There are many reasons a person may want to actively avoid alcohol use. Perhaps a family member struggles with alcoholism, or you are starting to notice some warning signs of alcoholism in your behavior. It is also important to remember that help and resources are available to anyone who needs them. If you or a loved one could benefit from an alcohol rehab program, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today at 413.570.9698 for more information.
How to Prevent Alcohol Misuse
Whatever the reason, there are preventative measures you can put in place to help you avoid alcohol abuse and the risk of developing alcohol addiction.
Don’t Keep Alcohol At Home
If you don’t have alcohol at home, you can’t drink it. Being unable to simply go to the cupboard or the fridge to grab a drink can keep you from developing a pattern of alcohol use that can easily develop into abuse or addiction. Restricting access to alcohol at home can also work to prevent drinking out of boredom or your emotions. Only drinking in social settings helps you maintain some accountability as well.
Know Your Drinking Limits
Often, people try to set their own limits on alcohol consumption. However, the limits of alcohol use and abuse are clearly outlined by the National Institute on Alcohol Use and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Low-risk drinking for women means no more than seven drinks per week and no more than three in one day. For men, no more than 14 drinks per week, no more than four per day. The suggested amount if a person chooses to drink is one per day for women and two for men. These recommendations are not for people who already have an alcohol use disorder or have completed a substance use program. These recommendations may also vary for people with health problems or different body types. There is often the argument that no one drinks that little; however, the NIAAA has found that 35 percent of people do not drink at all, 37 percent always drink at low-risk levels, and only 28 percent are heavy drinkers. [inline_cta_one]
Surround Yourself With Non-Drinkers
Going out with co-workers to have multiple drinks during the week and then also going out with friends on the weekend and drinking more than 3-4 drinks places you at a 50/50 chance of developing an alcohol use disorder. There are people you can spend time with and places you can go where alcohol is not the focal point. If you spend time with people who don’t drink or don’t drink often, you will also be less likely to drink. Socializing does not always mean going to the bar, playing drinking games, doing shots, or partying. Making friends who engage in a variety of activities without drinking can help you control or avoid drinking altogether.
Know The Consequences Of Excessive Alcohol Use
Sometimes, knowing what excessive drinking can do to you or your body can keep you from drinking excessively. Excessive drinking can lead to a number of health issues, such as:
- Cancers
- Liver disease
- Stroke
- Depression
- Heart disease
- Sleep disorders
- High blood pressure
- Birth defects
Heavy drinking can also result in legal issues, financial troubles, employment problems, and overall displeasure in daily life. Resuming normal daily functioning after a night of heavy drinking can be problematic, especially with a hangover.
Tell Loved Ones Your Concerns
If you believe your drinking to be problematic, or if you simply would like to cut down on the amount of alcohol you consume, tell someone. Putting those intentions out in the world can help you be more accountable. Additionally, having the support of those who care about you can also help you maintain your goals. Overall, it is up to you to make the changes you feel should be made in your own life. Surrounding yourself with people who support those changes will help you stay focused on the life you want.
Treatment Is Always an Option
Regardless of any social stigma that people who enter rehab may have, professional treatment is your best line of defense when it comes to recovering from addiction. It is not weak to admit there is a problem and help is needed; getting yourself help when you need it is one of the best, strongest things you can possibly do for yourself. In treatment, caring and knowledgeable professionals will be with you every step of the way, from intake and detox to recovery and aftercare.
Break Alcohol Addiction at Swift River
Preventing alcohol abuse isn’t always easy, and sometimes we don’t realize that our drinking is a problem until it is out of our hands. Thankfully we offer alcohol treatment in Massachusetts that can help people get back on the right path. At Swift River, formerly Swift River, we offer rehabilitation for those who are seeking to make changes and move forward into recovery. Get started on your journey today; reach out to us at 413.570.9698.
