What are the benefits from cutting down on drinking?

If you drink above the recommended limits, you may have already experienced problems, such as tiredness, gaining extra weight, getting hangovers or sometimes not being able to remember what you did the night before.

Overall, you will not be in the best of physical shape. If you continue drinking at harmful levels, you can develop more severe problems such as high blood pressure, brain damage and liver disease.

Alcohol affects judgement and the ability to control impulses; this can lead people to do things that they would not normally do sober. People can embarrass themselves or other people after drinking too much, have regretted sexual encounters or have arguments and fights.

Should you cut down or stop?

Most people who drink too much just need to cut down. Others will need to stop completely. It is important that you think about how your alcohol drinking is affecting you and the people around you:

1. You drink more than nine units in one session on a regular basis.
2. You have not done what was expected of you, because of your drinking (e.g. missed work/college, broken promises).
3. People close to you have expressed concern or anger about the amount you drink.
4. You have caused injury to yourself or others after drinking.

A 'yes' to any of these questions means that you should cut-down your drinking. You can read through the help and tips section of this website or you can choose to sign up for the self help programme on this site.

If you are saying 'yes' to three or more questions, you should contact local services and get advice, help and support before you cut down or stop drinking. The contact details for your local services can be found at the ‘Further help and advice’ link.

Will cutting down on drinking be difficult?

Sometimes, drinking has become a habit. Often, if you change your routine and do different things, you will find you do not crave alcohol as much as you thought you would. When you are cutting down or stopping drinking, support from family or friends can be a great help.

However, if you are used to drinking regularly, you may have a strong desire to drink alcohol. You should talk to someone at your local service. They can help you plan for a change in lifestyle and advise if you need any medication to help you.