While cutting down on your drinking, keep these helpful hints in mind.

Around the house: Keep just a small amount or no alcohol at home. Don't keep temptations around.

Drink slowly: If you do drink, sip slowly. Take a break of one hour between drinks. Drink soda, water, or juice after an alcoholic drink and don’t drink on an empty stomach! Eat food when you are drinking.

Take a break: Pick a day or two each week when you will not drink at all. Then, try to stop drinking for one week. Think about how you feel physically and emotionally on these days. When you succeed and feel better, you may find it easier to cut down for good.

Learn how to say NO: You do not have to drink when other people drink. You do not have to take a drink that is given to you. Practice ways to say no politely. For example, you can tell people you feel better when you drink less. Stay away from people who give you a hard time about not drinking. 

Try something new: What would you like to do instead of drinking? Use the time and money spent on drinking to do something fun with your family or friends. Go out to eat, see a movie, play sports, go skydiving… the possibilities are endless!

Get support: Cutting down on your drinking will be difficult at times. Ask your family and friends for support to help you reach your goal. Talk to your doctor if you are having trouble cutting down. Get the help you need to reach your goal.

Watch out for temptations: Watch out for people, places, or times that make you drink, even if you don't want to. Plan ahead of time what you will do to avoid drinking when you are tempted. Do not drink when you are angry or upset or have a bad day. These are habits you need to break if you want to drink less.

Don't give up! Most people don't cut down or give up drinking all at once, and that’s okay. If you don't reach your goal the first time, try again. Remember, get support from people who care about you and want to help. Don’t give up!