To ask 'do you think you drink too much, and what is 'too' much?'

[DillyDallyDee]

We've been through a really stressful period of time with extended family stuff, family deaths, disputes and financial worries, and I have just realised that I don't remember the last time I didn't have one or two glasses of wine in the evening. We only ever used to drink one or two nights a week. Worse part is I feel like I need a glass of wine in the evening. I'm drinking too much aren't I? Does anyone else drink too much - should I just go cold turkey!?

fackinell, you're a mind-reader...

yeah regarding low alcohol stuff I found the only thing that didn't taste awful was alcohol free beer. Wine just tastes like off grape juice, which I suppose it is.

Work out how many units you are having each day/week.

i think one small glass of wine a day (1 and a half units) is fine probably as you will be under the women's recomended alcohol limit of 14 units a week. However if you are having more then 2 units a night, it will be too much.

We are at a similar stage, our only down time after excersise, cleaning, packed lunches, getting uniforms out in evening is an hour chilling in front of the telly with one small glass of wine.

I don't have a small glass to make the day receid (as some suggest), more to just chill with hubby and have adult time. It's not essential but a little treat like having a slice of cake or watching a favourite programme together

I've never really thought I drank too much - I drank something most nights, even if only a small glass of wine, although quite often that would get replenished before the end of the evening, or preceded by a G&T. Weekends maybe a cocktail or two on top. But I never drank to get drunk (unlike in my 20s), so felt like responsible drinking.

I've had to stop on account of being pregnant, and have found:

-I feel clearer headed for not drinking

-there were times when I was stressed which really triggered an 'I need a drink' response

-it took me a while to be able to adjust to socialising in groups without the 'lubricant' of a drink or two.

It didn't actually take that long of enforced 'cold turkey' to loose the stress/social triggers of wanting a drink. I still miss drinking but really only the taste and experience ( there's a sense of occasion in pouring a glass of wine) rather than the alcohol itself.

I have however got a new stress trigger response in M&S cream eclairs

I'm cold turkey at the minute so will give some of my tips incase they're any use to anyone.

I used to drink a couple of bottles of wine a week and it wasn't too bad, then I went on sick leave and I was having a bottle or two most nights, to alleviate the boredom really. Then I went back to work and was having a bottle a night when I had work the next day and two when I wasn't. If I went out for a drink I was getting beyond wasted and being a shit to DP, absolutely awful but I don't know my limits. I'm 22 so it might come with age but it hasn't came yet. I went on a night out and was so embarrassed of myself in the morning I decided enough was enough.

Now I haven't had anything since May. I got myself a nice bottle for squash and have that on a night time, I look like a toddler with a sippy cup but it works for me .
When we have people over, or if I fancy a glass of wine I get some nice fruit juice, normally red grape or similar and have it in a wine glass. I bet I look like a prize knob head but it's nice to still have a treat drink and a nice grown up glass.
I drive for night outs and actually have a better time now, and we don't have to pay for a taxi.

Totally agree with the fact people take it as a personal slight if you do t not want a drink. DM doesn't understand and tries to push wine on me, but it's 10X easier a few weeks down the line to say no.

I gave up alcohol years ago after a very horrible hangover

Turned myself into The Driver for going out, people do try to push you into having "just one" initially but over time accept that you don't partake

I said (this is true) och it gives me dreadful heartburn and rattled my Gaviscon box a few times

Elderflower cordial/sparkly water, Appletiser, Posh Squash are grown up alternatives to juice or Robinsons

I'm a moderate drinker. Mainly because my Mum is an alcoholic and I have trained myself to be.

Last week, I went out in the evening three times (I never drink at home) so drank...one cocktail, one medium glass of red wine and a pint and a half of 4.6% bitter. It is unusual for me to be out that much though, usually it's two or three drinks once a week.