Tips On How To Quit Drinking This New Year

A few days have passed since the start of the New Year. While it’s too early to tell whether we can succeed in keeping our New Year’s resolutions or not, it’s never too early to plan how we are going to keep them. If you went to lots of parties during the holidays, you may have found yourself drinking more alcohol than you are used to. To make up for the excessive intake, you decide to include “quit drinking” to your list of resolutions. Here are some tips on how to actually succeed.

‘Dry January:’ More Than Just A Custom

According to the New York Daily News, millions of people all over the world participate in what is called “Dry January,” when people abstain from any alcohol intake for the whole month. “Dry January” is actually a custom that started in the United Kingdom, and eventually became an actual campaign to help curb alcohol abuse among Britons.

The report noted that a recent study demonstrates that no alcohol intake for a month has longer-term benefits beyond the one month period of abstinence. The study observed that a majority (64 percent) of the participants either drank less, or are less likely to get drunk. They also got lower scores on an Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), when compared to those who did not abstain. These same group also had more self-control when offered drinks. The study also showed that successful participants “were still less likely to abuse alcohol” six months after, which is way beyond the one month period.

Tips On How To Quit Drinking

Aside from participating in Dry January, the report also recommends some additional tips for success.

Think about what you will gain from quitting or from reducing alcohol intake. Excessive alcohol intake can lead to liver and heart disease. Aside from the health gains, you will also spend less on drinks which you can spend on more important things.

Share with other people your reasons for quitting, such as those you hang out with or go out with. Telling them up front about what you want and why will make them more conscious about offering you a drink or taking you to a bar. Friends will most likely understand your motivations and will be happy to help you succeed.

Since your choice will result in certain changes in your lifestyle, plan as early as possible what other activities you can substitute for nights out in town. Perhaps you and your friends can agree on holding alcohol-free gatherings, or go outdoors or out of town.

Don’t complicate your life by piling all your New Year’s resolutions in one heap and try to accomplish them in one go. You can prioritize quitting alcohol first and when you are done, move to your other resolutions. Once successful, you are likely to have the energy to succeed with the others.