You don't need to stop drinking to be in control of alcohol
with our system
you cut back, not out
A moderation-first system for high-functioning drinkers, taught by someone who
understands both behavioural science and the wine world from the inside.
Built by a wine trade professional
I’ve spent over 30 years working in the wine trade, surrounded by alcohol every day through extensive travel, tastings and dinners where drinking was part of the job. My own relationship with moderation was always a bit of a roller coaster, and with no real solutions available, I built my own system, effective both in and out of my professional environment.
I began teaching friends and colleagues how to cut back rather than cut out in 2023, and since then, I’ve gained coaching qualifications in behavioural science and alcohol moderation, formalised my system and become a CPD Approved Provider.
There’s no agenda to stop you drinking here; my Yorkshire heritage and wine trade experience ensure a pragmatic approach, structured to help you understand your patterns and drink on your own terms without letting autopilot dictate. It’s time for Choice O’Clock™.
Alastair, The Alcohol Reduction Coach™
“Having Alastair’s personal guidance throughout my moderation journey was a game-changer. He’s been there, done it, learned it and never judged me.”
– Karen, Secondary School Head of Dept.
All of our plans include a personalised plan, an onboarding videocall to set you up, and email support, with optional 1:1 coaching also available.
who works with us?
This is for you if...
Autopilot evenings taking over
Quick fixes keep failing
Alcohol surrounds your world
You want intentional drinking
3 in 4 people drinking above guidelines aren't dependent.
“Above guidelines” means regularly drinking more than 14 units weekly, roughly 6 medium glasses of wine or 6 pints of beer.
Latest NHS survey data shows that around 75% of people drinking above low-risk guidelines fall into the “hazardous” category under the AUDIT framework, rather than meeting criteria for dependence. They’re functioning, holding it together, but know their drinking has drifted further than they intended. The BAC System™ – The Autopilot Drinking Solution, was developed for these “grey area” drinkers.
Source: NHS Digital, Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2023/24; AUDIT framework
Visit our “Am I Drinking Too Much?” page for more information on the differences between autopilot and dependent drinking.
How I can help you cut back on drinking alcohol
BAC (Balance and Control) System™
Our bespoke system is a fusion of decades of experience in the wine trade with the latest research in neuro – and behavioural science.
- Data driven: your own consumption, mood plus physiological and psychological relationship with alcohol will be monitored by you in order to select the right strategies.
- Extensive strategy library divided into distinctive drinking pattern types.
- Comprehensive recalibration system for when things don’t go to plan
- Onboarding videocall, personalised strategies and email support included in all plans.
Coaching options
Although the BAC System is designed to be run with minimal guidance, we recognise that some people respond better to a more direct approach.
For those who do, our additional support packages include:
- A comprehensive 50-question onboarding assessment.
- Scheduled video coaching sessions for real-time troubleshooting and strategy reviews.
Extended email support between sessions for ongoing accountability and momentum.
- Available as part of packages or on an ad-hoc basis
Essential reading & resources
Alcohol Reduction Coach™ is more than just the BAC System™. Our unique perspective in the moderation has made us a vocal voice.
- Articles & Guides: Neuroscience-backed insights on autopilot drinking, habit loops, and sustainable change.
- Podcasts and Explainer videos: We’re extending our social media presence to include formats that give you more options to strengthen your understanding of the topics covered in our blogs
- Drink Reviews: Honest evaluations of alcohol-free beers, wines, and spirits. So you don’t waste money on experiments.
Personalised strategy plan
We use two very distinctive tools to measure your drinking habits and relationship with alcohol over a set period of time before starting with any concrete strategies. This approach guarantees the best chance of long-term success.
Designed for real life
Most moderation programmes fail because they expect perfection and assume anything less is a moral failure. Our techniques are designed for real life challenges and our ability to interpret what went wrong. Setbacks are viewed as data.
A System, not a course
This isn't content to consume and forget. It's an operating framework you learn to run, refine, and adapt as your patterns change. No "one size fits all", 30 day challenges or wellness fluff with ARC.
Outcomes of using The BAC System™
* results may vary amongst clients
Better sleep & energy
No more 3am wake-ups with anxiety. You'll sleep through the night and wake up with actual energy instead of dragging through mornings.
Mental clarity & focus
The fog lifts. Sharper thinking at work, better decision-making, and you'll actually remember conversations instead of replaying them with regret.
Guilt-free mornings
Stop waking up wondering what you said or did. No more shame spirals or promises you'll break by Wednesday.
Improved relationships
More present with your family. Less irritable. Actually listening instead of waiting for the evening glass to take the edge off.
