Anyone else drinking almost 2 bottles of wine a night?

[Peaky777]

i’m drinking nearly two bottles of wine most nights. Sometimes I go weeks without drinking but when I’m on it, I’m on it. I drink nearly two bottles in about 4 hours. I know this isn’t right. I don’t really get a hangover but I do feel ‘jaded’ and I stumble over my words. I’m scared I’m going to lose everything. My husband works in another country so he doesn’t know. My children are older so spend time away from the house with their partners but we’re all so close. Nobody knows. My daughter even said the other day that she’s glad I’m not ‘one of those lonely mums who drinks on her own’…I’m exactly this person! So, I want to ask, has anyone drank this much but managed to stop or cut back without using AA? I just can’t bear the idea of this. I know I should consider it but I can’t . Any help or advice is appreciated.

I've been drinking the same (2 bottles daily) for just over 5 years...with only a few breaks. I started just before COVID - previously I hardly drank at all - maybe a glass or two per year. I don't actually like the taste of alcohol; I began using it as an escape from some long term, traumatic experiences. I quickly went from being very fit (think bodybuilder) to now being 50 pounds overweight and with really low energy. I don't work out anymore; I don't leave the house unless I absolutely must. I know I have a problem, but I feel very stuck in this pattern now. I tried Naltrexone but it made me so sick - even when I wasn't drinking. I, too, am not only embarrassed to see a doctor about this, but also very scared about what test results might indicate. I keep telling myself that I "will" quit on my own and hope that any health issues will resolve over time. I constantly watch videos of people who drank heavily, for a longer period than I have, for hope of healing and sobriety.

There’s always a reason why people drink imo. You need to identify this reason and address it OP.

Yes I agree, there was a trigger for me.

I'm the same. If you find the answer let me know.

My drinking is confined to red wine and teatimes only, but... A bottle a night, every night or near enough, for several years now. A year or so ago, I had to confess this to a GP as part of another health issue. He prescribed Thiamine Hydrochloride supplements for my liver's sake, and a community health contact for support. From there, I was directed to doing gym twice a week - something I would have previously run (panting) a mile from, and an art group which I love. They are both via All-Strong Scotland, and I am so grateful they exist. My recovery is 'patchy', but thanks to the support I've received, I've met others in the same boat, and heard their stories, and found several beloved friends that way. Please put 'shame' aside, and find your tribe. Beating yourself up about it is zero help. Finding others who understand, and who are somehow getting through the struggle to throw off addiction through fellowship and positive action is a real support. If you want to read 'The 30-Day Alcohol Experiment' by Annie Grace, borrow it from a library. It's non-judgemental and utterly like normal human beings, not 'magazine people'. Best wishes to you, for finding your way out of this ball-and-chain of booze addiction. The 'other side' of it will feel so much better on every count. Put the saved booze money in a piggy bank each week, and buy yourself new clothes for the slimmer you which will naturally happen as a result of not drinking liquid sugar ethanol each day!! xxxxx

Yes, you do need to stop and you know that.

Seriously though- there is nothing to feel embarrassed about- alcohol is an addictive poison and we've been brainwashed since we were born to associate it with celebrations, birthdays, Christmas, relaxing summer days, cold winter days - alcohol is advertised constantly etc. Alcohol and its role in our culture is toxic and completely insidious.

Please do go to your GP and ask for some help. Also- something to consider, when you first think wow, I could do with a drink right now- try to name the feeling or emotion it's satisfying. Eg you might feel sad or you might feel lonely or anxious. Then, look to nurturing yourself and dealing with that feeling and emotion because that is the root cause. Alcohol is simply a dysfunctional way of dealing with the emotion.

Did you just stop one day or cut down?

If you can’t tell your GP, would you feel okay ringing a helpline? Then you could get some support your let more comfortable with