No matter your relationship with alcohol, taking a moment to ask yourself a few questions is always a good starting point. Whether it’s understanding why we feel compelled to drink, taking stock of our habits, or simply checking in to see if our drinking still aligns with our values and goals, giving some thought to our behaviour can be really beneficial. This guide provides a few ways to help you get stated.
Why do I drink?
It’s essential to understand why we consume alcohol. Is it to let off steam after a difficult day, to ease social anxiety, or just out of habit? By identifying the reasons behind every drink, we can better recognize our motivations and decide if they are still right for us.
A habit or a choice?
Are we still making a conscious choice to drink, or do we sometimes drink without even thinking about it? Asking ourselves what our intentions are every time we have a drink can help us tell the difference between a conscious choice and what may have become a habit. Being aware of this is the first step towards a healthier relationship with alcohol.
Explore alternatives
Remember that alcohol isn’t the only option. There are so many alternatives available today, including mocktails and low-alcohol drinks like session-style beer. There are more and more alternatives available, giving alcoholic beverages a run for their money. By thinking about how we can add more of these to our daily life, we can create a better balance without ruining a good time.
Am I comfortable with my alcohol consumption?
One key question to ask ourselves is: “Do I feel OK with the way I drink and how much alcohol I consume?” That means taking stock of the immediate effects as well as the long-term impacts on our physical, mental, and social health. If the answer is uncertain or negative, it may indicate that it’s time to reevaluate our relationship with alcohol.
Finally…
Taking a step back from consuming alcohol is a personal choice that can have a positive impact on many parts of our life. If thinking about it helps you to ask questions or makes you want to learn more, our site has a wide variety of scientific articles and resources to help. You’ll also find some practical tools, like the Calcoholator, a standard drink server guide, and more—all to help support you on your path to more moderate alcohol consumption.
