How much do you drink, honestly?
Discussion
lenny007 said:
Started typing this and after reading it back, it frightened the hell out of me so i've revised the start...
I drank a lot. Not a small amount - a lot.
Started at 15 with the lads, out 3-4 nights a week but nothing too bad. Got through my 20's no problems just social drinking. Then hit my 30's, married, family, the usual. Started drinking at home, as i wasn't going out.
Couple of glasses a wine at night, few cans of a weekend - not a problem. Putting weight on every year but put it down to getting older, enjoying my food, less exercise, etc.
Approaching 40, realised i was a bit concerned about myself. This after having years of my wife commenting on my drinking, arguments, denials, the whole shebang. She eventually gave up and started to accept that it was just what i did.
Went to Docs and got referred to consultant - long and short of it was fatty liver. Not cirrhosis but not good.
For a few months, tried living "moderately" - no drinking during the week, but a couple at the weekends. This didn't last and the drinking accelerated back to previous levels and beyond.
Used to wake up - look in the mirror, devastated at myself and what i'd done and promise myself i wouldn't have anything to drink that night. Got to work no problem and through the day and then lo and behold, cracked open a can once i got home. Repeat, repeat, repeat.
I started to drink less lager and more spirits - under the guise they had less calories(!) Then i started to drink more lager as well as the spirits...
In the spring of this year, it wasn't uncommon for me to be at Morrisons for beer / spirits every third night. I estimate - conservatively - that at my worst, i was drinking somewhere in the region of 3 cases of Stella per week - the 18 can ones, not the 10 can ones - as well as 2-3 bottle of gin or whisky (dependant on the season, i'm not a savage to be drinking gin in the winter!). Rough calculations would suggest over 230 units per week...
It was like drinking pop - water off a ducks back. Not a problem bonny lad.
I was a functioning alcoholic, despite my denials.
In January this year i did my Level 2 Rugby Coaching course and honestly thought i would have a heart attack during the course. It made me look at myself and realise what i had done. Nearly 15 years wasted drinking - i'd become defined by alcohol, it was who i was.
On the 18th June this year - weighing over 23 and a 1/2 stone, i gave up drinking at home and eating carbs and processed foods.
As of today, i've lost 65lbs and have over 50 still to go to get to my personal target. I would have lost more but i've been on two stag weekends, and my summer holidays.
And i did drink on those occasions. But in moderation as, quite frankly, i can't hold my drink now. My tolerance for it has pretty much gone back to normal.
IMO, you can give up totally but it'll nag you forever as your friends and family carry on drinking. If you can manage it, it doesn't seem to be such a problem - for me anyway.
Please don't think i'm preaching here or looking for praise - i'm not. Alcohol is an insidious thing and whatever way you find to manage it, go for it. I'll never give up drinking totally (i don't think) but i'll also never go back to my previous "life" as a drinker.
Praise due for an honest post, and for recognising the problem. I drank a lot. Not a small amount - a lot.
Started at 15 with the lads, out 3-4 nights a week but nothing too bad. Got through my 20's no problems just social drinking. Then hit my 30's, married, family, the usual. Started drinking at home, as i wasn't going out.
Couple of glasses a wine at night, few cans of a weekend - not a problem. Putting weight on every year but put it down to getting older, enjoying my food, less exercise, etc.
Approaching 40, realised i was a bit concerned about myself. This after having years of my wife commenting on my drinking, arguments, denials, the whole shebang. She eventually gave up and started to accept that it was just what i did.
Went to Docs and got referred to consultant - long and short of it was fatty liver. Not cirrhosis but not good.
For a few months, tried living "moderately" - no drinking during the week, but a couple at the weekends. This didn't last and the drinking accelerated back to previous levels and beyond.
Used to wake up - look in the mirror, devastated at myself and what i'd done and promise myself i wouldn't have anything to drink that night. Got to work no problem and through the day and then lo and behold, cracked open a can once i got home. Repeat, repeat, repeat.
