When you're faced with a difficult situation or have cravings, it can be hard to resist the temptation of alcohol. But there are plenty of non-alcoholic beverage options that can help you avoid cravings and temptation. Tea, both hot and cold, is a great alternative to an alcoholic beverage. Replacing an alcoholic drink with something “special” can be a great way to quit drinking alcohol, according to Shapiro.
If you normally drink 20 units a day, try reducing it to 18 units a day. David, Kylie and Cassie have all reduced their alcohol consumption to improve their health and live longer. Ordering a non-alcoholic cocktail when you meet people for drinks can also help you feel more comfortable in bars.
It's been a while since I stopped drinking
, but I still feel uncomfortable sometimes in bars and I get cravings after a bad day. Non-alcoholic cocktails look similar to cocktails, so you don't have to worry about strangers questioning why you don't drink.Exercise is also a great way to reduce cravings for alcohol. It increases serotonin and dopamine in the brain, which will make you feel happier and less likely to want to drink. Once you've reduced your alcohol consumption, review your drinking habits regularly to make sure you're maintaining this level of alcohol consumption. If you're not drinking because of health concerns or because you want to reevaluate your relationship with alcohol, there are other ways to take a break from alcohol. You can try Dry January, Sober October or even Whole30 as part of your break from drinking.
However, if you've had seizures or hallucinations when you stopped drinking before, don't stop completely. People drink for many reasons, but stress management and social connections are often the main ones. If you're dependent on alcohol or have other medical or mental health problems, it's best to stop drinking completely. Children should also avoid drinking fermented drinks as they may contain enough ethanol to trick the brain into thinking they're receiving a dose of alcohol.
