Dry January has probably opened up a lot of new attitudes towards drinking and the benefits of stopping all together. Are you thinking about your drinking but not sure how to sustain a drier lifestyle after Dry January? Here are some tips for cutting back.

Drink and Think in Units 

In the UK it is recommend not drinking more than 14 units a week spread over three or more days with a few days off; this equates to around six pints of lager or a bottle and a half of wine. To use the unit calculator and find out exactly how much you usually drink, follow the link - www.alcoholchange.org.uk

You can work out how many units there are in any drink by multiplying the total volume of a drink (in ml) by its percentage of alcohol (ABV) and dividing the result by 1,000.

• strength (ABV) x volume (ml) ÷ 1,000 = units

For example, to work out the number of units in a pint (568ml) of strong lager (ABV 5.2%):

• 5.2 (%) x 568 (ml) ÷ 1,000 = 2.95 units

Pace Yourself 

Enjoy each drink slowly, and remember that you don’t have to join in with every round! It can help to only drink the drinks you really enjoy and skip the ones you’re drinking for the sake of it.

Try Alcohol-Free or Low Alcohol Options 

Many alcohol free-beers, wines, ciders and more have became popular; winning awards in place of their full-strength competitors. Lots of supermarkets now have alcohol-free sections.

Eat Before and After you Drink 

Have something to eat before you drink and, if possible, while drinking. It will slow down the alcohol being absorbed into your bloodstream and help you pace yourself.

If you want to read more, visit the Health Advice section and explore the Alcohol topic.