Need to massively reduce my drinking

[orangetree33]

I’m approaching 40 and really need to think about cutting back on my alcohol intake. I drink probably 5 nights of the week. Only a single glass of wine usually but it’s more at the weekends. I imagine I total between 20-25 units on a normal week however if I’m going out or doing something special it will be more. I can’t carry on like this. I have fallen into bad habits and I’m putting on weight and wake up feeling tired and demotivated if I go above one drink.

I don’t want to stop altogether but I definitely need to cut out weeknight drinking and lower my weekly units by a lot.

It’s hard because that little buzz I get from sitting down after a busy day and enjoying a nice glass of wine is really lovely. But it’s doing nothing for my health and wellbeing long term.

If anyone has any tips, advice or would like to join I’d be really grateful.

Bump

Cut down slowly. Instead of a bottle of wine, just have one or two glasses?? After a few weeks Then cut down to every other day/weekends only??: that way you're body doesn't miss it too much and you don't feel deprived x

I can't drink and I've been sober for about 7 years. But when I did drink I found it really hard to cut down so I gave up totally for a week or so at a time. I developed an allergy to alcohol quite suddenly during menopause. Which isn't uncommon apparently. I'm glad as I was finding that I was drinking far too much.
Alcohol is such a difficult drug as it is so socially acceptable but caused me so much unhappiness. I was convinced I should just be able to drink normally like everyone else seemed to. But I just couldn't. Since giving up my life changed for the better in so many ways. And I of course my health and fitness has improved!

Change your routine and find something else to give you that little daily buzz. Don't have wine in the house so you are not tempted. Buy the one glass bottles if you still want a glass occasionally.

I’m also someone that found it easier to stop completely than cut down. I drank probably 2/3 glasses of wine 3 -4 nights a week. I tried many times to cut down to only the weekend but it always crept back up and I’d end up with alcohol taking up so much head space, wondering if I should have a glass of wine etc. I read a few of the ‘Quit Lit’ books (quit like a woman and the unexpected joy of being sober) and they completely transformed the way I think about booze. I’ve not had a drink for 5 years and I love not drinking.

I worked with a lady who was a back to work SAHM. She use to collapse into an armchair armed with a beer and packet of crisps. Changed her habit by leaving trainers near the front door. Left house immediately and walked. Then joined slimming club which focused her calorie intake. When I met her she was more interested in her appearance. Nice clothes, makeup, hair etc. who continued her walks.

I don’t really struggle with overdoing it. I can happily have one glass of wine and leave it at that. At weekends it tends to be more because we’ll often have an extra drink in a beer garden or a bit more with Sunday lunch etc. I’ve had a few nights out recently where I’ve had 5 or so drinks and felt absolutely vile the next day but that’s rare because I don’t go out often these days.
I just feel like it does take up too much headspace. I’m clock watching and waiting for the dc to be in bed so I can have that drink in peace and unwind.
I don’t want to quit completely at this stage but I do realise that I need to at least stay within the ‘safe’ recommended allowance. I don’t want to be bloated and anxious. I want to feel fresh and be present and patient with my dc.
It’s just difficult to quit something that does bring you a nice, relaxing feeling (in the moment anyway). I’m rubbish with willpower which is why I also struggle to diet. I just can’t seem to have the strength to give up the things I enjoy even when I know they aren’t doing me any favours.