This is really bad isn't it?

[Getafuckinggripman]

I drink prosecco at the weekend. Probably 3 or 4 bottles spread out from Friday afternoon to Sunday. I don't touch alcohol during the week, never hungover for work, drink loads of water during the week etc. Don't really think about alcohol as I'm in routine etc. It's just a weekend thing. However... I've been off this week and other than one night I've been on it every day. Probably 15/20 units each day. It'll stop when I'm back to normal next week, I don't get the shakes or wake up needing a drink or anything but it'll get to 5pm today and I'll think about cracking one open to take the edge off. If I couldn't physically get any wine I would be a bit pissed off but I wouldn't be licking yesterday's wine glass or anything. I was the same during Christmas week and it stopped as soon as I went back to work. Am I an alcoholic or something?!

I’m not sure you need to label it but it is hugely unhealthy. What do you mean take the edge off. What edge?

How would you feel about having a week off alcohol? Just to see how much you miss it / how you feel without it?

As long as you don’t make a habit of it I wouldn’t worry.

Just because I'm a bit stressed with a couple of things and it just helps me unwind and forget for a bit, though I know in the long run alcohol is no good for anxiety. As I say I don't drink every day, but I usually do if I'm off work for a week. Lockdown didn't help, boredom etc.

I certainly think it s worth cutting down. Maybe a week or so of no alchohol, then have 2 bottles in the house to last the full 7 days and limit yourself to that. When it is finished it is finished.

I'm the same as you and this sounds lovely

Well its good you have some alcohol free days..but that is quite a lot over a weekend.

It'll stop when I'm back to normal next week

To be honest, I wouldn't consider 3 or 4 bottles over 3 days normal - that's a lot for one person.

How would you feel about having a week off alcohol? Just to see how much you miss it / how you feel without it?

I did this once. It was so fucking boring 🙈

So your normal level is 3-4 bottles per weekend? And if you're off work you have 15-20 units a day?

Even the weekend stuff sounds high to me, let alone adding in the extra! Do you drink any other alcohol?

Could you do a month without any alcohol?

It’s a lot to do every weekend; pre children I might do that on a heavy weekend of seeing friends or going out but every weekend is a lot especially when you think about how many units are actually recommended.

You’re becoming physically addicted. When you’re a daily drinker, that feeling of relaxation after your first drink is the alcohol relieving your body’s withdrawal symptoms. 5pm is a pretty early time to be feeling withdrawals from alcohol when you’ve drank the night before, this is getting serious.

It’s called binge drinking! I wouldn’t worry too much, just don’t do it regularly! Are you drinking on your own because you are a bit bored/fed up... will that change with restrictions lifting? Can make you a bit depressed drinking alone.

I eat pretty healthily and my boyfriend and I are quite active so we do a lot of hiking and cycling as well as fitting in the old vino, so at least I'm not overweight

At the very least I'd say it's a serious binge drinking issue but you seem to link alcohol with your emotions/moods which tells me you're on a slippery slope tbh.

You are reliant on alcohol because you start craving it.
Alcoholics can go without when it suits them.

Can you get low / no alcohol prosecco?

And yes. It is really bad whether you're overweight or not

It sounds like a binge. Just dial it back a little.

@Getafuckinggripman

How would you feel about having a week off alcohol? Just to see how much you miss it / how you feel without it?

I did this once. It was so fucking boring 🙈

Yes boring, we get it. But you didnt answer. How much did you miss alcohol, how did you feel without it?

I like a drink but if you find weekends boring if you're not drinking that's a bit concerning.

Not being overweight doesn't mean you're healthy either.

It was alright, I just read a book for a bit and watched a couple of films (I listen to music if I'm on the wine). I gave Dry January a go but cracked after 2 weeks. I wasn't shaking or sweating or anything but I admit I was a bit bored. I do enjoy it, reading these comments I think I'll give it a miss tonight and just go for a long drive or something. Yes I admit I am definitely a binger.

I’m not an expert but I would consider this amount a problem

That’s a lot of units, but you recognise that and are changing so just try cut back.

You are drinking at least 3-4 times what you should be and are likely causing long term damage to your health. You sound like a high functioning alcoholic.