Responsible drinking

Wine is meant to be savoured, not consumed without thought. When drinking moves from appreciation to routine reliance, or when it begins to affect your health, relationships or daily responsibilities, it has crossed a line worth acknowledging.

Recognising unhealthy patterns

Certain behaviours suggest a relationship with alcohol that may need attention. You might notice you are drinking alone more often than in company, or that you pour a glass to manage stress rather than to accompany a meal. Missing commitments, hiding how much you drink or feeling defensive when someone mentions your consumption are all signs worth taking seriously.

Physical changes matter too. Disrupted sleep, frequent headaches, digestive trouble or memory lapses can all stem from regular overconsumption. If you find it difficult to stop after one or two glasses, or if you think about drinking while you are still at work, those patterns deserve honest reflection.

Questions worth asking yourself

A short self-check can clarify whether your drinking has become a problem. Answer each question honestly, without softening the truth:

• Do you drink more than you intended on most occasions?
• Have you tried to cut down but found it difficult?
• Do you organise your day around when you can have a drink?
• Has anyone close to you expressed concern about your drinking?
• Do you drink to cope with anxiety, sadness or boredom?
• Have you missed work, social plans or family time because of alcohol?

If you answered yes to two or more, speaking to a health professional or calling a support line is a practical next step. These questions are not a diagnosis, but they can help you see patterns you might otherwise dismiss.

Limits you can set

Reducing harm starts with clear boundaries. Decide in advance how many units you will drink in a week and track what you actually consume. The NHS recommends no more than fourteen units spread across at least three days, with several alcohol-free days each week.

Practical measures make a difference. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks. Eat before and while you drink, since food slows absorption. Choose smaller glasses and pour measured amounts rather than filling to the brim. Keep a written log for a fortnight so you can see the real picture, which is often higher than you estimate.

If you share a home with children, store alcohol out of sight and model moderate habits. What they observe shapes their own future relationship with drinking.

National support services

Several organisations offer free, confidential help if alcohol has become a concern. Drinkaware provides information on units, health risks and self-assessment tools. Alcohol Change UK runs campaigns and publishes guides on cutting down and quitting.

For direct support, Alcoholics Anonymous holds meetings across the country where people share experience and mutual support. SMART Recovery UK offers a science-based alternative with face-to-face and online groups. Both are free to attend.

If you need to speak to someone today, call the Drinkline on 0300 123 1110, open weekdays 9am–8pm and weekends 11am–4pm. The service is confidential and staffed by trained advisers who can talk through your options and connect you with local services.

Your GP can refer you to specialist alcohol services, prescribe medication to manage withdrawal safely and monitor your physical health as you reduce or stop drinking. Early intervention prevents long-term damage, so seek help as soon as you recognise a problem rather than waiting for a crisis.

Taking a break

A planned period without alcohol gives your body time to recover and helps you understand how much of your routine has been built around drinking. Many people find that a month off resets their tolerance, improves their sleep and clarifies which social situations genuinely require a drink and which do not.

Tell friends and family what you are doing so they can support rather than press you to join them. Stock your fridge with alternatives you enjoy—sparkling water with citrus, alcohol-free wines, herbal teas—so the ritual of pouring a drink remains without the alcohol. Notice what changes: energy levels, mood, skin, weight, clarity of thought.

If stopping suddenly causes shaking, sweating, anxiety or confusion, contact your GP or call 111 immediately. Severe withdrawal can be dangerous and should be managed under medical supervision.

This is general information only. Ballantynes does not sell any goods or services and cannot offer personal advice on health or alcohol use. If you are concerned about your drinking, speak to a healthcare professional or call one of the support services listed above.