I’ve been drinking too much all my adult life

My alcohols intake is just above zero I guess, a glass or two of wine at a birthday or Christmas and a very occasional small bottle of cider in the summer I really couldn’t afford to be swigging bottles It’s an awful waste of money to pee out an hour or two later
Why don’t you save the money from each bottle you don’t buy (probably £20 a week or maybe) and treat yourself to something lovely at the end of each month or a spa day with a friend or something constructive

Unfortunately they have recently found there are no safe limits where alcohol is concerned. There is a direct link to breast cancers and other cancers. As it too was a habit with me to have a glass of white before my meal and a glass of red with my meal I now only drink one day a week and then water it down with soda. In the week I drink de-alcoholised wine. The Torres is quite acceptable. I find it difficult to stop altogether as my DH still likes his wine.

Similar story here MaggieT Wine tastes so lovely I drink most days and when I’m over in Spain the temptation is greater! I too have been having a think about all this recently. I’m 65y. Yes, it’s a habit. I intend to sort myself out.

Good luck ☘️

I know how difficult it is to give up a habit as I'm a smoker as opposed to a drinker----of which I don't touch drink.
You have to start by reducing your intake, which can be done rather than stopping altogether.

Both habits have proven to have direct links to cancer in some way although we also know that cancer occurs in those who don't drink or smoke but when you do it exacerbates those areas within your body that are " beds " for cancer growths.

Start by buying your two bottles of wine and eke them out to last you for the week----you can do this by having one glass after your meals and perhaps another glass further into the evening and if you stick to this you'll only need your two bottles a week-------just make sure it's the average wine glass and not a tumbler ! Drink a glass or two of water in between.

Over a long time of " rationing " myself, I can manage my habit, although I was never what you call a heavy smoker, I can make 20 last me 3 and even 4 days. I'd never buy in bulk/carton. If I run out I can do without them.

You're not old so now is the best time to begin some sort of regime before you reach your 70's if you want to remain fit in old age when you could find yourself falling due to balance not being the same, mixed with alcohol plus other ills when you replace food for alcohol which is a slippery slope in old age.

I understand that this is a choice with each individual adult but if you want to carry on remaining reasonably fit, then begin by asking yourself why you do it, do you need as much as you're having and finally, do you WANT to reduce.
It's not something you can stop overnight and nobody expects this to happen, least of all your body ! A day at a time and some deep thoughts about your future health.

I wish you luck on whatever you decide as it's only yourself who can do something about it.

Hi Maggie I don't have personal experience but worked in the treatment sector for problematic alcohol use for many years (not as a clinician).

Check out Soberistas, maybe post on their forums:

soberistas.com/

Good luck in your endeavours to cut back.

You say you really want to cut down and have been sober for long periods in the past. The will is there, so what was it that helped you to do that? Can you define what you were doing in your life at that time which took your mind off drinking and can you do that again?

Can you not think how you'd rather spend your money than drinking it away? Perhaps save the wine money for something really special you've always wanted to do.

Think about your health. No known health issues doesn't mean there aren't some waiting to announce their presence. Look after yourself because you deserve to live a good long life in good health. Don't risk illness later for a drink now.

You've taken the important step of admitting you want to change. Seek help if you can't do it alone. Good luck.

Dry January website has lots of interesting articles and tips on cutting down on drinking. Maybe you’ve tried all that, and it sounds like you find completely cutting out easier than cutting down, so maybe have a Monday- Friday ban is easier ?
Two bottles a week doesn’t sound that bad to me to be fair, if you only have that much in the house it might help.

Maggie I have a couple of glasses of wine, or the equivalent, most days, so I’m probably drinking as much as you do, and it’s just about, or only just above, the recommended levels. It doesn’t worry me.

You say you’re worried about the health implications, although you haven’t any ‘issues’ - if you’re worried about the effects on your liver, you could ask your GP for a liver function test. I think at 62, you’re entitled to a full NHS health check which would include this. You’d have an opportunity to discuss your worries with the practice nurse or whoever did the check.
Or is your fear that things might get out of control? Again I think you could get help via your GP.
Good luck

I feel really sorry for you dealing with this problem. Is there someone close to you who could support you? When are your “weak” moments; what can you do to avoid them/keep yourself with busy with someone you enjoy more?

I have friends who drink like you maggie perhaps even more.

I suppose up to a point it is a lifestyle choice unless you consider that you are an alcoholic, in which case you should seek proper help.