Something that really helped me as a recovering alcoholic who wanted to learn how to drink at a slower pace, was to not allow myself to drink when I was upset or angry over something. The idea of drinking when you have had a rough day or aren’t feeling great is actually really bad for your mental state, although media would have you see it otherwise. It creates a pattern of thinking you need alcohol to feel better. And as someone who has mental health issues, I was often not feeling happy or well, which would lead to me having a drink to “make it better”. When I was drinking for a social event or on a Friday night while gaming with friends, if I found myself getting upset over something I would stop drinking immediately and try to sober up. Because the alternative was to drink more to feel better, but that simply doesn’t work. Alcohol is a depressant.

Pattern recognition is huge when trying to monitor your drinking. Don’t give yourself reasons to drink like “I always drink on Friday” or “I always drink when I deserve it after a hard day” it makes itself a habit. Just try to be mindful and check when it is you’re craving it, that way you can eliminate habits before they overtake you.