Making changes  

You have thought about different ways of doing something about your drinking, and you have thought about a number of possibilities. <br><br>You think you may need to stop completely in the long run, but you don't feel ready to do that without first giving moderation a try.<BR><BR>You considered different options and decided you would like to cut down. Think about how you will do and measure this - will&nbsp; you drink less each day or will you drink less on drinking occasions? <br><br>Also&nbsp;try to find ways of dealing with the pressures to drink at home and in the pub. You should be able to tell in 6-8 weeks if this option will work for you.<BR><BR>You could&nbsp;request the '<STRONG>Cutting Down</STRONG>' booklet from the Alcohol Helpline (0800 787 797) read it and keep a daily record of your drinking. You are still a little nervous about this plan, but you see that you need to make a change, and this is the one you have chosen.<BR><BR>A plan is a useful tool, but it is good to r

You have thought about different ways of doing something about your drinking, and you have thought about a number of possibilities.

You think you may need to stop completely in the long run, but you don't feel ready to do that without first giving moderation a try.

You considered different options and decided you would like to cut down. Think about how you will do and measure this - will  you drink less each day or will you drink less on drinking occasions?

Also try to find ways of dealing with the pressures to drink at home and in the pub. You should be able to tell in 6-8 weeks if this option will work for you.

You could request the 'Cutting Down' booklet from the Alcohol Helpline (0800 787 797) read it and keep a daily record of your drinking. You are still a little nervous about this plan, but you see that you need to make a change, and this is the one you have chosen.

A plan is a useful tool, but it is good to remember that change isn't easy... You may find it difficult to change because of thoughts like these:

• There's no point - I know I won't / can't cut down.
• I could never manage to cut down.
• My drinking's not as bad as all that.
• I don't drink any more than my friends.

Its normal to feel torn when you decide to reduce drinking. Alcohol may have played an important role in your life. If you get stuck return to looking at the reasons you wanted to make changes to your drinking behaviour.