Steaming

[LeeAwithAnxiety]

Name changed for this. My drinking is out of control. Wasted at least 3 nights a week. How do I reign it in?

You've taken the first steps in that you've identified you have a problem, you want to change and you're reaching out for help.

I think you need to seek proper help, your GP is probably the first place you should go.

Hopefully they will be able to refer you for support.

Can you change what you're doing some evenings?
Go out? Do an activity with someone?
Be doing something that involves you driving if this will help you not to drink?
If you need to drink with your meal can you have your main meal at different time of day, much earlier?
Look up your local alcohol/addiction services. Every area has nhs service and usually voluntary sector support services. They are self referral so just give them a ring.
They're usually very helpful and responsive and can support you through this. You don't need to struggle alone, just take the first step.
Good luck

dh went through a couple of years of this (triggered by a bereavement), after a few false starts where he thought he could control it by cutting back and just having a few instead, the only thing that has worked for more than a few weeks was total abstinence. He hasn't had a drink this year.

If neither work for you, you need to seek professional help.

@LeeAwithAnxiety

Name changed for this. My drinking is out of control. Wasted at least 3 nights a week. How do I reign it in?

Can you replace the alcohol with a low/non alcohol alternative such as nosecco or low alcohol beer? Maybe change your routine too- if you sit watch into telly with a drink, do another activity instead so you don't automatically associate it with drinking? Good luck to you, hope you have a successful outcome .

Sorry to hear this, OP. Maybe try looking at your stress and anxiety generally? Seek help from your GP for this as well as handling your drink problem.

There are ongoing threads on here for people who need support to stop drinking, but I can't remember why they live or what they usually have in the title. Can anyone remember? If it comes back to me I'll post it.

The Health Chat on here has an alcohol board. There are so many support threads to join, from moderation to abstinence. Or start your own.
Such a friendly and supportive bunch.
Good luck, it is doable.