If you, or others, believe you are drinking too much you can easily improve your life and health by cutting down on your alcohol consumption. What exactly entails drinking too much? Read these questions and answer "yes" or "no":

When you feel angry or sad do you drink alone? Does your drinking ever make you late for work? Does your family consider your drinking excessive? Do you ever drink after telling yourself you won't? Do you ever forget what you did while you were drinking? Do you often have a hang-over or get headaches after you have been drinking? You may have a drinking problem if you answered "yes" to any of these questions. You can always check with your medical doctor to be sure if you have any questions. Your doctor will be able to tell you whether you should cut down or completely abstain. If you have medical problems related to your alcohol consumption, you should not just cut down on your drinking--you should stop drinking completely. Your doctor will advise you about what is right for you.

Here are some steps can help you if your doctor tells you to cut down on your drinking:

1. Write your reasons for cutting down or stopping.

Why do you want to drink less? There are many reasons why you may want to cut down or stop drinking. You may want to improve your health, sleep better, or get along better with your family or friends. Make a list of the reasons you want to drink less.

2. Set a goal of how much you will drink.

Decide, before you begin drinking, exactly how many drinks you will have. You may decide to cut down or not to drink at all. If you are cutting down, keep below these limits:

Women: No more than one drink a day

Men: No more than two drinks a day

A drink is:

a 12-ounce bottle of beer; a 5-ounce glass of wine; or a 1 1/2-ounce shot of liquor. These limits may be too high for some people who have certain medical problems or who are older. Talk with your doctor about the limit that is right for you.

Write your goal on a piece of paper. Put it where you can see it daily, such as on your refrigerator or bathroom mirror.