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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

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

109 replies

RainbowSheep · 14/12/2011 18:31

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?

OP posts:
Original poster
RainbowSheep · 14/12/2011 19:45

LemonDifficult - yup! Fraid so, othwerwise I wouldn't be too bothered!

OP posts:
Choconellie · 14/12/2011 19:46

The guidelines have changed since then - it's 2-3 units per night for women

TheSecondComing · 14/12/2011 19:46

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

anneatkins · 14/12/2011 19:46

Choc Nowhere did I say one did :) There is also no point in borrowing trouble. (Not to say that you said there was)

skybluepearl · 14/12/2011 19:47

you should only be drinking about half the amount really

wakeupnow · 14/12/2011 19:47

anneatkins - sound advice!! Don't sacrifice your enjoyment, life's too hard otherwise

2BoysTooLoud · 14/12/2011 19:47

You know what - most of us are probably pretty moderate/ space drinks out. WE are worrying. PROBABLY those who drink a worrying amount eg clubbing and booze etc are the ones who don't worry and perhaps have more of a problem..
I dunno..

tinkertitonk · 14/12/2011 19:47

OP, I used to have a large drink at the same time as you and greatly enjoyed it, but have found that strong Darjeeling, taken with a little milk, somehow works as cheat to get around it. Also I give clearer instructions to the cook when sober.

LemonDifficult · 14/12/2011 19:49

One thing you could try is a tip given to me by a seasoned drinker: When you get in from work/put children to bed go and make yourself a large soft drink/glass or water. Make sure you're not drinking because you're thirsty.

If you have your 2-3 litres of water a day you might find the smaller glasses of wine go further and you enjoy them more.

HappyJoyful · 14/12/2011 19:50

Coincidentally was wondering a similar thought earlier on... can't say it seems at all excessive to me. I think talk of AA etc seems very alarmist.
It's cold, it's wet, times can be stressful and hard at the moment for many and if a glass of wine is a small moment of relaxation and enjoyment in the evenings then don't beat yourself up - I think it's more damaging to worry and stress about it !! I have a small glass some night's, a large glass others and generally restrict it to one but sod it, life is short so make it sweet. I am flabbergasted there aren't posters on here saying they drink more than that - I have certainly read threads before saying how much people drink and it was more like a bottle a night. Cheers !

stayformulledwine · 14/12/2011 19:50

I drink wine almost every other night, a bottle of. No issues here! Tonight I have none, I shall throw myself down the stairs Xmas Grin last night I had a bottle, the two nights before that I had none. I have it as and when I feel/want :)

I do agree if you feel you NEED it, then there is a problem.

Esta3GG · 14/12/2011 19:50

I quit drinking completely when I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Drinking even a small amount of alcohol on a regular basis increases your risk.

You don't need to feel pissed or even tipsy to be doing yourself damage.
I was a moderate but regular drinker for years - and I really don't miss it.
Booze, like a lot of things in life, is massively overrated.

I do think the coming decade will reveal alcohol is as bad as cigarettes for human health.

HappyJoyful · 14/12/2011 19:51

too add, I was more 'horrified' to read that the wine I am drinking says tastes great served with pasta and beef burgers... hard times !!

Choconellie · 14/12/2011 19:52

I think there is a middle ground that is safe and I think the OP knows herself just by questioning herself and posting that she might be going over what she regards as safe. I just thought that the Google definition is a big black and white when in actual fact a lot of people are skimming around the edges of grey

Original poster
RainbowSheep · 14/12/2011 19:52

LemonDifficult & tinkertitonk that is really good advice, I think the refreshing fizz could be part down to thirst, I've just remembered my late grandfather (alcoholic) told me his advice would be never to quench thirst with alcohol, wow I think I may have just turned a corner here Smile

OP posts:
anneatkins · 14/12/2011 19:54

stay for and happyjoyful

You both speak sense.

Now I must go and make myself a nice, relaxing glass of water (sorry! Could. Not. Stop. Myself.)

anneatkins · 14/12/2011 19:55

Rainbow I wasn't mocking you - honest! It is true that making sure you're not thirsty is best! (I myself drink 3+ litres of water a day easy, so that's not me)

However what you describe is not worrying to me in the least.

All the best!

btdtgtts · 14/12/2011 19:57

I'd worry more about the self-deception than the actual amount of alcohol, tbh. 3 bottles in a week, with one day alcohol-free, is not "a large glass a night (sometimes two)", it's half a bottle every day except for the alcohol-free day. That's the same amount my DH and I get through between us, and I tend to think of us as skating close to the edge on this one...

molly3478 · 14/12/2011 19:58

If I had 2 large glasses I get pissed, 1 I can definitely feel it. Wine gets me more drunk than anything, a bottle (which I have done rarely) has had me lying in a doorway unable to get a taxi. I am little though and a lightweight.

anneatkins · 14/12/2011 19:58

Choc I was not referring to ONE google instance, I was more referring to many/most of them which say the same thing.

I'm not trying to buzz about in your bonnet, I promise.

I am just saying that sometimes, people, depending on their own circumstances, can come off as a bit alarmist where alarm is not necessary.

AuntieDoris · 14/12/2011 20:01

Actually it's more than 18-27 units per week. A bottle of 11% wine is closer to 10 units a week. The recommended weekly allowance for a woman is 14 units a week, or 2 units a day, although they would suggest you have 3 days alcohol free a week.

If you drink 10 units a day it will take you about 10 hours to metabolise all that alcohol. For a significant part of the day your body is working to get rid of that booze. It's not healthy and it is excessive.

AuntieDoris · 14/12/2011 20:04

10 units a bottle I mean - that would make it 30 units a week.

redyam · 14/12/2011 20:05

There are plenty of other ways to get that same buzz without damaging your health. For example, sex, going for a run, chatting with friends etc.

Just remember that alcohol is a poison that your body tries very hard to get rid of. Every now and then is great, but every day or even week without fail is bordering on the excessive.

thepeoplesprincess · 14/12/2011 20:09

HappyJoyful You don't really think any of the proper drinkers are going to own up to it now?

Personally, I start to worry when I regularly exceed 27-30 units.... a day.
I'd call three bottles a week tee-total Shock

HappyJoyful · 14/12/2011 20:10

have just read back of bottle and it says - 1 bottle (750ml) at 11.5% = 8.6 units, thus by drinking 3 = 25.8 units... surely people are getting anxious over very little..
Thanks anneatkins - not often get told I talk sense - haha, but hey when it comes to alcohol we like to be sensible !!