So how much do you drink?
Discussion
olimain said:
And from the reading up I've done in the past I came to the same conclusion - wasn't the definition of a 'unit' something that was just plucked out of the air? I'm sure I read something about them thinking "OK a bottle of wine should be 5 units" then realising it didn't sound enough and then doubling it (or is that what I hoped I'd read!)?
Not quite true. One unit is exactly 10ml of alcohol. As an example, in a 500ml glass of beer of 5% alcohol there are 2.5 units of alcohol. It's the number of units that we have been told is safe which is arbitrary.
TurboHatchback said:
So far this year I have had a pint of cider, a very small glass of red wine and 4 small measures of cognac. Last year I had a glass of champagne. I'd say it's more or less under control.
Well there's a fair bit of evidence to suggest that a reasonable amount of alcohol is actually good for you and reduces the risk of cardio vascular disease, so maybe your drinking isn't under control and you should be drinking more 
MarshPhantom said:
Used to drink like a fish but I've calmed down a lot.
Roughly 12 pints a week and 2-3 bottles of Port.
I love the fact the 12 pints and 2-3 bottles of port is calming down Roughly 12 pints a week and 2-3 bottles of Port.
Everyone being honest on here so I will be too, I work 12 hour shifts, so not quite a normal routine:
7 12 hour Days per month = 1 small glass of port after work (get home around 8pm)
7 12 hour Nights per month = Nothing
On my days off, at the moment, I typically drink a bottle of red wine a day. Is that a lot? I don't know but it certainly doesn't seem like a lot. I have a very small glass at lunch time which spreads the bottle out.
I love red wine.
RizzoTheRat said:
Well there's a fair bit of evidence to suggest that a reasonable amount of alcohol is actually good for you and reduces the risk of cardio vascular disease, so maybe your drinking isn't under control and you should be drinking more
Yes but the chemicals in the wine (red in particular) and other drinks which reduce the risk of disease are also found in things like tea, coffee, walnuts, dark chocolate. It isn't the alcohol that is good for you, that is a poison through and through.This week so far - half a bottle of wine, last night. Probably 2-3 pints this evening, and potentially 4-8 pints on Saturday evening.
Last week - nothing until Thursday - 4 pints at lunch, 2 after work, 2 vodka tonics on the train, 4 more pints when I got there. Friday - 2 pints.
Week before that - 3 day stag in Dublin, would imagine equiv. to 10-15 pints per day for 3 days.
Never really been worried about it to be honest, I don't feel I have to do it, though the binge nature of it probably not ideal, but that's how it falls.
Last week - nothing until Thursday - 4 pints at lunch, 2 after work, 2 vodka tonics on the train, 4 more pints when I got there. Friday - 2 pints.
Week before that - 3 day stag in Dublin, would imagine equiv. to 10-15 pints per day for 3 days.
Never really been worried about it to be honest, I don't feel I have to do it, though the binge nature of it probably not ideal, but that's how it falls.
944fan said:
Yes but the chemicals in the wine (red in particular) and other drinks which reduce the risk of disease are also found in things like tea, coffee, walnuts, dark chocolate. It isn't the alcohol that is good for you, that is a poison through and through.
So you're saying I should eat more chocolate as well? If you insist 
with my evening meal, now I'm back home I'm not drinking and won't drink again probably for a few weeks. RizzoTheRat said:
944fan said:
Yes but the chemicals in the wine (red in particular) and other drinks which reduce the risk of disease are also found in things like tea, coffee, walnuts, dark chocolate. It isn't the alcohol that is good for you, that is a poison through and through.
So you're saying I should eat more chocolate as well? If you insist I drink too much but never classed it as a problem in the past as I can go several days without drink. I've never felt the need to have alcohol every day. However, my drinking was becoming an issue as the weekend only sessions were getting supplimented through the week. Can't be good for my liver!
I'd often have a couple of night caps on a Wednesday, then maybe 3 or 4 beers on a Thursday down the pub and then I'd be on it Friday, Saturday and sometimes a night cap on a Sunday.
