This week is National Drug & Alcohol Facts week. Here are some tips for reducing or eliminating your alcohol consumption:
Set a limit to drinking, for yourself, and commit.
• Set yourself a drink limit and stop once you’ve reached it. Keep up your water and food intake
• If you’re thirsty, reach for water or a non-alcohol alternative instead of alcohol.
• Make sure to alternate your alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks. A glass of water or a soft drink works well.
• Drinking on an empty stomach will increase the rate that alcohol is metabolized in your body.
• Eating before or while you drink alcohol will help it be absorbed into the bloodstream at a lower rate.
Keep a distance from the people who urge you to drink
• Tell friends and family you want to reduce your drinking.
• It can be a bit tricky with some people. Try practicing standard responses.
• Practice saying “no” to people who encourage drinking–it gets easier with time.
• “I’m pacing myself,” “I am trying to cut back,” or “I want to be healthier” these are some responses you can use if you are feeling pressured.
• Invite out your low-drinking or non-drinking friends–keep each other accountable.
Get rid of the alcohol in your house.
• Avoid stocking up on alcohol on your next trip to the shop.
• When we stockpile alcohol, we are more likely to drink it sooner than we think.
• Easy access is the ultimate enabler. Slowly implement alcohol-free days into your routine.
• If you’re heading out for the night, avoid drinking in rounds.
• If you want to limit how much you drink, the best excuse is to be the designated driver!
• Set a budget for how much you will spend on alcohol in any period.
• Find social alternatives that don’t involve alcohol: the beach, a picnic, or the movies.
Get rid of the alcohol in your house.
• Avoid stocking up on alcohol on your next trip to the shop.
• When we stockpile alcohol, we are more likely to drink it sooner than we think.
• Easy access is the ultimate enabler.
Slowly implement alcohol-free days into your routine.
• If you’re heading out for the night, avoid drinking in rounds.
• If you want to limit how much you drink, the best excuse is to be the designated driver!
• Set a budget for how much you will spend on alcohol in any period.
• Find social alternatives that don’t involve alcohol: the beach, a picnic, or the movies.
