Amelia Grant

People drink alcohol for different reasons, for example, stress relief or peer pressure. However, drinking is associated with serious health risks, even if you think you don’t drink that much. 

Many people believe that red wine is good for your health and this is partly true. Moderate drinking of certain alcohol may positively affect health. Red wine reduces the risk of a heart attack and type two diabetes. But even red wine has its flaws.

Even moderate alcohol use can cause sleep problems, cognitive impairment, and weight gain. Studies show that drinking one glass of wine per day slightly increases the risk of breast cancer in women. The more alcohol you drink, the higher the health risks.

Why Do You Need to Drink Less Alcohol? 

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), people who abuse alcohol are more injury-prone, have an increased risk of liver and heart diseases, depression, stroke, and several types of cancer. In addition, alcohol abuse can exacerbate chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension.

Signs You Drink Too Much Alcohol

The following situations can indicate that you are abusing alcohol:

• You often forget where you parked your car after drinking
• You behave inappropriately at parties

• You often forget where you were the day before

However, even if you have never faced such situations, this doesn’t mean that alcohol doesn’t harm your life. Negative consequences don’t always mean getting a disease or bad deeds, it also includes the lack of good things, which are replaced by alcohol.

Some people when experiencing health problems or unhealthy weight gain associated with alcohol often give up alcohol. In order to prevent any health problems, you may try some effective methods to drink less.

How to Control Alcohol Intake?

1. Start keeping track of every drink 

This method can be helpful in reducing alcohol consumption and changing your drinking habits. You can use certain alcohol tracking apps which will help you track both your alcohol and calorie intake since alcohol is high in calories. 

2. Have alcohol-free days

Alcohol-free days can improve your sleep and well-being. Starting your morning without a hangover means starting the day without being sluggish, foggy-headed, and nauseous. In addition, good sleep and feeling energetic positively effects mood while alcohol is a depressant. 

3. Replace alcohol with non-alcoholic drinks 

We often drink only because our peers drink. A glass in your hand is just a way not to be the black sheep. Try to fill the glass with a non-alcoholic cocktail or even water. This will help you hide the fact that you drink less than others if you are under social pressure.

4. Eat food when you drink

Eating before or during drinking alcohol will help you feel more full and will decrease some of the negative effects linked to alcohol. However it’s important to eat the right foods in order to prevent heartburn, bloating, and dehydration which can result in a severe hangover. Here is a list of the best foods you can eat before or during drinking: 

• Bananas
• Greek yogurt
• Eggs
• Berries
• Melon
• Grapefruit
• Avocado
• Sweet potatoes

5. Seek help 

If the tips above didn’t help you and you can’t give up alcohol, you may need to seek professional help. Don’t be afraid to admit you have a problem. It’s important to share your problem with people close to you and visit a specialist who will help you overcome alcohol abuse. We sometimes can’t cope with certain life issues, therefore don’t be shy asking for help and start addiction treatment before it’s too late.