Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

How much drinking is too much?

154 replies

ellie09 · 07/09/2023 22:13

Just your own thoughts 😊

I would have 2-3 bottles prosecco per week. Spread throughout the week - say one on Wednesday, Friday, Sunday.

Is this excessive to you?

I drink a bottle and feel.completely fine and capable to deal.with an emergency and as a full time worker and single mum I am keen to know your thoughts

fYI I don't binge drink on one day

OP posts:
NannyGythaOgg · 07/09/2023 23:02

It's fefinitely increasing your risk of alcohol related health conditions. That is increased risk . If you have increased risk factors then these will multiply. Genetics is the biggest influencer as to what level of alcohol will either become an addiction or a long term health issue. Some people ( a low percentage) will have damage or become addicted from the first drink. Others will be able to drink to excess without either addiction issues or long term health effects.
Some will die of alcohol poisoning after the first time they get drunk or become addicted after the first drink.
There is little (if any) doubt that drinking large amounts long term is detrimental to your health. The extent to which this happens depends, largely, on your genes.

Rakszasa · 07/09/2023 23:03

For me it's not the amount but the reliance on alcohol for relaxation. If you feel like you can't go without (or you kid yourself that you can), then there's a problem. And it doesn't really matter of you're drinking everyday, or every other week or just in weekends.

Hooplahooping · 07/09/2023 23:04

Honestly. I think that it probably is too much. Less because of the amount and more because, if you really felt it was ok, you wouldn’t be asking the question here.

if you get curious with yourself. Do YOU think it’s a comfortable / safe / maintainable way to drink for you and your body? If, after some thought, the answer is yes - crack on - reevaluate if that changes. If the answer is maybe not; there are lots of good tools to help cut down / find other ways to relax, sure MN has a bunch of good ideas.

I don’t think the internet isn’t going to give you a useful answer here…

RaceToTheMiddle · 07/09/2023 23:04

Personally yes I think it’s a lot.

I would also be considering the fact that a bottle of Prosecco is 500-600 calories. And I try not to snack In the evenings. So this would be another thing to potentially put me off, or to maybe cut down! But that’s just me.

Original poster
ellie09 · 07/09/2023 23:07

Hooplahooping · 07/09/2023 23:04

Honestly. I think that it probably is too much. Less because of the amount and more because, if you really felt it was ok, you wouldn’t be asking the question here.

if you get curious with yourself. Do YOU think it’s a comfortable / safe / maintainable way to drink for you and your body? If, after some thought, the answer is yes - crack on - reevaluate if that changes. If the answer is maybe not; there are lots of good tools to help cut down / find other ways to relax, sure MN has a bunch of good ideas.

I don’t think the internet isn’t going to give you a useful answer here…

I agree. The fact I am asking means I need to re assess 😊

OP posts:
Original poster
ellie09 · 07/09/2023 23:09

Rakszasa · 07/09/2023 23:03

For me it's not the amount but the reliance on alcohol for relaxation. If you feel like you can't go without (or you kid yourself that you can), then there's a problem. And it doesn't really matter of you're drinking everyday, or every other week or just in weekends.

In the past I have went upward of 7 months without and just drank hot cocoa etc.

I think I need to get back to that and my eyes have been opened.

Thank you 😊

OP posts:
NeedToChangeName · 07/09/2023 23:11

Drinking a whole bottle is binge drinking

And you're doing that 2 or 3 x per week

I'd say that's too much

(I also drink too much, but looking to cut down)

Scarfweather · 07/09/2023 23:12

I drink 1-2 small glasses of red wine or very small G&T every night at the moment. I’ve had huge gaps in my life when I haven’t been drinking at all and others when I’ve probably had more.
But I’ve settled on this knowing the risks because it does help me relax, which is beneficial, and also helps me sleep (with plenty of REM). Life is also about balance and enjoyment.

gogomoto · 07/09/2023 23:13

It's a similar amount to what I drink except I would never drink alone, I'm a social drinker so 3 or 4 drinks in the pub, if dps away I would not open up wine at home for a meal unless dd2 visited perhaps (dd1 lives with me, both adults). So not excessive per se but do you feel you need it in which case it's more worrying

Original poster
ellie09 · 07/09/2023 23:14

NeedToChangeName · 07/09/2023 23:11

Drinking a whole bottle is binge drinking

And you're doing that 2 or 3 x per week

I'd say that's too much

(I also drink too much, but looking to cut down)

Yep it is hard to do when in the habit!

