1. Talk to someone. If you keep your feelings to yourself they'll probably just churn around inside you-getting worse all the time. Find someone who's understanding and supportive and let them know how you feel. "A trouble shared...."
2. Keep occupied. The worst thing you acn do is sit around doing nothing, getting bored, feeling restless, etc. Find something to do. Read a magazine. Watch some television. Play a computer game. Do the washing up. Weed the garden. If it takes your mind off drinking for 15 mins, do it.
3. Think about the positive things that may happen if you can stop drinking. You will probably feel healthier and happier. Your family relationships will improve. You will have more money to spend. You will be able to work better. Remember that all these things can start to improve quite quickly if you can stop drinking.
4. Think about why your trying to stop drinking. Think about the bad things that would happen if you were to carry on drinking. What would the effects be on your health? Your family? Your financial state? Your job? If you think it might help, make a list and read it when you feel you've really got to have a drink.
5.Avoid situations that may make you feel like drinking. Pubs, off licenses and parties are usually the trickiest situations. Sometimes drinks displays in a supermarket can prove difficult.
6. Avoid people whom you know are already heavy drinkers. Not everyone appreciates it when you try to stop drinking-and they may put you under pressure to drink. Even if no one says anything the social pressure to conform can still be quite intense.
7. Spoil yourself. Splash out on a couple of magazines, or a book, c.d or computer game. Have a soak in the bath. Go to the cinema. Watch a game of footy. Rent a dvd. Your denying yourself the 'enjoyment' of drinking-make up for it by doing something else you enjoy.
8.Drink lots of fluids. Milk, fruit juice, cordial, horlicks and barley cup are o.k, but dont overdo it on tea and coffee as these make cravings worse.
9. Eat something. If your feeling hungry the cravings will get worse. Have a snack( though not too salty-as it makes you thirsty). Have a piece of cake. Order a pizza. Get a take away or a bag of chips. Feeling full will reduce the cravings.
10. Take time out. If you decide to have a drink, agree with yourself that you wont do anything for at least 30 minutes. After half an hour you may find the craving has subsided and you no longer feel you need to have a drink.
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