Saying no to alcohol – reducing consumption of alcohol and quitting drinking

Assessing alcohol use can be challenging. Monitoring tools and tests can help you to understand your alcohol consumption. If you are concerned about your drinking, try reducing the amount you consume. Those who consume much alcohol might fail repeatedly in their efforts to drink less. In such cases, it may be sensible to stop drinking completely.

Alcohol tests help in monitoring and testing alcohol use

Tools and tests are available for monitoring alcohol consumption and assessing alcohol dependence:

• The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) helps you assess whether you are drinking in moderation.
• The Short Alcohol Dependence Data (SADD) questionnaire helps you determine the level of alcohol dependence.

Tips for reducing alcohol use

If you are concerned about your drinking, try reducing the amount you consume. Here are tips for reducing your alcohol consumption:

• Drink less alcohol per occasion.

• Switch to a beverage with a lower alcohol content or choose a non-alcoholic option.

• Avoid situations in which you drink to excess.

• Learn to say no to alcoholic beverages when they are offered.

• Have a Dry January – or a dry month at some other time of year. Quitting alcohol consumption entirely for a while will show you how dependent you are.

If you cannot reduce your alcohol consumption on your own, or fail repeatedly in your efforts to do so, seek help.

Source: AddictionLink

Where can I find help for cutting down and quitting alcohol use?

If you are worried about your alcohol use, need support in cutting down on drinking or feel that you cannot quit alcohol use without assistance, seek help immediately. In such cases, contact:

• a health centre
• hometown/municipal substance abuse services
• occupational health care provider or
• the Finnish Student Health Service (YTHS)
• the nearest A-Clinic
• the local A-kilta.

The Finnish Association for Substance Abuse Prevention (EHYT) operates a free substance abuse counselling service, 24/7 all year-round. The helpline number is 0800 900 45 (mainly answers calls in Finnish).

The A-Clinic Foundation’s AddictionLink provides comprehensive information, support and counselling on intoxicants and dependence to both substance abusers and their family members and loved ones.

Care Card provides contact information for professional help

Alko’s Care Card is a brochure that is available in Alko stores. It contains information about organisations that provide help and support for substance abuse problems; dealing with crises, violence and loneliness; and substance abuse problems during pregnancy and early parenthood.

As well as being available in Alko stores, the Care Card also acts as a tool for sales staff when a customer needs help and raises a problem relating to either their own or a loved one’s challenging situation and needs help.

Read more and see the organisations that provide help and support.

Alko purchase ban agreement as a support in cutting down and quitting alcohol use

If you are concerned about your alcohol use, need help in cutting down or feel that you are unable to stop using alcohol on your own, you can sign a purchase ban agreement with Alko to support your decision to cut down or quit alcohol use. Read more about the purchase ban agreement.

Article picture: Folio Images