How to Act When You Stop Drinking

A cup of tea.

If you have made the decision to stop drinking, there are going to be some repercussions. Don't worry, the benefits of stopping drinking easily outweigh the repercussions. Before you run out and tell everyone about your decision, there are some things to consider so you know how to act when you stop drinking.

Instructions

1. Remember that the friends you have been drinking with are not necessarily ready to stop drinking, just because you did. Send these friends an email letting them know that you are not drinking any alcohol, so they don't plan on drinking the next time you get together.

2. Plan ahead so that you have a readily-available substitution for alcohol. For instance, if you were an evening drinker and the evening comes, have your favorite tea or juice ready with ice cubes. If you are used to holding a beer bottle, have non-alcoholic beer on hand.

3. Look forward to loosing weight. One of the side affects of drinking alcohol is that it prevents you from loosing weight. Without alcohol in your system, you will probably shed some pounds without even trying, provided you are not snacking on too many refined carbohydrates.

4. Reward yourself for not drinking. Use the money you would have spent on alcohol to buy yourself a gift. Consider a new pair of walking shoes or a trip.

5. Be patient with your family and friends if they don't understand your desire to stop drinking. Give it time, and when they are interested, explain that you are learning to enjoy the benefits of not having a foggy brain all the time.