The New Year has begun and you made a decision to start it off right. You’ve made a resolution to stop drinking. Whether you’ve done it because you were drinking a bit too much or simply to become a healthier version of you, it’s a resolution that can be hard to stick with. Here are some tips to help you out.

1. Dry January

Participate in dry January. Giving yourself a goal of not drinking for 30 days is far more attainable than saying you won’t drink forever. Once you hit the 30 day mark, studies show that you have developed new habits and will find it easier to say no to a drink in the future.

Even if you find yourself accepting a drink and falling off the wagon so-to-speak, you can get right back on. Don’t think of yourself as a failure because you didn’t make it to 30 days. Just start over.

2. Health Benefits

If you are going to stop drinking, why not consider the health benefits of doing so? Spend a bit of time with your computer and learn about all the ways that not drinking can be healthier for your body. Instead of focusing on the difficulty of not drinking, focus on the benefits. You will have more money, you will sleep better, you will be more engaged with your friends and family, and you may even lose a bit of weight.

3. Make a List of Reasons

No good habit begins with “because” for a reason. You have decided to stop drinking for reasons so write them down. Put your list where you can see it. Having a reason will also make it easier for you to turn down a drink. When a friend offers you a beverage, you can say “no” and then provide your reason. Your friend will be less likely to pressure you into acceptance.

4. Have a Plan

It does no good to make a resolution if you have no plan in place to stick to it. If you mostly drink at the bar with your friends, don’t go to the bar. If you have a standing weekend “date” night with a partner, switch up your activities. If you go to the corner bar after work with your fellow employees, politely decline to go. Don’t put yourself in situations where it will be more difficult to stick with your resolution.

5. Stay Focused

If you’ve made a resolution to stop drinking, that should be the only habit you are trying to break. Trying to change too many habits at once will be overwhelming and you will find yourself failing. Work on not drinking and when you feel like you’ve got it all under control, focus on a new change. One thing at a time.

If you can stop drinking, your chances of a DUI are eliminated, but if you do happen to find yourself arrested for DUI in Philadelphia, we can assist you. Call our office today to schedule a case evaluation and learn more about how we can help you.