A standard glass of wine is 5 ounces, which contains about 12% alcohol. A shot of distilled spirits like vodka is 1.5 ounces and equally 40% alcohol. One 12-ounce can of beer contains about 5% alcohol, and a standard glass of sherry is 3 to 4 ounces and contains about 17% alcohol, according to the NIAAA. People are suffering from the same disease, and that is the disease: the belief that alcohol does something for you and that you are dependent on that so-called benefit. You are cured once you see alcohol for what it is: a poison that does nothing whatsoever for anyone. He added: "So if you really like the taste of non-alcoholic whiskey or beer, why aren't you having it at 10 in the morning?" Listen to the hilarious podcast via Global Player.

My problem was that when I wanted to lose weight and look at my overall health I COULDN’T give up those two glasses. I tried with will power but I was miserable and felt deprived. I became angry that ‘my little helper’ was gone. Life just didn’t seem worth it. Do you turn to alcohol when stewing in anger? In its book Living Sober, Alcoholics Anonymous suggests navigating these feelings with exercise, talking the situation through with a trusted friend, getting rest and choosing a “live and let live” mindset instead of drinking. 12. Avoid loneliness. This book broke the alcohol spell. I was then able to make clear choices about what I really wanted for me life. Yes there’s been some tough times when I’ve gone into the old thought pattern- ‘ah I really need a drink’. But because I’m no longer physically and emotionally addicted I can make the rational decision ‘alcohol won’t serve me at this time’.

Success stories

Allen Carr’s Easyway has more than 40 years of experience and 150 centres in over 50 countries across the globe. This unabridged audiobook is direct, easy-to-follow and engaging way of digesting the method, which will help you control your drinking habit for good without willpower of sacrifice. Prepare yourself for those times when someone is going to offer you a drink. Find words to help you decline politely but firmly. “No thanks” is a simple, clear statement. You might also hold onto a nonalcoholic drink instead, ask a friend to support you in difficult situations or simply exit early if temptation gets too strong, the NIAAA suggests. 16. If you slip, return to your plan. Guard against temptation. Steer clear of people and places that make you want to drink. If you associate drinking with certain events, such as holidays or vacations, develop a plan for managing them in advance. Monitor your feelings. When you're worried, lonely, or angry, you may be tempted to reach for a drink. Try to cultivate new, healthy ways to cope with stress.

Choose alcohol-free days. Decide not to drink a day or two each week. You may want to abstain for a week or a month to see how you feel physically and emotionally without alcohol in your life. Taking a break from alcohol can be a good way to start drinking less.

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I didn’t drink socially or to excess. I drank two glasses of wine every night when cooking dinner because I was exhausted and lonely. Coming home after work and having to reluctantly cook dinner alone for tired children is sooo depressing! Wine was my friend. I eased into this window of the day better. I yelled at the kids less. I got dinner made, done and survived until the kids got to bed. That doesn’t sound too bad does it?! Some of these strategies — such as watching for peer pressure, keeping busy, asking for support, being aware of temptation, and being persistent — can also be helpful for people who want to give up alcohol completely. If you are undecided about this book just do it. For the cost of a bottle wine I’ve been able to completely change how I see my life and feel amazing about being at the steering wheel.