We all like a drink now and then; alcohol is very much part of adult life and while the majority of people drink responsibly, it is very easy to cross the line and become dependent. In this short article, we offer the reader a few great tips to help reduce their alcohol intake.
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Set a drinks limit and stick to it
– Let’s say you are a beer drinker, for example, you could decide that 4 beers will be your limit the next time you socialise. You can pace yourself and when you have reached your set limit, make sure that you change to orange drink or soda and don’t weaken your resolve. Some people don’t have the willpower to limit their drinking and sometimes, Thai rehab is the best solution.
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Avoid drinking in rounds
– If you are part of a group that drinks heavily, this means every time a round is ordered, you will be pressured into finishing your glass and another will replace it. Don’t be afraid to tell friends that you want to limit your intake; a great reply when people try to buy you a drink is simply to say, ‘No thanks, I get sick when I drink too much.’
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Drink water before going out
– Have a few glasses of water prior to going out and that should slow you down. You could alternate alcoholic drinks and water, which will also keep you hydrated. If you are not keen on water, try fruit juice, which is a good substitute for alcohol and if people ask, you can say that it is a gin or vodka with a mixer.
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Eat before drinking
– Drinking on an empty stomach means you will feel the effects quicker than if you had a meal prior to drinking. Having a feeling of being full will also lead to you drinking less, so avoid drinking until you have your evening meal.
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Drink zero alcohol beer
– Alcohol free beer actually tastes similar to the real thing and once you get used to it, you can wean yourself off beer and drink fruit juice. If your friends pressure you, they don’t have to know that the beer you are drinking contains no alcohol, which makes it easier to stay away from excess drinking.
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Reduce the number of times you go out per week
– If you go to the pub every night, this is sure to lead to a gradual increase in alcohol consumption. Try 3 times a week and watch your alcohol intake drop! This will also save you a heap of money and that has to be good news!
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Avoid drinking at home
– With the exception of when friends visit, drinking at home is the start of a slippery slope to dependence, so avoid this at all costs. Find something to do to keep your mind occupied and you will forget all about drinking. This can be a sign of loneliness and you should find a hobby.
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Drink on alternate weeks
– Take a week off and you will appreciate your drinking so much more; this isn’t a difficult thing to do and after a while, it becomes normal. For some, this is the start to giving up completely; you feel so much better when alcohol-free and that can be all the motivation you need to quit.
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Record the number of alcohol units you drink
– This can help you because it gives you a figure and if you are imbibing more than is recommended, you can take steps to reduce the number of units.
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Attend AA meetings
– Even if you don’t think you are an alcoholic, attending AA meetings can help you to limit what you drink and who knows, you might find the motivation to stop drinking.
If your friends are telling you that you are drinking too much, this is a sure sign that you need to get a handle on things and if you know in your heart that this is a problem, book into a rehab clinic in Thailand and receive the best possible treatment.
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