If you have decided that you want to drink less, you’ve already taken the most important step towards reducing your alcohol intake.
To help you reach your goal, it helps to arm yourself with strategies, recognise the triggers that can lead to you having a drink and take small steps, for example just having a few drink-free days every week.
Setting a plan
Moderation is difficult – there’s no denying it. But if you can set yourself a plan with simple rules then you’ve already made the decisions you need. All you need to do now is follow them.
There are three main stages to drinking less:
- Understand, not only why you drink and when, but also what you want to gain by cutting down
- Change – plan for difficult situations and set rules you know you can stick to
- Maintain – keep reminding yourself how much better you will feel by not drinking and the health benefits that go with it.