Becoming dependent on my nightly fix

[saraht]

First of all, it's very brave of you to address your concerns, and to ask for advice for invention before this becomes more progressive. Two large glasses of wine 250ml, dependent on the alcohol volume, is between 6 and 8 units, so on a daily basis it does add up to well above the safe guidelines, but when it's perceived as both a relaxant and a reward, thoughts of safe drinking do just by impulse fly out of the window! One small glass of wine can be relaxing, but once you start to get over a certain amount, and that very much depends on each individual, it does become a depressant.

Alcohol doesn't make stress go away, it just puts it on hold for an hour or two, and if you enjoy social drinking, in the first instance, I would suggest you break the daily habit, because that is what it has become, rather than any sort of desperate need. Try two or three alcohol free days a week, change the pattern of your drinking. Replace it with a slightly different routine if you can. Drinking alone can become a little isolating, and if you start to look at your wine as more of a treat than a daily necessity, it really isn't, then you should be able to have the control and choice you are looking for.

[Adam Eason]

Hello Caroline,

Finding alternative means of relaxing can assist you too and will provide support during the initial phases as you cease drinking as often.

There are a variety of mindfulness exercises, progressive relaxation processes and self-hypnosis strategies that can all help you to calm yourself and unwind. Many of which can be found online, though let me know if you require assistance in tracking down such skills to learn and practice.