Is this bad or excessive?

[StirredNotShaken]

I drink every evening. I don't have my first drink until 9pm (9 o'clock is wine o'clock...that's my slogan and I say it with humour rather than desperation) and then I stick to white or red wine and limit myself to two glasses during the week and maybe 2 and a half - 3 at weekends. A bottle of wine lasts me 3 nights (by night 3 I have cracked open the next one). I don't drink during the day unless I am a BBQ or something (probably twice a year!) If I go out socially, which is probably once a month or so with friends/partner then I will drink more and thoroughly enjoy it. Is this wrong or problematic? I feel I should stop just because I need to know I can but I really don't want to! I didn't drink at all during either pregnancy and have had the odd night where I am driving children around or suchlike so am just not able to. However, on these nights I might well have a half glass at 1030pm or whatever time I am in. Just seeking clarity/advice really. Thank you.

There are something like 9 units in a bottle of wine, so 2.5 bottles a week is 22.5 units, well over the recommended level. Also a problem (health wise) that it's almost every night.

Have you looked at any of the alcohol questionnaires online?

Yes I have seen them when they are flagged up in a new Government guideline or suchlike. But, to be honest, rightly or wrongly, I largely disregard them. My parents, siblings, friends etc. all pretty much drink 7 days a week and my Mum is now 83 and my Dad was 86 when he died. I do acknowledge that it is not in my best interests to drink nightly but cannot find reason enough to stop and that, in itself, worries me a bit!

are you french? They'd think that was totally normal

I am intending to stop for the Cancer research thing during September and I am filled with both excitement and trepidation - I guess that is is more of a habit than anything else. I certainly don't feel I need alcohol in order to function.

[buckingfrolicks] My ancestors were! Maybe I an genetically predisposed to it

Yet you're anxious about taking a break.

Do people in your family have alcohol problems?

It sounds fine to me. It's less than I drink. THe question is do you feel okay about it?

I would say drinking every day is a problem. It is a habit.
Have some alcohol free evenings?

I too would say there is an issue if you are needing to drink every day.

Dozer - no, no one in my family has alcohol problems - we are all pretty much the same. In fact, my 83 year old Mother probably has a glass more than me per evening! Wolfiefan I think you are right, it is a habit. I am intending to do some wine free nights, just to prove to myself i can. But I am not looking forward to it!

jonso I would drink more if I would allow myself to. I just don't. Two glasses and then I am done.

BAckforGood I never feel like i NEED a drink. I don't need one to cope, I just enjoy it for the taste, the way it punctuates my day etc. it is a habit that I would like to break however.

it's a lot imo.
also having a drink every day is not good for your health at all.
no judging, just observing.

Two small glasses I am sure that is fine

Pitchfork It's fine, I came here expecting a level of judgement and observation. And that is what I wanted - a leveller.

Thanks for input so far. I am going to have dry nights and then just had a tipple when I go out. I think I will enjoy that .

also having a drink every day is not good for your health at all

Thats not what a lot of evidence seems to suggest. Red wine every day seems to be pretty good for you, according to a lot of people in the know.

OP, in my country that would not be seen as remotely excessive. 2 glasses of wine a day would be absolutely standard drinking.

Sounds fine to me.

I don't think you have a drink problem. But it's obviously become a habit, and you should think about having a few nights off during the week.

Did you do sober october as you planned?

No I did not do dry October 🍷 I'm currently acting in a production in Brighton so barely have time for a wine afterwards which is good. Not bothered at all to be honest which I'm glad about. Mind you, the after show party won't be dry!

sounds borderline, loads of people drink this amount, but you should be able to have a few days off each week as well.

Borderline what? Alcoholic? Alcohol dependent?

dependent