Three Ways to Cut Down on Drinking

The harmful effects of alcohol can be slow and insidious, but that pesky hangover the next day is always quick to remind us that alcohol is more than just annoying. It can have damaging effects on our bodies. Alongside causing harm, alcohol can also be pretty addictive, making it hard to wean off unless we count on the help of resources like addictionva.com.

If you’re eager to cut down on the amount of alcohol you consume, here are 3 ways you can make a change and enjoy a healthier lifestyle.

1. Detox

This is easier said than done. However, it’s the best way to cut down on your alcohol consumption, especially if you’re finding yourself spending the weekend with your friends in a social environment.

Detoxing is the most important way of getting your body used to being without something. If you find that it’s difficult for you to wean yourself off drinking, or you begin to realize that you’re using alcohol as a crutch and hiding behind it, it may be worth trying to detox yourself.

Try ordering a juice or a mock-tail; something tasty but free of anything regrettable. If you find yourself beginning to lag, try an energy drink or something high in sugar to keep yourself going.

It doesn’t need to be a long-term detox. Sometimes having the power to control your intake is freeing in itself. Being able to take a break from alcohol may make you realize you don’t need it and that you don’t have to rely on it. A detox is a personal thing- but incredibly powerful for showing you how capable and disciplined you are. Set your own rules!

2. Set an Intention- and Stick To It

As mentioned above, disciplining yourself is a great way to maintain control over your alcohol intake. However, only you know how much you should be taking and how much alcohol you can handle. You’re also the only person that keeps yourself accountable.

Try setting a budget or make sure you stick to x amount of drinks. Make sure you stick to that budget by setting a reminder on your phone or writing it down.

Sometimes, self-control is easier said than done. A great way to get yourself to follow the rules you impose on yourself is through repetition. Before you go to sleep every night, try to listen to self-help audio-books or podcasts. Perhaps, set a chant or a prayer upon waking up. Repetition is the assistant to self-recovery.

3. Think About the Company You Keep

If you find yourself spending a lot of time with people who drink, you’ll find yourself falling victim to peer pressure, more often than not.

A great way to ensure that you cut down is through finding like-minded people. Try joining a group, physical or online, so you feel less alone. The journey is always easier when others are going through the same experiences as you.

Similarly, try spending more time doing activities that don’t always involve drinking. Eating, going to the cinema, watching movies at home, hiking, and so forth. You will find yourself occupied with other activities.

Leading from this, one of the best ways to take your mind off drinking is by placing your mind onto something else. Try getting a new hobby, a consuming one, which will divert your attention.

Overall

It’s essential to keep positive and remember, there’s more to life than your addiction. Cutting down on something is always difficult, initially. Keep on reminding yourself that you’re powerful, reliable, and that you will ultimately be better off once you get past the initial few hurdles.