How to Count How Many Drinks You’ve Had
Do you suffer from alcohol addiction? Have you ever tried a drinks counter? There are ways for you to count your alcoholic beverages and keep your drinking under control. Drink trackers, and drink counter apps, are very useful tools in recovering from alcohol addiction. Knowing your limits and what your goals should be will help put you on a better path.
In addition, if you or someone you love is suffering from alcohol addiction call us today at 623-263-7371. Our representatives will be happy to discuss any problems you may have, and how to help you start your new life today.
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How and why is tracking your alcohol important? Dive into this article to get all of the details.

Know Your Limits
Knowing your limit with alcohol is very important. But how are you supposed to know your limit? If you suffer from alcohol addiction, then once you start drinking it can be near impossible to stop. There are a few different ways to keep track of your alcohol consumption. For example, figuring out what works best for you and sticking to it will help you beat this. Alcoholism can affect anyone and everyone. It is important that you find the best route for you. Let’s talk about what drink counters are, figuring out if you need to count your drinks, and tips for getting to your better life.
Why Should I Count My Drinks?
Counting your drinks can be the best way to reduce the amount of alcohol you consume. There may be many resources out there that claim to help you manage your drinking. However, the best way to manage your drinking is simply to cut back. It has been found that the best way to start cutting back is to count your drinks. So, if you are looking to cut back or quit drinking, start counting your drinks, because this could start your path to a better and healthier lifestyle.
Advantages of Counting Drinks
An advantage of counting your drinks is you will physically see when you have reached your given number. In addition, it is also always smart to consult with your doctor before you stop or quit drinking. They will be able to help assist you along the way, and having a plan of action and a support network is always beneficial.
If you reduce your alcohol intake, you may notice some benefits that come with it. For example, you may experience:
- Positive moods
- Better sleep habits
- An improvement in your relationships
- Better performance at work
- Lowered risk of health problems
- Saving money
These positive outcomes may end up being a great motivational tool for you to use.
Side Effects of Drinking Too Much
Like most drugs, drinking too much alcohol comes with negative side effects. In addition, excessive alcohol use can result in long-term damage to your health. For example, you may experience:
- High blood pressure
- Alcohol dependence
- Social problems
- Unemployment
- Cancer
- Weakened immune system
- Memory problems
- Depression
- Anxiety
Knowing the risks associated with drinking too much can help put you on the right path. Also, looking out for these symptoms in loved ones could help save them as well. However, it is important to remember that everyone is different. So, some side effects may occur, and others may not. It is important to talk to a professional if you are experiencing an addiction to alcohol or any associated symptoms.
How Do I Track Alcohol?
There are a couple of different ways you will be able to track your alcohol intake. However, how you track your alcohol depends on you. Everyone is different. You will need to find what works best for you. Let’s talk about a few different ways you can count your drinks.
Alcohol Apps
In today’s society, technology is everywhere. Having a drinks counter at the tip of your fingers at all times could be a huge benefit. But did you know that there are actual apps available to help you keep track of your drinks? Drink counter apps are becoming more popular and widely available. Some are even free. Several options are available for both iPhone and Android. For instance, here is a list of a couple of apps you might want to look at:
- Sober Grid
- Android: Free
- iPhone: Free
- Twenty-Four Hours a Day
- Android: $5.99
- iPhone: $5.99
- Sobriety Counter
- Android: Free
- iPhone: Currently unavailable
- Nomo
- Android: Free
- iPhone: Free
- AlcoDroid Alcohol Tracker
- Android: Free
- iPhone: Currently unavailable
- I Am Sober
- Android: Currently unavailable
- iPhone: Free
- Stop Drinking with Andrew Johnson
- Android: $2.99
- iPhone: $2.99
- Happify
- Android: Currently unavailable
- iPhone: Free
- Coach.me
- Android: Free
- iPhone: Free
- 12 Steps AA Companion
- Android: $2.99
- iPhone: $2.99
In short, it is important to remember that what may work for you may not work for someone else. Each drink counter app is unique. Thus, there are various features available. That is to say; you should find one that works best for you and try to stick to it.
Drink Counter Cards
If you are more old-fashioned, then there are still ways for you to track your drinks. If you are not tech-savvy – do not worry. There are physical cards that you can get. These cards you can print, cut out, and physically carry around with you. Like the apps, each card layout may be different. In addition, some have a calendar-like layout. These four-week tracker cards are great for keeping track of the number of drinks per week. You will also be able to see the total at the end of the week.