Becoming a father again at an older age (42 nest week) I've taken stock and decided to try and look after myself a bit better. No alcohol through the week (even during the Euros!) and I only have a good drink on Fridays, with a few on a Saturday. Not perfect but better than before.
I'd often have a couple of night caps on a Wednesday, then maybe 3 or 4 beers on a Thursday down the pub and then I'd be on it Friday, Saturday and sometimes a night cap on a Sunday.
Becoming a father again at an older age (42 nest week) I've taken stock and decided to try and look after myself a bit better. No alcohol through the week (even during the Euros!) and I only have a good drink on Fridays, with a few on a Saturday. Not perfect but better than before.
I think I have a problem and am drinking too much.
I regularly drink 4 cans of Old Speckled hen type bitter each night, sometimes 5 with a couple extra for good luck on a Friday and Saturday evening. I even drank 6 cans (2 strong ale and 4 weaker) last night on my own (as I was depressed that my wife had gone out with her friends, how pathetic is that!) and I'm racing by bike in a time trail this evening - hardly a good preparation.
It's also definitely affecting my mood and marriage. I get very moody and angry - I used to be a happy drinker but I think I'm getting a angry, miserable one. This is making me fall out with my wife to the extent that if I don't make a sudden change, then it may well be over.
So, I'm going to try and kick the habit. I successfully stopped smoking 11 years ago and if I can do that, I can stop drinking. I just need to dissociate so many parts of my life with beer. I work away a lot so a beer with an evening meal is the norm.
It's going to be hard but if I don't do something than my life will make a sudden change for the worst. It's taken a bit of courage to type this as it's now in the public domain but hopefully this is the start of the process.
My name's Steve vRS and I may well be an alcy
I'll keep you up to date with how I do.
I regularly drink 4 cans of Old Speckled hen type bitter each night, sometimes 5 with a couple extra for good luck on a Friday and Saturday evening. I even drank 6 cans (2 strong ale and 4 weaker) last night on my own (as I was depressed that my wife had gone out with her friends, how pathetic is that!) and I'm racing by bike in a time trail this evening - hardly a good preparation.
It's also definitely affecting my mood and marriage. I get very moody and angry - I used to be a happy drinker but I think I'm getting a angry, miserable one. This is making me fall out with my wife to the extent that if I don't make a sudden change, then it may well be over.
So, I'm going to try and kick the habit. I successfully stopped smoking 11 years ago and if I can do that, I can stop drinking. I just need to dissociate so many parts of my life with beer. I work away a lot so a beer with an evening meal is the norm.
It's going to be hard but if I don't do something than my life will make a sudden change for the worst. It's taken a bit of courage to type this as it's now in the public domain but hopefully this is the start of the process.
My name's Steve vRS and I may well be an alcy
I'll keep you up to date with how I do.
Rawwr said:
Not at all.
About 6 years ago at a works Christmas party I nearly drank myself to death. Over a period of about 8 hours I consumed everything you can imagine; shots of vodka, Sambuca, whiskey, pints of lager and cider, red wine, white wine and a glass or two of champagne. Long story short; puking every half hour for four days, erratic heartbeat, unable to even get out of bed and just totally f*cked. In hindsight I should've had someone to take me to hospital because I genuinely felt like I was going to die.
Haven't really been able to stomach it since.
I've tried that method to stop drinking on numerous occasions.About 6 years ago at a works Christmas party I nearly drank myself to death. Over a period of about 8 hours I consumed everything you can imagine; shots of vodka, Sambuca, whiskey, pints of lager and cider, red wine, white wine and a glass or two of champagne. Long story short; puking every half hour for four days, erratic heartbeat, unable to even get out of bed and just totally f*cked. In hindsight I should've had someone to take me to hospital because I genuinely felt like I was going to die.
Haven't really been able to stomach it since.
Doesn't work.
I used to have hangovers that lasted for days. I'd drink of a Saturday evening and then feel back to normal by Wednesday. Odd though it might seem, I thought this was more or less normal. I didn't discuss how bad I felt and nor did anyone else.
One Christmas/New Year I ended up vomiting blood, not for the first time, but this was a fair deal. My doctor told me to stop drinking.
