How much do you drink on an average week?

Tom Dunne

Ok, leaving aside the other prolific forum I moderate, I was just thinking to myself, do I drink too much? (as I pour myself a nightcap)

I have a nightcap 1-2 nights a week, usually a double whiskey. Then one night of the weekend, I get, let's be honest here, hammered. Probably 7-8 pints minimum.

I don't think that's really overdoing it. Or is it?

So, how much would you (honestly) drink a week?

Delirium

Not drinking at the moment, stopped 2 weeks as a part of a plan to try and be a bit healthier.
When I was drinking most weeks I wouldn't drink at all. But on the weeks that I did drink, only drinking at the weekends, it could range from 5-20 whiskeys.

Pj!

Too many. Far too many. Time to cop on a bit!

brianthebard

Used to drink almost every night for several months a few years ago, wised up though. at the minute, I think I had 8-10 cans last week over two days and it struck me as quite a bit, but not a lot at the same time?? I'm trying to restrict it to weekend drinking, I don't have much to do atm but don't want to get back into bad habits (or worse start drinking cause I haven't enough to do!)

ambman

About

50 bottles a week shame on me:eek: Now have to go need a refill:D

Mena

Now, zero. Back when I was in the Military... Hmm, not sure I should technically be alive at the moment...

petethebrick

I've cut down a bit recently. Now it's a bottle of wine one or two evenings during the week. Then usually around 8/9 bottles beer and 3/4 shots after work on a saturday. Still a lot I know but not compared to what some are drinking I reckon....

Dubh Geannain

5-6 pints on a night out at the weekend is usually plenty for me. I'd have the occasional mid-week trip to the pub where I'd only drink 3-4 pints

geuro

less than i used to but still way too much . probably about 2 or 3 drinks, usually whiskey, sitting at home on the couch on nightts when i have work the next morning. Out the odd thursday for 4 pints or so. Almost every friday and saturday for 7 or 8 pints.

Fajitas!

Generally, a bottle of beer with my evening meal most days, or a can when I'm back in college.

After that, it depends if I'm in Waterford or Dublin.

Waterford, I'll head to the pub maybe once or twice in the week, and have about 6 pints at the most, though sometimes, special occasions, meeting people I've not seen in a while, etc, it can go on to a minimum of 6.

If I'm in Dublin, generally once a week, I'm going to get pished. Usually a minimum of 8 cans/pints/whatever. Have a thesis to write this year, so I reckon that'll be cut down on a bit.

I generally only drink Guiness or good German or Belgian beers though.. I'd much rather'em to spirits/alcopops etc.

Yeah, it's probably a lot, but then again, I'm a big guy.

Shiminay

During the week, usually nothing, unless on a rare occasion I go for a pint with a friend and at that it's never more than 2 or 3 tops.

Weekends, if I go out, I'll have a scatter. Tend not to mix too much, but might have a few pints (I drink cider) and a few gins (I gin and bitter). If I don't go out, I may share a bottle of wine or 2 with someone if I'm visiting or being visited, but again, these wouldn't be every weekend.

I'm the son of an alcoholic who's entire family are alcoholics and it is a genetic disease, so I take special care of my drinking. Will go off it for a month every now and again just ro let the brain re-tune itself.

brianthebard

Kharn wrote: »

I'm the son of an alcoholic who's entire family are alcoholics and it is a genetic disease, so I take special care of my drinking. Will go off it for a month every now and again just ro let the brain re-tune itself.

When was that proven?

ChewChew

brianthebard wrote: »

When was that proven?

I would imagine it's something the poster has proven to himself. Not scientifically. From what he said about his father and his family, he does not want to follow that route so has found his own way to keep on track.

brianthebard

That's all well and good, but I don't think people should be making comments like that on a health forum without proof. I think there are a hell of a lot of people with alcholics in their families, and I don't think its all down to genetics.

ChewChew

brianthebard wrote: »

That's all well and good, but I don't think people should be making comments like that on a health forum without proof. I think there are a hell of a lot of people with alcholics in their families, and I don't think its all down to genetics.