I started to drink less lager and more spirits - under the guise they had less calories(!) Then i started to drink more lager as well as the spirits...
In the spring of this year, it wasn't uncommon for me to be at Morrisons for beer / spirits every third night. I estimate - conservatively - that at my worst, i was drinking somewhere in the region of 3 cases of Stella per week - the 18 can ones, not the 10 can ones - as well as 2-3 bottle of gin or whisky (dependant on the season, i'm not a savage to be drinking gin in the winter!). Rough calculations would suggest over 230 units per week...
It was like drinking pop - water off a ducks back. Not a problem bonny lad.
I was a functioning alcoholic, despite my denials.
In January this year i did my Level 2 Rugby Coaching course and honestly thought i would have a heart attack during the course. It made me look at myself and realise what i had done. Nearly 15 years wasted drinking - i'd become defined by alcohol, it was who i was.
On the 18th June this year - weighing over 23 and a 1/2 stone, i gave up drinking at home and eating carbs and processed foods.
As of today, i've lost 65lbs and have over 50 still to go to get to my personal target. I would have lost more but i've been on two stag weekends, and my summer holidays.
And i did drink on those occasions. But in moderation as, quite frankly, i can't hold my drink now. My tolerance for it has pretty much gone back to normal.
IMO, you can give up totally but it'll nag you forever as your friends and family carry on drinking. If you can manage it, it doesn't seem to be such a problem - for me anyway.
Please don't think i'm preaching here or looking for praise - i'm not. Alcohol is an insidious thing and whatever way you find to manage it, go for it. I'll never give up drinking totally (i don't think) but i'll also never go back to my previous "life" as a drinker.
Edited by lenny007 on Thursday 13th September 16:03
Interesting article on wired, which touches upon some of the benefits (shock horror) of moderate drinking. Drinking is heavily demonised these days and as such, it's easy to forget that it does have some (limited) health benefits and some (fairly considerable) social benefits.
https://www.wired.co.uk/article/positive-effects-o...
https://www.wired.co.uk/article/positive-effects-o...
TameRacingDriver said:
Interesting article on wired, which touches upon some of the benefits (shock horror) of moderate drinking. Drinking is heavily demonised these days and as such, it's easy to forget that it does have some (limited) health benefits and some (fairly considerable) social benefits.
https://www.wired.co.uk/article/positive-effects-o...
The health benefits are strongly contested, as shown on this thread, as different studies show different results and there is a lot of anecdotal evidence extrapolated to medical fact ("my nan lived to 104 and she drank half a bottle of sherry every day" kind of thing). I'm not sure that Wired is a great place to be taking advice on nuanced public health issues and in any case, the positive effects in even the most optimistic of results are small and only seen at low levels of intake.https://www.wired.co.uk/article/positive-effects-o...
On the social side however, I totally agree (personally that is me to a tee; I rarely do anything socially that doesn't have a strong alcohol component) - although that is largely a function of the drinking culture that we have in the West and, especially, in the UK. It's a rather self-fulfilling point that the most social people are drinkers, when our society is based around drinking. I do feel bound to point out though that the social benefits are based on, well, the social side of things, ie going out to meet other people rather than drinking yourself into a stupor on your sofa every night.
deckster said:
TameRacingDriver said:
Interesting article on wired, which touches upon some of the benefits (shock horror) of moderate drinking. Drinking is heavily demonised these days and as such, it's easy to forget that it does have some (limited) health benefits and some (fairly considerable) social benefits.
https://www.wired.co.uk/article/positive-effects-o...
The health benefits are strongly contested, as shown on this thread, as different studies show different results and there is a lot of anecdotal evidence extrapolated to medical fact ("my nan lived to 104 and she drank half a bottle of sherry every day" kind of thing). I'm not sure that Wired is a great place to be taking advice on nuanced public health issues and in any case, the positive effects in even the most optimistic of results are small and only seen at low levels of intake.https://www.wired.co.uk/article/positive-effects-o...