Ill just need to withold my cravings. Im hoping to make it a weekend treat instead on a Fri/Sat

OP posts:
Original poster
ellie09 · 07/09/2023 23:15

gogomoto · 07/09/2023 23:13

It's a similar amount to what I drink except I would never drink alone, I'm a social drinker so 3 or 4 drinks in the pub, if dps away I would not open up wine at home for a meal unless dd2 visited perhaps (dd1 lives with me, both adults). So not excessive per se but do you feel you need it in which case it's more worrying

Not needed, I can do without but I just like it

OP posts:
Laneymoo · 07/09/2023 23:17

It's all very relative and personal! My Dad was asked by his GP how much he drinks and he said rarely and he pressed him to be precise as people's definition of rarely varies widely. For the affect three bottles of prosecco would have on me, it's too much. Even if I didn't feel drunk that night, I would definitely feel groggy the next day and crave crappy food. I also know it would affect my skin.
Maybe you could try cut down slowly and write down any improvements you see as motivation to keep reducing? If you want to that is!

Original poster
ellie09 · 07/09/2023 23:19

Laneymoo · 07/09/2023 23:17

It's all very relative and personal! My Dad was asked by his GP how much he drinks and he said rarely and he pressed him to be precise as people's definition of rarely varies widely. For the affect three bottles of prosecco would have on me, it's too much. Even if I didn't feel drunk that night, I would definitely feel groggy the next day and crave crappy food. I also know it would affect my skin.
Maybe you could try cut down slowly and write down any improvements you see as motivation to keep reducing? If you want to that is!

Definitely the way to go I think! Like a treat at the weekend shared with the other half!

Going to do this moving forward and stick with the hot chocs and tea during the week 😊

OP posts:
reporting4 · 07/09/2023 23:19

I must say (and I wouldn't judge you for it as we all have things we're guilty for) I personally think it is excessive and too much. I do think a whole bottle of Prosecco IS binge drinking, so 2-3 times a week seems a lot to me. It will be causing harm, even if you can't feel the effect of it right now - in fact it is a little alarming you don't feel in anyway tipsy but I guess we all have different tolerance levels! & with anything, it could be a lot worse.
I would try to cut down if you feel you can, there is a lot of support available if you find it difficult but it seems like it's more for enjoyment and not that you need it which is good.

ShadyPaws · 07/09/2023 23:21

ItSoundsLikeADrag · 07/09/2023 22:34

There's about 8.4 in a bottle of prosecco, so about 3-4 pints of beer at most, which doesn't seem like a lot
6 units in one go is classed as binge drinking for women (8 for men)
plenty of people will be along to say ‘it’s fine’ but that’s because they too drink a fair bit.
The recommended units per week are 14 so yes, it is excessive, and you run the increased risk of CVD and some cancers.
I drink a bottle and feel.completely fine
This alone shows your tolerance is alarmingly high which should be a concern.

I’m an ex drinker who used to drink wine by the bottle 2/3 times a week…until that wasn’t enough. It really is a slippery slope.

I'm not convinced about tolerance being worrying. Mine has always been high, and a night out would be a bottle of wine before leaving, another bottle out, some gin, 4-6 shots, and a few cocktails. I can drink 3 bottles of wine and be drunk but functioning

Everyone seems to say that's concerning - but I'm not a regular drinker. Last drink was December and I often go 18 months without alcohol

Original poster
ellie09 · 07/09/2023 23:22

reporting4 · 07/09/2023 23:19

I must say (and I wouldn't judge you for it as we all have things we're guilty for) I personally think it is excessive and too much. I do think a whole bottle of Prosecco IS binge drinking, so 2-3 times a week seems a lot to me. It will be causing harm, even if you can't feel the effect of it right now - in fact it is a little alarming you don't feel in anyway tipsy but I guess we all have different tolerance levels! & with anything, it could be a lot worse.
I would try to cut down if you feel you can, there is a lot of support available if you find it difficult but it seems like it's more for enjoyment and not that you need it which is good.

You're right! We all have our vices!

I think drinking also allows me to have the excuse to have a cheeky vape (I'm trying to give those up as well!)

So going to try for the next month at least to stay off the booze to quit the vapes.

I know I can ask I dont need booze, I just want it.