Furthermore, there is a card called a drinking analyzer card. These cards are great for helping you figure out the root of your drinking problems. It will have you write down the situation or trigger that cause you to drink. Then, you will write down the type of drink you consumed. Next, you will jot down the amount of the drinks you drank. Finally, it will ask you for a consequence. What happened because you took a drink? These cards are popular amongst those who like to analyze their problems and find the main cause. For example, the cards you find here are great tools to get you started.
Tips for Beating Alcoholism
So, you have decided to count your drinks and beat alcoholism! This is great news. While it may seem like a daunting road ahead of you, you must remember that you are never alone. It will be a long road, but worth it in the end. However, here are a few extra tips to help you beat alcoholism.
Keeping Track of Your Alcohol is a Great First Step
Whether it be carrying a drink tracker card, making a mark on a calendar at home, or using your mobile device for a drink counter app, keeping track of your alcohol can be a highly beneficial step. Most importantly, though, find a method that you can stick to.
Measure Your Drinks
Second, knowing the standard size of drinks makes it easier for you to keep count. Measuring drinks away from home is often a difficult task. With mixed drinks, you can get more alcohol than you think. You will also need to tell your server not to refill or top off a glass of wine. Being in a social setting like this can make it difficult for a lot of people. But you will feel better at the end of the day when you know you have succeeded.
Find Alternative Activities
Third, finding ways to develop new hobbies, activities, or relationships. Renewing lost relationships can be a great alternative also. Finding ways to distract yourself from the thought of alcohol can be vital. Moreover, look for healthier ways to cope with stress, manage your mood, or feel comfortable in social settings.
Try to Avoid Triggers
Fourth, take a step back and look at your drinking habits critically. What triggers you to drink? If a certain person or place is your cause, then do your best to avoid them. If it is certain activities, times of day, or feelings, find ways to distract yourself. Again, finding new hobbies and activities is great for this.
Prepare Yourself for Urges
Fifth, knowing that you are going to have urges is very important. “Forewarned is forearmed,” as the saying goes. If you cannot avoid your triggers and the urges happen, then remind yourself of the reason for your lifestyle change. For example, talking with someone you trust or getting into physical activities can both help you cope.
Know When to Say No
Finally, there will be times that you are offered a drink. You may want to say yes, but it is important to remember how far you have come. Be ready to decline the offer politely. The faster you can decline any offers presented to you, the less likely you will cave and have a drink. Once you hesitate, the excuses will start to flow. In other words, try to stay strong and remember to say no.
While these tips are great for reminding yourself how to stay sober, they may not work for everyone. You are a unique individual, and you will need a unique way to find your path. But know that you can find it, and you can stay on it.
Treatment Options for Alcohol Addiction
Research shows that about one-third of people that get treatment for alcohol addiction do not show symptoms one year later.
In addition, medications are sometimes used to help aid addicts during their withdrawal from alcohol. The newest types of prescriptions work by balancing the changes that go on in the brain because of alcohol. They are also non-addictive. However, they can be used alone or in combination with other treatment techniques.
Furthermore, some other forms of treatment include behavioral therapy. This is also called alcohol counseling. You will work with a health care professional in order to figure out the cause behind your drinking. For example, features you will come across in behavioral treatments can include:
- Building skills that will help you reduce your drinking or eventually stop
- Learning how to build a good support system
- Setting and working towards reaching certain goals
- Figuring out and dealing with your triggers
There are many different treatment options available. Simply tracking their alcohol intake may work for some, while others could need therapy and medication. Regardless, finding the treatment that works best for you is your first step toward starting a better life.
If you or a loved one suffer from alcohol addiction, then reach out to us today at the number below. Our professionals are standing by to answer any questions you may have and share the resources you need for a successful recovery.
Written by Alison Barriere
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Resources
- https://www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/Tools/Interactive-worksheets-and-more/Track-what-you-drink/Drinking-Tracker-Cards.aspx
- https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm
- https://www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/thinking-about-a-change/strategies-for-cutting-down/tips-to-try.aspx
- https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/treatment-alcohol-problems-finding-and-getting-help
- https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/alcohol/about-alcohol/how-can-you-reduce-or-quit-alcohol
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318913#12-Steps-AA-Companion