A Therapist’s Guide to Breaking Your Drinking Habit in 2024

If you plan to cut back on your drinking, set your goals ahead of time. Determine how many days you want to drink per week and how many drinks per day, and then cut those numbers down each week. Whatever your motivation, there’s hope and help available if you’re struggling with an alcohol use disorder.

A typical shot equals one 5-ounce glass of wine, which equals one 12-ounce standard beer. If your favorite bartender is pouring your drinks and he knows you are a big tipper who likes to drink, you might need to have a brief conversation with him. Believe me, bartenders are used to these conversations, and they will not hold it against you. In fact, most bartenders will be very respectful and discreet and will keep an eye out for you thereafter.

Alcohol and Sleep

Are you drinking to relax, or is it a coping mechanism for work-related stress? Understanding your motivations can help in assessing whether your drinking habits are healthy or potentially problematic. Research indicates that even moderate drinking can lead to an irregular heartbeat and heightened blood pressure, both of which are risk factors for more severe cardiovascular diseases. Long-term effects of regular after-work drinking may include the development of hypertension, cardiomyopathy, and coronary artery disease. These conditions can lead to heart attacks and strokes, which are life-threatening events with long-term health implications.

You’ll even find some pre-made non-alcoholic “cocktails” on the market with complex flavors to challenge your palate. Setting limits on alcohol consumption is a growing trend among health-conscious individuals. According to recent studies, a significant proportion of alcohol consumers are actively trying to reduce their intake, with 83% doing so due to health concerns.

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That might mean joining a local Alcoholics Anonymous group, seeking out a therapist, or asking your doctor for a referral to alcohol rehab. EHN Canada offers the country’s best evidence-based approach to addiction recovery. You may find friends who also want to quit drinking or ones who are already in recovery and can offer advice and support. Plan ahead for parties, vacations, and other circumstances where you’re used to drinking. And stay away from the locations and people who tempt you to drink more than you should. Look for the triggers that tempt you to drink, including anger, stress and loneliness, and plan alternate coping strategies to deal with these emotions.

“My co-workers would grab six [bottles] and stake out a table and we would all just hunker down and start pounding it,” she says. Drinking with colleagues and bosses that is a familiar part of workplace culture. Regular after-work drinking is a cultural norm in many professional environments. However, this practice can have a significant negative impact on both personal and professional relationships.

How can you stop drinking alcohol?

Or maybe  your loved ones are worried about you and you’re ready to choose a new path in life. To prevent symptoms of alcohol withdrawal from worsening, people need to stay in a controlled drinking after work and calm environment. They can help people manage withdrawal symptoms and keep them on track to stop drinking. A person can use various strategies to help them stop drinking alcohol.

If you or a family member is dealing with alcohol addiction and are ready to take the next step towards recovery, Coastal Detox is here to help. Drinking after work has also become a common culture for work-related activities. Many companies have found that it is a way to celebrate recent accomplishments from the company or it can bring people together to network and brainstorm. Despite being in a work-related setting there is the risk of overconsumption. This can have serious repercussions for both the individual and their company. These after-work gatherings often serve as a platform for employees to get to know each other on a more personal level.

Avoid temptations

Participating in initiatives like ‘Dry January’ has gained popularity, encouraging individuals to explore a ‘sober curious’ lifestyle. This period of abstinence can help reset drinking habits and establish healthier ones. Be honest with your friends about your intention to quit drinking, and start your evening prepared by having a non-alcoholic drink already in your hand. Planning your responses for when people https://ecosoberhouse.com/ ask why you’re not drinking is helpful, and you may also want to have an exit strategy planned if the evening starts to get out of hand. My next company installed an actual bar—complete with a huge vintage mirror and stocked mostly with Jägermeister—inside the office. If you decide to drink alcohol and don’t want to drink too much, pace yourself by having a soft drink or two after every alcoholic drink.