To think a large glass of wine a night (sometimes two) isn't too much?

[RainbowSheep]

Clearly by government guidelines it is too much. I usually get through 3 bottles of 11% cava per week. I don't get drunk, don't binge & always feel fine the next day but am worried I'm diung myself harm. I love the buzz I get from a large glass while cooking dinner, aibu?

You've answered your own question - just cut down yourself - no need to see a GP or AA yet

I have tried but it just slowly creeps back up, then after a few months I rein it in, it's a bit of a viscious circle

I wouldn't be surprised that many a GP doesn't drink that much themselves a night. I think maybe breaking a pattern, eating with the kids and then going to an exercise class in the evenings.

I was drinking 1 or 2 small glasses of wine per night when the kids were small. I've stopped recently because I've had to as it doesn't mix well with my medication and you know what quickly you become used to not drinking again and lose the craving.

Have a alcohol free month in January then restrict yourself to 3/4 nights of drinking a week if you want.

Its cancer that is my main worry. Also I have lost a pound a week in weight since stopping the alcohol. Are you overweight?

Yes, I know what you mean. It's not a good time of the year either to be starting new habits.

Are you 'touch wood' healthy? Is it your only vice? You seem quite controlled about it. I would just buy a smaller glass if you really want to cut down.

I have a glass of red almost every night. I think it's good for the soul and the circulation and as long as you drink lots and lots of water I don't find it too dehydrating. I also run 40K a week and haven't noticed any energy-depleting effects.

Never have a second glass though...then I do start to feel horrid.

Go to your GP and be honest with them and ask for their advice. They will be able to refer you for group or one-to-one therapy if you bith agree it is appropriate.

I think 3 bottles a week every week is excessive. It doesn't seem like alot because its wine but its between 30-36 units a week. If you think of it as drninkg up to 5 shots a night then it starts to sink in how much alcohol it really is.

I'm very healthy otherwise and pretty thin I guess, don't smoke or take drugs.. This is how I rationilse it in my own head! Alcoholism does run in my family though, not sure if it considered a hereditary medical condition though?!

It's 3 bottles at the very most, usually more like two or 2.5

At 11 percent and approx 9 units a bottle surely 27 units a week??
Spreading over week better than all at once.
Think therapy an over reaction????

Maybe you should have mentioned in your OP that alcoholism runs in your family? This seems to be quite crucial as to why you're so worried.

Yes, so it's between 18-27 units per week, gulp!

Lordy Rainbow 2 or 2.5 bottles a week does not seem like problem to me....

If you go to AA I think they insist on complete abstininence which might not be for you.
As you seem pretty worried about your intake you should talk it through with your GP who may be able to give you a better overview of the long and short term potential consequences of habitual daily drinking and suggest strategies or refer you to someone.
You are clearly worried about it and the advice on here is great and well meaning but a bit unstructured and informal.
Also what yellowraincoat says...

If you are drinking three bottles of 11% fizz a week that works out as 24.75 units. The recommended limit is 21 units for a woman. Tbh, less than four units over doesn't seem to me to be a big health concern but I'm no expert.

Bloody hell you lot you are making me worry about my small tipple...

I'm a bit of a worrier anyway. in a way I wish I could just kick my heels up and think fuck it I like a little drink & its my only vice.. But I can't!

[[http://www.cleavebooks.co.uk/scol/ccalcoh2.htm alcohol calculator here]

2Boys I thought a bottle of wine was between 10 and 12 units but after further research it is actually between 9 and 10 units so yes it should 27-30 units.
However still alot.

Sorry "2BoysTooLoud* ! I think the limit for woem is 14 units.. but i'm quite tall!! I think I ought to talk to GP and report back

Oh goodness. Everybody needs to rein it in.

Basically, there is no call to go overboard with the drink, but I also don't buy the teetotaller thing.

In short: If what you are doing is not interfering with/stopping you from carrying on with everything else you want to do (not NEED to, but want to), then you are not, by definition (see Google), an alcoholic.

It is when you drink so much that your other desires (again, not needs for your family or yourself - but your additional personal desires) are being supplanted for drink/results of having had drink that is an issue.

o if let's say you used to love drawing, but now your artistic time over the week is drinking and/or recovery time, then there is an issue.

If you are still maintaining all your other wants (as you would have to be pretty wrecked to disregard the NEEDS/wants of others) then I personally would not worry.

There IS definitely a lazy attitude toward too much drinking in England, but at the same time, there is an awful lot of "No I never!" pottering about too.

Come down on that line wherever you like - but balance is the key to everything, really.

I did the survey and the practice nurse got me in for all the tests, including bloods.

I'm fine.

Oh god. 21 units is for men?

You don't need to be defined as an alcoholic though to know you have a problem or potential problem with drink anneatkins