An interesting read-

http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/co ... 17283.html

See comments too.

I used to drink more than I do now, but less often. I would go several days without a drink and then think it ok to drink a bottle, after all Id been good, id earned it. As you can imagine, it would knock me for six. Now, I drink almost every day but only a glass with maybe a couple more at the weekend. I feel more in control. I am rarely drunk, can’t remember the last time.

Am I addicted to alcohol? Probably, I don’t want to give it up. So, who's in control?

Is more rare for me to not have a drink than have a drink each day.

At home I can limit it and tend to not go for more 2 glasses max during the week (usually just 1 large one with dinner).

Weekends at home with just the missus and kids I will not likely get through more than 2 bottles over the 3 evenings.

However, if out with friends I'm a different animal: More Ba type levels
2 bottles to myself on Saturday and actually no ill feelings on the Sunday.
That said, I did have a fair amount of food in the middle of the evening.

Simon Carr's drinking habits are/were breathtaking. As part of a couple, with me in the trade, I drank half a bottle most days. A bottle shares nicely and there's closure (npi).

Now that I'm single that has dropped quite a lot, generally, and I may have a glass or two around 6pm, but then drink water with supper. That is apart from the odd evening where I do something during the evening, like paint a room, and use wine to brighten up the process. I go to bed earlier now and like to be more or less sober when I do so.

There's something nice about that first glass and the feeling it brings, but there's also something positive about drinking water and going to bed feeling clean and fresh of mind.

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mel

Agreed. For me, drinking just one or two glasses early in the evening means I can still function and do other things, even if thats just staying up late to watch a good programme on TV. Its the best of both worlds. I dont mind pushing the boat out on occasion.

I take my hat off to you Mel, with all that's happened this year the bottle can be a comforting retreat, especially when it plays such a big part in your life. As one commentator stated, its all about who's in control.

I'll second that. You are a strong, and have found so many other creative activities to keep yourself sane. Having teenage kids at home helps, and perhaps more time, now that you are not looking after your hubby.

There is that interim period before uni, that my youngest daughter would occasionally make me lunch - suddenly they grew-up and I had new friends.

I think you and GK are slightly more dissaplined than me, only slightly because I never drink on an empty tummy. Well - with the exception of occasional real ale at lunchtime from April onwards to September, and usually outside and with friends.

I find my mild addiction to hunting down the deals, sometimes more serious that the consumption per se'. Space in the right conditions and my dear Misses help me keep things under some sort of control.

My best or most important wines I always share with my closest wine loving friends, and now, with my family - no exceptions. The giving and the appreciation and the kinship are very important to me, I am mildly addicted to the whole experience, I know, I think I know, that I am not addicted to the alcohol.

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Duncan

I agree. It is the experience, rather than the effects, although sometimes I do want the effects.

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mel

Alcohol is a drug, and it is addictive.
There is a difference between over-indulging on the occasional fling and actually needing a drink.
Some simple signs of (approaching) alcoholism are as follows.
Treating oneself to a reward of a drink after completing a task.
Thinking about having a drink later upon wakening or in the early morning.
Lying about quantity downed, and drinking in secret.
There are many, many more technically alcoholics than recognised. They don't all hang out on park benches with 8% ciders and lagers or support Cardiff.

I get a tick for those two.

I didnt drink last night, not a sip. Today I have a migrain. Go figure.