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?!

You are here asking, yet your tone is light and dismissive. You drink too much. That's all there is to it and it's hugely unhealthy.

More of a binge/'problem drinker' than alcohol dependent, but still not good. You could let yourself have some wine at weekends so you don't feel deprived, just smaller amounts.

I find it easier if I get a couple of the little bottles, 175ml or whatever you can get at a lot of shops. Or some supermarkets do some about half-bottle size, 300-and-something. If you don't have a whole bottle in the house you can't drink it (even if you say you'll ration it to last over 22 days, it might well not happen.) You can also add soda water or mineral water to it so you have the same amount to drink as normal.

You could also speak to your GP about your anxiety (if you've been before, go back and update them, there are loads of meds they can try.) If you have medication and/or therapy for your anxiety you mightn't have the desire to drink this much to self-medicate.

No one can tell you if you're an alcoholic. Only you can decide. Medically you can be unhealthy but the word alcoholic is one people identify wjth once they know they have an issue with addiction through 12 step programmes etc. The main question is, can you stop at one? It doesn't sound like it. Being an alcoholic doesn't mean you drink every day or are in bed wetting yourself or whatever. It's about what happens when you drink and whether you can stop. Give it up for a month and see how you feel. Then try to moderate - government guidelines and you'll soon have your answer. aa meetings are online snd in person. The only requirement is a desire to stop drinking. Nothing else.

[quote Getafuckinggripman]@JovialNickname yeah I get that. Whilst I'm not drinking in the morning or shaking etc I am still drinking an amount that would have absolutely horrified me a couple of years ago. I used to only ever drink on a Saturday and I would NEVER drink on any other day I used to go swimming every Friday evening because it would be so quiet. I do like the feeling of that first and second glass, the little dizziness etc and getting a bit tipsy. But I've been through and am still going through a horrible horrible time so I know I'm using it as a crutch as well as the fact I just like a drink. When I go back to work next week I will get myself into a brand new routine, I will cut back on weekends and see if I can get back to the Friday swimming thing. I'll plan things for Saturday mornings too because one thing I will say is I NEVER drink drive. [/quote]
YET.

Just know this. Alcoholism is a progressive disease.

@Getafuckinggripman

I don't think every day without wine is boring but hands up I admit I do think Saturday nights without wine is boring

Why?

What makes it boring?

I asked before, how does alcohol make an evening less boring?

@Getafuckinggripman It happens so easily doesn't it, I do really understand. Well done for realising it, and for knowing you have to put the brakes on a bit. It is so hard when you are going through a difficult time to give up something that really feels like it helps you.

When you say you are drinking an amount that would have horrified you a couple of years ago I know how you feel. The worst thing is you never chose to do it. It just creeps up on you. One day you would never drink a three or four bottles of prosecco over a weekend, then suddenly you are. Remember that alcohol is horribly addictive and that it's so so prevalent in our society. It's not your fault things have got a bit out of hand. I'm sure you can turn this around.

Feel free to PM me if you like or if it helps, I'm very happy to be a listening ear

Yes, you do have a problem with alcohol.

Is it just about the taste and routine or is the way alcohol makes you feel? If the former, id suggest switching to 0% alcohol prosecco.

Take a look at websites like Alcoholics Anonymous, they'll set out the key characteristics that indicate alcoholism. Be honest with yourself, then you can decide how to deal with it.

If you're not feeling ready to do so yet though, I would focus on cutting down and looking to have your weekend intake.

No judgement, btw.

*halve not have

You're probably drinking less than someone who goes out binge drinking every weekend ( when pubs and bars are open). But the difference between that and what you're doing is that you feel the need to do it at home so regularly. Now and again I think is fine but you could be on a slippery slope. Could you cut it back to 2 bottles over the weekend rather than 3 or 4?

I don't understand why a Tuesday night without alcohol is fine but a Saturday night without alcohol is boring. Why don't you just do what you do on a Tuesday on a Saturday as well. I think you've convinced yourself it's boring and so you 'should' drink, like that's your excuse and you're sticking to it. Using alcohol as a crutch though sounds like a very slippery slope and it's pretty clear that it's creeping up and up. I'd get a handle on it sharpish.

