Self Help
If you do drink more than the recommended daily limits on a regular basis, then cutting 
down will be good for your health. But you're more likely soon to start seeing other benefits too, for example:
- You'll feel better in the mornings
- You'll be less tired during the day
- Your skin will start to look better
- Your body will start to feel in better shape
- You may stop gaining weight
Steps to cutting down
There are some simple steps to follow if you are thinking about cutting down on drinking. These will really help you achieve your aims.
Step 1 - Decide on your ultimate goal. Do you want to give up alcohol altogether? Or do you want to cut down to a set daily amount? Maybe you want to avoid binge drinking.
Step 2 - Pick a day in the next week to start cutting down. Go for a day when you are less likely to be under pressure, so it's easier to avoid alcohol.
Step 3 - Keep a drink diary. Writing this on a regular basis will help you to work out how much you're drinking.
Step 4 - Work out how you can avoid situations that you know will encourage you to drink - for example, if you're going out with friends suggest the cinema instead of the pub.
Step 5 - Pace yourself. Try drinking each drink more slowly or alternating alcoholic drinks with soft or low alcohol ones.
Step 6 - Find something else to do while you drink, like chatting, playing darts or pool, or dancing. This will take your mind off your drinks and help you to slow down.
Step 7 - Have alcohol-free days. Get out of the habit of drinking because you are stressed or have nothing else to do. Look for other ways to relax: activities like swimming, yoga or going to the cinema, which will make you feel better and don't involve alcohol.
Step 8 - Take stock of your progress and make sure you give yourself credit where it's due for your achievements so far. This will help you keep going to achieve your targets.
Step 9 - Don't give up! Changing a habit like drinking takes time and hard work and sometimes it's difficult to drink less. Focus on what you've achieved so far and reward yourself when you have met your drinking targets. If you do relapse, don't stop, just set a new date to start reducing again.
Source: NHS Know your Limits Website http://www.units.nhs.uk