Maybe the genetics part has been proven? I dont know enough about it but I just think from the posters point of view, he knows what he is doing for himself. I mean at the end of the day, his post didnt offer advice for anyone

brianthebard

Oh I agree with his reasons for taking a break from the drink now and then, its a very good idea. I just think saying its a genetic disease is going to far without proof. Perhaps we should wait for Kharn to return and explain what he meant.

ChewChew

of course, thats the best thing to do.

orestes

Waaay too much. Have Freshers week in college next week but after that I'm giving it up for a bit methinks

pjproby

three/four bottles of wine per week-or a half bottle per night. as a matter of interest how many glasses of wine would put you over the drink drive limit?

Clover

At the moment I'm off the drink since New Years Eve but prior to that I was drinking about five bottles of beer or maybe between four too six cans almost every night of the week .

Pj!

brianthebard wrote: »

Oh I agree with his reasons for taking a break from the drink now and then, its a very good idea. I just think saying its a genetic disease is going to far without proof. Perhaps we should wait for Kharn to return and explain what he meant.

You are more likely to become an alcoholic if one of your parents was.

bennyblanco

+1 as far as I know they've shown that people can have a genetic predisposition to become an alcoholic.

Personally I'm a binger,I can go weeks without drinking or smoking,or if I have 2/3 drinks and stop I'm grand,but the minute I have 4/5 I'm smoking and ordering shorts and generally going on the session.
I'm not really interested in having a quiet couple,I just like going on the lash.So in general during college I try not to drink at all,that's just the way I roll

Shiminay

A very quick Google found these, but I will research more and post. Wasn't trying to make wild claims, but the genetic link was something told to me in school and by a doctor when my parents seperated due to my father's alcoholism. Not that I believe everything I'm told, but facts are, as Forky said, that you are more likely to be an alcoholic if a parent is one - this I'd attribute socio-environmental influences as much as a genetic link.

http://web.pdx.edu/~hue/alcoholism_and_genetics.htm wrote:

II. Genetic.

Rumor has always been that alcoholism runs in the family and statistics has shown that it does. “An estimated 20-25% of sons and brothers of alcoholics become alcoholics,” as stated from the UCSF Family Alcoholism Study and “5% of daughters and sisters of alcoholics become alcoholics.” “Cotton (1979), in her classic review of family studies, concluded that alcoholics were six times more likely than nonalcoholics to report a positive family history of alcoholism,” (Development, 1) are just some more examples of the family and alcoholism.

Many studies have been conducted to support such a proposal and findings are leading toward specific chromosomes. The second of two studies by the Collaborative Study of the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) of “987 individuals from 105 families containing at least three first-degree relatives with alcohol dependence” (Pirisi) suggests that there is a “strong linkage between chromosomes 1 and 7 and susceptibility to alcohol dependence, and weak evidence for linkage to chromosome 2.” Another suspect of genes that was also looked at is a marker known as the dopamine D2 receptor found by Blum and co-workers to exit more often in alcoholics than nonalcoholics. (Genetics). When studied in animals, dopamine D2 receptor “had been associated with brain functions relating to reward, reinforcement, and motivation,” (Genetics) and therefore is suspected to increase a person’s risk of alcoholism and other addictions.

Along with the genes that were looked at, to make sure that alcoholism is inherited, studies were produced to find genetic markers. Genetic markers could be proteins, genes or DNA sequences, and “in linkage studies, genes potentially involved in a disease can be identified when they are transmitted from one generation to the next by studying genetic markers that are close enough on the same chromosome that they do not become separated at gametogenesis.” (Palmer, 195). In 1988 Hill et al. discovered a linkage between the MNS blood group system on chromosome 4 and alcoholism. On the same year, Tanna et al. found yet another, but weaker linkage between esterase D on chromosome 13 and alcoholism. (Palmer, 196).

