TOP TRICKS TO DRINK LESS

TALL ORDER: People tend to pour themselves smaller measures when using taller rather than short and wide glasses, according to research published in the British Medical Journal.

Using a straight glass can make you drink 60 per cent slower than using a curvy one.

Studies show we drink faster while standing up, and also that we consume 12 per cent more wine if we hold a glass as we pour, instead of putting it on a table.

Avoid darker spirits such as whisky and brandy, which have more congeners – linked to causing hangovers – than lighter ones such as vodka.

A normal pub serving of spirits is 25ml but at home we tend to pour out more. Get yourself a bar-style jigger to help measure your drinks out.

Loud music boosts alcohol consumption according to scientists – probably because we talk less and spend more time with a glass at our mouth.

Line your stomach with omega 3 good fats such as salmon before drinking. It slows the rate of alcohol absorption. But avoid salty snacks that increase thirst.

Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or non-alcoholic tipples, but avoid combining alcohol with energy drinks, like vodka and Red Bull. A study, published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, found it makes you more likely to binge. ● Use the Drinkaware app to log your units. Go to drinkaware.co.uk