How often do you have a glass of wine.?

NanaMcGeek, I'm so very sorry. I try to read posts fairly carefully before I pop in but somehow missed yours. Don't blame yourself. There's often no apparent rhyme or reason why people end up with any sort of addiction.

Young people today are under so much pressure - not necessarily from parents. The economy, jobs market, all sorts of things. It's a very frightening world in which to be young. Please don't think it's anything you may have done. I'm so very sorry I didn't read more carefully as what you and your family are going through is incredibly difficult. Quite apart from feeling guilty, look at it the other way and think of what you've done and are doing for your DS. Many parents either turn a permanently blind eye or spurn children who develop addiction. You sound more like a role model than someone to blamed. Best of luck to you and your family.

Oh, hardly ever. Only when I've run out of port, brandy, sherry, and stout!

Lol Paddyann and Winterwhite!

There are so many reasons people don't drink. I've always had a feeling that those who are rude to non-drinkers probably have some sort of problem themselves.

I think it's good for young people to be around adults who drink in moderation, as well as learning the many reasons why people might not drink.

For me it's about the taste of things. I really don't see the difference between enjoying varied flavours in food & appreciating drinks for the same reason.

One of my favourite artists, Sickert, said that alcohol should only be allowed to those who can do without it; interesting point.

Am I alone in finding the information about GP's mentally doubling what they're told disturbing? That's very sweeping, patronising, and shows a dangerous lack of trust. Doctors should have the sense to be aware of signs of a problem, and to know if the patient seems like someone who might cover up, but the assumption's not good. Imagine a doctor assuming their patients in general - not just an individual one - do drugs even if they say they don't, or have manic tendencies even though there may be absolutely no sign of it? It's an abuse of their position, it's shoddy thinking, and it's a gutter mentality. It's the mentality of someone overly-guided by guidelines!

I'm one the brandy-&-ginger fans. Also love a drop of brandy in a glass of orange juice.

The 'excess' mentality of the age seems to have pervaded drink, or perhaps I'm being overly cranky. When I was growing up it was all quite reasonable and understood (there are always some exceptions, of course) - 'a little of what you fancy' - and self-control was part of everything. Just the size of the wine glasses that are popular now say it all.

(N.B. to any GN'ers who might have huge enormous wine glasses: I'm not criticising you personally ... as someone on GN you're automatically exempt from the 'can't understand moderation' set!)

I forgot who offered the Madeira, but I shall certainly join you, m'dear!

Your son is very brave to face up to it and very determined to keep at it.
It must take courage and strength.
Very best wishes to him.

Annsixty, you don't need to apologise, and your response is so kind. My son has been in recovery for nearly 2 years now.

morethan2, thank you for your good wishes. I am envious of you, we have learned a good deal about wines over the years and developed a good palate. Now we're turning those tasting skills to chocolate and coffee! C'est la vie.

So sorry Nana Macgeek and I totally understand your concerns. I realise I can deal with myself but others may not.
Perhaps I was too easily swayed and I sincerely hope your your son's problems may be solved, although I realise that is very difficult . I am aware of the situation in my own family, I just feel my example might get through that moderation can be achieved and emulated.
Perhaps I am kidding myself.
I feel for you in your situation and hope you learn to deal with it. You seem to be doing that and I hope it works for your son and you.
My best wishes go out to you all.

I don’t think your to blame for your sons alcohol addiction NanaMacgeek I have three grown up children none have problems with alcohol. They are all social drinkers as are we. Now you may not agree but Im rather enjoying introducing my youngest 35 year old to decent wine. I think addictions is much more complex than seeing your parents drinking in moderation. Saying that in your position I certainly wouldn’t have alcohol in the house. I wish your son a full recovery.

I drink white wine,hubby doesnt drink much,only time he will have a beer or red wine is if we have company round.
I used to drink half bottle wine most nights.
I last had 2 glasses of wine sunday afternoon as we went out for hubby birthday.I went 11 days without a wine.But i will have one at the weekend.

annsixty, while I agree with you, I just wonder if we need to offer any sort of role model to our younger generations or, at least be aware that they need to understand the dangers? I have had to more or less give up drinking alcohol, certainly I can’t have any alcohol in the house. One of my sons is an alcoholic and we brought him home to live after detoxing in hospital. Now, I'm not trying to put anyone on a guilt trip but worry that my previous attitude (very similar to yours) could have contributed to a gentle, bright, young university graduate gradually upping his alcohol intake to a litre of spirits a night which he drank alone and in secret. We have no other substance abuse in the family.

palliser65, it is very difficult to go from celebrating with a glass of bubbly and enhancing a fine meal with good wine to going teetotal. Yes, you're right, I turn up with cream cake and chocolate these days and replace my celebratory drinks with cordials and carbonated fruit drinks. I'm learning that we can enjoy ourselves without alcohol, I miss my G&T and a good wine but my OH and I still have all our DC.

