Some things in life really do seem to go together like a horse and carriage, and for lots of people, this applies to cigarettes and alcohol. And whereas smoking can never be described as a smart idea, moderate drinking can actually be good for you. But what if it all gets out of hand?
The harsh reality is that, far too easily, these two drugs can activate a feeding frenzy, leading to a dangerously high consumption of both. And by the time the abuser gets around to feeling uncomfortable with his or her actions, a cycle of behaviour has developed which can be hard to break.
So, is the tail wagging the dog? Which should be confronted first - cutting down on the booze or quitting smoking? This is a very good question, especially since the surest way to fail miserably at both tasks is to try and do too much at once!
Perhaps the most sensible starting point is to take an objective look at your drinking pattern. Work out with brutal honesty how many units of alcohol you consume on a typical night out, and how much that equates to over a week, or even a month.
A unit is 10ml of pure alcohol, and typically equals a single pub measure of spirits, a small glass of wine or one third of a pint of premium lager. The safe daily maximum is four units a day for men and three for women.
If your drinking habit is broadly consistent with these guidelines, then I'd recommend you congratulate yourself, leave well alone, and concentrate entirely on giving up smoking. Just keep in mind that every kind of alcoholic drink is heavily loaded with calories, while stopping smoking makes you vulnerable to weight gain - so be careful not to celebrate quitting too often!
But if your alcohol consumption leaves these sensible guidelines trailing in the dust, then it's probably best to delay tackling your smoking habit until your drinking is firmly under control.
If your consumption's been regularly dipping into double figures, then think seriously about whether you could have developed a chemical dependency. And if you have the slightest doubt, take the first opportunity to go and see your doctor, because sudden alcohol withdrawal can be fatal in some circumstances.
Otherwise, try gradually cutting down by skipping the odd round or exchanging your usual drink for a smaller equivalent and making it last longer. And why not use this wonderful opportunity to break the link between smoking and alcohol, by never lighting up while you're out on the town?
Apart from socializing, the chances are you drink mainly to relax - so you need to find other, more positive ways of doing that. Breathing exercises, meditation techniques and self-hypnosis can all help you relax far more efficiently.
They'll also help you overcome insomnia much more effectively. Because while it's true that an excess of alcohol in your body will knock you out quite nicely, the pattern of sleep that follows is frequently very poor.
So, try and establish a new routine whereby, to paraphrase Winston Churchill, you take more out of alcohol than alcohol takes out of you! This can easily be achieved, just by following a few simple rules:
- Watch your units - Remember, the sensible limit is 28 per week for men and 21 for women.
- Take a night off - A dry night or two each week won't hurt (unless you have a problem!).
- Don't rely on booze to unwind - There are much better ways to relax, so learn one!
Taking back control over your drinking won't just improve your health, it will also boost your confidence and self-esteem. And that should help focus your mind on just how absolutely terrific you're going to feel once you've successfully quit smoking!
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