how do you know when you're drinking too much?

[kazzianne]

Not sure if this is the right section - it may be moved!

Anyway,how do you know when you are drinking too much? What is too much? Is it the medical guidelines,or is there a general amount that most people would say is way too much?

By the way,I obviously mean alcohol and not soft drinks!

[ugly_bob]

Medical guidelines are 21units/wk for women ond 28 for men. In practice, that's less than an average Saturday for a lot of people.

[heathfield]

As Gerald Hoffning said, "I know I'm drunk when I congratulate myself on the appearance of sobriety I'm putting over to others".

[dot.hawkes]

I go by how many people fall over me.

[kazzianne]

Seriously guys,do any of you think you drink too much - I mean I drink way over the 21 units,but when would it be a problem healthwise.?

[Aliceband]

Hi Kazzianne. I think its a problem when (like I do) you have to decide whether to have a drink or not in the evening! And also, finding it hard to get round Tesco without visiting the wine section!

[kazzianne]

Alice - so do you drink every evening then?

[kazzianne]

Do you all infact drink every night?

[Aliceband]

yes kazzianne, I drink most evenings. Think last week, I had one night off.

[kazzianne]

without being nosey,how much? I mean - just a glass of wine,a bottle? A crate??(only teasing !)

[Aliceband]

God, am going to have the AA after me Kazzianne. This is going to sound terrible, but I can get through a bottle of wine a night. If I am feeling depressed (which could be on a weekly basis!) can be a bit more.

God, I sound like a right depressive drunken S**.

Now your turn Kazzianne, how much can you guzzle back? :)

[caz21]

I drink nearly every night! usually only don't if there is none in the house or i have to drive somewhere! I find it relaxes me after work! and its nice to have a glass of wine with my evening meal! i do worry that sometimes i feel like i cant go without and find myself wanting a glass if there is nothing in! but i dont usually oss myself to go get some (so that must be a good sign!) I find it hard to wait til the weekend for a drink, but i don't ever drink til drunk at home (well once a flood maybe!) just a few glasses! tops! god i hope this doesnt sound as odd as it does in my head!

[kazzianne]

Alice - think i'll be in the queue in front of you!!

We can easily get through 2-3 bottles a night between the two of us.from 6pm till midnight,maybe 1am,which is totally OTT I know,but we seem to have gotten into that habit,and as we work all eve as well,there is a huge amount of pressure for deadlines etc,so it chills us out a bit.

God we sound dreadful!!

[Aliceband]

I drink alone, which is worst! But like caz, I dont get drunk. Just fall asleep!

God, dont I sound interesting! LOL

[dot.hawkes]

I do think i used to drink too much and though it never stopped me getting up for work, I think it is an individual tolerence thing, I don't think physically I was coping with drinking a quarter bottle of vodka almost 4 nights a week. Even though I drank it in tall glasses drowned in diet pepsi. I actuially went totally off it for a good 6 weeks, but I have started drinking a couple of nights a week lately, though not enjoying it much and so I think I can manage without if I really decided to.

[kazzianne]

I know I drink too much,but I guess I make myself feel better by telling myself that I dont drink spirits (which I use to do) - I just drink wine.Infact I dont even buy spirits now.And I dont smoke,so I just have the one vice!

I do try and go the odd night without anything,but I really do enjoy sitting with boyfriend ,having a drink,chatting about our day etc.

[Aliceband]

I did actually mention my drinking to the doctor as it was a concern. He wasnt a lot of help, as he told me his wife also like her wine in the evening!

But really I must cut back. Costing me a bomb. And its also adding to my rather depressive nature :(

[kazzianne]

Thats just it Dot - i know the amount I drink it bad,but I still leap out of bed in the morning,bright and breezy.I never drink before dinner in the eve,unless its a weekend,and so at the mo I dont feel its a prob.Do you drink alone Dot?

[kazzianne]

Alice - do you live alone then??

[Aliceband]

My divorce should be final this week Kazzianne (now thats a reason to celebrate with a drink!)

I live with my children. And am not in a relationship :(

[kazzianne]

Well Alice,I will def have a drink with you on that night!!