Drinking less alcohol

[lainiej]

Hi all. At 47 I've realised that over the past few years I've become somewhat dependant on the demon drink. I rarely go out but drink at home. I seem to be unable to drink in moderation and its all or nothing with me. If I dont have anything to drink on an evening I'm crabby and feel deprived and also find it hard to sleep. On the other hand if I do have a drink I have to have lots, resulting in comatose sleep and hangovers the next day. I'd love to be able to have a couple of glasses of wine instead of the whole bottle (or 2 !) Anyone got any advice as to how I can cut down painlessly. Thanks in advance. Elaine x

[Dollie]

Get some help - seek out a self-help group (there's no shame in that) or go to a therapist e.g. Cognitive Behavioural Therapist of Clinical Hypnotherapist. Both of these therapies are excellent for your such problem. Chances are though you will have to pay privately, as in the main, CBT and hypnosis is not available easily on NHS. Good Luck x

[Aliceband]

lainiej when you find the answer, please let me know!

Your drinking habits sound like mine.

You are not alone!

[PinkFizz]

Im exactly the same - i tried a few weeks ago to cut alcohol out totally but soon lapsed,but I have now signed up for a very strict diet plan on which alcohol is forbidden,and as it is so expensive I know that i wont cheat.Will probably be sheer hell but worth it!!

[lainiej]

Thanks everyone. I dont really think I need hypnotherapy etc Dollie although it is worth thinking about. If you go to group things its like saying that you want to give up drinking altogether which isnt what i'm after. Just to be able to drink in moderation. I'm not an alcoholic - just like a drink :o) like you Alice and Pink !!

[daftpixie]

You tried buying those glass size bottles? Im like you, if I open a bottle, the whole lot will go, I never leave one beer left in the fridge etc but of you fancy a couple of glasses, buy the little ones, and no more! I find if I dont have loads in the house im ok. Is hard I know, especially if your bored etc. When I live on my own I used to knock myself out with the amount of wine I drunk, limit the amount you have in the house, and hopefully you will get used to just a couple of glasses. x

[country_boy]

If you have a good sized meal early in the evening, do you still drink too much? I find after a good feed I'm not interested in a drink, otherwise I tend to overdo it too.

[lainiej]

Hi daftpixie and country_boy. I have tried those litle bottles but they only tend to give me a taster and leave me wanting more !! I dont think it really makes any difference having a big meal - its great that it works for you, tho. I bought a bottle of red last night intending to have half of it but guess what ? It all went !!

It is good to know that we're not alone isnt it ? Also I'm trying to lose weight and have lost 2 1/2 stone so far. I know that if i cut right down on drinking then it would come off much quicker.