Professional advice to control drinking alcohol

Alcohol has many benefits but letting it get out of hand can be devastating to your health. Here are some suggestions to put you in control of your drinking.

That's two or less alcoholic drinks per day for men, one for women. Health dangers begin to rise for people who drink more than that.

You're more likely to slowly sip a beer or a nice glass of wine if you're enjoying it along with a good meal. At parties or before you eat, stick with iced tea, water, or sparkling water with a splash of lemon or lime.

For a teenager, feeling drunk might seem novel and cool. As a mature adult, there is no sound reason ever to get drunk. If you discover that you are drinking for the effects of the alcohol — be they to escape a bad day, give you courage in new situations, or merely to be "one of the gang" — stop immediately. Work hard to find a healthier coping mechanism.

Soon after you cut back or quit, your digestion will improve. You'll sleep more soundly. Your blood sugar will be lower and steadier. Your blood pressure may fall toward a healthier range. Even your brain will bounce back if you cut back or stop drinking. If you have liver damage, cutting back on alcohol and eating a healthier diet could help your liver regenerate itself to some degree.

If you can't stick with a healthy drink limit, if you drink secretly, or if you need more alcohol to get the same "drunken" effect, it's time to get help. You may have an alcohol-use disorder. Talk with your doctor and contact a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous for the support you'll need to make a healthy change.

Your doctor should discuss a high-calorie diet to help your liver regenerate. You may also need medications for related health problems including high blood pressure, bleeding blood vessels, fluid retention, and itching.

Drinkers should talk with their doctors about whether they need more frequent screenings for cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, breast, and colon.