Until recently, experts saw no room for social drinking or “just one.”
However, these programs are not meant for everyone.
Participants are asked to take a realistic look at their drinking patterns and reasons.
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Set Attainable Goals
Designate a few days as no-drinking days.
Take some time to decide which days are OK to have a drink and which days are off-limits.
This reduces cravings for alcohol when used consistently (i.e., each and every time the person drinks).
In theSinclair method, the participant takes Revia or Vivitrol one hour before drinking.
These medications minimize the endorphin release in the brain that usually accompanies drinking.
Because this makes drinking less pleasurable, people are less likely to crave alcohol.
Replace Alcohol
Plan the non-alcoholic beverages you’ll order or make instead of alcoholic versions.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Drinking levels defined.
J Consult Clin Psychol.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Rethinking your drinking.
Umhau JC.Conquering the craving: Treatment to curb alcohol use disorder.J Christ Nurs.
2018;8(3):171-178. doi:10.15171/hpp.2018.23
