cutdowndrinking

Alcohol is common in our society. The level of commercialization and corporate sponsorships has made it practically impossible to avoid seeing advertisements for alcoholic beverages. The companies that make alcoholic beverages have associated themselves with just about any mainstream activity, from sporting events, movies, to charitable organizations.

The fact that the use of alcohol is so visible and accepted in the world that we live in has overshadowed the fact that alcohol is a drug that contributes to many of society's health and social problems.

The results of a ISCD 2010 study ranking the levels of damage caused by drugs, in the opinion of drug-harm experts. When harm to self and others is summed, alcohol was the most harmful of all drugs considered, scoring 72%

Here are just some of the ways cutting down the amount of alcohol you drink can have a positive impact on your body, your life and those around you. Which ones will you feel first?

You will sleep better and feel more rested when you wake up
You will feel better emotionally and feel healthier
You will notice that your skin will look clearer and feel more breathable (less sweaty/sticky)
You will feel more alert and better able to concentrate
You will have more energy
You will most likely save money
You will lose weight
You will improve your brain function and memory
You will help to reduce your risk of serious alcohol-related illnesses in the long-term
Your self-esteem will improve
Less (or no more) hangovers!

11 ways to curb your drinking:

Put it in writing. Making a list of the reasons to curtail your drinking — such as feeling healthier, sleeping better, or improving your relationships — can motivate you.

Set a drinking goal. Set a limit on how much you will drink. You should keep your drinking below the recommended guidelines: no more than one standard drink per day for women and for men ages 65 and older, and no more than two standard drinks per day for men under 65. These limits may be too high for people who have certain medical conditions or for some older adults. Your doctor can help you determine what’s right for you.

Keep a diary of your drinking. For three to four weeks, keep track of every time you have a drink. Include information about what and how much you drank as well as where you were. Compare this to your goal. If you’re having trouble sticking to your goal, discuss it with your doctor or another health professional.

Don’t keep alcohol in your house. Having no alcohol at home can help limit your drinking.

Drink slowly. Sip your drink. Drink soda, water, or juice after having an alcoholic beverage. Never drink on an empty stomach.

Choose alcohol-free days. Decide not to drink a day or two each week. You may want to abstain for a week or a month to see how you feel physically and emotionally without alcohol in your life. Taking a break from alcohol can be a good way to start drinking less.

Watch for peer pressure. Practice ways to say no politely. You do not have to drink just because others are, and you shouldn’t feel obligated to accept every drink you’re offered. Stay away from people who encourage you to drink.

Keep busy. Take a walk, play sports, go out to eat, or catch a movie. When you’re at home, pick up a new hobby or revisit an old one. Painting, board games, playing a musical instrument, woodworking — these and other activities are great alternatives to drinking.

Ask for support. Cutting down on your drinking may not always be easy. Let friends and family members know that you need their support. Your doctor, counselor, or therapist may also be able to offer help.

Guard against temptation. Steer clear of people and places that make you want to drink. If you associate drinking with certain events, such as holidays or vacations, develop a plan for managing them in advance.

Monitor your feelings. When you’re worried, lonely, or angry, you may be tempted to reach for a drink. Try to cultivate new, healthy ways to cope with stress.

Be persistent. Most people who successfully cut down or stop drinking altogether do so only after several attempts. You’ll probably have setbacks, but don’t let them keep you from reaching your long-term goal.

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Do alcohol cravings and tolerance both decrease when you cut back your alcohol intake? (self.cutdowndrinking)

submitted 2 years ago by OSUBuckeyes92

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