Tips for Cutting Down Alcohol

Alcohol is often consumed as an outlet and used as a great way to unwind after a hard week’s work. Unfortunately, what started as an occasional treat can balloon into a regular habit, and once you’re on a downward spiral it can be difficult to recover.

If you’ve been thinking about reducing your alcohol intake for some time but keep delaying, it’s about time you took action. There’s no time like the present, and today is the day you can make a positive lifestyle change. This is especially important if you’re noticing adverse health effects, including a dip in motivation and energy levels due to drinking too much. If your intake exceeds regular guidelines, you’re at risk of developing alcohol-related problems, and your life might be slipping away with each sip.

Moderate consumption is OK, and your ultimate goal should be reducing the negative effects of alcohol. This article will outline some tips and tricks for cutting back, but remember it’s important to establish techniques that suit your individual preference.

Set Realistic Goals
It’s important to established clearly defined goals, which can motivate you towards your ultimate objective. Gradually reducing your intake is an effective measure, since this allows your body time to adjust to positive changes. With a goal of how many drinks you’d like to be consuming by a certain date, you can monitor your progress week-by-week and feel a real sense of achievement for accomplishing your goals. Your goals will provide a useful reminder of what you’re trying to achieve.

Count Your Drinks
Recording how many drinks you consume is advisable, since this helps you keep track of your targets. If you’re at a point where you’re knocking drinks back without reference, your drinking habits can spiral out of control. Keep handwritten notes of how much you’ve drunk, or perhaps even use your smartphone to keep track.

Measure Your Drinks
If you count your drinks, it’s important to measure them, too. Don’t deceive yourself by drinking fewer drinks with higher measures, and keep track of the volume of alcohol consumed. If you’re out, be aware of standard measures, and stick to your limit, regardless of the environment. This is necessary if you’re serious about reducing your intake, but doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself.

Pace Yourself
Cut down your alcohol intake by pacing drinking, and perhaps even time how long you intend to spend on each drink. Sip your drinks slowly, because if you drink your first few drinks quickly it puts you at risk of developing an alcohol problem.

Check Into a Rehab Clinic
If you’ve tried the above tips and nothing is working, it might be time to admit you have a problem. There’s no shame in coming to terms with your addiction, and this is a progressive step towards getting better. Consider something like this program for addiction treatment rehab in florida, and remember to adopt a positive mindset and be happy about the positive steps you’re making to get your life back on track.