Take A Break NH
Not all breakups are bad…….
Breaking up is hard to do…but sometimes it’s the right option. If you’re feeling run-down, anxious, and not like yourself, taking a short break from drinking regularly and frequently, can help you feel better.
Binge drinking is defined as consuming more than 4-5 drinks over two hours (CDC, 2021).
A Fresh Start
Sometimes our relationship with drinking can feel like a bad relationship–it’s fun in the beginning, but then you find yourself unhappy, irritable, and ready for a fresh start.
Taking A Break
You deserve a fun night out with your friends without feeling like you have to drink a certain amount to make it memorable. The benefits of taking a break or cutting back on alcohol far outweigh the costs. You’ll sleep better, have more time for other activities, and save some money ($$$$). Taking a break will help you figure out what you need to be your best and bounce back easier when faced with challenges.
Hit Your Goals
More and more young adults in New Hampshire are opting to cut back on drinking (or swapping out their alcoholic drink for a water) to have more fun with friends, feel clear-headed, and prepared to take on the day ahead. Whether you’re conquering your internship, trying to get through your pre-reqs, caring for someone you love, or taking your next step in the real world (yikes), drinking less can help you hit your goals.
A Good Time
Need more convincing? Learn more about the early patterns of problematic drinking here and see if it’s a good time for you to cut back.
Strategies for drinking less and having more fun
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)* the following steps can help you drink less while still having fun:
2. Set a drinking goal. Determining how many drinks you’ll stick to per night (maybe one per hour) can help you stay on track.
3. Keep a diary of your drinking. For three to four weeks, keep track of every time you have a drink. Include information about what and how much you drank as well as where you were. Compare this to your goal, and use your log to identify and understand habits or triggers to what, when, and where you drink most often.
4. Drink slowly. Sip, don’t chug! Sub in a soda, water, or juice after having an alcoholic beverage. Never drink on an empty stomach – this means definitely eat that extra piece of pizza (or two) before a night out!
5. Hydrate with water. Drink a glass of water between every alcoholic drink to keep hydrated. Trust us, you’ll feel better in the morning.
6. Ask for support. Cutting down on your drinking may not always be easy, but friends and family members are a great source of support and will keep you honest. Your doctor, counselor, or therapist may also be able to offer help.
*Adapted from “11 ways to curb your drinking” from Health.Harvard.Edu
Bonus: Drinking less can also stop you from drunk-texting your ex or posting an embarrassing selfie (why does this always sound like a good idea?!).
Help is always here
It’s totally normal to need some extra help once and a while: we all need it! If you feel like your relationship with alcohol is getting in the way of your health, happiness, and wellbeing, visit TheDoorway.NH.Gov to find confidential and trained support at your fingertips.