Serious financial savings
From reducing your drinking plus avoiding the poor decisions that follow after a few glasses. The savings add up quickly.
Increased productivity
Reclaim your weekends. Stop wasting Saturday recovering. Get back the time and motivation you've been losing.
"Moderation is not a test of how much "temptation" you can withstand. It is the result of aligning your environment and biology so that the desired behaviour becomes the path of least resistance."
What our clients say
“I’ve known Alastair for years, and when he reset his own relationship with alcohol then set up ARC, I knew I had to be one of his first clients.
We quickly identified my triggers, and I’ve now got a toolbox of strategies that have transformed my own habits as well as my understanding myself better.”
Marcus, 51, Wine Importer.
“I went from drinking a bottle of NZ Sauvignon every night to 1.5 bottles per week, and it hasn’t been difficult at all.
I’m saving over £200 per month, I’ve lost weight, and my skin has improved. Even my Spotify listening age has come down with my new evening routines!”
Louise, 53, Health Care Professional
“The hardest part for me always used to be the hour after work, wine o’clock.
I swapped it for a hot shower, a proper dinner and something good to watch.
Sounds small, but it changed everything.”
Jess, 37, Secondary School Teacher
“I thought I was functioning fine, but after a few months my focus, energy and calm told a different story.
Not only am I performing better at work, but I’m more present for my family and friends. And drinking a lot less coffee in the mornings.”
Mark, 46, Solicitor
the problem isn't you
Why common advice fails
They don't know why you drink alcohol
We have 27 comperhensive strategies, but importantly they are divided into 3 distinct pattern types.
They fight your brain's wiring
By the time you're deciding, your brain is already running the autopilot script.
They have no protocol for failure
A system that can't learn from a bad Tuesday and recalibrate for Wednesday is designed to break.
They offer tactics, not a system
Once the programme ends, you're left with the same brain and the same triggers, just with fewer tools.
The BAC System™ was built to fix these exact flaws.
moderation in numbers*
*Footnote: Medscape; BMJ Public Health; Drinkaware (UK); ARC client outcomes. Read more in our blogs.
“Build the competence to choose when you enjoy a drink, and lose the compulsion to need one.”
– Alastair, Founder
We all know that crash diets and quick fixes don't work for weight loss - it's exactly the same principle for cutting back alcohol and moderating your drinking. It requires commitment and consistent input, but it delivers lasting control instead of temporary restriction.
1. Baseline: Understanding and tracking
Learn why willpower fails against habit loops, then track your drinking for 2-4 weeks to establish your starting point.
2. Analysis: Your pattern diagnosis
Your data reveals whether you're a routine, emotional, or social drinker. This determines which strategies will work. Get it wrong and you'll fail using tactics designed for someone else.
3. Control: Your operating system
Deploy the ARC NAV™ protocol to Notice triggers, Adjust with matched strategies, and Verify outcomes. When tactics fail, we give you extensive mechanisms for you to recalibrate and continue rather than give up.
Your Solution for Autopilot-Drinking
The BAC System™
who it doesn't work for
This is not for you if...
You want or need total abstinence
You're looking for quick fixes or willpower hacks
You have severe alcohol dependence
You're not ready to track or reflect on your habits
Looking for abstinence support rather than moderation?
If abstinence is the right path for you, whether for medical reasons or personal choice, I respect that completely. It’s not what I teach, but it matters that you find the right support for your journey. Before committing to any coach or programme, please consider the following trusted resources:
WithYou — free, confidential support and webchat with trained recovery workers. www.wearewithyou.org.uk
NHS Alcohol Support — guidance on local services and understanding withdrawal risks. www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-advice/alcohol-support
Drinkaware — independent advice and the full AUDIT screening framework. www.drinkaware.co.uk
If you’re considering any kind of coaching programme, I’ve written a guide to the 10 most important questions to ask whilst doing your own due diligence, read them here.
IT'S TIME TO INVEST IN YOURSELF
YOUR MODERATION OPTIONS
BAC System™
GUIDED
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Full BAC System
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Onboarding Video Call
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Personalised strategies
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30 Day email Support
BAC System™
GUIDED + COACHING
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BAC System - Guided
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In-Depth Assessment
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2 x 45min live coaching
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60 Day Email Support
BAC System™
FULLY COACHED
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BAC System - Guided
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In-Depth Assessment
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6 x 45min live coaching
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90 Day Email Support
BESPOKE
INDIVIDUAL COACHING
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From £2500
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3/6/12 month programmes
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WhatsApp & email support
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Partner Support
The BAC System is designed to be operated self-sufficiently, with some foundational guidance included.
Additional 1:1 support is available for those who learn better in that environment.
Deep-dive Podcast series