Another finding that is gene related, reported by psychiatrist Henri Begleiter of the College of Medicine at the State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn, is “a genetically influenced brain wave, called the P3 wave.” (Holden). He said that this brain wave is connected with recognition and attention and is often found in alcoholics and their close relatives. Also in another research that’s not yet published by psychologist William Iacono of the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, has found that “P3 deficits go not only with alcoholism and drug addiction but also with antisocial behavior and learning disorder,” Begleiter concluded that “we have evidence that [P3 deficit] is a good index of central nervous system disinhibition,” (Holden).

http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20040526/researchers-identify-alcoholism-gene wrote:

May 26, 2004 -- A new study links a gene to alcohol addiction -- backing up a long-recognized pattern showing that alcoholism runs in families.

The finding also provides evidence that an inborn high level of anxiety is part of this picture. The study appears in this week's issue of the Journal of Neuroscience.

Research has shown that alcohol addiction is a complex disease, with both genetics and a tendency toward anxiety playing "crucial roles," writes researcher Subhash C. Pandey, PhD, a psychiatrist with the University of Illinois at Chicago.

"Some 30% to 70% of alcoholics are reported to suffer from anxiety and depression," Pandey says in a news release. "Drinking is a way for these individuals to self-medicate."

Pandey's research focuses on the CREB gene, so-named because it produces a protein called CREB -- cyclic AMP responsive element binding protein. The CREB gene regulates brain function during development and learning. The gene is also involved in the process of alcohol tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms, writes Pandey.

A section of the brain -- called the central amygdala -- is another piece of this puzzle. Both the CREB gene and the central amygdala have been linked with withdrawal and anxiety. When there is less CREB in the central amygdala, rats show increased anxiety-like behaviors and preference for alcohol.

Pandey's newest study puts it all together: It is "the first direct evidence that a deficiency in the CREB gene is associated with anxiety and alcohol-drinking behavior," Pandey writes.

brianthebard

Thanks for the links. I don't doubt that there is an increased likihood of becoming an alcoholic if a person's parent is one, but there could be many reasons for that as you pointed out. I know that there are/were many alcoholics in my family on both sides, at least one killed himself (not talked about much obviously) so there is that to think about. But drug dependency is a very complex thing and I wouldn't believe personally that it can be attributed to any one reason.

Holsten

Honestly too freakin much.

Usually it is twice a week of heavy drinking, I'm talking 15+ cans/pints with shots and the whole lot which is loads for me.

Another night would be just a few cans, around 6/8.

Then might have one or two at home.

Red Hand

Last few drinks I had was the All Ireland Final. Before that, must have been Christmas?

Haven't drunk alot as work seems to be life the last few months rather than a social life.

Nevyn

pjproby wrote: »

three/four bottles of wine per week-or a half bottle per night. as a matter of interest how many glasses of wine would put you over the drink drive limit?

http://www.drinkaware.ie/howmany.php

http://www.drinkaware.ie/howmany_male.php

Delirium

Thaedydal wrote: »

http://www.drinkaware.ie/howmany.php

http://www.drinkaware.ie/howmany_male.php

:eek:
Was seriously over doing it. They recommend a limit of 3-4 whiskeys a day. Would have always drank more than that, would have had at least 5-6 whiskeys on an quiet night.

KnifeWRENCH

I haven't had any drink for ages because I'm on long term medication but even before that I'd only ever have one or two on nights out. And nights out for me are about once every two months!
I don't go out much and I've never been drunk - the idea just doesn't really appeal to me. (Although I suspect by the time my 21st comes around, that may have changed!)

Tom Dunne

Thaedydal wrote: »

http://www.drinkaware.ie/howmany.php

http://www.drinkaware.ie/howmany_male.php

I think that Drink Aware website is the greatest cop-out ever by the Drinks Industry.

It really is a case of "Hey, drink lots of this, it makes you sexy and the women will want you" and then, in small letters on the bottom of the screen/ad, there is a tiny "get out of jail card" for the drinks industry.

That, and the "Enjoy XXXX responsibly" - they spend, what, 30-40 seconds telling you how great you will be with a few scoops on you, and then in less than a second, tell you to be sensible with drink. It really is a case of shifting the blame for the obsessive drink culture from the producer to the consumer.