On the social side however, I totally agree (personally that is me to a tee; I rarely do anything socially that doesn't have a strong alcohol component) - although that is largely a function of the drinking culture that we have in the West and, especially, in the UK. It's a rather self-fulfilling point that the most social people are drinkers, when our society is based around drinking. I do feel bound to point out though that the social benefits are based on, well, the social side of things, ie going out to meet other people rather than drinking yourself into a stupor on your sofa every night.
vsonix said:
I think the more the price of alcohol goes up, the less people drink socially and the more likely they are to drink at home - but I also think going out to drink vs staying at home to drink balance shifts in favour of staying at home as you get older.
How old are you out of interest? I’m 40 next year, if anything i like going out more now than in my 20s... despite having a nicer house, partner etc. I have more things to do at home now but I crave the socialising as much as ever, to the point of being genuinely disappointed when I can’t go out - and have been known the odd time to go out on my own and talk to strangers (I’m a northern friendly weirdo!). I like my own company but equally the thought of never going out would drive me crazy!After a long hard and hot Summer, and a good long holiday, its time for me to take timeout from my beers.....
Starting Monday, Im initially taking it day by day, as Im pretty sure I am the functioning alchy of the group.
Ive always loved a drink, initially the early euphoria it caused and latterly as a way of relaxing.
Ive given up the fags and so that takes away the opportunity fro using pot to help me wind down - I used to enjoy it in my day.
My habit has become daily of late, and Ive recently noticed that as soon as I head home after work, my mind turns to beer - not a good sign.
Add to the pot, I need to take Warfarin as my blood wants to kill me - beer and warfarin increases the risk of an unexpected bleed - of which I recently experienced from within my eye of all places.
I know I have an issue, my Mothers father is where a lot of my traits come from - and he was also an alcoholic.
I managed to quit the cancer sticks, but Beer is one of lifes greatest pleasures in my life, and to give it up totally will be very very hard.
Im safe and pretty happy work/relationship wise, but some/most evenings, I just need assistance to chill down of that makes sense ?
Ive been reading this thread and commenting for a while now, and thinkinh Im not bothered - but knowing I am....
When you look in the mirror and see a big bloodshot eyeball, that you know is because yuove caned the beer to hard - and may actually cause you much more serious harm...
....Its time to get it under control.
Starting Monday, Im initially taking it day by day, as Im pretty sure I am the functioning alchy of the group.
Ive always loved a drink, initially the early euphoria it caused and latterly as a way of relaxing.
Ive given up the fags and so that takes away the opportunity fro using pot to help me wind down - I used to enjoy it in my day.
My habit has become daily of late, and Ive recently noticed that as soon as I head home after work, my mind turns to beer - not a good sign.
Add to the pot, I need to take Warfarin as my blood wants to kill me - beer and warfarin increases the risk of an unexpected bleed - of which I recently experienced from within my eye of all places.
I know I have an issue, my Mothers father is where a lot of my traits come from - and he was also an alcoholic.
I managed to quit the cancer sticks, but Beer is one of lifes greatest pleasures in my life, and to give it up totally will be very very hard.
Im safe and pretty happy work/relationship wise, but some/most evenings, I just need assistance to chill down of that makes sense ?
Ive been reading this thread and commenting for a while now, and thinkinh Im not bothered - but knowing I am....
When you look in the mirror and see a big bloodshot eyeball, that you know is because yuove caned the beer to hard - and may actually cause you much more serious harm...
....Its time to get it under control.
Welshbeef said:
So Friday night and so far 2 London Prides and a can of thatchers gold.
At most I’m going to have 2 more tonight though likely only 1.
