Can I cut back on drinking instead of quitting completely?
From the RecoveryHome team. We write some questions from situations people often ask us about, and answer them with general information from public health sources. Been through this yourself? Your answer could help the next person who finds this page. How we write team posts
RH
RecoveryHome team Team
asked 2 days ago
Not everyone who's worried about their drinking wants to quit for good. Is cutting back a realistic goal?
RH
RecoveryHome team Team
answered 2 days ago · general information, not medical advice
For some people, yes. For others, stopping completely is safer. It depends on your situation, and it's a good question to work through with a doctor or counselor.
Cutting back may be reasonable if your drinking problems are mild and you don't have health conditions that alcohol worsens.
Stopping completely is usually recommended if:
- You've had withdrawal symptoms, or you drink to feel normal
- You've tried to cut back before and couldn't stick with it
- You're pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- You take medications that interact with alcohol, or have liver disease or other related health problems
If you try cutting back, set specific limits, track your drinks honestly, and decide in advance what you'll do if you go over. If it isn't working after a few weeks, that's useful information, not failure.
NIAAA's Rethinking Drinking has free tools for both goals.
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