I would just buy a bottle of nosecco for every real bottle and alternate the glasses.

@FranklyADick, that's a good idea.

I haven’t read all comments so apologies if repeating ... how do you see your life in 5 years if you carry on just as you are ? Is it where you want to be ? Also I’m happy to be driver if we’re out ( back in the day 🤦‍♀️) and I can’t stress how boring drunk people are . I like a glass as much as the next but please don’t trade your time for what ? A haze ? Good luck with whatever you decide to do x

Alcohol is an addictive drug. It is glamourized in our society. A good book to reframe how you view it is alcohol Explained by William Porter. I think you onow deep down OP this is not the life you want.

I will not be carrying on this way. This thread has been a massive wake up call for me and although some comments were a bit harsh they were necessary. I know my worth and I am loved by my parents who would be horrified and heartbroken if they read this. I'm too good for this. The past 12 months have just been horrific, I've drunk more than ever before and kind of just need to remember who I am. But I will be building a new, healthier routine. I can't wait for gym classes to come back too as I've really missed them. Thank you everyone x

@Getafuckinggripman, good luck, op. You can do it and you'll feel much better for it. And I'm with you on the gym classes, can't believe how much I've missed them.

@Getafuckinggripman Best wishes. I know how hard it is to change a habit (mine with food, but alcohol too a bit.) Remember that if you slip up on your plan, it's not a disaster, just get back to your plan the next day /ASAP.

You could keep us informed in another thread as to how you're getting on maybe. I know there's a Brave Babes' thread which is for people giving up alcohol completely I think. But there's probably a health/fitness board where you can log and discuss how you're doing. xx

One of the most thought provoking things I've ever read was someone who said "I wasn't drinking in the morning or shaking until I was drinking in the morning and shaking"

I don't have the best relationship with alcohol but age and medication (for an unrelated issue but not good with alcohol) has helped me reign it in.

Also the people who asked me to explain the Saturday night thing. I guess I'm just a very routine person. I've always said if I won the lottery I would still need a routine, work is good for the soul. I work Monday to Friday and I need to be fresh and focused so I eat well, sleep well and don't really think about having a drink. I guess a Saturday night I just associate with relaxing and unwinding... don't think about work don't have to drive anywhere just letting myself go a bit... that lovely buzzy feeling when you've had a couple. If you don't drink just imagine having your favourite take away then having a month off and eating a green salad instead. It's just... bland. That's the best way I can explain it really!

@Packitupwillya

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

She's already made a habit of it by drinking 3-4 bottles every weekend. This is not healthy and I gather you already know that as otherwise you wouldn't care enough to ask. Doesn't matter that you are fit and not overweight. Your liver could be damaged already.

@Getafuckinggripman

Also the people who asked me to explain the Saturday night thing. I guess I'm just a very routine person. I've always said if I won the lottery I would still need a routine, work is good for the soul. I work Monday to Friday and I need to be fresh and focused so I eat well, sleep well and don't really think about having a drink. I guess a Saturday night I just associate with relaxing and unwinding... don't think about work don't have to drive anywhere just letting myself go a bit... that lovely buzzy feeling when you've had a couple. If you don't drink just imagine having your favourite take away then having a month off and eating a green salad instead. It's just... bland. That's the best way I can explain it really!

I think everyone knows that nice feeling of a couple of glasses of Prosecco on a Saturday night but yours is a lot more than a couple.

And for those who are not addicted it makes no difference to their night whether they have alcohol or not. Exactly the same level of enjoyment.
And crucially, they can stop after 2 glasses.

I’d be more worried that evenings without alcohol are ‘boring’? New hobby for the evenings?

It's not "a couple", though, is it?
I asked upthread why the huge quantities, what do you get from getting pissed then keeping going...?

In your analogy, it's more the equivalent of having takeaway for breakfast, lunch and dinner then having something healthy instead for most of your meals...which is what most ppl do so as not to fuck up their health!