Are you worried because your alcohol intake is already becoming too much? Perhaps you feel that you’re already drinking too often. And maybe it’s a habit that you want to get rid of or even control – at least. And I tell you, doing this is not easy.
Quitting from alcohol intake is not as easy as you think. You may experience serious withdrawal symptoms. That is why you need the help of your doctor if you’re serious about quitting as she would surely be an aid in curbing or in completely refraining yourself from alcohol.
Those who are already alcohol-dependent, or those who have other underlying medical and mental health issues, should surely stop his or her alcohol intake since this will surely worsen your condition.
However, that doesn’t apply to everyone. Some people can already have the benefit by just simply cutting back on alcohol. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has given us tips on how to cut back on alcohol drinking. Here are some of those:
Put everything into writing.
Make a list of some of the reasons why you need to curb in alcohol drinking on your journal. You may write something like, “I need to cut back on my alcohol intake because it gives me the benefit of getting enough and sound sleep, it makes me feel like I’m healthier than before, it keeps me off from the nag of my wife.” The latter part may be funny but this is still a benefit of course. By doing this, you will be motivated to at least lessen your alcohol drinking.
Set your goals.
You need to set your own limit for your drinking. Your normal drinking habit should be below this average guideline:
- For women and men with the age 65 and above – you should be drinking not more than one standard drink a day.
- For those who are not yet 65 and below – you should drink no more than two standard drinks a day.
Doctors may find these guidelines a bit too high for those who already have some underlyinghealth conditions or for those who are older. However, with the help of your doctor, he or she will be able to determine what’s best for you.
Keep track of your drinking routine.
Keep a diary every time you drink alcoholic drink and do this for 3 to 4 weeks. You have to include where you had a drink, who you’re drinking with, what you drank and how many bottles of alcoholic beverage you drank. Make sure to check your journal every time you get discouraged with your goal: to curb your drinking. If you’re having difficulties in attaining your goal, try to get yourself checked by the doctor or another medical practitioner.
Never have a stock of alcoholic drinks at home.
When you have these type of drinks at home, you can never really cut back, especially when you place it on your fridge. If you’re already dependent on alcohol, this thing is highly-discouraged.
Keep alcohol intake low.
Try sipping your drink instead of drinking it in one shot. In this way, you will feel its taste and will slowly dislike it. Try drinking soda, juice, or water after taking an alcoholic beverage. And most importantly, never ever take it if you’ll drive yourself home. Doing this may get you involved in a car accident and you might need the help of a Houston DWI lawyer if ever you get involved in one. Getting into this is not only dangerous but is also costly.
You cannot stop your alcohol-drinking habit right away. Doing this may let you experience serious withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Sweating
- Shaking of the hands
- Mild anxiety
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Headache
Takeaway
These are just some of the tips on how to completely stop or even curb on alcohol intake. Of course, this is never instant. You need to do this progressively to make sure you’re one step closer to your goal. Again, this is never easy. You need to have a strong sense of self-discipline and commitment. You don’t need to take big steps to see an improvement. Taking baby steps can still make you see progress in attaining your goal.
