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Taking the fizz out

How sure are you that your intake of alcohol is within normal limits? Read on to find out how alcohol is life's party pooper

TEMPTING Life can be celebrated even without alcohol

According to a recent report more than Rs. 20 crores of booze was consumed in Kerala for New Year celebrations alone.

Partying and celebration have become a lifestyle statement today. You are either a guest or host most days. Private family meals have decreased. Business and official luncheon and dinner meetings/conferences have further cut down the intake of simple home cooked meals. Life is one big party today.

With so much entertainment for your taking you are not only pampered with a sumptuous spread of new and exotic dishes but are also seduced by rows and rows of booze lined up tantalisingly. Many with resolutions may be fooling themselves into believing that it is just another harmless peg but actually increasing their quota to dangerous levels.

The normal limit

Thus how sure are you that your intake of alcohol is within normal limits? The lure of alcohol is strong and if unchecked slowly wrecks your health besides your and your family's reputation.

Many deceive themselves and indulge excessively. However, certain factors can help you decide whether you are drinking too much and help you reduce. Do you drink when you are angry, upset or sad? If yes it indicates that alcohol is your only refuge from negative emotions. Stop this destructive habit immediately and find other ways like working out or calling up friends to uplift your mood.

Headaches and hangovers the morning after a party show that you crossed your limits and did have a wide splurge the previous night. Does your drinking make you late for work? If yes it shows your system had more than it could absorb making you lethargic and slowing you down. Many who had a peg too much also forget what they did while they were having a bash.

This is highly risky for you can be extremely vulnerable to attempt things unnatural and unlawful when high. And if your family worries about your drinking there is no doubt that you are drinking beyond acceptable levels.

So restrict alcohol and make your home, spouse and children secure, strong and self-assured. There are many ways to cut down or completely stop drinking. For those who have a peg a day, which is normal and even considered healthy never stock. Only keep a small quantity of liquor at home.

You also do not have to drink when others do. Learn to say no politely. Steer away clear from those who are always eyeing your glass to refill it. Never drink on an empty stomach. Always eat between drinks. Sip your drink slowly. Take a break of one hour in between drinks.

Drinking soda, juice or just plain water after a drink also helps. If you cannot control confide in your family or close friends. Consulting a doctor thus will be the next natural step.

Once you have been advised to cut down reflect and make a list of the positive factors emerging like sleeping better, improving health and relationships, utilising the money spent on alcohol for better things etc.

Diary & chart

Set a goal and try to keep it. Keep a record of the number of drinks you had in a diary. Make a chart so that you can use it practically to bring your level down. You will be surprised how much you can accomplish. If you find it bothersome to maintain a chart ask your spouse.

Remember the people who are concerned and worry about your drinking are those who care for you the most. So never give up if you don't succeed at first. It may not be easy but with a firm mind you can do it.

Be active. Play games or go for excursions or sightseeing when you feel the urge. Take up yoga or join a health club.

HEMJIT BHARATHAN

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