Hi Jody,
You can definitely try cutting back your drinking. Start by working through the program, here you will learn about yourself so you can better understand your situation. For some people, taking a break from drinking for a while really helps them get control of their alcohol use. Read throught he forums. You'll find there are many people out there you can relate to. The forum is also full of advice and offers wisdom of many diverse experiences in relation to alcohol addiction.
Before heading off to the festivities have a goal set. Ex: I will only have 4 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.
* Eat something either before, after or during.
* Watch the alcohol content: an alcohol concentration of 10-30% is absorbed faster in the bloodstream. Sticking to drinks like beer or wine, gives you a better chance of diluting the alcohol with water before it impacts your body.
* Space out your drinks: generally recommended 1 per hour
* Know what a standard drink is and set a goal before heading out for the evening. A standard drink is considered to be a 5 oz. glass of table wine, a 1.5 oz mixed drink, a 12 oz. cooler, a 3 oz. glass of fortified wine or a regular 12oz. beer.
* 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.
Samantha, Health Educator
