Examine the effect alcohol has on you.
Alcohol can effect your health in many ways such as poor energy, struggling to fall asleep, memory problems, digestive problems as well as mental health problems like anxiety and depression. By finding the examining the ways that alcohol effects you, it is easier to find a motivation for cutting down.
Consider your approach
you need to take into consideration your own thoughts and feelings around alcohol and whether you it is possible to create a better relationship with alcohol by cutting down bit having allowances or whether or not you need to cut it out completely for your health
Talk about it
A problem shared is a problem halved. By sharing your plans to cut down on alcohol, it can motivate you to maintain your hard work. Knowing what to say is key, for example, if you are out and decline an alcoholic drink people may ask why… all you need to say is “I am cutting back for my health” or “I don’t like the way drinking makes me feel”However, you shouldn’t really have to say more than “No thanks.”
Change your environment
Research shows that most people believe that drinking can make them feel better. However, when alcohol makes up part of your typical routine, drinking can become something of an automatic response, especially when you feel stressed or overwhelmed.
You may not need to completely reinvent your life to quit drinking, but making a few changes in your surroundings to help avoid alcohol triggers can make a big difference.
- Remove alcohol: Alcohol in your house can tempt you when you’re trying to quit. If you feel like having a drink, knowing you’ll have to go out and make a purchase can deter you long enough to find a good distraction.
- Find a go-to drink: Choosing the right replacement beverage can help you stand firm in your desire to stop drinking. Water, flavored sodas, teas, and other beverages can all help replace alcohol.
- Keep busy: When you tend to drink at a certain time of day, doing something else is one of the best ways to distract you from old habits to help break that pattern. Activities that get you out of the house and moving often help most.
When your desire to drink aligns more with your mood than any particular time of day, having a few alternative coping methods ready can help.
Make time for self-care
It is important that you look after yourself and your mental health, after all, that’s why your cutting down. Spending time relaxing or doing hobbies that you enjoy doesn’t just make you feel good but also acts as a good distraction from any cravings you may experience.
If you are struggling to cut down on drinking you should speak to your GP and/or visit the NHS alcohol support web page