Many millennials are choosing to build better habits around drinking. Here are some practical tips for how to reduce drinking as a social 20 something!
I don’t know about you, but my early twenties were all about going out and partying! Or meeting up for a weekly boozy brunch!
But as time went on I realized that as much as I like the social aspect of alcohol, I hated the way it made me feel! Not to mention the detrimental impact to my wallet 
!
These days a ton of younger people are transitioning to sobriety when it comes to drinking! But drinking is still so ingrained in our social culture that it can become difficult to cut back.
This article is filled with 7 tips that will show you how to reduce drinking as a social 20 something using simple methods. Remember that you can cut back on drinking slowly, and it doesn’t need to happen all at once. You can start to limit your drinking at your own pace, as long as you know how!
Alcohol is such a big part of our social culture but that doesn’t mean you need to give in to peer pressure. Start small, and do what you can to make small changes.
Plus think of all the things you can do if not suffering from hungover Sunday scaries. And your wallet will thank you as well!
This post is all about how to reduce drinking as a social 20 something!
CHECK OUT THIS POST: YOUR ULTIMATE JANUARY RESET GAME PLAN
How To Reduce Drinking In Your 20's
Tip #1 - Understand Your Why + Share It With Friends
Setting goals and sticking to them, especially in a social setting can be challenging. And while just setting your goals is important, it’s arguably even more important to determine your why. The key is to make it as specific as possible.
By being honest with yourself and determining the actual reason you want to cut back on alcohol, you will be more likely to stick to your new habits. Also, let the people around you know your why as well.
Unfortunately, not everyone in a social setting may be respectful of your choices. Peer pressure can be a big problem around some friend groups. But by knowing your why, and letting the people around you know it may be easier to say no.
Either way, you should never be forced to drink when you don’t want to. But unfortunately, it does happen, so it’s best to be prepared when possible.
If you are finding it hard to figure out your why, the easiest thing to do is to journal. Write down your thoughts, and figure it out from there!
Tip #2 - Find Alternatives On The Menu
These days more and more often I see non-alcoholic cocktail options on restaurant menus! Next time you’re at dinner try looking for the nonalcoholic options.
You can also ask for regular drinks to be made with no alcohol. Or opt for a nonalcoholic beer if you are still in the mood for the taste.
But if you are feeling something cocktail-y try asking for something fun like a Shirly Temple or an Arnold Palmer. You can always ask the bartender to make you something creative as well! Every bartender I have asked has always jumped on the idea of experimenting with creative new recipes!
Restaurants are becoming more and more sober-friendly these days. So if you are in the mood for a drink, you are bound to find something that will fit your cravings and leave you feeling refreshed and clear-headed!
Tip #3 - Have A Glass In Hand
If you are at a party, or standing in a bar it might be helpful to have something in your hand. Holding a glass or cup of soda or juice will help you feel like you are not the odd one out in a crowd.
If you have ever been to a concert you might have seen those cool looking cans of water called Liquid Death. They were actually designed to look like beer exactly for that purpose. Their ‘mission is to make people laugh and get more of them to drink more healthy beverages more often’.
So next time you are at an event, grab hold of a healthy drink. It will help you feel like you fit in socially while offering you a healthy beverage alternative!
Tip #4 - Don't Start Drinking To Begin With
If you have trouble stopping once you start it might be a good idea not to start drinking to begin with on a night out. That might seem like an obvious, but can be harder than you anticipate.
It’s easy to go in with the mindset of ‘I’ll just have one drink’. And then next thing you know you are waking up with a hangover. I’ve been there, and girl, those days are not fun!
So try out a night of sobriety. Or experiment with inviting your friend ‘Mary Jane’ out on the town if staying fully sober isn’t your thing 😉
Tip #5 - Close Your Tabs
If you are in the mood for a drink, but you want to make sure to cap it at just 1 or 2 then don’t keep your tab open. Closing your tab is a good way to prevent yourself from going back for another bevy.
Having an open tab can quickly start feeling like the drinks are unlimited. Until you get slapped with the final bill that is. By closing your tab after your first drink, you are less likely to go up and pay for another one.
If you really want to make sure you wont be having any more, ask a friend to hold your card. Having trusted friends to help you limit yourself is a great way to stay accountable.
Tip #6 - Alternate Between Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Drinks
This is a fantastic tip for how to reduce drinking as a social 20 something. By alternating between an alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink you will not only slow down your drinking. You will also stay hydrated!
Between every round order a water and slowly sip the whole thing before ordering another drink. If you are not a fan of sipping on water, you might find it better to try ordering a mocktail, or a soda.
This will keep you drinking at a much slower pace and help you hydrate yourself. It’s a really good way to make sure you don’t over drink or drink way too quickly. This is one of my personal favorite tips, and I use it quite frequently when going out!
Tip #7 - Educate Yourself On What Drinking Does To Your Body
If you are someone who likes to stick to the facts, then educating yourself on what exactly alcohol does to your body can be a game-changer.
In fact, everyone who drinks should know the dangers and long term damage that can come from overconsumption.
Alcohol negatively affects so many areas of your body, from the obvious like your liver, to the less well-known such as weakening your immune system. Plus it can really take a toll on your mental health as well since it’s a depressant. Not to mention how it can potentially negatively affect your relationship with family and friends.
Overall, even though it can be fun, knowing the dangers of drinking is so important. Once you learn these facts it will be super hard not to look at alcohol in a different way. It might just be what you need to start your journey of cutting back.
Remember, cutting back on alcohol is a good thing, and you shouldn’t let friends or family peer pressure you into drinking more than you want to. Also, if you need help with quitting never be afraid to seek professional assistance!
PIN FOR LATER 📌
