Are you a heavy drinker? Follow these six tips to cut back, from knowing your units to knowing your triggers

EXPERTS have warned that heavy drinking is the sixth biggest cause of serious illness among people in their 50s and 60s.

Many of us drink way more than the Government’s recommended maximum intake of 14 units per week. Here’s six tips to help cut down.

Know your units

Men and women are advised to not exceed 14 units a week. One (175ml) glass of average-strength (12 per cent) wine is two units.

A pint of low-strength (3.6 per cent) beer is two units. Avoid drinking more than seven of either tipple.

Identify triggers

Many of us drink to relax. Some feel the pressure to drink to fit in to certain environments.

If you are trying to cut down, knowing what triggers you to reach for a drink can help you find healthier alternatives.

Change activities

Instead of arranging to meet your friends down the pub, why not make a plan that doesn’t involve alcohol.

You could watch a movie at the cinema, go for a walk or meet up for a coffee instead.

Keep a drinks diary

It’s easy to lose track of your drinking. A few glasses after work, on a night out – it soon adds up.

Keeping a record as you go can highlight how much you are really having.

Download the app to log your consumption easily.

Plan your week

At the beginning of the week, write down when you are going to have a drink and how many you are going to limit yourself to.

Keep your plan somewhere you will see it to remind you to stay focussed.

Concerned? Seek help

We often picture individuals with alcohol problems as dysfunctional.

The truth is, there are many functioning alcoholics who lead a relatively normal life.

If you struggle to control your drinking, it’s time to speak to your GP.