You’ve reached a point where you are ready to cut back on alcohol and you are looking for tips to stop drinking. Knowing that you are at a place where you want to give up alcohol and take back your life is an important step. You can take control away from alcohol and be successful in your new goal to stay sober.
When you stop drinking, you need to be very honest with yourself. You need to be sure in your decision and take a good look at what got you to where you are. Once you can see your reasons with clarity, you can begin the process of quitting.
Look at your current drinking habits and evaluate when and what you drink the most. An excellent way to start the process is to create a list of rules for you when it comes to alcohol consumption. Be realistic in what you can achieve and only make rules that you can follow.
For example, if you find that you have three beers every day after work, make a rule that you only have one beer. Or if you usually start drinking at 6:00, make the rule that you don’t start drinking until 8:00. If you have a glass of wine every night, make the rule that you only have a glass every other night.
Whatever your rules are, make sure you can and do follow them. This will slowly help you to cut back and, eventually, cut alcohol out of your life. These tips to stop drinking are there to help you gain control of how and when you cut back on alcohol.
As you cut back on alcohol and your rules change, consider introducing an Alcohol Break day. This is where you decide one day per week to not drink any alcohol. You may find it to be very difficult at first, but take it slow and have one alcohol free day per week for a month or more.
Once you get comfortable in your Alcohol Break day, introduce another one. Continue this process until you have cut out alcohol and every day is alcohol free.
When you are out with friends or over for dinner, you will probably be asked if you want a drink. Remember your rules and your Alcohol Break days and learn to say “NO.” No one will be offended if you pass up a drink and opt for a nonalcoholic beverage instead.
Sometimes we put the pressure to drink on ourselves because we don’t want to be offensive. However, you are only offending yourself if you give in and accept a drink when you don’t want one. Remember your tips to stop drinking and stick to your rules. Say no to people when they ask you if you want booze. You will be able to conquer the alcohol in your life.
Most people probably won’t even notice if you politely decline an offer and ask for water or soda instead. If they do question you, you can always say that you are the designated driver or that you have an early morning. Whatever the reason you give, remember that you are sticking to what you want by not accepting an alcoholic beverage.
Alvin Samson
