Cutting down

If you've been thinking about the effects of alcohol on your health, you might decide you could cut back a little on your drinking. If this seems like it might be tricky, don't worry: there are plenty of ways you can make cutting back a bit easier.

Drinking in moderation, or even a small reduction, can make a big difference to your health and NHS Choices have put together the following tips to help you cut down on how much you drink:

Make a plan

Before you start drinking, set yourself a limit on how much you're going to drink.

Set yourself a budget

Only take a fixed amount of money to spend on alcohol.

On your side

If you let your friends and family know you're cutting down and that it's important to you, you could get support from them.

Take it a day at a time

Try and cut back a little each day - then every day you do is a success.

Make it a smaller one

You can still enjoy a drink but go for smaller sizes. Try bottled beer or a small glass of wine.

Have a lower-strength drink

Cut down the alcohol by swapping a strong beers or wines for ones with a lower strength (ABV in %) - you'll see this info on the bottle.

Stay hydrated

Drink a pint of water before you start drinking and avoid using alcohol to quench your thirst - have a soft drink instead.

Take a break

Have the odd day here and there each week when you don't have a drink.