Wish me luck guys.... tonight is going to be the 1st night for weeks with no alcohol!

[tigwig]

I have finally realised I do have a mild drink problem and am going to cut down massively. I normally drink around half a bottle of wine most nights but in the run up to Christmas this has lead to every night and ended up being most of the bottle. I am sick of it and feel groggy and tired although never hungover as such. I do not want to stop drinking altogether but want to go back to how it used to be with a few glasses on a weekend not every bloody night. It sounds so pathetic but I hope I can stick to it.

[sandyRoe]

Good luck! Though I'm sure you don't need it. I used to think an occasional glass or two of wine one of life pleasures. If you can keep your intake down to that level you should soon be feeling much better.

[tigwig]

No, me and hubby who is off work all this week so refuses to stop at the moment. It means I have to be extra strong but I feel quite determined.

[fliptheswitch]

It's amazing how quickly your tolerance levels adapt, hence having no hangover. In time, you'll want more than one bottle and, before you know it, you'll be on two a night.
I was going to ask the same as Spacey, is it just you drinking, or does your partner drink the same?
It's much harder to change your habits, if there's someone else there to encourage you.

Good luck! :-)

[jd_here]

Good luck tigwig, I have/had the same problem, always seems such a shame to leave a few drops in the bottle! Seriously, with me it is more habit than addictive, I have been able, in the past, to stop and start at will. I hope you find the same. Do let us all know how you get on.

[fliptheswitch]

Sometimes, it's more habit, as opposed to the start of a dependency.

The first few nights will be the toughest. I found going to bed earlier was a massive help! :-)

[jno]

good luck, tigs. It doesn't sound as though you're alcoholic, just someone who drinks in company and has too much company at the moment. Main thing I should think is to find yourself something else to do.

Don't overdo the cutting back - I had an alcoholic friend who gave up overnight, and the shock nearly killed him (literally). Just try making a glass last longer, as sandy suggests.

[fliptheswitch]

I was actually going to say the same as RH, which is why I asked if your partner drank.
What if one of your children had an accident during the night, or even fell ill, and you had to see a doctor. What would be the outcome, if both parents were sozzled?
I know that's a bit dramatic, but looking at the bigger picture, may make it easier for you not to go overboard.

[tommy-h]

Totally empathise T.Dont cut out suddenly or sweats and itches.Gradually reduce intake until comfortable.Best of luck Tom.Dont replace with coffee tea preferable.Or soft drinks where available.If you think you have a problem open all year.

[fliptheswitch]

I am aware of the whole "body going into shock" issue, but I really don't think this is likely to happen with the amount Tigs is having.

[mumsie_wumsie]

Good luck tigwig. I wish you all the success in the world. Never having been a drinker myself, I don't really understand the need for drink, but if you are feeling tired and groggy all the time, then it sounds like you need to ease up a bit.
As fliptheswitch says, look at the bigger picture. I'm sure you will succeed.

[tommy-h]

Dear Flip denial is not a river in Egypt

[fliptheswitch]

Who's in denial, Tommy-h? I was stating a FACT!

[tommy-h]

Ty RH

[fliptheswitch]

Hmm, good point RH.

Blimey. You really do need to think of the children, tigs.
I'm not having a go, far from it. I went through a stage of getting sozzled most nights, but I had a partner who never drank a drop.
Now I tend to have a drink, if they're not here for the night.
I always thought about what I just said, imagine if one of them was to fall ill, and you had to go to the hospital. You need to have your wits about you, and you can't do that if both you and your husband are getting wasted every night.

[cazzz1975]

well done tigs, a sensible decision, dont buy all this crap about being a non drinker makes you miserable and dull, you only have one body you have to look after it, imagine the state your body would be after years of heavy drinking.

I grew up seeing alcoholism and there are no positive aspects to it, in fact most if not all of the people I grew up seeing drunk are all dead now through drink and that was before the massive binge drinking problem began in this country, it might be okay now but you have to ask yourself how your health will be in years to come. your kids will want you both happy and healthy, drinking does neither in the longrun..

[EDDIE51]

Great idea tigwig I remember your post a few months back about drinking .
Realising you have a problem is the first step on the road to recovery.

[tommy-h]

Good point R H -What did you think I meant Flip?