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General health

Am I drinking too much?

22 replies

jabberwocky · 10/12/2004 19:46

Really tough to ask this, and wondering if, by asking that means yes. Have been having wine almost every evening lately. At least 2 glasses sometimes more. Last night had an upsetting conversation with my niece and wound up finishing the bottle then rummaging around for some bourbon as I didn't feel like stopping. Wound up getting sick of course and felt truly horrible today. Dh was pretty upset about it.

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GlitterGrommit · 10/12/2004 19:59

Jabberwocky - the recommended limit for a woman is 14 units per week. 1 unit is a small glass of wine. So you may be a bit over but not drastically. maybe try to have one or 2 days per week without drinking and you should be OK

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OLittleYurtofBethlehem · 10/12/2004 20:01

Hi Jabberwocky - well done for being brave enough to ask - i dont really know but i think yes you probably are drinking too much -and the fact that you went looking for more confirms it for me - I hope other people manage to help you more - Good Luck xxx

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jabberwocky · 10/12/2004 20:25

So, maybe skip a few days and then see if I can control it to just a glass?

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SilentBite · 10/12/2004 20:31

Actually the limit is 21 units for a woman not 14. They put it up a while ago.

You sound ok to me, though drinking in anger never a good thing IMO.

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jabberwocky · 10/12/2004 20:34

Yes, thank goodness DH stopped me from calling her back to argue some more . She just really knows how to press my buttons.

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sophabaubles · 10/12/2004 20:36

i think a couple of glasses a night is ok...to my mind it's whether or not you can not have booze for a day/week/month with no problem that is a measure of whether you should be concerned...

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jabberwocky · 10/12/2004 20:46

Well, the last time I went overboard was at a Halloween party, so that was about 5 or 6 weeks ago. I think dh just worries that it's getting to be a routine in the evening of always having that glass or two (or three...)

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Caligulights · 10/12/2004 21:04

I think if you're not happy with your level of drinking, then you're drinking too much. But if it's just a temporary thing where you're aware that it's too much, but it's also going to be cut right back after Christmas, then it's not really a problem. The main thing is that you're aware of it and how it can become a potential problem, and take steps to control it.

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Piffleoffagus · 10/12/2004 21:24

I always come on to these threads hoping to find someone who drinks more than me. Once again no one does.
I think there is a difference between addiction and habit. I know I am not addicted as I was off it for 2 weeks following surgery adn have given up when pregnant and other times just so I knew that I could.
I rarely have an alochol free day, but only ever 3 cans of beer or half a bottle of wine. Some nights less, I never get tanked though and never touch spirits.
I think if you are vulnerable to drinking when upset then having less alcohol around is good sense though.
When it makes you question yourself though maybe it does mean that you need a break, to show yourself that it is not a daily necessity.
Sorry this ended up as a sermon type essay, patronising blurp... And I'm not even drinking tonight as I have an upset tummy...

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sophabaubles · 10/12/2004 21:26

piffle half a bottle is ok imho.

as long as you can and do have breaks.

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sophabaubles · 10/12/2004 21:26

hello btw

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bluemoon · 10/12/2004 21:41

I worry about this a bit, but not enough to stop!

I usually have about 3 bottles of beer a day but if I was drinking wine I'd probably have half a bottle. Occasionally if I have lunch out that will be more as I might have a beer midday or a glass of wine.

I could probably drink more but I try not to. The fact that I'd like more but don't have it reassures me that I don't have a major problem. I can't remember the last time I was really drunk. But then again I do feel like I'm probably quite used to booze so it takes a fair bit to get me drunk.

I have to say, unless I was ill, I would find it hard to have a totally alcohol-free day. I could do it but I wouldn't like it. In that respect I'm probably a borderline addict.

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JakBFrostNippingatYourtoes · 10/12/2004 21:44

I've worried about this in the past, too. Lots of alcoholic genes in my family so very aware of it. I could happily sup my way through half to a bottle of wine a night. I really enjoy having a drink at the end of the day and why not? I sort of control it, I suppose, by having two to three alcohol-free nights a week and rarely getting 'drunk'. Make sense?!

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jabberwocky · 10/12/2004 22:22

Your a woman after my own heart JakB! That's what I've been trying to do, but last night...well, not one of my better showings I'm afraid. I think it really scares dh when I go overboard. He had two uncles who were alcoholics and his brother is also. I guess he's a bit paranoid about it.

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noddyholder · 10/12/2004 22:31

If it is interfering with your life and you are asking for advice then it is obviously a problem for you.It is not how many times a week you drink or how much that defines it it is what effect it is having on you and those around you.Maybe try to drink only a couple of times a week to break the habit if you can do this fine if you can't then maybe think again

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amynSaintnixmum · 10/12/2004 23:31

Noddys right. it isnt how much you drink its how you feel about it and how it affects your life. If you feel bad or uncomfortable or feel the need to lie about your drinking then that should set off alarm bells. If your drinking effects your relationships, job, wellbeing etc its a problem. Noone is the same so you will have to decide for yourself. Me and dh drink wine with our food most nights and although that is quite a lot I am happy with that. I worked in a rehab for 4 years and I learnt there that everyone is different. If your drinking is a problem you will know it deep down because you will feel guilty about it.

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ernest · 11/12/2004 12:45

so what do you do if it is a problem, apart from gpoing to gp?

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ernest · 11/12/2004 12:46

sorry, but btw jabberwocky, been couple of threads asking this q. recently, so might help you to read through those replies too. sounds ok to me

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Chocol8 · 11/12/2004 17:48

Healthy guidelines are 2-3 units a day for women and 3-4 units a day for men. Women's bodies contain 10% more fat then blokes so we don't dilute it quite as quickly, sadly!

The guidelines include 2 alcohol free days per week and (rather shockingly), anything above that is considered binge drinking.

If you consider that your drinking is becoming a problem, how about keeping a drinks diary (in secret if you want) and see what that tells you in comparison to the guidelines.

It might help to remember that alcohol, although it doesn't contain any fat does contain sugar and as such is quite calorific - for example a bottle of Baileys contains the same amount of calories as 5 mars bars! Shame, I love Baileys!

It is confusing for kids too - 2 alcopops contain the same amount of alcohol as a triple vodka/whiskey - 3 units.

There endeth today's sermon. HTH Jabberwocky! x

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jabberwocky · 12/12/2004 10:35

Just an update. Starting 3rd alcohol free day with no problems. I think it's probably key to just not start when I'm upset. I think I will wait until Christmas to have anything though just to ease dh's mind about it.

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Chocol8 · 12/12/2004 14:14

Well done Jabberwocky (great name!). Glad you're feeling ok. x

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jabberwocky · 12/12/2004 17:36

Thanks Chocol8 - I like your name too BTW. It's been easy so far, which has made me feel better about the whole thing.

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