trying moderation

[Yorkiecapricorn]

Hi everyone! I’m glad I found this site. I have been drinking wine daily for 20 years. Luckily my blood has been fine but I’m up to a bottle a day now and it’s only a matter of time the effects will present on my liver! I have found that it numbs my sore joints and muscles but in reality it’s likely the alcohol is causing inflammation. Viscous circle! Anyway I really want to stop drinking during the week and only have one bottle of wine for the weekend. The thought of total abstinence right now saddens me. My hope is to get myself in a new “habit” that is reasonable and safe. I’ve done my first week and the weekend is starting tomorrow. Wish me luck! Thank you for any advice or tips!

[LilyAnnepuppy Ambassador]

Welcome to the community. And good luck with your mission.

[kenster1]

it`s not very wise to quit full stop all at once if you`ve been drinking heavily for 20 years reducing it is the best way to go and hopefully a path to fully quitting.

[Yorkiecapricorn in reply to kenster1]

yes I agree. That’s my plan.

[TraceElements]

I hear you mate. I’m up to 3 glasses of wine a night. This week I managed 2 AF nights but I was aiming at 6. I’m not sure if total abstinence will be the only way for me. All the best with your mission. You’re not alone.

[LilyAnnepuppy Ambassador in reply to TraceElements]

My experience was that I had to keep trying to moderate until I found out I couldn’t. It wasn’t until I admitted defeat that I was willing to take the steps necessary for treatment and healing.

Try everything you can. Good luck.

[fauxartist in reply to LilyAnnepuppy]

It was exhausting trying to stick to some plan... I had lots of best laid plans left in wasted time. For some of us, eventually we hit rock bottom for what ever reason that may be, but when that happens... it's a choice to live life differently. And no rainbows of smooth sailing came out during my first couple months of sobriety... it wasn't easy, and some days were white-knuckle dealing with the emotional stuff. But the alternative for me was grim, I was going to drink myself eventually to an early grave...so.... I decided to live.

[Yorkiecapricorn]

thanks for the encouragement 😏

[LilyAnnepuppy Ambassador in reply to Yorkiecapricorn]

That’s what we do for each other. No one of us can do this alone.

[Yorkiecapricorn in reply to LilyAnnepuppy]

yes it’s tough. I believe it’s a mindset. 20 years ago I was able to quit smoking 2 packs a day!

[Yorkiecapricorn]

it’s ok twinklystar. We are not perfect. Keep plugging on. Every day is a new start. May I ask have you had counselling of any kind? I may consider it.