You Can Cut Back on Your Drinking

There are many people who may not feel that they are alcoholics, but they realize that they have a periodic drinking problem. They may be able to go weeks, or longer, without overindulging in alcohol. However, whenever the annual company picnic or Christmas party rolls around, they consistently embarrass themselves by drinking too much, talking too loudly, or generally acting foolish. Whenever these special occasions arise, they may secretly cringe, fearful of repeating past mistakes. If you have trouble sticking with a comfortable limit on your alcohol consumption at parties and weddings, these suggestions may help.

The first thing you can do to keep from over-indulging in alcohol is to start out with a full stomach. Before you leave the house, eat some food that includes a protein and a starch. A roast beef or turkey sandwich would do a lot to fill your stomach, and lessen the chance that you will get drunk too easily. Continue to eat during the evening. Food slows the absorption of alcohol into your system. In addition, make sure you also drink a large glass or two of water, tea or a similar non-alcoholic beverage. Then, you will not arrive at the party feeling thirsty.

If you do not usually have a problem with alcohol, you should have no trouble limiting the amount that you will drink during the evening. If you are not hungry or thirsty, you should be able to slowly slip one or two drinks during the evening, and not feel the urge to gulp them down.

Another good technique is to alternate your alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic ones. After your first cocktail or glass of wine, ask for a glass of juice or soda and slowly sip it. Most people will not even notice that you have made the switch. If they do, only the alcoholics will care!

Don’t be afraid to say “No, thanks” to the offer of another drink. If it makes you uncomfortable, you can always use an excuse such as “I’m driving,” “I think I’m coming down with a virus,” or “I’m on a medication that I shouldn’t mix with alcohol.” However, even if you can’t think of an excuse, there is no reason why you cannot simply say “No!”

If these suggestions don’t seem to be helping you to cut down on your drinking, and you discover that your tendency to drink too much happens more than just a few times a year, you may have a more serious problem. If so, you may want to contact Alcoholics Anonymous for greater assistance. Meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous are held around the world nearly every night of the week.