Too much for too long!

[Blibb]

Hi I have been drinking regularly for the past 25 years. I enjoy it and socialise regularly. It has now got to the point that it's every day, even if my husband is out.

I now finally need to cut down dramatically and I'm afraid I will struggle. Help, any advice??

[PipM82]

I always say to people wanting to cut down a lot or stop completely that it’s best to start off with a conversation with a GP. This can be daunting for some but an experienced doctor will have heard similar accounts before. Tapering alcohol consumption under medical supervision of sorts can be very helpful. Some people are even prescribed medication - I’m not playing doctor - to help with withdrawal symptoms. It might be suggested that you have a conversation with local drug and alcohol services and this is nothing to be ashamed about. Excessive drinking or problem drinking can happen to anyone in my experience. Lots of people do something about it - often with support and help and again this is nothing to be ashamed about. All the best, Phil

[DicCarlson]

Moderation is hard - too many rules - I'll only drink one - only on weekends, etc. Best bet is Zero. There is no benefit to alcohol at all - except, except the intense satisfaction of satisfying the addiction. We all feel it - this is what the cravings are - looking for that satisfaction. For me, I just didn't want something (booze) to have a hold on me that I couldn't control - I got rid of it completely. Begin some sort of exercise routine - get better physically. Replace your booze with NA beer or wine, kombucha, or other drinks.

[Smegmer in reply to DicCarlson]

im finding that, i can moderate half the time, but they it leads to a binge anyway and overall I end up drinking more. So im teetotal now

[SoberDrunk1]

Welcome to the forum. If you cant control your intake of alcohol, one cannot moderate successfully. There of many many examples, you can browse this forum, most of them never come back to share their experience. Best bet is, you want to attempt staying stopped. If you need help around that, there are many options. For me it was the Fellowship of AA and the book called AA. If you are interested in meetings and the 12 steps, let me know, I will be glad to help.

[Wolfpup1980]

I too have over indulged a bit for a while so have decided to try and cut it out completely. I too think I may struggle and fear that I may have begun to depend on it, I'm here if you need some support.