Quiz: Is your drinking out of control?

Well done! Your alcohol intake seems to be well under control. As you're probably already aware, current NHS recommendations state that women should avoid regularly drinking more than two to three units per day. That's roughly the equivalent of one standard-sized (175ml) glass of wine or one pint of beer or cider. Of course, it still pays to keep an eye on how much you're drinking - particularly during Christmas and holidays when there's generally more booze on offer.

How to cut down
* Keep a drinks diary for a couple of weeks. This can be a real eye-opener and may give you the push you need to think twice before cracking open a bottle of wine after work.
* Only pour half a glass at a time - and finish it off before accepting a refill. This will help you keep tabs on how much you're drinking and you'll consume significantly less overall, according to recent US research.
* Find other ways to de-stress after a trying day. A brisk walk or yoga session can make you feel a lot better - as can having a good old moan to a friend or relative, of course.
* On a night out, alternate between booze and soft drinks. (This will also save you money!)
* Don't feel pressured to finish off the bottle. If there's leftover wine in the fridge, you don't have to drink it. Use it for cooking instead.
* Opt for smaller measures in pubs and restaurants. Just because the 125ml wine measure isn't on the menu, it doesn't mean it's not available.
* Try not to drink alcohol on consecutive days. And if you've had a heavy night of drinking, give yourself at least 48 hours before touching a drop again to give your body time to recover.
* Download Drinkaware's free app to help you keep track of the units and calories you're consuming.

You might also like…
How much booze is too much?
Hangovers: the facts
10 ways to help a hangover

Chances are you're drinking a little too much booze. Current NHS recommendations state that women should avoid drinking more than two to three units per day. That's roughly the equivalent of one standard-sized (175ml) glass of wine or one pint of beer or cider. Doesn't sound a huge amount, does it? So it can all add up without you even realising.

How to cut down
* Keep a drinks diary for a couple of weeks. This can be a real eye-opener and give you the push you need to think twice before cracking open a bottle of wine after work.
* Only pour half a glass at a time - and finish it off before accepting a refill. This will help you keep tabs on how much you're drinking and you'll consume significantly less overall, according to recent US research.
* Find other ways to de-stress after a trying day. A brisk walk or yoga session can make you feel a lot better - as can having a good old moan to a friend or relative, of course.
* On a night out, alternate between booze and soft drinks. (This will also save you money!)
* Don't feel pressured to finish off the bottle. If there's leftover wine in the fridge, you don't have to drink it. Use it for cooking instead.
* Opt for smaller measures in pubs and restaurants. Just because the 125ml measure isn't on the menu, it doesn't mean it's not available.
* Try not to drink alcohol on consecutive days. And if you've had a heavy night of drinking, give yourself at least 48 hours before touching a drop again to give your body time to recover.
* Download Drinkaware's free app to help you keep track of the units and calories you're consuming.

You might also like…
How much booze is too much?
Hangovers: the facts
10 ways to help a hangover

Be honest: you already knew your boozing was a little out of control, didn't you? It may be difficult to accept right now, but there are so many reasons to cut down: the cost, the calories, the pressure it puts on your relationships, the increased risk of serious health problems now and in the future...

We've recommended some simple ways you can start to address the issue below. But if you feel dependent on alcohol - or others have raised concerns about the amount you're drinking - speak to your GP, who will discuss the best self-help measures, services and treatments available to you. You can also get more support and advice from Drinkline on 0300 123 1110, or contact Drinkaware (www.drinkaware.co.uk).

How to cut down
* Keep a drinks diary for a couple of weeks. This can be a real eye-opener and may give you the push you need to think twice before cracking open a bottle of wine after work.
* Try not to drink alcohol on consecutive days. And if you've had a heavy night of drinking, give yourself at least 48 hours before touching a drop again to give your body time to recover.
* Only pour half a glass at a time - and finish it off before accepting a refill. This will help you keep tabs on how much you're drinking and you'll consume significantly less overall, according to recent US research.
* Find other ways to de-stress after a trying day. A brisk walk or yoga session can make you feel a lot better - as can having a good old moan to a friend or relative, of course.
* On a night out, alternate between booze and soft drinks. (This will also save you money!)
* Don't feel pressured to finish off the bottle. If there's leftover wine in the fridge, you don't have to drink it. Use it for cooking instead.
* Opt for smaller measures in pubs and restaurants. Just because the 125ml wine measure isn't on the menu, it doesn't mean it's not available.
* Download Drinkaware's free appto help you keep track of the units and calories you're consuming.

You might also like…
How much booze is too much?
Hangovers: the facts
10 ways to help a hangover