I couldn't remember feeling so good for so long. I've not had a drink since.
I went to a doctor to find out what was wrong with me and was given something of a lecture on what alcohol does to the body.
One of the biggest problems I had was what to do at parties. I never used to drink much, just a pint or two, but I had difficulties going without. That and the fact that I was always the designated driver.
Another problem is one of a feeling of irritation with those who are drunk. They are really are a pain. Also, I don't want to know your problems, nor how much you admire me.
So I drink no alcohol, and despite having a problem with mu stomach that can lead to specific health problems, some very serious, the checks show me to be better than average for my age when, in theory, I should have certain problems.
I used to do a lot of research into the effects of alcohol on the body, specifically mine, to try and make me feel less disadvantaged, and it worked. I got to the stage where I can identify hard drinkers to a great extent purely by their appearance.
My problem is congenital and it is a problem with my father and my two sons as well. At first I felt rotten that 'I' had infected my kids but now I think that it is a benefit. I'm glad I'm teetotal.
One Christmas/New Year I ended up vomiting blood, not for the first time, but this was a fair deal. My doctor told me to stop drinking.
I couldn't remember feeling so good for so long. I've not had a drink since.
I went to a doctor to find out what was wrong with me and was given something of a lecture on what alcohol does to the body.
One of the biggest problems I had was what to do at parties. I never used to drink much, just a pint or two, but I had difficulties going without. That and the fact that I was always the designated driver.
Another problem is one of a feeling of irritation with those who are drunk. They are really are a pain. Also, I don't want to know your problems, nor how much you admire me.
So I drink no alcohol, and despite having a problem with mu stomach that can lead to specific health problems, some very serious, the checks show me to be better than average for my age when, in theory, I should have certain problems.
I used to do a lot of research into the effects of alcohol on the body, specifically mine, to try and make me feel less disadvantaged, and it worked. I got to the stage where I can identify hard drinkers to a great extent purely by their appearance.
My problem is congenital and it is a problem with my father and my two sons as well. At first I felt rotten that 'I' had infected my kids but now I think that it is a benefit. I'm glad I'm teetotal.
Steve vRS said:
I think I have a problem and am drinking too much.
I regularly drink 4 cans of Old Speckled hen type bitter each night, sometimes 5 with a couple extra for good luck on a Friday and Saturday evening. I even drank 6 cans (2 strong ale and 4 weaker) last night on my own (as I was depressed that my wife had gone out with her friends, how pathetic is that!) and I'm racing by bike in a time trail this evening - hardly a good preparation.
It's also definitely affecting my mood and marriage. I get very moody and angry - I used to be a happy drinker but I think I'm getting a angry, miserable one. This is making me fall out with my wife to the extent that if I don't make a sudden change, then it may well be over.
So, I'm going to try and kick the habit. I successfully stopped smoking 11 years ago and if I can do that, I can stop drinking. I just need to dissociate so many parts of my life with beer. I work away a lot so a beer with an evening meal is the norm.
It's going to be hard but if I don't do something than my life will make a sudden change for the worst. It's taken a bit of courage to type this as it's now in the public domain but hopefully this is the start of the process.
My name's Steve vRS and I may well be an alcy
I'll keep you up to date with how I do.
Good luck Steve, recognising there is a problem seems to be the first step. You don;t sound like an alcoholic to me, but you do have a drink problem. I regularly drink 4 cans of Old Speckled hen type bitter each night, sometimes 5 with a couple extra for good luck on a Friday and Saturday evening. I even drank 6 cans (2 strong ale and 4 weaker) last night on my own (as I was depressed that my wife had gone out with her friends, how pathetic is that!) and I'm racing by bike in a time trail this evening - hardly a good preparation.
It's also definitely affecting my mood and marriage. I get very moody and angry - I used to be a happy drinker but I think I'm getting a angry, miserable one. This is making me fall out with my wife to the extent that if I don't make a sudden change, then it may well be over.
So, I'm going to try and kick the habit. I successfully stopped smoking 11 years ago and if I can do that, I can stop drinking. I just need to dissociate so many parts of my life with beer. I work away a lot so a beer with an evening meal is the norm.
