Cutting way back on wine consumption

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't mean to hijack, but what about beer? I crack open a brewski at around 5pm and drink about 2-3 every night. I brought this up to my doctor at my last physical, because I was concerned that I was becoming dependent, but she just shrugged it off and told me to try to cut it down to one or two and to not go past that. Alcoholism runs in my family, and I just want to know when I should become concerned. I drink beer to relax, but sometimes I keep looking at the clock because I can't wait until 5 so I can have a beer.

God, maybe I do have a problem.

10:56 here.

One of the signs of a potential problem is when you watch the clock for your first drink. If you have no issues, you can really drink whenever the heck you want and STOP whenever the heck you want. Waiting for it, clock-watching, and thinking about your family tree would give me pause, if I were you. Are you a full-blown alcoholic? Probably not, but I would go cold turkey for a couple of weeks and see how you cope....

[Anonymous]

OP, I was drinking the same amount as you (2-4 glasses every night) for almost 2 years. I just quit cold turkey a few days ago (on my doctor's advice). I'm not going to drink anything for a month or 2, then only drink in social occasions. I think I was emotionally dependent, not physically dependent. Trying to cook dinner without my wine sucks, though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am concerned about my wine consumption which can range from 2-4 glasses over a 4 hour period every night. I usually pour my first glass around 5-6 and one every hour until 9 and then I am really tired and just fall asleep only to not sleep well. I need to stop the wine to sleep better, be healthier, and lose some weight, be more motivated.

Anyone else tried to do the same with success? I need ideas, and not go to AA. I don't think I am an alcoholic, but I think I have a habit and am bored at home as a SAHM and the evenings are hard for me as I do it all, my husband is gone a lot for work.

Thanks everyone.

You've described my habits as well. Habitual drinker. Don't need AA anymore than I needed CA to quit my occasional habitual smoking habit quite a while ago.

[Anonymous]

I drink every night too. Totally due to boredom. Probably dependant, but have no other options since stuck with kids, no help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I probably am.

If you need advice on how to cut back, you are dependent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't mean to hijack, but what about beer? I crack open a brewski at around 5pm and drink about 2-3 every night. I brought this up to my doctor at my last physical, because I was concerned that I was becoming dependent, but she just shrugged it off and told me to try to cut it down to one or two and to not go past that. Alcoholism runs in my family, and I just want to know when I should become concerned. I drink beer to relax, but sometimes I keep looking at the clock because I can't wait until 5 so I can have a beer.

God, maybe I do have a problem.

Funny, I had the same response from my doctor. He actually helped me justify it by suggesting I look at it over the course of a week rather than daily! Although, that really doesn't actually help!

[Anonymous]

I use to drink socially, rarely drink now. Now if I have more then one drink, I will have the worst time sleeping. Just not worth it, rather get a good nights sleep. You luck

[Anonymous]

We stopped drinking during the week, period. Wine only on Friday and Saturday nights.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't mean to hijack, but what about beer? I crack open a brewski at around 5pm and drink about 2-3 every night. I brought this up to my doctor at my last physical, because I was concerned that I was becoming dependent, but she just shrugged it off and told me to try to cut it down to one or two and to not go past that. Alcoholism runs in my family, and I just want to know when I should become concerned. I drink beer to relax, but sometimes I keep looking at the clock because I can't wait until 5 so I can have a beer.

God, maybe I do have a problem.

This is totally a habitual thing. You should do what I do: do a short "cleanse" every few months. No alcohol for a week. You'll be amazed how good it makes you feel. Having said that, I love conversation, dinner with friends, and beer and wine. So, no, I'm not going to go on the wagon permanently.

I understand why the various recovering alcoholics (and children of alcoholics) on this board seem to jump into every similar topic with a diagnosis of "alcoholism" for everyone who drinks alcoholic beverages, but for most of humanity, this isn't a big problem...as your doctor told you.

[Anonymous]

Oh, and get a soda water maker and a big jug of Key Lime juice. Makes a great, tart substitute for the bite of alcoholic beverages. It's the downside of living in a culture where 90% of your fellow citizens are 5-year-olds living in middle-aged bodies: a surfeit of sugary drinks and not enough adult non-alcoholic beverages.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We stopped drinking during the week, period. Wine only on Friday and Saturday nights.

Yep, same here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oh, and get a soda water maker and a big jug of Key Lime juice. Makes a great, tart substitute for the bite of alcoholic beverages. It's the downside of living in a culture where 90% of your fellow citizens are 5-year-olds living in middle-aged bodies: a surfeit of sugary drinks and not enough adult non-alcoholic beverages.

This is so true and something I think of often. I find it so strange to see people having a nice meal out and drinking a Coke.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't mean to hijack, but what about beer? I crack open a brewski at around 5pm and drink about 2-3 every night. I brought this up to my doctor at my last physical, because I was concerned that I was becoming dependent, but she just shrugged it off and told me to try to cut it down to one or two and to not go past that. Alcoholism runs in my family, and I just want to know when I should become concerned. I drink beer to relax, but sometimes I keep looking at the clock because I can't wait until 5 so I can have a beer.

God, maybe I do have a problem.

This is totally a habitual thing. You should do what I do: do a short "cleanse" every few months. No alcohol for a week. You'll be amazed how good it makes you feel. Having said that, I love conversation, dinner with friends, and beer and wine. So, no, I'm not going to go on the wagon permanently.

I understand why the various recovering alcoholics (and children of alcoholics) on this board seem to jump into every similar topic with a diagnosis of "alcoholism" for everyone who drinks alcoholic beverages, but for most of humanity, this isn't a big problem...as your doctor told you.

You have a point... and so does 11:18. I think I'll take a break from my nightly beers for a week and see how I do. Yeah, it's hard as a daughter of an alcoholic, to not completely overreact. I just want to be cautious though... so I shall do a cleansing!

And I too love beer and wine in social situations, so I'm definitely not gonna go cold-turkey there.

[Anonymous]

Op here. Somewhat relieved I am not alone and also some good advice. Thanks.

I am going to try to not drink during the week for a month, only on weekends, and then maybe re-introduce 1 glass a night. We'll see.

My father was an alcoholic and I am acutely aware of the potential issue.

Addressing the boredom is key. My kids are not old enough for me to leave to go on a walk alone or anything, but I am sure if I put my mind to it, I can think of things.

Thanks everyone. It's great when this board is supportive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We stopped drinking during the week, period. Wine only on Friday and Saturday nights.

Me too.