Alcohol can be enjoyed in moderation, but the problem is that some people have trouble controlling their intake of this pervasive, entirely legal drug.
If you fall into this category and you want to do something to curb your current drinking habits, the following tips will help you cut back and even embrace complete sobriety.
Start Small – Cut Back on Frequency and Quantity
If you feel like your drinking has become excessive, don’t be discouraged. It’s never too late to take the first step toward a healthier lifestyle.
Start small by reducing how often and much alcohol you consume during a given week or month. Try cutting back one day per week at first, then two days once that becomes manageable. Soon enough, it will become second nature.
If not having an alcoholic beverage every night feels impossible for now, you can try setting a personal goal such as only allowing yourself to have three drinks in any given evening instead of four or five (or more). Setting mini-goals can help make this process easier and less overwhelming, and before long these goals could turn into positive new habits.
Find Alternatives to Drinking – Try Mocktails or Alcohol-Free Beer
Social situations often involve alcohol consumption, so if you find yourself constantly reaching for the bottle when out and about, it’s time to try something different.
Consider switching your usual alcoholic beverages for mocktails (non-alcoholic cocktails) or even any of the excellent array of alcohol-free beers that are on the market today.
Not only do these drinks have much fewer calories than their boozy counterparts, but they can also be more refreshing and flavourful, with no hangover required!
More Drastic Options – Rehabilitation Services or Professional Help
If you’ve tried the above suggestions and still find yourself struggling to cut back on alcohol, it may be time to look into more drastic options, such as alcohol rehab in New Orleans or other professional intervention options where you live.
Don’t feel ashamed, because reaching out for assistance is a sign of strength. There are many resources available that can provide support in different ways.
Talking with a therapist or joining an addiction-recovery program can often prove invaluable during this process. With the right tools and guidance, you can make meaningful progress, and start feeling better about your relationship with alcohol again.
Take Time Away from Social Situations with Alcohol Involved
As mentioned, alcohol is often the center of attention during social gatherings. If this is true for you, and you’re in recovery, try taking some time away from these situations and focus on other activities, such as setting fitness goals and going to the gym, or seeing a movie instead.
You don’t have to completely abstain from human contact, but can just limit your exposure and set boundaries where necessary. Moreover, it gives you an excuse to catch up on all those things that slipped by when drinking was your main priority.
Get Connected – Reach Out for Support from Friends, Family, and Colleagues
Navigating the process of cutting back on alcohol can be difficult, especially if you feel like you’re facing it alone. As such, it’s important to involve your network of loved ones and contemporaries in this process.
Having a support system in place is an invaluable asset during this time, as not only will they be there to provide much-needed encouragement when things get tough, but they can also help keep you accountable.
Even something as simple as checking in with each other every once in a while, or having regular conversations about the progress you’re making, goes a long way toward ensuring you reach your goals.
Final Thoughts
When cutting back on alcohol, it’s important to be kind to yourself, and be open about what you’re doing. The more honest you are, and the more time you give yourself, the better the outcome will be.
