Alcohol is a liquid that comes in at seven calories per gram and gets digested rapidly when it is consumed. People who are trying to ween themselves off of alcohol, do so for different reasons. It can be family related, work related, weight related or it can be part of a mutual new year's resolution with a partner or friend. If you fall into any of these categories, there are several steps you can take to reduce your alcohol intake.
Step 1
Scare yourself into cutting back by knowing the facts. According to the Mayo Clinic, excessive alcohol intake can lead to high blood pressure, cirrhosis of the liver, stroke, heart muscle damage and cancer in multiple areas. Write down some of these side effects and keep them handy when you are tempted to binge drink. Use these as motivation to keep your intake to moderate levels.
Step 2
Use non-alcoholic beverages strategically. Reduce the alcohol content in your drinks by adding extra soda, juice, regular water or seltzer water. If you are also trying to lose weight, choose the low- or no-calorie options.
Step 3
Consume food with when you drink to slow down the absorption of alcohol and to help fill you up. Avoid the high calorie foods like nachos and cheese, french fries, pizza and wings. Stick with foods that are low on fat, lean and low in sugar.
Step 4
Alternate non-alcoholic beverages with your alcoholic beverages. Consume a glass of water or diet soda in between each drink. This will prevent you from getting too drunk, it will keep your calories under control and it will also help prevent you from becoming dehydrated.
Step 5
Do not look to alcohol as a reward. Celebrate promotions, debts being paid off and personal achievements with non-alcohol related activities such as getting a massage, getting to a fancy restaurant or going to the movies.
Step 6
Seek professional help if your drinking is out of control. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an example of this. Attend the meetings to talk about your drinking problem with other people who are in the same situation as you are.
