.

I feel a bit ashamed to be honest.

OP posts:
Maybe5 · 02/06/2026 13:14

I think worrying about whether or not you are an alcoholic is not necessarily helpful, as it's a concept people often use to justify not making changes (these days medical professionals tend to talk about an alcohol use disorder or similar- recognising that people can have dysfunctional ways of drinking without being a stereotypical alcoholic).

If you feel that your drinking is having a negative effect on your life, that's all you need to make a change. We have a strange culture in which there's almost been a sense that the only people who are allowed not to drink without comment are those who are addicts, and everyone else should be drinking as a social norm. It's really unhealthy and thank goodness appears to be changing.

Well done for having an alcohol free evening and I hope your dry June goes well. I bet you'll feel great at the end of it.

cbr333 · 02/06/2026 13:13

I had an af cider last night but it was too sweet so have an alcohol free G&T to try tonight

OP posts:
Confuserr · 02/06/2026 13:13

Well done OP! I agree with other posters that your relationship with alcohol sounds like it's gone a bit dodgy but not that you're an alcoholic. It's great that you recognised the issue and you're addressing it. Your drink and snacks of choice are right up my street but a break a few times a week is a good idea.
Can I recommend the Drink Aware app? I use it sometimes to log days off drinking (and sometimes units if I can be bothered), it's quite satisfying seeing the little calendar fill up with "drink free days" and you can set mini goals (like how many days off you want to do next week, how many units etc)

cbr333 · 02/06/2026 13:12

Thank you. My trigger time is when my youngest is in bed (7.30ish) and I will then drink upto half a bottle each night during the week. Weekends we are always with friends and I just keep going so depending on what we’re doing will easily drink a bottle or more.

it feels like a problematic relationship rather than alcoholism but then maybe I’m splitting hairs.

OP posts:
DaveWatts · 02/06/2026 13:12

I would keep the crisps/olives and just swap out the wine a few nights a week with something else - martini vibrante with tonic is really nice and summery and feels like a 'proper' drink. That way you won't feel like you're depriving yourself of a treat.

Laiste · 02/06/2026 13:11

Yes i would say enjoy being proud and don't shoot your self down in flames about it.

Im proud when i've done my first day of a diet or new exercise regime.

If you can't stick to it (the not drinking every day) that is when it's time to worry 💐

MidnightPatrol · 02/06/2026 13:10

You aren’t an alcoholic.

You’ve realised you are drinking too frequently and are making efforts to change that.

I agree it’s very easy to ‘reward’ yourself with a glass of wine, in a busy life!

I find if I haven’t had one by 7 I don’t want one any more, maybe aim to start later and you’ll find you don’t start at all.

Konstantine8364 · 02/06/2026 13:09

Big well done for making a change! I think it probably means you have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, but not that you are a full blown alcoholic. If you can change your drinking so you maybe only drink 3 or 4 days a week (and can stick to it) then I think you'll be grand, if you can't do that I would recommend getting some professional help from your GP as drinking every day with no breaks isn't great for your body (as you know).

Swipe left for the next trending thread