Action Steps for Change

1. Set a quit date. It might be helpful to choose a special date like a birthday, or an anniversary.

2. Change your environment. Remove all alcohol and any paraphernalia (i.e. bottle-openers) from your home and office. Do not let people drink in your home.

3. Be ready to change your activities. Instead of giving into an urge to drink, come up with alternative activities (e.g., exercising, taking a shower, etc.) to keep you busy until the urge passes.

4. Be prepared to deal with things that trigger your urge to drink, such as being in an environment where others are drinking.

5. Review your past attempts at quitting. Think about what worked and what did not. Think of what might have contributed to relapse and change accordingly.

6. Create a support network. Talk to your family, friends, and co-workers and ask for their encouragement and support. Let them know you are quitting. If they drink, ask them not to do so in front of you. Also, you might want to consider talking to your health care provider about the method of quitting drinking that is best for you.