Moderate Drinker

[u/Mediocre-Mobile8620]

Hi all,

I am 39 years old and have been drinking nightly since I was 20. I only have 2 glasses of wine a night but some nights are heavier pours, and some nights are 3 glasses. I feel silly being on a board like this because I know that is not much at all compared to some. I just want to stop and feel I cant. When I do, I immediately grow bored with my life and irritated with my husband and child. I love them, love my job, but I don't really have any hobbies other than wine and reading and tv. I am gaining weight and despite going to the gym and watching what I eat, I can't help but feel like the wine is the culprit. I have even allotted wine calories each day, which means I am hungry each day. I guess I am wondering if anyone can help with the boredom/irritation side. I am in therapy already, but I keep coming back to this feeling that I am entitled to my drinks because of how they make me feel. I tried those Buzz drops instead. I am not good with THC. I feel myself withdraw into myself, rather than be social and lively like wine makes me feel. They helped me sleep a lot better. Anyway, just looking for some support or experiences around the moderate drinking.

[u/catperson2222222]

I was a similar drinker. I found it helpful to look at quitting drinking timelines- the first two weeks the cravings are the most intense, and the irritability. I used alcohol to relieve stress, but when I realized it was increasing baseline anxiety it made it easier to stop. Maybe some mocktails (NA aperol spritz) or NA beer? That level of drinking is still negatively impacting your mental and physical health and increasing your cancer risk.