Hi Lee,
Thank your for sharing your experience with us, .
Everyone needs help now and then - especially when they try something new. Remember, changing your drinking isn’t any different. Other people who have successfully gone through the same process share a few things in common.
In regards to situations where you are going out with your friends, before heading off to the festivities have a goal set. Ex: I will only have 2 glasses of wine today.
To meet your goal, come up with strategies such as:
* If I am tempted to keep drinking beyond my goal, I will leave or remove myself momentarily from the situation.
* I will remind myself of the benefits of reducing my consumption.
* I will reward myself for meeting my goal with...
* I will decrease my portions. Instead of having a full glass, I will have half a glass.
* Space out your drinks: generally recommended 1 per hour
* Alternate with water or other alternatives such as soda in between your drinks. You can also ask the bartender to include more mix than alcohol in your drink.
* Keep hydrated at the bar and when you get home.
* Learn how to say no thanks the corporate way: as the evening wears on or if you've reached your goal, switch to non-alcoholic drinks. If anyone asks site an early meeting or other engagement.
If you need more strategies on dealing with urges and meeting your drinking goal be sure to work through our program tools.
We are here for you through this time, check back soon to update us.
Samantha, Bilingual Health Educator
