Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention

Realizing that alcohol causes problems helps some people avoid it. Suggestions to decrease the risk of alcohol abuse and dependence include:

• Socialize without alcohol.
• Avoid going to bars.
• Do not keep alcohol in your home.
• Avoid situations and people that encourage drinking.
• Make new nondrinking friends.
• Do fun things that do not involve alcohol.
• Avoid reaching for a drink when stressed or upset.
• Limit your alcohol intake to a moderate level.
  • Moderate is two or fewer drinks per day for men and one or fewer for women and older adults
  • A 12-ounce bottle of beer, a five-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of liquor is considered one drink
• If you are a parent, having a good relationship with your children may reduce their risk of alcohol abuse.

Most professionals who treat alcohol abuse and dependence believe that complete abstinence is the only effective “prevention.”