For not wanting to give up my glass of red?!

[RunOutOfMoney]

I look forward to a glass of red of an evening, and as much as I think I should stop, I actually don't want to. Is this a problem?

To clarify, I'm not talking more than a glass, and considering that the recommended units of alcohol per week is 14, this allows me to easily have a glass a day .

I remember, though, a time when I could give or take alcohol, and only used to partake very rarely. If I ever had to complete a medical questionnaire, I would put one to 2 units per month max . I think it's currently on my mind because of Stoptober, and it's played on my mind how resistant I was to the idea of joining in.

AIBU? I'm hoping I don't have an alcohol dependence because I am very particular. It has to be one particular bottle or I just don't buy it in. I think someone with a drink problem wouldn't mind what colour it is much less what actual type? I suspect the very fact I am asking is probably going to invite someone to tell me that that shows there's a problem, but it could also be argued that by keeping a finger on the pulse I show that I'm being responsible over it. I just thought I'd ask around and see if everyone else feels the same each evening?

The problem with NHS advice is it always advises against drinking, eating fatty foods whatever when everything in moderation is absolutely fine. The NHS struggles often because of those who do everything to excess- no blame here.

Then there’s the stats, the example given of your risk of breast cancer increasing if you have a couple of drinks. There’s no evidence to say that these are the same people who are also overweight, don’t exercise, smoke or whatever else. Always seems designed to suck the fun out of life when some people are quite capable of monitoring their intake.

What would happen if you didn't have any of your preferred wine in one day?Would you feel the need to go out and get some?

I don't think you're physically dependent on alcohol at that consumption level, but your resistance to doing Stoptober suggests you might be psychologically dependent to some extent.

A shandy is about as hard core as I get these days. A very weak one with stubbies.

No way could I tank a bottle of red over the week. Too strong. Used to drink wine years ago but can't tolerate it at all now. Will stick with a shandy!

The French and Spanish and Italians all seem to manage just fine!

Crack on. Life is fleeting.

Oh damn! I thought it was like the 5 a day thing

And i have been smashing the targets 😵‍💫

@ChienneDesFromages that’s so funny, we have the same glasses as you…and DH will often say ‘Bees’ bums?’ to me…because when the bees’ bums are only just covered, that’s 125mls, which is about 1.6 units.

OP, I really recommend trying the free DrinkAware app for a short period of time, to just check you are drinking as little as you think you’re drinking. I too love a glass of red wine (and I mean just the one) and using this app has returned it to feeling like a real treat as opposed to something I just do as part of my day.

https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/tools/mydrinkaware-app

🙄

I’ve noticed a few of these nutrition experts never mention that there is no safe limit for alcohol consumption and I think it’s because they love a drink themselves so conveniently don’t talk about it.

This is from Cancer Research UK.
Are there any health benefits from drinking alcohol?You may have heard that drinking alcohol can be good for the heart or help lower blood pressure. But NHS guidance on alcohol states that the evidence for any health benefits from alcohol is not clear. Research has shown there is no completely safe level of drinking, and the risk of cancer increases from drinking even small amounts of alcohol.

Yes there is a link with several cancers, breast being one of the highest incidences.

Celibacyinthesticks to be fair, there’s no completely safe level of living. We take calculated risks every day, whether we know it or not. But those risks often improve our quality of life. For me, the joy of a small amount of lovely wine (see also cheese, beef, dark chocolate) far outweighs the small risk of it making me ill.

I like having a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit every night. It's relaxing and enjoyable. Is it the best for my health? Not really. Would anyone suggest I was addicted to it...also no.

If you depend on it and can't live without it then it's an issue but if it's just something that you enjoy as part of a daily unwinding routine then what is the issue? One glass is neither here nor there imho.

@ChienneDesFromages of course there is no complete safe way of living but to omit or reduce some known risks within our control can only be a good thing, I’m pretty sure most people wouldn’t advise smoking everyday and saying one or two cigarettes a day won’t hurt but drinking one or two glasses every day seems to get a free pass.

I mean I’m the same with a can of Diet Coke. I have tried to go without and I fail within a day or two, so I’d say I’m addicted.

really feeling a glass of red wine would indicate you have unusually low tolerance though

Is it effecting your life, relationships or health? If not I really don't think this is a problem.
Similar to eating a chocolate bar every day.
Not ideal for your health but if its just the one and you are an otherwise healthy person it's not really gonna cause issues.

And also just really enjoying something doesn't mean you are addicted.
I'm pregnant at the moment and a couple of times I've really craved a nice cold glass of prosecco. Obviously I haven't had one and haven't drunk alcohol at all for the 6months I've been pregnant so far. But if I wasn't pregnant I would have. I don't feel I'm addicted I just really enjoy it and if there's not any pressing reason why I shouldn't have a glass then I would just have one.

Yes AIBU

I think some people can probably have a glass a night and be fine. I'm not one of those people.

I mean, if I crack open the vino it's a Saturday night, a couple of wines followed by maybe a few spirits. Food etc. Music on. Always in company.
I find , and I'm in my 50's , alcohol is fun, relaxing, social. I enjoy it on a Saturday night, generally every few weeks. I know myself well enough to steer clear during the week.
I really can't start partying on a Monday.

I think it's a problem if it interferes with your daily life. I realised it was for me. I'd worry if I didn't have it in for example, I'd work out in my head if I had enough for that night and the next night and would go out of my way on the way home from work to buy more if I didn't. I would also avoid doing anything that meant I wouldn't be able to have my nightly glass (or two at weekends / holidays etc) too :( When the realisation hit I quit and haven't touched it in over a year now.

I think if you can take it or leave it it's fine but if it makes you twitchy to be without then it isn't.

What about chocolate - I couldn't go 4 weeks without that, am I a chocoholic?!

I feel the same as you OP; love a glass of red, but unless your glass is very, very small you are drinking more than 2 units a night; more like 3.

I am the same. Three very young kids, stressful work - a glass of wine a day is 'my' moment before I an back on rota.

Like my diet, I very deliberately recognise this as a particular moment in my life and don't overthink it. If I book something fun in the evening, it doesn't happen. I bought sachet chai teas which are delicious and give that sugar boost and feel like a treat in the same way - I then don't have a glass of wine because they don't go together.

Just don't feel deprived IMHO and you may find you cut down naturally.

there is no safe level of red meat consumption. Or driving, or ice cream. That's not really how science works.
But every bit of research we have suggests that moderate amounts of red wine are not at all harmful.