Moderate drinking—one drink per day for women and two per day for men—is the only safe form of alcohol consumption besides abstinence. Drinking too much alcohol can be dangerous, but it is easy to get carried away sometimes when at a party or celebrating a special event. “But how do I slow down drinking?” you may ask.
When excessive drinking becomes more frequent, you may be on the road to alcohol use disorder (AUD). Slowing down your drinking is essential for your health and well-being to protect yourself from the detrimental effects of heavy drinking.
If you need support to slow down drinking, contact Promises Brazos Valley at 979.426.0086. We offer a wide range of treatment programs, including 12-step-based treatment. Schedule an intake assessment today to determine which of our programs is most appropriate for your needs.
What to Know Before Trying to Slow Down Drinking
Before you try to cut back on alcohol, you need to determine your why or your core reasons for slowing down your drinking. If you are trying to quit because your partner or family members are pressuring you about your alcohol consumption, you are less likely to succeed in the long term.
For lasting change, you need to want to quit or cut back for your reasons. For some people, alcohol-related health problems are the main reason for reducing their consumption. For others, worries about losing one’s job or financial security are enough to effect change. Determine your why but make sure it is meaningful enough to keep you motivated in the long term.
How Do You Slow Down Drinking?
We return to the question: “How do I slow down drinking?” Developing a plan beforehand is the most effective way to slow down drinking. Here are some tips to help you cut back on alcohol.
Consider Why You Are Struggling with Alcohol Misuse
To reduce your alcohol usage, you need to understand what drove you to misuse alcohol in the first place. There are many reasons people drink beyond moderation, such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Grief
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Chronic stress
- Other undiagnosed mental health issues
- Peer pressure
Once you understand what drives you to drink, you can address the contributors adequately to reduce the urge for alcohol. Many alcohol triggers will require the help of a therapist and possibly medication. When you receive appropriate treatment for mental health conditions, it will be easier to moderate or even eliminate drinking.
Admit You Need Help
Trying to reduce alcohol consumption on your own may work for a while, but it might get more challenging as time goes on. Admit that you need help and talk to your doctor or therapist about how alcohol may affect your life. They can help you determine if you need a professional treatment program to get your alcohol use under control again.
Join a Support Group
Slowing down your drinking is easier when you have the support of others. Support groups can help you connect with others in similar situations who can share what helped them decrease their drinking and resist the temptation to overindulge. You may think that alcohol support groups are only for people getting sober, but some also include those looking to cut back on drinking.
Let Your Loved Ones Know You Are Cutting Back
Slowing down your drinking can be more complicated when you are in a trigger-filled environment and around people who drink heavily. Letting your friends or family members know of your intentions to reduce your alcohol consumption can garner their support. They will be less likely to encourage you to drink more and may even decide to reduce their consumption.
Slow Down Your Drinking with 12-step-based Treatment at Promises Brazos Valley
“How do I slow down drinking?” If the question is still on your mind, know that the caring and compassionate team at Promises Brazos Valley can provide professional help. Our team is here to aid you in achieving your goal of slowing your drinking. Call Promises Brazos Valley today at 979.426.0086 to speak with one of our friendly team members.