Tips to stay on track
Being prepared for danger times / places when it will be hardest to stay on track
Think when it’s hardest for you
- After work
- After putting the kids to bed
- On nights out with friends
- At home alone
- Watching sports
- At big celebrations like weddings and family events
- After arguments or at stressful times
- When I’m feeling down or lonely
- With a meal
Have a plan for how you will cope before you get into the situation. For example:
- Drink low-alcohol alternatives
- Suggest alcohol-free activities with friends
- Learn some stress-management techniques, like controlled breathing or mindfulness
- Change your route to avoid pubs or off-licenses
Prepare for peer pressure
- Try to tell the people you normally drink with about your plans to cut down, so they understand.
- Buy your own drinks.
- Be the designated driver.
- Buy low alcohol alternatives – alcohol-free beers, wine or cocktails.
Get your answers ready:
- “I’m on a diet.”
- “I’m on medication.”
- “I’m off it at the moment.”
- “I’m cutting down.”
- “I have to be up early in the morning.”
“Alcohol is the only drug in the world that, when you give it up, people berate you”¹