Tips to Help You Reduce Alcohol in Social Situations

Talk to a partner or friend – they could help you highlight some self-help ideas.

Try to stop drinking alcohol on weekdays and make some minor lifestyle changes like increasing your physical activity.

When you are drinking, try to substitute every second drink with water, non-alcoholic beer, coffee or a soft drink.

If you usually go to a bar for lunch during the day at work, then try taking a packed lunch instead and a bootle of mineral water.

If you normally visit a bar on the way home from work, take a different route home, so you won't be tempted to stop at the bar or better still try to start going to the gym straight after work.

Take up a new hobby or interest to occupy the time when you would usually be drinking.

Ways To Help You Stop Drinking Completely:

1. Choose a date to stop completely and stick to it. Draw up a plan of action, considering what methods are available to you.
2. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids – Keep a glass of water or juice handy and sip it steadily.
3. Take more exercise (though check with your physician first) – Walk instead of using the bus or car. Use the stairs instead of the lift. Exercise helps you relax and can boost your morale and increasae your self confidence.
4. Think positively – Stopping drinking can be hard. Irritability and feelings of stress and urges to drink are common, but they usually disappear after a few weeks.
5. Change your routine – Avoid social activities that include alcohol.
6. Don’t make excuses – Don't use a crisis or a stress management situation or even good news as an excuse for "just one drink".
7. Treat yourself – Use the money you are saving by not drinking to buy yourself something special.
Best wishes,

Garth Delika

The Lifestyle GuynPersonal Empowerment Coach