Cutting down on the drinks can be great news for your health, but hard to know where to start.

We don’t always have the best relationship with alcohol. But it doesn’t have to be difficult. We’ve got some quick-fire tips to help if you want to cut down on the booze without going cold turkey.   

Measure up

Keep an eye on your pouring. Use a measuring beaker when you’re drinking spirits at home so you don’t end up drinking more units than you realise.   

Banish the binge

Binge drinking for men is classed as having 8 or more units on one occasion. Aim for 2 alcohol-free days a week.  

Look for lower levels

Get some lower alcohol options on your favourite drinks into your trolley. Try changing to a 4% (ABV%) beer or a 9% wine. 

Sip, don’t skull

Pace yourself and try to have a pint of water with your first drink. Then flick between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.  

Set a drinking window

You could decide to only drink with dinner, say between 6-8pm, for example.      

Know your units

Use a drinks tracker to keep an eye on how much you’re drinking. You can even set yourself some goals to smash. Try Drinkaware’s free app.   

Eat first, drink later

Eating before you drink means the alcohol won’t absorb into your bloodstream as quickly, and you won’t feel as worse for wear after a few (too many) pints.

Foods like complex carbs can even help reduce alcohol cravings. Next time you feel like a drink, have a handful of nuts or a couple of slices of cheese and see if that helps to stop the craving.  

Plan ahead

If you’re going out, make a plan and stick to it. Try only taking a certain amount of cash out with you. Leave the cocktails to others if you’re not sure how many units they contain. Or put yourself forward as the designated driver on your next night out.  

Lean on your mates

Not literally, we mean to share your thoughts with a friend who gets you. Surround yourself with people who support you and won’t judge when you order juice instead of a jagerbomb.

If at any point cutting down on drinking alcohol is making you feel really unwell, give your GP a call. We’re here to be that annoying voice that tells you to put your health first!