1000 is not enough, 1 is too many

[ChristmassyCheers]

I'm drinking too much. Every night, it makes me feel good, I'm not trying to escape anything. Can I go to the GP and ask for help and would they be obliged to put it on my record? AIBU to ask for help? I just want to stop drinking as I know it's bad for me, and expensive.
I need tools to help, has anyone got a suggestion, I'm desparate

Try keeping an alcohol diary - really honestly record what you drink, how much, when you drink it and how you were feeling at that time.
do you drink more when stressed- how often do you drink alone
That is likely to be one of the first things your GP would suggest
it’s also really useful

@ChristmassyCheers I found the book 'This Naked Mind' to be absolutely excellent. I listened to it on audible. It really changed the way I viewed alcohol.

From what you have said I think it actually could really help.

Try it, if you can't quit then seek help from the GP

You can self refer to NHS alcohol services. You don't need a referral. They prefer self referrals as it shows a degree of motivation.

Well done for reaching out op ❤️ alcohol change uk website may also be helpful, best wishes x

The GP will follow NICE guidelines for alcohol misuse. Google these but it looks like they just offer you advice on cutting down unless you are at risk of physical withdrawal symptoms which doesn’t sound to be the case. I don’t think it’s worth having it on your record in your case. I agree with others, go to an AA meeting

Unfortunately, yes. It’s an impossible situation. Same with drugs.

You are desperate for help but then find other parts of your life become severely affected by asking for that help.

Naltrexone?

No, not by much. Could do with losing 3/4 stone and have the 'wine effect' fat tummy. Certainly not fat enough for a jab.

Yes, but that would involve going to the GP wouldn't it?

If you are 3/4 stone overweight you probably would meet the criteria actually.

If you need to lose 3/4s then you must be obese

so if you have the extra cash maybe try mj as many say you go totally off booze

I have about that to lose and I am on WLIs. I was just in the obese category (BMI 30) at that weight.

As an active alike I hope I can help in a wee way

Most council/HA areas have an alcohol support service - find yours and engage

They will offer a bit ( not a lot ) of counselling and then direct you to the next stage - when you are ready

You need to access the services , and they are there , as long as you are ready

I was bad when I went through the system and I ended uo having a detox two weeks before christmas- and all professional services shut down - I had AA and an active drinking partner - not the best

If you are ready to stop, the help can be found, its not easy to find , you have to start on the lowest rung and prove that you are looking sobriety because resaucers are so tu=ight

If you dont want official help , then its AA or SMART

Have a look at the Life’s Better without Alcohol Facebook page. It’s a very supportive group. The page is run by someone who had their own issues with alcohol and now helps others to quit.

I thought it was three quarters of a stone, not three or four stone.

Obese?? My BMI = 24.4 Im not obese!!

Sorry. Thought you mean 3/4st not three quar
ters of a stone ie 10lbs

A quick search seems to suggest you can buy it from online pharmacies.

https://smartrecovery.org.uk/

my friend used this place ⬆️
she hasn’t drunk for years.
good luck op 🙌

Sorry, but 3/4 of a bottle of wine every single night is a hell of a lot of alcohol. I say that as someone who enjoys drinking alcohol socially. I’m not anti-alcohol, but even I can see that amount is a big problem.

Another vote for This Naked Mind.

wouldn’t bother with the GP personally- they won’t have much to offer except the same advice you’re getting here. AA is worth a try but it’s not for everyone and I think can sometimes delay your progress as hearing stories of people with more advanced drinking problems can make you feel that you don’t need to act, when in fact you know you do.

Honestly OP, why don't you just have a browse through the alcohol chat/ section on MN

I was drinking excessively (I had worked my way down since covid from a bottle of
Wine a night to 3 glasses a night) and read these threads on and off for a few months. Then I decided to see if I could stop drinking and I have remained abstinent for 2 months and actually after the first night, which felt strange, it has not been difficult - I do drink lots of AF beer though. You may surprise yourself.

Do you have an employer?

If you do, worth looking at whether have access to an employee assistance program. They can often provide support with this, and that’s all confidential including to your employer and GP. Employer just gets usage stats on how many staff take up the program services.

Thank you everyone who cared enough to help - really useful stuff here and I will endeavour to get through them all and pick my 'team' xx

I'm going to join an online meeting for sure