The best way to treat alcohol abuse is to eliminate drinking alcohol completely. For some people, however, sticking to their alcohol limits or cutting down on their drinking may seem more like a possibility. This could be an initial step to full recovery, so here are some tips on how to cut down on drinking.
1. List your reasons for reducing your alcohol consumption.
Are you going to cut down on your drinking to have better relationships with your family and friends? Are you doing it to sleep better? Or, is it for better health? These are just some questions to guide you in writing down your reasons.
2. Set a drinking limit and stick to it.
The recommended drinking limit for men is not more than two drinks a day and for women is not more than one drink a day. One drink is equal to 12 ounce of beer, five ounce of wine, or 1 ½ ounce of liquor. For people with special medical conditions and those who are older, their drinking limits should be lower. Ask your doctor for advice.
3. Monitor your drinking.
If you have to create a chart to monitor your daily drinking, do it. List the number of drinks, the type or drinks, and the places where you consumed the drinks. At the end of the week, analyze the chart.
4. Don’t keep any alcoholic drink at home.
Stay away from temptation. Don’t keep anything alcoholic in the kitchen or anywhere in your home.
5. Get support
Family and friends can help you monitor your drinking and stay away from temptations. You may also contact agencies that help alcohol dependents.
