Are you sure you want to mark this comment as inappropriate? It’s important that you acknowledge the fact that making changes to your lifestyle can be difficult and that you reward yourself with something if you are making progress. Our journalists will try to respond by joining the threads when they can to create a true meeting of independent Premium. Independent Premium Comments can be posted by members of our membership scheme, Independent Premium. Giving up alcohol will have a positive impact on your skin due to you having better levels of hydration. The following tips and techniques can make it that little bit easier. Frequently reminding yourself and the people close to you why you want to stop drinking can help keep you on track, and may even encourage someone else to give up or cut down with you. Severe physical side effects include convulsions, confusion, fever and even hallucinations. There are also a number of national alcohol support services that you can go to for advice. 1094586, Scottish Number. Try to identify why you were unsuccessful – did you still go to the pub most evenings? If you’re bored of coffee dates, try an outdoors activity that will help break the ice – you’ll not only get to know each other more quickly but you’ll remember it all the next day. So if you would usually head to the pub after work on a Friday evening, you could organise to meet friends at the cinema, or if you’re giving up alcohol in pursuit of a new, healthier you, why not fill the gap with a weekly exercise class or a trip to the swimming pool to help you wind down? If you tend to drink in front of the TV after work, try replacing that glass of wine with something else you enjoy, or treat yourself to some new clothes or a day out with the money you’re saving on alcohol. So if you want to look younger, fitter and fresher, try giving the booze a … That said, if you ever find yourself drinking after you’ve committed not to, don’t give yourself a hard time, just start the counter from one the following day and go again. I’m now 36 and still not drinking, but I can remember how tough it was as someone with an "active" social life to make that change at the time. Smoking and drinking among adults, 2009 Report. On the whole, people are surprisingly supportive and tell you about times they’ve tried to do it themselves. And you can always give your friends a lift home if they’re drinking. Please continue to respect all commenters and create constructive debates. Not only will you feel healthier and more energetic, you’ll get an incredible sense of satisfaction from never having to write off any days because of a heavy night. Usually, I find just one is enough to satisfy any craving I have, but I’ll often bring a pack to a house party which will help if you feel like you’re missing out. Bonus pro tip: if the sweetness of soft drinks gets too much, try straight soda water, which will probably be free or really cheap. Please be respectful when making a comment and adhere to our Community Guidelines. This can prevent diseases including … The cost of alcohol mounts up with surprising speed – you could try putting aside the money you would normally spend on alcohol at home or while out, and spend it on another treat at the end of the week or the month. Giving up drinking and exploring its many negatives can be a lonely experience, especially during a Sydney summer, when wine and cocktails flow freely as … Similarly, try to identify the times when you would usually drink and fill the gap with something else. You can have short-term problems even with relatively low levels of alcohol consumption if you've become used to drinking really regularly.” Psychological symptoms can include irritability, poor concentration, feeling shaky, feeling tired, difficulty sleeping or bad dreams. Did you explain your reasons for not drinking to your partner? Our trained advisors are on hand to give you some confidential advice. SC043163, How to take a break and reset your tolerance, How to reduce the amount you and your partner drink, Our free Drinkaware: Track and Calculate Units app. This can soon become habit, the personal challenge helping remove the temptation and perhaps encouraging you to add more alcohol-free days. Firstly, if you think you have a serious drinking problem and are experiencing any of the associated symptoms of alcohol dependence, you should consult your doctor or another medical professional about it as soon as possible. Reducing the amount you drink can also be an effective stepping stone to giving up alcohol completely in the future. I’ve never said that I’ll never drink again, but after nearly four years, I can’t envision a time when I will, and I’ve never had a drink since the day I decided to give it a break. After all, you’re giving them a lift home later. This way, you can share your successes with them, and they’ll understand why you’ve started turning down drinks or trips to the pub. If you drink every night, start by designating a couple of days a week as alcohol-free days . Pints of coke get boring very quickly – not to mention the fuzzy teeth and sugar buzz to get over – so go at your own pace. Was alcohol still readily available at home? You can read more tips for cutting down at home, or tips for cutting down when out on our site. Giving up alcohol and eating a healthy, nutrient-rich diet as well as drinking plenty of water can quickly replenish your body (including your hair and skin) giving you a more youthful, healthy glow.