I don't drink

Any opened bottle of wine kept over several nights is not worth drinking.
I am not saying drink it up. I am saying use it in cooking or pour it away.
I absolutely understand anyone who does not like alcohol or does not want to drink.
I enjoy a glass or two of wine and most spirits.
I know what I am doing, I am sensible and I will please myself, as I expect everyone else to do.

Have never been able to stand either the taste-or smell-of any alcohol. It saddens me to a certain extent when with friends who enjoy a glass of wine and say how lovely it is especially as I have a lovely French family and can't enjoy a drink with them.
I agree with Lizdo-I attend a Baptist Church and they have kept to a decision made years ago to not allow alcohol on the premises including the cafe as there are many folks who come in who have a problem with drink and we stand alongside them and can say that no-one is allowed alcohol.
I have never considered myself being sanctimonious about it and indeed always offer myself as the driver when needed

Dear oh dear, So many people replying about ho w very abstemious they are. Do they instead indulge in chocolate and all the very naughty sweet stuff? I'm one of the happy band who enjoys a large glass of wine every evening before dinner whilst reading or chatting to family. My mother at 88 does the same. Lovely way to just wind down and relax for the evening. I am not overweight and fit. Chin-chin to all those crisp and sweet eaters.

Seems to be a mixture here , but I think more non or minimal drinkers ...
I became aware that I am relying on it too much ...that said I do really appreciate wine and rarely drink spirits ..can’t ignore the effect it has in diffusing your stress..so now we ( and partner is far worse than me ) have 2 -4 consecutive night off..that’s the key thing to give your liver a rest plus I do not want to feel I am dependent on anything and that I have some willpower and self control and not self medicating with pinot noir..
Anyway each to his own. Unless you are an an alcoholic ,good health seems to be a bit the luck of the draw ..
Cheers ?

I have a couple of glasses of very light white wine or rose on a Saturday night watching something nice. The bottle stays chilling in the fridge until over several weeks it is finished.
I haven't had any recently as have been fighting chest infection.

Try not to mention it again or THEY will get you!

Duck, morethan!

I’ve recently been reintroduced to Spanish and French wine after years of ignoring them in favour of new world wines and what with Waitrose cellar having regular 25% off I might have to stock up before brexit. Ps I feel quite brave I’ve never mentioned brexit on any thread before

Practically never as I don't like the taste. I will have a gin and tonic occasionally though.

I will have one glass of wine if we have visitors for a meal. This would be months apart! I am the driver so never have a drink if I take the car, which I do as DH not good on public transport. I'm not a wine drinker, my preference would be a whisky or vodka with tonic, but this is rare. In all honesty, I'd rather have chocolate!

I only drink wine at most 3-4 glasses each month. I do occasionally have a large dry martini and splash of lemonade.

Until last year I would have a glass of red wine or a couple of tawny ports while cooking dinner but then I started suffering with acid reflux if I drank on an empty stomach so stopped. My husband doesn't drink anymore partly because of his medication so I tend to just drink water when we go out for a meal now. Living where alcohol is cheap you see expats who are drinking far in excess of what is normal which is sad. Plus you can see the many health issues they have as a result. I shouldnt think there are any GNetters on here who are consuming such high amounts.

I think I’d probably label myself a social drinker these days, I had a very mis-spent late teenage / twenties when I drank a lot and very socially. Nowadays DH and I tend to open a bottle of wine at weekends and have a couple of small glasses over Saturday and Sunday night. Unfortunately I am starting to get allergic to the sulphites used in many wines so need to be careful as it affects my sinuses and can be painful and miserable. I enjoy a G&T especially on a summers day with lots of ice - and so far no allergic reactions!

Ellie Anne Your willpower disappears when your GCs go home?

Gabriella
As soon as they wave goodbye after a very long day!

we both shuddered and he poured it down the sink!
[gasp]!
Not that I like whisky very much but it is very expensive.