Cut down or not drink? That's how you do that.

Just a little while and this break month is over. For those who do not extend their alcohol break, 'normal life' begins again. You can drink again. Most (ex) breakers don't want to go back to how it was before. That is why you can read tips here for not drinking or cutting back on alcohol at certain times.

The most important thing about participating in IkPas is creating awareness. Drinking beers and wine carelessly will hopefully be a thing of the past after a break. Precisely consciously choosing the moment when you drink alcohol, enjoying it sincerely and stopping in time is a great benefit. Below you can read tips on how to ensure that you drink consciously and less.

New exhaust valve

Taking a break from feeling (because you're going through a rough patch, or because the past is playing tricks on you) is a popular reason to start drinking. Have you previously used alcohol as an anesthetic? Then it is important to find a new exhaust valve. You can also deal with your emotions by writing them off, taking long walks with a good friend and telling them what you think or by enlisting the help of a professional. In any case, the annoying feelings and thoughts do not disappear when you empty a bottle.

Make appointments

Make appointments with yourself. You don't drink during the week. A maximum of 4 units on weekends. Or: Every 3 months you take a month break. Or: If you are on vacation, you can drink, but for the rest of the summer you stick to your 3 glasses a week. After a few weeks / months, evaluate how you like the appointment and adjust it where necessary.

Draw a social boundary

Do you find it difficult to sit through your entire social calendar without drinking a drop? Avoid the social obligations you can miss and only attend the parties or socializing you don't want to miss. In other words: don't make it unnecessarily difficult for yourself.

Practical tips

Then the practical side. The repeating IkPasser knows that in the past we already shared many tips about reducing or moderating alcohol. A bird's-eye view:

• Drink from a glass, not a bottle.
• Put your glass away after each sip, so you don't take another sip too quickly.
• Alternate each glass of alcohol with a non-alcoholic alternative.
• Make sure your stomach is filled with food before you start drinking.
• Don't stock up on alcohol.
• Make agreements with yourself and even better: involve someone you trust. For example: 'Tonight I want to drink 2 beers. Then I switch to 0.0. And you keep me here too Bart'.