Where to start

[Minesalargeginplease]

Well, as the title says, I don't know where to start stopping. Been unhappy and depressed a while and sought solace at the bottom of the bottle. It's every night now, I can't remember the last time I didn't have a drink in the evening. Seemed normal for a while, working mum having wine at the end of the day but it's not. A glass became a bottle, or 2. More recently its spirits, by the pint, sometimes half a litre. I get up for work fine, I excel in my career but it's not ok. Where do I start? Going cold turkey freaks me out. Thank you in advance x

how long has it been this bad, I think maybe you would be best seeking help of a professional as it may be dangerous to just go cold turkey

I can't really remember when it got to this stage. My family and friends drink so I guess it just got normalised. I'm thinking that I should try alternate days to begin and see how I fare with that. I'm scared of asking the dr as I'm already on antidepressants and I don't want to feel like a failure. I should be able to manage, I should have a healthy strategy for stress, I bloody teach people about confidence and self esteem, I need to take my own advice

I am the same minesalarge Gin all the time as well.
Started in the usual way just wind down glass of wine 20 or so years ago. Children to look after, a Career, a home to run etc,
Now retired teaching Exercise to the Elderly I should know better.
Really want to start cutting down not necessarily give up. DH drinks as well and all my friends with the exception of one or two so hard to socialise without drinking.
I have heard of a Drinkfree App might give that a try.

What's the app called? We could try to do some sober days together?

Drink free App I have heard about it. Yes I am to try going sober using the App let me try an download it

One You Drink Free days by Public Health England apps.apple.com/gb/app/one-you-drink-free-days/id1196694906

I thought I d let you know I have started using the App and went through a few questions on my drinking last week. I was shocked to learn I am on 96 units!! I have signed up start with two drink-free days to start with. I cannot go Cold-Turkey straight away.

I've just downloaded it thanks, will probably shock me in to action. Thank you

Hi I’m on Dry Days app and have managed 4 drink free days this week opposed to the bottle of wine plus I’ve been drinking for years. It’s brilliant as they also have a closed Facebook group. I am planning on having a drink at the weekend but if I can’t just stick to fri and sat my plan is to give up completely.
Good luck I’m with you all.

I've downloaded the app and it's gutting. Had to work our how many shots are in a litre bottle of spirits to see how much I'm having. Some weeks it's a couple of litres. I've pledged 3 days this week so cross your fingers for me. We'll done to everyone who has already started their battle and keep it up! Thank you so much for the first step x

We can help each other. Just keep posting. It's Friday night the hardest end of the week!!

My oldest friend from school has ruined her life with drinking, she has COPD and cirrhosis due to start yet another detox next month, let’s not get to that position as I really think she will die within the next 2 years before even reaching 50.
Let’s look after ourselves as the worthy females we are.

I've spoken to my friends today, in the pub, nevertheless I've explained my situation and asked for help and they're being supportive too so I'm hoping next week is the start... I'm dreading it but I know I have to change now

I agree with you both. I have to try harder I know

I took a step yesterday. I had a bottle of wine in the pub but stopped at that, no spirits when I got home. It's only a small step but it's a big one. How did you all get on yesterday?

I had my bottle of wine last night and plan on doing the same tonight but not on Sunday. I also stopped taking my antidepressant last week and so far so good, replacing ads with gym and running, if I don’t feel ok I will go back on them but feel I’m ready for a life change.
Well done everyone for getting through a Friday night without going ott.

God I daren't come off my antidepressant but spoke to my hubby about eating better and walking more. I need to change how I live too x

Be careful coming off them please x

I’ll join you...but not until Monday...
I went 4 days alcohol free a few weeks ago and that was the longest I’d gone without something in a long time.
I’m unhealthy, fat, bloated and too reliant on that drink (never just one) after work.
Also plan to start eating healthier and walking in the evenings from Monday.

Am frightened of where my need to unwind by drinking each night could spiral to. I know I need to make drastic changes around my drinking.

While making the dinner tonight I managed to avoid a glass of wine or 2 and went for a run while the oven was on its last 30mins. Going on a walk to the pub just now. Plan on only having a few as it’s Father’s Day tomorrow and the kids and I have plans for their dad,
Don’t want to end up in a mess and nurse a hangover tomorrow. Good luck my fellow mn friends think we need a team name, any suggestions?

Kids have driven me mad this evening and I've not had anything yet. Hubby is going to share a bottle of red with me so I'm gonna try stop at that 1/2 bottle. Sounds like a really common issue and glad we've all seen some sense. Team name could be fun, no ideas what though x

I had my first alcoholic drink 45 years ago, aged 10.
I still love the taste, the way it takes the edge off a stressful day and it's not been helped by the fact I have never, ever had a hangover.
I could easily drink a bottle of wine/rum/scotch and not feel any effect.
My appetite for alcohol is only kept in check by my dodgy willpower, desire to save money, live longer and counteract the effects it has had on my health ( damaged heart and neoropathy to my arms).
It is just so hard..watching this thread with interest.

I don't get hangovers either, know lots of people who avoid drink for that reason. Talking about it honestly has helped me dare to think about the fact I have a problem x

Me too. Admitting it's a problem is the hardest part for me partly because it has never caused a massive problem with my life until now (it is affecting my health).
I really need to stop drinking, or at least get it under control, but it's scary. I really wish I could turn back the clock.

I'm hoping to manage rather than quit. I hope we can all get to moderation drinking x