Help with my drinking

[Dancingbirds]

Hi everyone. Not looking for sympathy, genuinely wanting advice.

For the past couple of years I’ve been quite unhappy with life. It’s very stressful. I’m 29 so I’ve done my fair share of “big nights out” Don’t really do them anymore since having children. Never really in the mood.

I’ve gone from either no drinking at all to having maybe 1 or 2 on a Friday/Saturday night. Now it’s getting more often. Last night I had a bottle and half of wine and I’m now just finishing off a bottle (also had the rest of the bottle from last night) Have no more in the house luckily so that’ll be it.

It’s not even 3 o clock on a Sunday. What am I doing🙁 I do it for the “buzz” it feels easier to deal with everyday things this way.

I don’t want to be like this though

I also have an alcoholic brother (recovering now though) so you’d think I’d be different

Do you still have alcohol free days? Or has your drinking crept up to every day now?

I'm doing Dry Jan as my drinking really increased in 2024, want to regain control!

@PoachedDregs It’s not everyday, I wouldn’t drink during the week. It’s only ever Friday/sat/sun.

This is my problem though I just don’t want it to get to the point where I feel like I need a drink during the week

I did this OP - drank habitually to feel a buzz and also to numb stress of every day life. That meant my resilience was low and I was in a cycle of needing the drink. I needed to break the cycle and feel all the feelings and stresses to build my resilience and now I barely drink at all and only drink when I’m happy or fancy one. My resilience to stress is much higher.

I would recommend -

1. have a period of no drinking at all if you find it difficult to moderate.
2. Listen to podcasts or follow sobriety influencers on social media.
3. dont have alcohol in the house at all. Buy some really nice alcohol free drinks ready for when you have a craving.
4. learn to embrace all your feelings, good and bad, let them wash over you and tell yourself how strong you are. The more you get over each occasion of not having a drink, the stronger you will become.

I think it’s amazing that you’ve recognised that you might be developing a problem. It takes so much bravery to admit that to yourself. It might be worth talking to your GP (if you have one you trust) and ask them to signpost you to resources or services that could help. Mind also have a list of resources - have a look through, as you may find something that really speaks to you.

Very best of luck.