It's going to be hard but if I don't do something than my life will make a sudden change for the worst. It's taken a bit of courage to type this as it's now in the public domain but hopefully this is the start of the process.
My name's Steve vRS and I may well be an alcy
I'll keep you up to date with how I do.
I probably average the guidelines over a year, unfortunately I think I achieve that over 8 or 9 weeks in 1 or 2 week bursts, then going 8 weeks with nothing!
Really interesting and honest this thread
I love my beer, real beer that is ... So much so I have my own micro pub (another thread somewhere) my brother runs it but I have access to 50+ weird and wonderful ever changing beers constantly.
i try not to drink mon tue wed but for example last night I went to support a beer festival and stopped at a friends pub on the way. I had 4 pints on the warm up, 6 in the main event, this is normal for me and I always wake up fine.
I rarely drink wine, spirits or rarely anything co2 infused. The second I do I pay for it the next day.
Iv often wondered if this is due to the more "organic" way ale is brewed,
I drink because I like the taste, and the social aspect. But I have had that feeling a few times especially after some tough days in the office that I "need a beer" , at this point iv often gone t total for a few weeks.
I love my beer, real beer that is ... So much so I have my own micro pub (another thread somewhere) my brother runs it but I have access to 50+ weird and wonderful ever changing beers constantly.
i try not to drink mon tue wed but for example last night I went to support a beer festival and stopped at a friends pub on the way. I had 4 pints on the warm up, 6 in the main event, this is normal for me and I always wake up fine.
I rarely drink wine, spirits or rarely anything co2 infused. The second I do I pay for it the next day.
Iv often wondered if this is due to the more "organic" way ale is brewed,
I drink because I like the taste, and the social aspect. But I have had that feeling a few times especially after some tough days in the office that I "need a beer" , at this point iv often gone t total for a few weeks.
Steve vRS said:
I think I have a problem and am drinking too much.
I regularly drink 4 cans of Old Speckled hen type bitter each night, sometimes 5 with a couple extra for good luck on a Friday and Saturday evening. I even drank 6 cans (2 strong ale and 4 weaker) last night on my own (as I was depressed that my wife had gone out with her friends, how pathetic is that!) and I'm racing by bike in a time trail this evening - hardly a good preparation.
It's also definitely affecting my mood and marriage. I get very moody and angry - I used to be a happy drinker but I think I'm getting a angry, miserable one. This is making me fall out with my wife to the extent that if I don't make a sudden change, then it may well be over.
So, I'm going to try and kick the habit. I successfully stopped smoking 11 years ago and if I can do that, I can stop drinking. I just need to dissociate so many parts of my life with beer. I work away a lot so a beer with an evening meal is the norm.
It's going to be hard but if I don't do something than my life will make a sudden change for the worst. It's taken a bit of courage to type this as it's now in the public domain but hopefully this is the start of the process.
My name's Steve vRS and I may well be an alcy
I'll keep you up to date with how I do.
What an amazing and honest reply , been there done that my advice , put your wife first I lost mine I regularly drink 4 cans of Old Speckled hen type bitter each night, sometimes 5 with a couple extra for good luck on a Friday and Saturday evening. I even drank 6 cans (2 strong ale and 4 weaker) last night on my own (as I was depressed that my wife had gone out with her friends, how pathetic is that!) and I'm racing by bike in a time trail this evening - hardly a good preparation.
It's also definitely affecting my mood and marriage. I get very moody and angry - I used to be a happy drinker but I think I'm getting a angry, miserable one. This is making me fall out with my wife to the extent that if I don't make a sudden change, then it may well be over.
So, I'm going to try and kick the habit. I successfully stopped smoking 11 years ago and if I can do that, I can stop drinking. I just need to dissociate so many parts of my life with beer. I work away a lot so a beer with an evening meal is the norm.
It's going to be hard but if I don't do something than my life will make a sudden change for the worst. It's taken a bit of courage to type this as it's now in the public domain but hopefully this is the start of the process.
My name's Steve vRS and I may well be an alcy
I'll keep you up to date with how I do.
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