National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week

March 22, 2023

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.