Edit: Just looked at that site for the first time. I am not drinking enough whiskey, it seems. I can safely have 3-4 a day.

ChewChew

How much drink makes you a binge drinker?? I like a few beers at the weekend, but couldnt tell you how man I'd have tbh. On friday night, I had a glass of wine (home measure) and then 4 bottles of beer with a meal and last night I had 6 pints of beer. Have I spent my weekend binge drinking? basically I'm not going to be drinking for the foreseeable future but I feel I could have (and have done in the past) a lot more drinking/damage.

Odysseus

The lastest recommendations is that more than four drinks in one sitting is a binge, I work in the treatment industry and personally don't agree with it, but that's the latest wisdom,

DefenseSoapEire

I only drink maybe 4 or 5 times a year, and i'd really only have more than 3 or 4 drinks on 2 of those occasions - my birthday and Christmas.

ChewChew

Odysseus wrote: »

The lastest recommendations is that more than four drinks in one sitting is a binge, I work in the treatment industry and personally don't agree with it, but that's the latest wisdom,

man thats a bit bizarre alright. I have seen the ad's on TV for drinkaware.ie where the girls get disgracefully drunk and are vomitting on the street, falling face down etc but I would have assumed that that was the result of binge drinking.

Odysseus

ChewChew wrote: »

man thats a bit bizarre alright. I have seen the ad's on TV for drinkaware.ie where the girls get disgracefully drunk and are vomitting on the street, falling face down etc but I would have assumed that that was the result of binge drinking.

Sometimes useful but for the most part I never use it.

Have you ever tried to cut down on your drinking?

Have people ever been angry over your drinking?

Do you ever feel guilty over your drinking?

Have you ever had an eye-opener? [a drink first thing in the morning]


Yes to two or more is suggestive of a drink problem, what type of answers do you think you would get at the bus stop tomorrow morining from people to these. I reckon you would get at least a lot of twos.

Zaph

That drinkaware site came in for some criticism on The Last Word recently. Apparently there's a "drink diary" where you can record what you consume daily. Apparently there was nothing to stop you putting in that you drank 20 whiskeys a day, and yet it never made any recommendation to cut down or seek help if you did. It was suggested that it's being used by the drinks industry, whose site it is, as a consumer information gathering exercise. Wouldn't surprise me in the least, the drinks industry have nothing to gain by promoting a site that recommends you reduce your intake.

Personally I find myself drinking a lot less now than I used to. It's not out of any real conscious decision, just happened naturally. I think as I'm getting older the desire to go out and get wasted has diminished somewhat, although that's not to say I don't on occasions, but where I used to go out on the lash every Friday after work, for example, I now probably only do so once or twice a month on average. The recovery time is a lot slower than it used to be when I was younger, so that's possibly a factor too. I don't drink an awful lot at home or during the week, but I never really did anyway, I've always preferred to drink in pubs and at the weekend.

KTRIC

I drink 2 to 3 bottles (500ml) of beer a week and until I read this thread I was feeling guilty about it.

Dragan

At the moment, practically nothing. I will very occassionally have a beer, rarer still i might actually go out drinking.

The simple fact is that there is a quantity of alchohol the body can deal with a week and once your not getting hammered and acting the maggot i don't think there is a huge worry on drinking on it own.

What most people don't think about it their drinking in relation to everything else they do. Most times the whole "balance" thing that we heard verbatim is actually a pretty good idea.

Do you hit the gym, eat healthy? Then you have nothing to worry about from a few beers during the week. It's when your spending all day on your ass and eating rubbish that the drinks you enjoy will genuinely be costing you something. The poor diet, lack of excercise and all those extra calories will pile on the weight and all that comes with it.

Thats when "just a few beers" is not "just a few beers".

r3nu4l

I usually drink about twice a month and have a 3-4 pints each time. Other than that I may ocassionally have a beer with a dinner or a glass of wine.