I’m aiming to hold an average of 15-21units a week with 5 days off back to back a week. That’s the aim and three weeks going so far it’s working
Friday night here too,but have been on hols all week...At most I’m going to have 2 more tonight though likely only 1.
I’m aiming to hold an average of 15-21units a week with 5 days off back to back a week. That’s the aim and three weeks going so far it’s working
8x500ml Abbots @ 5% and Im looking for something else before bedtime......
Turn7 said:
Its inhale or nowt for me sadly......just dont get the hit any other way......
You inhale when you vape. I have a volcano, it does the job! I also have cakes, have one and you better not have anything planned for the rest of the day! 
As for tonight’s consumption, had a pint goose IPA at lunch time (5.9), 3 pints of Jakehead (6.3) and coming to the end of a Punk IPA can (330/5.6) and feeling pretty relaxed. Can probably see me drinking a couple more.
Out from 2pm tomorrow though so likely to be messy.
Captain Smerc said:
Try a dry herb oven , I've invested in a Pax 3 & it's good !
Friend has one, I can agree. I have a black mamba and for 40 quid cant complain with that either, other than its a bit fragile; said mate dropped his once and it broke. Pax 3 definitely better, though. Back on topic...........So still dry since last sunday and still feeling really positive about it and feeling so much better both physically and mentally. Think this is the longest I have gone without a drink or weed (voluntarily, had a 7 day holiday in Iran last year) for as long as I remember, at least back to my late teens.
Yes the Allen Carr Easy Method is not for everybody, but for those who, like me, were starting to feel very depressed and desperate, it really helps in my opinion. Been at the pub with friends a couple of times in the last week and still had fun and had no desire to drink.
Yes the Allen Carr Easy Method is not for everybody, but for those who, like me, were starting to feel very depressed and desperate, it really helps in my opinion. Been at the pub with friends a couple of times in the last week and still had fun and had no desire to drink.
TameRacingDriver said:
vsonix said:
I think the more the price of alcohol goes up, the less people drink socially and the more likely they are to drink at home - but I also think going out to drink vs staying at home to drink balance shifts in favour of staying at home as you get older.
How old are you out of interest? I’m 40 next year, if anything i like going out more now than in my 20s... despite having a nicer house, partner etc. I have more things to do at home now but I crave the socialising as much as ever, to the point of being genuinely disappointed when I can’t go out - and have been known the odd time to go out on my own and talk to strangers (I’m a northern friendly weirdo!). I like my own company but equally the thought of never going out would drive me crazy!vsonix said:
41. Saying that I live in a fairly boring town. Same places same faces. If I was living somewhere a bit more fun I'd probably get the taste for going out back .But then at £7 or 8 a pint like in London, I just can't afford more than a few drinks out a week.
I can certainly see how that would detract from the enjoyment if you didn’t live somewhere fun. I guess I’m lucky to live in Newcastle, well, technically Gateshead, but I can walk from where I live to a city centre bar in 20 minutes or a bus in 5 takes me to the train station, and there are so many places to go out drinking here that you could probably do a different night out every day of the week! 
It doesn’t help you being good, that’s for sure.It's been quiet on here for the past week or two. How's everybody getting on?
I just wanted to post a quick thanks to all of those on here who have recommended the Allen Carr book. What a strange thing it is!
In keeping with the previous brief recommendations, I shall refrain from trying to explain what it is and how it works - mainly because I have no idea myself
.
I do however recall somebody posting that after reading it, they simply didn't want to drink anymore. At the time this made no sense to me. Having read the book, I now find myself feeling exactly the same way.
I just wanted to post a quick thanks to all of those on here who have recommended the Allen Carr book. What a strange thing it is!
In keeping with the previous brief recommendations, I shall refrain from trying to explain what it is and how it works - mainly because I have no idea myself
. I do however recall somebody posting that after reading it, they simply didn't want to drink anymore. At the time this made no sense to me. Having read the book, I now find myself feeling exactly the same way.
Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff