

have other medical problems, such as heart disease, that can be made worse by drinking.have liver damage, such as liver disease or cirrhosis.Ultimately, the choice is yours, but there are circumstances where abstinence is strongly recommended, including if you: However, moderation is often a more realistic goal, or at least a first step on the way to abstinence. unable to function without alcohol (alcohol dependency)Ĭutting alcohol out completely will have a greater health benefit.experiencing health problems directly related to alcohol.regularly drinking more than 14 units a week.


Moderation or abstinence are treatment options if you're: You may also be given tips about social drinking, such as alternating soft drinks with alcoholic drinks when you're out with friends. Keeping a "drinking diary" may be recommended so you can record how many units of alcohol you drink a week. If you are worried about your drinking or have had an alcohol-related accident or injury, you may be offered a short counselling session known as a brief intervention.Ī brief intervention lasts about 5 to 10 minutes, and covers risks associated with your pattern of drinking, advice about reducing the amount you drink, alcohol support networks available to you, and any emotional issues around your drinking. The treatment options for alcohol misuse depend on the extent of your drinking and whether you're trying to drink less (moderation) or give up drinking completely (abstinence).
