If you are thinking about reducing your drinking or not drinking, resources and strategies are here to help you in your journey.
If you think you might be experiencing alcohol dependence, talk to a healthcare professional before you stop drinking as withdrawal symptoms can be serious and even life-threatening without a healthcare professional’s help. Learn about reducing drinking safely and getting support for reduced drinking.
Here are a few ways you can reduce your drinking:
- Set realistic goals: Set a maximum number of drinks you’d like to consume and try to stick to your limit. Don’t get discouraged if it takes time or additional support to achieve your goals.
- Plan alcohol-free activities: Make plans for alcohol-free activities, such as going for a hike or to the movies with friends.
- Explore non-alcoholic beverages: From sparkling water to mocktails to non-alcoholic beer, wine, and spirits – there are lots of non-alcoholic beverages you can enjoy outside of the standard juice, pop, and water.
Remember that you are not alone in working to achieve your goals. Explore more information and resources below.
More information and resources:
- Checking in on Alcohol self-questionnaire
- Saying When drinks tracker
- Tips for Drinking Less on a Night Out or at Home
- How to Reduce Drinking Safely
- Refusal Skills for Alcohol – How to say no?
- You and Substance Use: Stuff to think about and ways to make changes
- Substance use and cutting down self-paced mini course
- Explore Sober Curiosity and Mindful Drinking
If you need information and referral services for any kind of substance use issue, the Alcohol & Drug Information Referral Service (ADIRS) provides free, confidential, multilingual telephone assistance, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact ADIRS toll-free at 1 800 663-1441.
Or access these BC resources for more help for problem alcohol use: