Worried About your Drinking?

Are you always the one who overdoes it?

Do you find yourself getting aggressive?
Are you getting into risky situations?

Do you feel horribly ashamed the next day or, worse, don’t remember what you did or said?

Is all your money going on booze? Are hangovers stopping you working?

You need to cut down! Not easy but it can be done.

Here are some painless tips

Eat before you drink; food slows down alcohol absorption.

Make your first drink a soft drink or water; this quenches your first and slows you down.

Alternate drinks with a soft drink or water; this means you drink less alcohol, keeps you hydrated and helps you feel better the next day. It will also save money.

Or maybe don’t drink alcohol at all. If you’re drinking at home, experiment with different soft drinks or teas. You might find they’re just as good and you’re going for booze out of habit.

Sip and enjoy; drinking for speed and quantity might get you drunk quicker but it also diminishes the pleasurable effects of alcohol and increases the negative effects.

Stop when you’ve had enough.

Don’t mix; stay with the same drink.

Keep an eye on how much you are drinking; count your drinks – this will make you more aware of how much you are consuming.

Take a break from boozing; set aide an alcohol – free period every now an then. This respite will boost your health no end and help break the habit.

All your social life resolves around drink (or drugs)?
Spend some time with other friends; find an activity that isn’t alcohol related. You’ll be surprised that it is possible to have fun and not to be drunk (or stoned).

You need a drink to boost your confidence?
In the long run this doesn’t work – you can get into a vicious circle, which increases your anxiety. Check out stress and anxiety & Low mood

Tried all this and none of it works?

Contact Alcoholics Anonymous: 0845 769 7555
Alcoholics Anonymous
1421
Unit check
Drink aware

Worried about doing too many drugs?

Contact narcotics anonymous: www.ukna.org
Leeds addiction unit: www.lau.org.uk
Frank (national drugs helpline): www.talktofrank.com

Download self help guide here