Many people will look to reduce the amount of alcohol they drink at some point in their life. There could be many motivators for doing this, such as to ease finances, improve their health or a change in lifestyle. Whilst many people achieve this goal, some might struggle and occasionally lapse. This could include having a bit more alcohol than planned, however, this shouldn’t deter anyone from achieving their main goal. This guide looks at different ways you can get back on track following the occasional slip-up.
Set Realistic Goals & Prepare For Lapses
One of the things you should do when you are planning to reduce your alcohol intake is set goals which are achievable, such as having breaks from alcohol. Another thing you should consider when you are planning to reduce your alcohol intake is to plan for lapses. By doing this, you should look to avoid treating it as an unforgivable failure and stay motivated to avoid going back to previous habits.
Learn From Lapses
If you do lapse, then the worst thing you could do is beat yourself up about it. By learning from your lapses, you can find out why you had drunk more than planned and identify any triggers which you may not have known about previously.
Change The Way You Think
Another way you can get back on track is by challenging your own mindset. For example, some people may think that they need a beer or a glass of wine following a day at work, but for nearly everyone, they don’t. You can try and find new, healthier alternatives which could mean that you don’t drink when you are in the particular scenario.
By being honest and making a list of the positives which you associate with drinking, you could find alternatives which bring out similar feelings. For example, if you find drinking helps you socialise with friends, then try finding other activities you can do which help you interact with friends, such as sports.
Recognise Your Own Progress
A final way you can make it easier for yourself to get back on track is by recognising your own progress. You should acknowledge your own successes and regularly congratulate each milestone- whether that be a day, week or month of reduced drinking. You should also acknowledge the benefits which you are experiencing when you don’t drink- such as improved sleep, more energy or being more productive at work.
By recognising your own progress, you can motivate yourself to continue the work that you have so far achieved and you can quickly move on from the time when you relapsed.
Do You Need Help When It Comes To Cutting Your Alcohol Consumption?
If you are looking to reduce your alcohol consumption, but feel that you may need some extra expert support, then consider Alcohol Home Treatment. We have over 25 years of experience in supporting those with alcohol-related problems and offer alcohol detox treatments, which you can safely do at home. In addition, we follow The Sinclair Method, which allows you to still consume alcohol but not have the same level of pleasure as you did previously. If you would like to get in touch, then you can contact us here.