New evidence around the health harms from regular drinking has emerged in recent years. There's now a better understanding of the link between drinking and some illnesses, including a range of cancers.
Here are a few simple tips to cutting down on your alcohol intake:
- Make a plan- Before you start drinking, set a limit on how much you're going to drink.
- Set a budget- Only take a fixed amount of money to spend on alcohol.
- Let others know- If you let your friends and family know you're cutting down and it's important to you, you could get support from them.
- Take it a day at a time- Cut back a little each day. That way, every day you do is a success.
- Make it a smaller one- You can still enjoy a drink, but go for smaller sizes. Try bottled beer instead of pints, or a small glass of wine instead of a large one.
- Have a lower-strength drink- Cut down the alcohol by swapping strong beers or wines for ones with a lower strength (ABV in %). You'll find this information on the bottle.
- Eat first and stay hydrated- Try to have something to eat, and drink a glass of water, before you have alcohol. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or other non-alcoholic drinks.
- Take a break- Have several drink-free days each week.
Adapted from: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-advice/tips-on-cutting-down-alcohol/
