Alcohol Consumption - Open question

[Roberts13]

For various reasons (but nothing unsurprising for a middle class, family & career driven bloke) I have got into the habit of having a large scotch most evenings - 100-150ml with ice when I walk in through the door - drinking it over the course of an hour or so.

It doesn't give me a hangover, or get me 'drunk' but it does just soften my mood as I get back from work and get into family mode.

I don't hide it, I can afford it, and general just really enjoy it. I am otherwise fit, healthy, active (in the sense that I do my 12,000 steps a day) and am only slightly 'over wight' . I eat healthy, monitor my weight and otherwise have no other 'vices' in life - Smoking, fast food, over indulge with anything else etc etc. I drink a lot of water throughout the day, with a few coffees in there.


Realistically, I am not going to stop any time soon, nor do I really want to. I wouldn't class myself as addicted to it, eg; if I have a reason to not drink I won't - mediciation, driving in the evening, house to myself and I can relax in other ways, have eaten a large early dinner etc etc etc.


However, I am drinking twice that of the government's recommendations. Yes it is not ideal, but it is my treat to myself. Everyone knows smoking kills, being fat kills, recreational drugs kill etc etc - but society keeps on ticking.


What sort of risk is this?
What could I do to lessen any health impacts it has on me (other then reduce/stop it...)?
Should I be actively concerned/worried about long term risks?


Welcome your thoughts! Thank you

Edited by Roberts13 on Wednesday 16th January 08:57

[Roberts13]

Some very interesting posts, and apologies I cannot respond to everyone. Thank you for all the views & replies.

I have not replied yet, as it is tricky knowing what to say, without going into chapter & verse and either making it sound like a sob story or justifying my drinking. My situation means on the whole I am very lucky, supported & loved...but a very testing 6 months personally & professionally has meant I have up'd my drinking from a previous couple of times a week to nightly. This period has yet to pass, hence me taking time to ponder this whilst I still can (to sound dramatic!)

I have not drank the last couple of nights, for the first time in several weeks which has been relatively easy to do - despite last night being one of hardest evenings I have had in a very very long time. I would have liked to, but didn't feel the urge to. I am planning on having a few beers this evening though, due to a social engagement. Next week ill try & skip 2 days of drinking again and go from there.

Yes 100-150ml an evening, more or less 7 days a week adds up to many litres a month. Yes I am aware it could & would likely creep up. I am keeping an eye on that and have been ensuring my amounts don't creep up.

Weight, health, fitness, sleep, attitude & life is managed well & has had no ill effects with my drinking.

I would very much like a Liver Function test. I am a surveyor by trade so facts, figure & measurements are almost a perversion of mine and that would very much give me the ''OK'' to continue as I am, or would have me emptying the booze cupboard and going cold turkey until the numbers added up again. I would VERY much welcome any ideas on how I can request one.