Spellbound

Beer drinking and beer fridges are an iconic part of Aussie blokes.

I'm having a bit of a dispute with my husband at the moment about exactly how much is too much. He suggested that I found out how much other people drink, so I thought that I would ask the good expats.

Men - How much do you drink a week?
Woman - How much does your man drink a week?

My husband is spending on average $100 a week - about 48 bottles plus a couple of bar visits. I think its excessive, he disagrees.

Pollyana

I'll pass, on the grounds I might scare myself sober

fairwayskid

A $100 a week on beer


He is only a part timer

Paddy

The Bloke

That's only 11 pints of Bulmers and $1 change at Gilhooleys.....

MartianTom

Well, health guidelines over here (UK) say 21 alcohol units per week for men, 14 for women.

As a recovering alcoholic, I can only say that it's a problem if you can't do without it - even if you only drink in the evenings - and also if you're drinking to make yourself feel better about your life. And, of course, if it's costing too much money - or more than you can reasonably afford.

I'd say his drinking is definitely excessive, from the point of view of his health - but then others would say he's an amateur! And my dad (bless him) drank heavily all his life and still made it to 77. The family never had any money, though, because of it - and he and mum were always in debt.

Then again... that Aussie beer's only gnat's water, isn't it?

johnnyx0

It's only a problem if it costs you more than just money

The Flintstones

Till you go dizzy.

DumbFalang

I've been discussing the same subject with my wife and friends lately.

I have been drinking a bottle per night at home and have come to the conclusion that it is just a little too much for me to remain healthy. I asked a friend and he drinks 3 bottles every night

My new target is one every other night, but my wife is happy drinking her quota of one every night, so we seem to be meeting half way at the moment. Apart from the obvious side effect of a mini beer belly, I think drinking any more than a bottle a day cannot be good for the "male parts" - amongst other things.

MartianTom

Excellent point

ponyrama

The "new" Australian Guidelines say that in order to reduce your risk of lifetime harm you should you should -

"drink no more than 2 standard drinks a day"

to reduce the risk of short term harm you should

"drink no more than 4 standard drinks on any one occasion"

You should not drink at all during pregnancy and you should delay the onset of drinking alcohol in teenagers for as long as possible as adolescent brains do not cope well with the effects.

A standard drink is basically a can or stubbie of mid strength beer or 100ml of wine.

A summary of the guidelines is here:-

http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/your_health/.../index.htm#sum

along with info on what a standard drink is and you can also download the full pdf of the guidelines and read all about the evidence that supports why these guidelines have been brought in. If you want to scare yourself silly and never drink again that is.

Centurion

So take out the couple of nights out at the bar, thats about 8/9 bottles every night....

That not just excessive, thats an issue

Spellbound

I think its a problem, as its a problem to me and could cost our 21 year marriage.

We can afford it but I still think its a lot to spend on something that I receive no benefits from and end up with a man I dont like very much when hes been drinking. I would like the money to be spent on items that benefit us both or towards savings for our grey nomadic future which currently is looking bleak.

Lord_Farquar

I agree that is a lot! 8/9 bottles a night is verging on alcoholism.

I don't think the money is that excessive. I like to drink Belgian beer. 4 beers at the Belgian Beer Cafe can easily be $50. But that's my preference. To me it's quality over quantity.

I would quite happily trade a slab of VB for a 6 pack of Rochefort 10. mmmm

Bernieboy

Ooops sounds like it is a problem

Red_V_Roger

When I went for a medical in the UK, they asked me how many units I drank. I said "Oh about 20 or so", they said that's very good, "about the limit for a week", I said, "Oh no, 20 a night!"