* Eat something before you drink and your body will be better equipped to soak up the stuff. Go for food that takes a long time to digest, such as bread, cheese, potato and pasta, as this will line your stomach.

* Try not to mix your drinks, because you're only adding to the number of toxins that your body has to deal with.

* Try turning to the bar or party later than usual, to minimize your drinking time, or kick off with a soft drink so that you stop feeling thirsty.

* You should have at least, two drink-free days a week.

* Binge drinking is dangerous, as your body can only process one unit of alcohol per hour.

If you find yourself drifting towards alcohol dependence, three legs of tripod on which you have to work are insight, motivation and abstinence. All you need to have is a change in philosophy, firm commitment and take the first step. Lao-tse said, "the journey of thousand miles begins with one step." Why wait for a non-starter like NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS. It can take place only NOW.

The writer is a lifestyle counsellor, Fortis Hospital, Mohali