Thanks for everyone's input 😊

OP posts:
Wat2do222 · 07/09/2023 23:25

Well you're thinking about your health which is a great thing! I know during covid I was hitting the gin most nights just became a very bad habit 😈

Your age, lifestyle, diet etc will be a big factor in how your body is processing the alcohol, why not go get an MOT at the docs? Your bloods will see how your liver is doing so you can put your mind somewhat at rest. Me personally I couldnt drink the same amount and not see the effects elsewhere (bad sleep, weigh gain, fuzzy head etc) but maybe my 45 year old liver isn't what it used to be 😂

reporting4 · 07/09/2023 23:26

Sounds like a plan! Good luck 😊

sezzer87 · 07/09/2023 23:28

@ellie09

I tried to substitute the alcohol with that trip drink once. The taste wasn't great. What did you think? I'm trying to find one that actually tastes nice. If only they could make it taste like wine or beer or a nice cocktail.

Kay286 · 07/09/2023 23:31

@ellie09 I think it’s fine 3 bottles spread over the week. It’s when it’s getting to a bottle a night or more which is concerning.
yes the recommended units is 14 per week but in reality that’s barely anything! Especially for someone who enjoys it.
Im also partial to a glass or 2 ! Of course it would be “healthier” to not consume alcohol at all but I weigh that against the enjoyment I get from it ….. and basically someone could lead the most healthy lifestyle never have anything “bad” for them and still get cancer.
Im happy to have a bottle during the week and couple on the weekend and that my risk and my choice, and I also vape ! Which i actually want to stop too.
If I was necking 3 bottles a night or a bottle of vodka the risk of cirrhosis etc is exponentially increased and that would be too much.

Coyoacan · 07/09/2023 23:34

Well it tastes nice and helps you relax and sleep, but if you found something else that tasted nice and another way of relaxing and sleeping, you would save money, look after your health better and not be playing Russian roulette with the risk of turning into an alcoholic. I did become an alcoholic

SleepingStandingUp · 07/09/2023 23:34

Over a week it doesn't seem tons, BUT

one bottle in a night so three large glasses, do you start at dinner time so 5 or after bed so say 8? Do you finish before bed at 11 or sat up to 2am? I think those kind of things influence my opinion

Also how would you feel if you suddenly could afford it / shop ran out / you dropped all 3 on the floor and couldn't get any for a week?

I could drink what you drink but more like half a bottle a night, but I'm not sure I'd think it a partic healthy habit

Original poster
ellie09 · 07/09/2023 23:34

sezzer87 · 07/09/2023 23:28

@ellie09

I tried to substitute the alcohol with that trip drink once. The taste wasn't great. What did you think? I'm trying to find one that actually tastes nice. If only they could make it taste like wine or beer or a nice cocktail.

The eldeeflower and mint one was the nicest, and I did do them for 3-4 weeks, but I found them terribly sickening! After 2, I had enough and it barely got in 45 minutes of the night!

Id love a good mock drink! I've tried the nozeco as well but they are far too sweet and make me feel really sick! As do the non alco beers

OP posts:
Original poster
ellie09 · 07/09/2023 23:37

Kay286 · 07/09/2023 23:31

@ellie09 I think it’s fine 3 bottles spread over the week. It’s when it’s getting to a bottle a night or more which is concerning.
yes the recommended units is 14 per week but in reality that’s barely anything! Especially for someone who enjoys it.
Im also partial to a glass or 2 ! Of course it would be “healthier” to not consume alcohol at all but I weigh that against the enjoyment I get from it ….. and basically someone could lead the most healthy lifestyle never have anything “bad” for them and still get cancer.
Im happy to have a bottle during the week and couple on the weekend and that my risk and my choice, and I also vape ! Which i actually want to stop too.
If I was necking 3 bottles a night or a bottle of vodka the risk of cirrhosis etc is exponentially increased and that would be too much.

Yep, there's definitely people worse! My best mate admits having a bottle per night, which I couldn't stomach personally! I think when it's every day its getting a bit much, but I do have alcohol free days, 4-5 times per week out of 7

OP posts:
hopsalong · 08/09/2023 00:01

I don't like sparkling wine of any kind so I wouldn't choose to drink as you do. But I don't think the amount is excessive. In the real world, assuming you don't drink anything else; it seems pretty normal to me.

Having read many years ago that doctors automatically double the amount you say you drink (doubt this is actually true!), I've always had 28 units a week in my mind as the real limit/ point at which health deteriorates. Three bottles of 12% wine pretty much exactly hits that.