Trying to cut down!

[Glayvalover]

I'm a 64 year old woman who has been drinking about 120 units per week I need to control this before I retire, as working is the only thing which currently limits my drinking.

[Leftie]

Hi well You have made the first step in recognising you are drinking too much. It really depends on the support around you and if you have ever tried to cut down/quit before. I have done dry January without support and living with an alcohol dependant partner. I think the most important thing is wanting to do it for yourself. That's the only motivation you need. Once you make your mind up and take one day at a time you will very quickly see/feel the benefits.

Good luck

[Glayvalover in reply to Leftie]

I've been aware for a long time that I've been drinking too much. Most of my adult life actually. But I used to be quite happy with that! In fact, I used to be proud of my capacity to drink anyone under the table. It's therefore the first time I've seriously tried to drink less.

[Jampacked]

Hi there, You are not alone lots of people in our age group are having to make decisions to reduce ir quit alcohol. The first thing that struck me in your post and bio is that you have arthritis and are drinking lots of alcohol. Alcohol is inflammatory so will make the arthritis much worse. Having to take inflammatories and drinking is also putting your stomach at increased risk of problems. I have arthritis and started drinking more in lock down too. I have given up for nearly a year and the world is a much better place without alcohol and I am a lot healthier in body and mind. It's a hard thing but worthwhile thing to do. I think cutting down then stopping would be wise as stopping suddenly could lead to withdrawal which could be unpleasant and dangerous. Talking to your GP about an assisted detox would be wise. Read lots of quitting alcohol books they really, really help. Consider joining a closed online group like Thrive for support and community. This is a hard but necessary journey that could lead to a fulfilling and happy retirement. You absolutely can do it but get all the help and support you can xxx

[Glayvalover in reply to Jampacked]

Thanks for your comments! Actually I have an incredible constitution according to my doctor - despite my massive consumption I'm not physically dependent so can have alcohol free days mixed in without withdrawal symptoms. My liver function is also perfect but I'm acutely aware that that's dumb luck and could change at any time. I'm taking Selincro but the jury's still out on whether it's helping or not....

[FatOldMan]

Well done for acknowledging that you have a problem. You may find it easier to do when you retire as some of the stress that causes you to reach for the bottle may have been removed. But please be aware of the trap where you start to think that it doesn't matter because I don't have to go to work tomorrow. I did that at first and was consuming a similar amount to you, sometimes more. I have cut down to around twenty units per week which I record using the Drinkaware app. I know that the medics would say that it is still too much, but I am finding that my periods of abstinence are getting longer and the quantities are getting less. I hope that it works for you.

Good luck.

[Glayvalover in reply to FatOldMan]

Thanks! I fell into that exact trap during COVID - with no work, I learned exactly how much I could drink and still function the next day, and when work came back 18 months later, I just carried right on. Congratulations on your success, hopefully that will be me soon!

[DicCarlson]

I found that cutting down is a myth - months later - right back to former level. Go to zero!