alittle alcohol can do wonders for a meal or a social gathering and theres considerable evidence that one drink a day can improve a womans health the catch is that more than one drink can keep you from functioning at your best and excessive drinking can damage virtually every organ in your body if you find that one drink is too often turning into two here are some tips for avoiding too much of a good thing prepare to change if youre drinking more than you want to make a list of your reasons for cutting back reading it every day will help keep you motivated set a goal instead of resolving vaguely to drink less set a specific limit of one drink a day for example or no alcohol except at social events then share the goal with a friend or family member who can help you stick to it avoid triggers drinking can become an automatic response to certain feelings stress anger loneliness fatigue or events getting home from work once you identify your triggers try changing your routine to avoid them a walk or a warm bath can be just as relaxing as a glass of your favourite drink if being home alone triggers your desire for a drink sign up for a course or a concert series and make a weekly movie date dont supersize train your eye to recognise a full serving of wine beer or spirits when you dine out or socialise youll know when youve been served enough water it down you dont always have to drink less to drink less alcohol try diluting your white wine with ice or seltzer and keep in mind that food especially protein helps slow the absorption of alcohol if you drink reducedalcohol wine or beer make sure youre not drinking more of it to compensate slow your pace before going out decide how much you want to drink then stick with your decision even if it means declining when an enthusiastic host tries to top off your glass a good rule of thumb for cocktail parties or long social evenings is no more than one drink per hour sip your drink slowly and put your glass down often if you like having a glass in hand ask for water or club soda once youve hit your hourly limit and if youre seated at a social event turn your wineglass over after one drink as long as its in that position no one will be temped to fill it recognise the warning signs if your drinking has begun to strain relationships or undermine your ability to function its time to take a hard look at your habits