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Assessing High Risk Situations

For some people, the desire to drink alcohol can change with their mood or social situation. Here are some examples of what some people find to be risky situations:

• Boredom
• Fights with loved ones
• Habit, every day after work
• Smoking
• Meals/Eating
• Depression
• Restlessness
• Stress
• Going out with friends/family
• Parties/Get togethers

What were the cirucmstances the last time you were drinking? Were you with some "drinking buddies," family or alone? Were you celebrating something or were you depressed. Look back to the Alcohol Consumption Worksheet (PDF format, 7k) to help recall the situations in which you were likely to drink. Note the ones that may result in risky drinking for you.

Once you've identified high-risk situations for yourself, it is important to avoid the temptation to give in.

Here are a few examples of things you can do to cope with a risky situation:

• Call a family member, friend, or neighbor
• Read a magazine or watch television
• Garden, do a puzzle, or build something

Plan ahead and identify different behaviors you can take on to help you deal with the risky situations you've identified.

Continue reading: Coping with Cravings

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This site is part of the U-M Health System. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. © 2008 U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center