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You can easily clock in a couple days’ worth of calories in one night when ordering these high-calorie, high-sugar concoctions. Instead, go neat or mix with water, soda water, or opt for a glass of wine. We’ve either heard or asked these questions more times than we can likely recall, and that’s because alcohol consumption is a common form of socialization in the world. So it’s no wonder that after a while, drinking can get out of hand.
Alcohol Use
You may decide that abstaining from alcohol is the best course of action for you, or you may decide that being able to drink in moderation is a realistic long-term goal. Whatever the case, we’re here to support you in a way that makes you feel empowered and confident. It can pop up at any time, at any age, and it doesn’t feel any easier to avoid even if you’ve experienced it before. When putting moderation into practice, it often involves planning how to politely but firmly decline the inevitable drinks that’ll be passed your way. A lot of people decide to start drinking in moderation for many different reasons. Perhaps you want to spend less money, reduce the chances of over-imbibing, or get in better shape.
Drink Alcohol Only in Moderation
- If you state this in a respectful way, they will likely be considerate of your request.
- Dr. Washton is an addiction psychologist and book author in private practice in New York City and Princeton NJ.
- They might even be trying to cut down themselves, you never know.
- An “adequate intake” of water for adult men and women does exist, but it can vary from person to person.
Or if you wish, you can make retroactive entries and simply indicate this with “No” per above. The Moderation Management website offers information about a self-help programme designed to help people moderate their drinking. SMART Recovery is another self-help programme that assists people in achieving abstinence from alcohol. Its main website includes information on the programme and local mutual-support meetings in the US and Canada, while the international website provides access to online meetings in other countries. There may be ‘special occasions’, such as weddings, celebrations or other events that last a long time, when drinking is a part of the occasion. Vacations, too, can be a time when drinking tends to be heavier.
Mindfulness Tips for Moderate Drinking
- Changing your relationship with alcohol is an act of self-care, and you should be proud to embark on that journey, or continue along your path.
- Risk factors can vary from person to person based on a variety of personal, genetic, and environmental variables.
- Do you find you’re able to think more clearly, focus better, and maintain your energy?
During these times, you might allow yourself to drink a little more than usual; but, again, I would do this only after you have demonstrated good control over your drinking as detailed above. I would also have a clear goal in mind, such as how much you will drink when there. She eventually got into the habit of drinking wine after work, while preparing dinner for her family. In recent years, she’s found herself drinking several glasses each night – sometimes a bit more.
Also remember that you can limit the time you spend at the event and leave early if the temptation to drink more is there. Since drinking is frequently a social activity, over time, social situations themselves can start to prompt a strong desire to drink. Additionally, if most everyone in a situation is freely drinking, that can encourage you to do the same. Both Alex and his wife enjoy going out to dinner and having some wine, and they occasionally have a drink at home in the evening. But tension started to build in their relationship as a result of Alex’s weekly meetups with friends at the bar. While he usually just had a couple of drinks and left for home, there were times when he would stay out way too long and return very intoxicated.
Lowering your health risks from alcohol
You may even be a little concerned about how it could affect your health. In this Guide, you will learn what a healthier relationship with alcohol can look like – and ways to go about achieving it. If you know you’re going out for the night but don’t want to feel horrible the next day, set a limit for yourself before you head out—and don’t break it. If you’re not sure what your limit should be, it’s recommended that men should stop at four drinks in one night and women at three. Once you’ve reached your limit, switch to water or grab a snack instead.
Is this treatment right for me?
Plan the non-alcoholic beverages you’ll order or make instead of alcoholic versions. Enjoyable, non-alcoholic alternatives include virgin mojitos, kombucha, drug addiction mocktails, and soda with fresh fruit or lime juice. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. For the first time, we’re offering an ad-free experience to qualifying contributors who support our fearless journalism.
Naltrexone makes moderation possible for most people because it works by blocking the endorphins (pleasurable feelings) alcohol typically releases, breaking the cycle of craving and overconsumption. Sign up to access a free 15-minute video about our research-based treatment approach that’s been proven for 30 years to help people reduce their drinking. Connect with an expert coach, get your medication consult referral, and access our private community with tools and support to start your moderate drinking journey.
