Going to a party or celebrating a birthday? Drinking may be a celebratory affair, with or prior to meals. It may be a lone practice at home, in commercial drinking venues, or in private hideaways, or it may be a group practice in beer gardens, membership clubs, neighbourhood taverns, sidewalk cafés, or skid-row alleys. Moderation—sometimes known as controlled drinking—is a tool meant to motivate people to lessen alcohol usage or give it up all together. Here are five steps to make sure that alcohol intake isn’t hampering person’s health:
Managing Triggers of Alcohol Craving
Drinking during nighttime and weekends have also emerged as triggers for alcohol craving. Emotional states like anxiety, sadness, stress or tension, feeling distress, or irritability were highly linked with urges to consume alcohol. The first step to avoiding alcoholism triggers is to be conscious of one’s own thoughts as well as feelings and identify the triggers. It is also significant to practice self-care and healthy habits which help to avoid alcohol addiction. To make the recovery successful, a proper plan has to be in place. Once an addict stops drinking initially, it is crucial to keep a person away from a trigger that might motivate them to drink next time. As alcoholics get further and further into state of being sober, they may be able to tackle more easily with their triggers.
Stay Hydrated While Drinking Alcohol
Alcohol is a diuretic, so it is important to make sure that person stays hydrated by substituting the water that is lost when drinking alcohol. Consuming a glass of water before and between alcoholic drinks may reduce the likelihood of dehydration. Drinking water post alcohol is also advisable, a glass of water prior to person goes to bed will aid to relieve dehydration.
Limiting Alcohol or Avoid Binge Drinking
An individual should limit their alcohol intake and may do so by deciding to drink only on particular days. For instance, a person might decide to only drink either on a Friday night or Saturday night and may have only one drink. Schedule alcohol-free days every week.
Mindful Drinking
Mindful drinking is a practice that enables people to be aware of their alcohol consumption. Drinking mindfully is actively questioning yourself about the act of drinking and its negative impact and working toward a goal of developing healthier drinking habits. The attitude and mindset of an individual play an important role in making conscious choices and leading a balanced life.
Healthy Substitutes or Alternatives to Alcohol
Not sure what to order when out at a bar? Not looking forward to drinking water the whole night? One can try out alternatives to drinking alcohol which comprise non-alcoholic beer or wine, mocktails, as well as kombucha.
In a nutshell, to ensure that alcohol consumption doesn’t harm your health, you must consume alcohol responsibly. This includes setting certain goals for yourself and adhering to them, being mindful of your drinking choices, understanding the triggers, and considering healthier alternatives. Seeking professional support by speaking with counselors, and therapists and discussing in support groups for managing the triggers can be of significant help.
-Content partner Happiest Health
