Drinking in Moderation After Alcoholism

Drinking in moderation after alcoholism can be tough, but it is attainable, although it may take some time to reach that point. Alcoholism is a condition in which someone craves a drink on a daily basis, experiences alcohol withdrawal or cannot stop with just a few drinks. This person can also get out of control while under the influence. Alcoholics sometimes drink out of peer pressure, stress, or even the need to fill the body with a substance that produces a relaxed feeling, if only temporarily.

Instructions

• 1

  Eat before, during and after drinking. Food will help absorb the alcohol and may make a person feel full, which can lessen the number of drinks consumed. Eat small amounts to avoid overeating, such as toast, soups, sandwiches, pasta, vegetables and fruit.

• 2

  Limit yourself to one drink per day for women and two drinks for men. This may include a glass of wine at dinner or two beers while cooking a few steaks out on the grill. Set a limit to the number of drinks consumed and stick to it. It may be tempting to drink more, but drinking in moderation is healthier for all involved.

• 3

  Stay active. Instead of waiting for the next drink, keep busy. Take a walk around the block or ride the bike around the neighborhood. Join a gym and keep a regular exercise regimen. If it helps, ask a friend to join you. Staying busy may help deter a recovering alcoholic from consuming one too many drinks.

• 4

  Make new friends who are moderate drinkers or do not drink at all. Instead of socializing with heavy drinkers, find a friend who enjoys having fun playing but not playing and drinking at the same time. Say no to friends when invited for a night out on the town.

• 5

  Consider drinking in moderation an enjoyable part of the day, but not the main part of the day. Look forward to socializing with a few friends, not drinking with a few friends. Changing one's mindset may help an alcoholic focus on the situation rather than the alcohol.

• 6

  Join a club or organization that not only gets one involved in the community but will also keep you busy and away from drinking. Meeting new people and experiencing life in a different light may help entice an alcoholic to enjoy life without the need to drink alcohol, or to just drink it in moderation.