Many people resolve to reduce their alcohol intake after the excesses of Christmas and New Year. Many also take part in Dry January and give up booze for 31 days. So, here are some tips to help keep your units down…

• Talk to someone – If you talk about your goal of drinking less with a trusted friend, or even through social media, you’ll increase your chances of becoming successful at cutting down.
• Don’t drink on an empty stomach – If you drink on an empty stomach, the alcohol will be absorbed faster, and cold drinks will accelerate this. Alcohol can affect the parts of the brain associated with impulse control and decision-making – too much alcohol and we make bad decisions and that can include drinking a lot more than we planned to.
• Alternate a non-alcoholic drink with an alcoholic one – Having non-alcoholic drinks in-between could reduce your alcohol consumption by half and help to hydrate you in the process.
• Beware of rounds – Drinking in rounds can be expensive, dangerous (if it means keeping pace with the fastest drinker in your group), and a nightmare (if you’re trying to cut down on alcohol). Stay in control, and save cash, by opting for smaller rounds with only a couple of friends within your group or giving rounds a miss.
• Eat up – A healthy meal before you go out, and snacks between drinks, can help to slow down the absorption of alcohol and help you stay in control. With less alcohol inside you, you’re also less likely to be tempted by late-night fast food!
• Small or lower strength is better – Make your units go further by having bottles of beer or halves instead of pints, and choosing a smaller glass for your wine. Buying spritzers will also help keep the unit count down and try switching to lower strength drinks.

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