If you have a problem with alcohol, you may have decided on your own that it’s time to stop drinking, or your doctor may have advised you to do so for the sake of your liver and overall health. Regardless of the reason, the journey to reduce or quit alcohol consumption often involves more than just the physical act of avoiding alcohol. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) frequently stems from underlying emotional or mental issues, leading many to wonder if they can manage life without a drink or if they need to stop drinking completely.

Adjusting to Life Without Alcohol

Taking steps toward recovery entails significant lifestyle changes, such as altering who you associate with, where you go, and how you handle situations that previously led you to drink. Although this adjustment can be challenging, it offers an opportunity to address personal issues that contributed to excessive drinking and explore new ways to enjoy life and connect with others.

Abstinence vs. Cutting Back

Deciding whether to abstain from alcohol completely or merely cut back is a complex question that decades of research have yet to fully answer. However, a 2021 study provides some insight into this issue. Researchers reviewed two major studies on alcohol dependence and treatment, discovering that even reducing alcohol intake benefits people with AUD. The study also suggested that more individuals might seek help if they understood that total abstinence isn’t the only path to recovery. According to the FDA, successful treatment outcomes for AUD can include both complete cessation of alcohol and the absence of heavy drinking days (defined as more than three drinks per day for women or four for men).

Assessing Your Drinking Level

To reap the benefits of reducing alcohol consumption, it’s essential first to determine your current drinking level. The World Health Organization’s risk drinking levels offer a straightforward method for this assessment based on daily alcohol intake:

• Abstinence: None
• Low risk: Up to 20 grams (g) for women, up to 40 g for men
• Medium risk: 21-40 g for women, 41-60 g for men
• High risk: 41-60 g for women, 61-100 g for men
• Very high risk: Over 61 g for women or 101 g for men

By understanding your risk level, you can make informed decisions about your alcohol consumption and take meaningful steps toward a healthier lifestyle.

Source: WebMD