Cut back on your booze and cut your risk of cancer too
Every drink that contains alcohol increases your cancer risk.
In the past, it was thought that some types of alcoholic beverages had health benefits and when had in moderation, were not harmful to your health.
But now, it is understood that alcohol is a cancer-causing substance or carcinogen. The more you drink, the more at risk you are. This is because drinking alcohol can cause damage to your cells, making it easier for cancers to develop.
If you’re ready to reduce your alcohol intake and lessen your cancer risk, we’ve highlighted ways you can cut back without feeling like you are missing out.
Tell people you’re giving up booze
The more people you tell, the more likely you are to do it. Let friends and family know your plans so they can be there for support. Letting them know also helps stop you from being in situations where you are offered a drink and feel like you can’t say no.
Write your sobriety plan down
Having a plan down on paper (or on your phone) can help you visualise your steps forward. It can outline how you are going to stop, non-alcoholic swaps you can make and a contingency for times where you fall off the waggon.
Slow down your drinking before you stop
Cutting back doesn’t have to mean stopping straight away. A phased approach might work best for you. If you want to try it, you can:
- Swap your high-volume alcohols for a lighter, lower percentage drink, e.g, trading a whiskey for a beer.
- Have a half instead of a full measure, for example, half a pint of beer instead of a full pint.
- Limit the number of drinks you have to one or two at a social event.
- Set a drinking budget and do not exceed it.
- Drink a soft drink before and in between each alcoholic drink. Carbonated drinks can help to absorb the alcohol in your body.
- Have alcohol-free days. Only drinking on the weekends might feel easier than going teetotal straight away.
Find a hobby that isn’t centred around alcohol
The drinking culture in the UK is changing. About 19% of the population doesn’t drink. As a result, there are more options for socialising that go beyond going to the pub.
If you are looking to give up, you could try different hobbies like walking or hiking, playing crazy golf, going to a climbing wall or joining a pottery class. No matter what you choose, there are plenty of options out there to distract you from drinking.
Get help with alcohol misuse
If you are struggling to adjust to an alcohol-free life or feel you may be dependent on alcohol, there are places and people you can get help from. You can speak to your GP or pharmacist about sobriety services in your area.
Well’s Alcohol misuse service provides you with a safe space to discuss your alcohol intake with trained professionals. You will meet with a dedicated pharmacist who will help you find the best way for you to give up. You can enquire in-store or find out more online.
There are also local support groups you can join and online organisations you can use to manage your alcohol intake. They are there to give you the advice you need without judgment. They will be able to work with you to get on top of your sobriety and help you find different ways to cope.
Find out more
