How to Deal With Drinking Too Much

You might be under a lot of stress or feeling depressed. You drink to feel better. Before you know it, however, you're drinking too much. If you feel that you're drinking is getting out of control, you may need to deal with the fact that you're drinking too much. There are many ways you can help yourself deal with drinking too much.

Instructions

1. Realize that you are drinking too much. If drinking is affecting your personal relationships, your job and even your health, it's time to confront the problem. If you hide behind denial, you will never learn to deal with drinking too much.

2. Confide in a spouse, relative, friend, clergyman or anyone else you might feel comfortable talking to. If you're not ready to seek professional help, at least talking to someone about drinking too much may help you to deal with the problem.

3. Drink only when an occasion calls for it. It's OK to have a couple of drinks in a social setting, but if you find you're drinking too much while alone, then it's time to deal with a potential drinking problem.

4. Have a glass of water or a sports drink between alcoholic drinks. This will help you fill up without consuming too much alcohol. This will also help to keep you hydrated, as alcohol is dehydrating.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're hiding drinks, binge drinking, having blackouts or have been in trouble with the law while drinking, you have undoubtedly been drinking too much. Know when to seek help.

• Avoid sweet alcoholic drinks. These may make you want to have more and can easily lead you to drink too much.

• Build your self-esteem. Many people drink too much due to low self-esteem. Start a hobby you're good at or an exercise program. Do something that will make you feel better about yourself.