To drink a bottle of wine 3/4 nights a week?

[Goodnightjude1]

Just that really....

I work hard. The house is spotless, washing/ironing always done. Kids happy, OH happy....all happy.

I like a glass of wine....or 3 or 4.

Never ever drink till I’m drunk. All of my children (eldest is 20) have never seen me drunk. I just like a few glasses to relax in the evening but apparently....according to my friend “it’s too much”

So, is it??

Are you driving the next morning? How long between stopping drinking and starting driving?

Most bottles of wine are around 10 units of alcohol.

Generally you should allow 1 hour per unit of alcohol for it to exit your system. The time for that starts when you stop imbibing alcohol. You may not be over the limit every morning, but you'll still have alcohol in your system.

As for 15-20 G&Ts, assuming they are 25ml singles of a generic gin that's 15-20 units. For 35ml shots, 21-28 units. It'll be much higher for different gins and free poured drinks.

That volume of G&T is 375-500ml gin at a time if you're on singles. Up to an entire 70cl bottle of gin if you're on 35ml shots.

Alcoholism isn't always about drinking every day, it can be binge drinking too.

15 gin and tonics?!

Liver damage is a slow burn, by the time it’s obvious your in trouble.

It’s 15 units max a week so 1.5 bottles of wine a week.

I'd try and cut down, OP. Either by drinking fewer nights, drinking a lower strength of wine, or you could try mixing it with soda to make a spritzer.
Don't want to be a spoil sport, I have to keep my drinking under strict control or it gradually gets out of control. Those are some of the tactics I use.

Well... it’s your liver.

For me however it would be too much.

You'll get a lot of whinyarsery by way of answers, OP. But if the only thing that worries you is some whinyarse in your social circle whining at you, I'd advise ignoring her and cracking on. Alcohol (and other sources of enjoyment) are only problems when they become problems, despite all the bullshit about purity and obedience and 'health'.

Just for the record....I don’t drive! So I don’t drink and drive. Thanks for all the opinions and advice. I seem to have fallen in to a habit that really isn’t very good. I shall think wisely about my drinking from now on and stick to cranberry juice during the week. I have far too many lovely people in my life to lose.

Sometimes it just takes a kick up the bum to realise! What had become ‘the norm’ to me was obviously, far from it. Thanks again everyone x

Wow amazing, I could never do that, I would probably be dead after the first week!

Even 2 glasses of wine really affects my sleep now.

I would seriously consider cutting down, but I guess everyone is different.

A small glass of wine 3/4 times a week is alright but not 4 bottles. That’s way too much x

One bottle of wine a week max I would say OP. That sounds like A LOT! saying that I have a very young friend who polishes 2 a night. She is an alcoholic but because she’s young and doing well at work she doesn’t give a damn

Crikey that must cost a fortune! 15 G and Ts????

Add it up and think about having driving lessons on the proceeds or a holiday! That should be good motivation.

Its way too much, you'll be damaging your liver now. I had a friend who drunk like you and his spleen split and he nearly died.
Go to the G.P and ask for some help re cutting down if you cant do it yourself.

on a night out I can drink 15-20 G&T and not feel the slightest bit tipsy.

Yeah, sure

Are you the poster who frequently starts threads about drinking massive amounts/drinking during the day but insists they’re fine and haven’t got a problem, then as the thread progresses it becomes clear that they do have a huge drinking problem?

She is an alcoholic but because she’s young and doing well at work she doesn’t give a damn

Oh dear that's not going to end well.

It’s not just your liver...
Excess alcohol intake is associated with...
Fatty liver
Cirrhosis
Liver failure
Obesity
Cancer: breast, oesophageal, stomach, mouth (to name a few)
Cognitive decline
Brain atrophy (brain shrinkage)
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Permanent nerve damage
Damage to your cerebellum and therefore problems with speech, coordination, balance
Tolerance
Withdrawal symptoms, seizures, delirium tremens, hallucinations

You sound like you have built up tolerance which is a sign of alcohol dependence. You should see your doctor for advice to reduce your drinking gradually or you may go into withdrawal which can be dangerous.
See your GP for advice on stopping gradually. They can help you.

have you finished first bottle by 7.30 and have one you optionally delare ..waiting?every night.cos...thats what i read

That's rather a lot and with a concerning frequency.
I wouldn't get into claiming alcoholism but I would put that sort of pattern in the functioning unhealthy habit area. If you can not notice you've out away a bottle of wine then that's worrying.

Perhaps you have built up a tolerance, OP? I think you would if you had a bottle of wine every other night. I find 1/2 a bottle is plenty myself, though it could be that I have a low tolerance. I definitely feel tipsy on that (though obviously not falling down drunk), and I start to feel a little 'lairy' or sick if I have any more than that tbh.

Trying to cut down gradually sounds a good way to do it. You already have a few days a week alcohol free. How about cutting down on the days you do drink? I think you could get to a very comfortable place, and still enjoy a glass or two when you feel like it.

You have a drink problem.

I make sure I stick to two bottles a week maximum. Generally only half a bottle at a time (so three nights totally dry). Even that is a touch over the recommended limit

A bottle in one night is a lot - but I know others who do this as well and I think it can quickly become the norm for many. It would be better to cut down - it’s obviously not healthy for your liver, or for your purse. I know someone who drinks this much and wonders why she can’t lose weight - a bottle of wine is a hefty dessert. 1 or 2 glasses a night is still a treat surely?

I have a 38year old friend who is awaiting a liver transplant.
its not worth it OP.
Well done for realising.
I make non alcoholic Mojitos in the evenings, low cal and feel a bit special, or tonic water with ice and lemon/cucumber.

Having nursed someone through very aggressive liver cancer which was undoubtedly the effect of years of alcohol consumption much as you describe, my only advice is to drastically cut back and find other means of relaxation.

I've never been a drinker at home just on the weekend maybe one night a week, sometimes a couple of drinks, sometimes a bit more on a bigger eve out.

However hitting 40 I really feel alcohol even after a glass of wine or two. It really affects my sleep and energy and just everything the next day.i know lots of people that drink a glass or two after work. I'd rather have a brew tbh I'm too tired!
I think you realise you are drinking quite a lot. It's your life though to choose how you will though.

If you are inclined I'd perhaps reduce slowly in case you are more dependant than you realise. Cut down the amount you drink each night then maybe miss a night and so on until you are at a level you are comfortable with. I think once you reduce the alcohol you will realise how much it does actually affect you and your body.

If you are concerned you should also speak to your GP for advice.

Well done OP, for taking on board what people are saying. You owe it to yourself and your family to cut right back, best wishes