Last weekend I was at a wedding so I had champagne, wine and porter, about 5 pints of porter. I did have some lucozades and water between them. All over the course of eight hours.

admiralofthefleet

i drink way too much. sunday is my main evening where ill start at 6 and wont finish til around 3. ill drink mostly all week taking only one or two days off at most. i really need to get a handle on it. i wouldnt say im an alcaholic because i dont crave it when im not drinking

coillcam

Well it really varies week to week with me. I might go to the local with mates for a game of pool or my Dad even 1-3 times a week. Anything from 2-6 pints as the mood takes me or if someone is generous. Work or training would change things too. At weekends say on a Saturday night I'd have probably 5/6 pints and a couple of shots or bottles or jaeger bombs. At that I'm happy, I'd be suitably inebriated without destroying myself. I'm 22 not the biggest lad either 5'8" + 10 stone so the whole machismo chugging beer and downing shots for sport eludes me. I did a fair bit in college though admittedly and from time to time you'll catch me at it. Saying other times I'll drink maybe 2/3 glasses of wine with one dinner and that might be all for weeks. No fixed drinking "schedule" and I prefer it that way.

RoundyMooney

petethebrick wrote: »

I've cut down a bit recently. Now it's a bottle of wine one or two evenings during the week. Then usually around 8/9 bottles beer and 3/4 shots after work on a saturday. Still a lot I know but not compared to what some are drinking I reckon....

I was more or less in the same boat up to the latest of my fitness drives (this one is for keeps,I hope). Alcohol wise, a bottle of red two or three times a week, combined with at least one weekend night of binge drinking-however well I handled it, 14 or 15 pints of Carlsberg is precisely that, and I shudder to think of the calories alone.

Oh, the vin rouge also came with an unhealthy chinese take away...

As of now, I'm the right side of 12 stone for the second time this year, and more active than I've ever been.

At the minute I'm abstaining 'til Christmas, officially, which means Ballygowan on nights out, but still allow my self a glass or two of wine at home maybe once a week (I'm having one now in fact).

Not as hard as I thought it would be.

Dragan wrote: »

At the moment, practically nothing. I will very occassionally have a beer, rarer still i might actually go out drinking.

The simple fact is that there is a quantity of alchohol the body can deal with a week and once your not getting hammered and acting the maggot i don't think there is a huge worry on drinking on it own.

What most people don't think about it their drinking in relation to everything else they do. Most times the whole "balance" thing that we heard verbatim is actually a pretty good idea.

Do you hit the gym, eat healthy? Then you have nothing to worry about from a few beers during the week. It's when your spending all day on your ass and eating rubbish that the drinks you enjoy will genuinely be costing you something. The poor diet, lack of excercise and all those extra calories will pile on the weight and all that comes with it.

Thats when "just a few beers" is not "just a few beers".

As always, I read a Dragan post and nod accordingly:)

That's where I'm at, at the moment, and would like to apply the balance I've lacked up to now, long term.

tribulus

Only noticed this forum now, good job!

I had three bottles of beer on the weekend. The last time I drank before that was at the end of August. I was never really into the going out into town/clubs thing so it's really only the odd house party or special occasion that I would drink.

nkay1985

I must say I never got too badly into drinking. Even in college, I used to like the occasional pint or two if we finished class early or had a particularly hard day and wanted to unwind. When I'd go out I would have probably had 4 cans, two or three pints and one or two spirits + mixers. All over maybe 6 hours.

Nowadays, I rarely drink. I have bottles of beer in the fridge and if I'm working 2-10pm I may have one or two bottles once in the week. And on a Friday or Saturday night if the humour takes me I'll have one or two again.

When I go out with the lads from work it could be four or five pints and one or two spirits + mixers. So I'm very rarely sloshed!

This probably has a lot to do with the fact that my girlfriend doesn't drink, and has never. My mother never drank, and my father only on family occasions. So the pub wasn't a big part of our upbringing.

I also have a number of relations who are/have been alcoholics and have seen first hand what it can do. And one of the reasons my mother never drank was because her father and one of her brothers used to be angry when they had whiskey inside them! So I don't think I'll go along with the 3-4 whiskeys a day that DrinkAware thing says I can have!