I need to cut back on alcohol

[MarieGreen]

So since I hit the perimenopause I've put on weight. But after reading a really good book I've cut back on sugar (the only added sugar I have now is some honey on my breakfast yogurt) and massively increased protein intake. That's making me feel better, as is HRT but I also know there is one giant elephant in the room and that is drinking.

Red wine is my thing and I can keep my drinking to 5 days a week but I'm determined to push it back to weekends only. It will massively help my weight loss, it will help my sleep (which also helps weight loss) and it will help my mood.

I have spoken to therapists about this along with my PTSD (it's common to self medicate with alcohol) and honestly most of the time it's pretty easy to not drink, I just don't.

Please don't suggest AA, for personal reasons their approach is not for me.

What it is that I do a demanding well paid job but it means I often leave work stressed. I then often exercise which helps the stress but there is part of me that feels like I deserve a treat of a glass of wine at the end of all that and often that turns into more than one.

Just looking for some non judgemental moral support as today is going to be the first day of "whatever happens at work I'm not drinking tonight" and I'm going to be doing that for four days straight. Once I've cracked that I may push for cutting back a little more.

Perhaps I need new habits to replace it (masturbation as an alternative treat has come to mind ) and having managed this in the past it really feels like habit I've just not unstuck yet.

[moonbynight]

I don't keep it in the house. This provides enough of a barrier that the impulse to have a drink usually doesn't go anywhere, while not placing any restrictions on myself beyond that. I can still have a drink in a social context, and if I truly wanted one I could go out and get it. Just most of the time I don't bother.

But that approach only works if everyone in the house is in agreement and cooperative.

(Not trying to claim this is a solution in itself for alcoholism. But for wanting to cut back where addiction isn't a major factor, it helps. )

[MarieGreen]

Yes and when I lived alone that's exactly what I'd do. My partner however is unhelpful in this regard and will continue to even drink in front of me on days I'm trying not to. But I am running stock down so it's only the alcohol he likes and not stuff I like.

[VirgoGirl]

I don't drink. I just don't have a taste for it. Maybe once every 6 months i'll have a couple but mostly only once a year.

I excercise for stress and i've started using cbd oil. Cbd had been a life changer. Makes me feel really calm. I used to smoke but quit 5 years ago. Then i started emotional eating but i've got some control on that now with my intermittant fasting.

Give the cbd a go...if you want.

[VirgoGirl]

Also, cbd is good to help with kicking addictions...go read up on it.

[MarieGreen]

Thanks for the reminder on CBD. I think the concentration varies widely in the UK but it is worth a go especially as PTSD is an anxiety based disorder which CBD I think is particularly good for. It might help calm some of that down (not that it's bad at all nowadays but there is a constant background).

[Orla]

I have a friend who wants to stop drinking (she developed Hashimotos a few years ago) but her partner is a heavy drinker like she is. It seems she’s unable not to drink around him (they also have family members who are heavy drinkers and so she doesn’t have any real immediate supports).

Unfortunately, I think the only the only thing thing that could stop her drinking at this point would be if her physical health became worse (and maybe not even then). It’s a sad thing to see.

I hope you’re able to avoid/minimize your drinking. I know it’s a real struggle for many.

[MarieGreen]

So when you have a weak moment and ordered a new vibrator last night and it's just charging now as reward for the day... Now that WAS a good idea!

[VirgoGirl]

Thanks for the reminder on CBD. I think the concentration varies widely in the UK but it is worth a go especially as PTSD is an anxiety based disorder which CBD I think is particularly good for. It might help calm some of that down (not that it's bad at all nowadays but there is a constant background).

Yeah no problem...i hope i could help.

I lost someone very suddenly a month ago, a very very close family member. It has been real tough on me. Ive been crying a lot, struggling to sleep and tonight i had a panic attack. I took 45mg of cbd tonight and i felt so freaking relaxed.

Regarding the vibrator....good for you girl! Whatever works for you.

[MarieGreen]

Yeah no problem...i hope i could help.

I lost someone very suddenly a month ago, a very very close family member. It has been real tough on me. Ive been crying a lot, struggling to sleep and tonight i had a panic attack. I took 45mg of cbd tonight and i felt so freaking relaxed.

Regarding the vibrator....good for you girl! Whatever works for you.

I'm so sorry.

The CBD hasn't worked so far but then I've had the massive drag factor of my partner telling me how to do my job this evening. Gritted teeth.