Alcoholic Talk » Cut Down on Your Drinking http://www.alcoholictalk.com Alcoholism, Alcohol Abuse & Under Age Drinking Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:10:37 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 There’s no one single effective way for everyone to quit drinking http://www.alcoholictalk.com/theres-no-one-single-effective-way-for-everyone-to-quit-drinking/ http://www.alcoholictalk.com/theres-no-one-single-effective-way-for-everyone-to-quit-drinking/#comments Fri, 06 Aug 2010 23:57:42 +0000 admin http://www.alcoholictalk.com/?p=50 Did you know that there’s no one single effective approach for all individuals to quit drinking. If you or someone you care for is dependent on alcohol and needs treatment,fFinding the right treatment program involves careful consideration.

Before you enroll in any programs,  the setting, length of care, philosophical approach and your or your loved one’s needs should all be considered before a decision can be made. There’s one particularly important question to ask before signing up a treatment. That is:

Does the program accept your insurance? If not, will they work with you on a payment plan or find other means of support for you?

If you have to pay out of your own pocket, it can be expensive and add more stress into your situation.

]]> http://www.alcoholictalk.com/theres-no-one-single-effective-way-for-everyone-to-quit-drinking/feed/ 0 Ways you can help yourself to cut down drinking http://www.alcoholictalk.com/ways-you-can-help-yourself-to-cut-down-drinking/ http://www.alcoholictalk.com/ways-you-can-help-yourself-to-cut-down-drinking/#comments Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:23:57 +0000 admin http://www.alcoholictalk.com/?p=43 Watch it at home.

Keep a small amount or no alcohol at home. Don’t keep temptations around.

Drink slowly.

When you drink, sip your drink slowly. Take a break of 1 hour between drinks. Drink soda, water, or juice after a drink with alcohol. Do not drink on an empty stomach! Eat food when you are drinking.

Take a break from alcohol.

Pick a day or two each week when you will not drink at all. Then, try to stop drinking for 1 week. Think about how you feel physically and emotionally on these days. When you succeed and feel better, you may find it easier to cut down for good.

Learn how to say NO.

You do not have to drink when other people drink. You do not have to take a drink that is given to you. Practice ways to say no politely. For example, you can tell people you feel better when you drink less. Stay away from people who give you a hard time about not drinking.

Stay active

What would you like to do instead of drinking? Use the time and money spent on drinking to do something fun with your family or friends. Go out to eat, see a movie, or play sports or a game.

Get support.

Cutting down on your drinking may be difficult at times. Ask your family and friends for support to help you reach your goal. Talk to your doctor if you are having trouble cutting down. Get the help you need to reach your goal.

Watch out for temptations.

Watch out for people, places, or times that make you drink, even if you do not want to. Stay away from people who drink a lot or bars where you used to go. Plan ahead of time what you will do to avoid drinking when you are tempted.

Do not drink when you are angry or upset or have a bad day. These are habits you need to break if you want to drink less.

DO NOT GIVE UP!

Most people do not cut down or give up drinking all at once. Just like a diet, it is not easy to change. That is okay. If you do not reach your goal the first time, try again. Remember, get support from people who care about you and want to help. Do not give up!

Source: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

]]> http://www.alcoholictalk.com/ways-you-can-help-yourself-to-cut-down-drinking/feed/ 0 Steps that helps you cut down on your drinking http://www.alcoholictalk.com/steps-that-helps-you-cut-down-on-your-drinking/ http://www.alcoholictalk.com/steps-that-helps-you-cut-down-on-your-drinking/#comments Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:38:11 +0000 admin http://www.alcoholictalk.com/?p=41 1. Write your reasons for cutting down or stopping.

Why do you want to drink less? There are many reasons why you may want to cut down or stop drinking. You may want to improve your health, sleep better, or get along better with your family or friends. Make a list of the reasons you want to drink less.

2. Set a drinking goal.

Choose a limit for how much you will drink. You may choose to cut down or not to drink at all. If you are cutting down, keep below these limits:

Women: No more than one drink a day

Men: No more than two drinks a day

A drink is:

  • a 12-ounce bottle of beer;
  • a 5-ounce glass of wine; or
  • a 1 1/2-ounce shot of liquor.

These limits may be too high for some people who have certain medical problems or who are older. Talk with your doctor about the limit that is right for you.

Source: Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Reprinted with permission.

]]> http://www.alcoholictalk.com/steps-that-helps-you-cut-down-on-your-drinking/feed/ 0 How to Cut Down on Your Drinking http://www.alcoholictalk.com/how-to-cut-down-on-your-drinking/ http://www.alcoholictalk.com/how-to-cut-down-on-your-drinking/#comments Tue, 19 Jan 2010 20:13:06 +0000 admin http://www.alcoholictalk.com/?p=39 If you are drinking too much, you can improve your life and health by cutting down. How do you know if you drink too much? Read these questions and answer “yes” or “no”:

  • Do you drink alone when you feel angry or sad?
  • Does your drinking ever make you late for work?
  • Does your drinking worry your family?
  • Do you ever drink after telling yourself you won’t?
  • Do you ever forget what you did while you were drinking?
  • Do you get headaches or have a hang-over after you have been drinking?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may have a drinking problem. Check with your doctor to be sure. Your doctor will be able to tell you whether you should cut down or abstain. If you are alcoholic or have other medical problems, you should not just cut down on your drinking–you should stop drinking completely. Your doctor will advise you about what is right for you.

Source: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

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