Cutting Down Alcohol Thread

CuppaTea

I know that feeling Pollyanna, it’s Half term and sunny. Do it feels like wine o’clock. Trying to stick to the plan.

AnnieG

I've been away for a few days, I 'popped over' to Vietnam for a job interview, caught up with friends and drank more than I intended to. I'm still on 10 days AF for February but am really ready for an extended break from it so am going to make today day 11 and have no plans to drink for the rest of the month.

loveasale

Evening all !
20/28 3/5

Barny1979

19/24 AFDs today

GlendaSugarbean

21/25 and 4/5 for me today

chucknorris

Has anyone ever managed to successfully cut down for a very long time? I know that I drink too much (about 80 units a week), but I don't want to totally abstain. I have in the past cut down to 21 units for about 18 months, and 14 units for about 8 months, but as I'm sure everyone on here knows, the battle is never won. It isn't particularly adversely effecting my life, but I know that I'm courting health disaster in the long term if I continue.

So I'm trying again, I even went to an AA meeting (I say 'even' because their goal is abstaining). I thought that the experience might help me, but I don't think that it was for me.

CuppaTea

Hi ChuckNorris, it’s an ongoing battle as you say. I don’t know if it’s possible or not.

For me if I open a bottle, it will be finished that night. 9 units gone. If I do that on average 3 times a week, that is 27 units. I tell myself because I have 4 days AF then it’s ok. But I know it’s nearlt double the weekly amount.

I have no idea, only you’re not alone.

loveasale

Dear chuck and cuppa ,, I’m so the same !
I went once for a general health check ,, the docs surgery did it a few years back , I was told I was the picture of health ,,, then asked about alcohol units , I told the TRUTH ,, she was shocked and changed her tune about my health !
I have tried cutting down ,, many times , but sadly I’m a very greedy person when it comes to wine , on a weekend day I happily down 3 bottles on my own ,, as of yet it hasn’t affected my life , but my kids ( 20 & 21 started making little comments, I started to get a bit ‘gobby’ with my man ( over absolutely nothing I might add ) and started to see someone I don’t like ,
I’m not saying I’m giving up for good , but at the moment I’m choosing not to drink ,,,,,
I always have a clear head ,
I’ve not had any disagreements with kids or my man
I can remember every little thing of the night before
I’m becoming me again ,,,, the nice me !
I have a lot going on at the moment in my life ( house move ,,, new venture with my existing job) and not adding alcohol to the mix is actually the best choice I’ve made in a long time !
Good luck ,,, one day at a time )

CuppaTea

That’s very commendable Loveasale. You are doing great. Proving a lot to yourself.

I don’t think I’m ready for that but I know I should cut out the 3rd drinking day and stick to 2 a week. That would be achievable. Only 4 units over the weekly limit then.

loveasale

I would even say it hasn’t been hard not drinking at the moment,,,,,,, yet in the past the mere thought would fill me with dread !!
I still go out a lot and I’m enjoying trying all the non alcohol substitutes,, some of them horrid , some ok ,,the one thing I’m not sure about is wether to drink on holiday or not ? Funny enough it’s one time I don’t really go mad with drink ,,,, suppose it’s the old cliche that’s it’s available 24/7 so need to rush and shove it down my neck !
This thread has really helped me ,, my wonderful friends inside my pc iPad and phone , all have helped me on this journey x