Five Ways to Stop Binge Drinking

Binge drinking may be fatal in itself and may result in the development of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). It is important to take efforts to reduce or eliminate alcohol use before it has a negative influence on your life. Here are five strategies to help stop binge drinking:

1. Develop a strategy and document it

Create a list of all the reasons you should cut down or eliminate drinking alcohol. Consider the probable repercussions if you continue to engage in destructive behaviour. If you are tempted to drink, review your list often. Understanding your triggers can help you prevent "mindless" drinking.

2. Environmental change

Binge drinking triggers may include people, locations, and events. Because excessive drinking is a common element of these areas and/or events, it may be important to avoid these potential trigger areas. It is also conceivable that you may need to avoid these potential triggers indefinitely.

3. Support structure – friends and family

Confide in individuals who support your aim to reduce or completely eliminate alcohol intake. Ideally, individuals who are a part of your support system, also use little or no alcohol and do not depend on alcohol to have a good time. They may serve as "accountability friends", assisting you in staying on track with your goal of abstaining from binge drinking. Ascertain that your support system includes someone who you can contact at any time for assistance.

4. Abstinence may be the best course of action

It may be easier and more suitable for you to abstain from alcohol entirely rather than attempting to reduce your usage. This is particularly true if you exhibit symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).

5. Consider why you consume an excessive amount of alcohol

Is it to alleviate anxiety, stress, boredom, or other negative emotions, or is it to increase social comfort? Consider visiting a therapist to assist you in sorting out your emotions and developing healthy coping mechanisms, in order to change your lifestyle for the better. Yoga, mindfulness, inspiring reading, positive self-talk, avoiding negative news or television programs, and spending time with positive thinkers have all been proved to boost self-esteem, mood, and long-term sobriety.