It is big business these days the alcohol-free lifestyle, and it is something that many are quietly finding themselves intrigued about. We say quietly because there seems to be a reluctance to say anything aloud.
Well, it is now time to shout it form the rooftops!
And we do not think we are alone with wanting to shout our intentions.
If you are one of those interested in investigating further the idea of reducing your alcohol consumption, or even giving up alcohol entirely, then let us tell you, you are not alone.
The alcohol free movement has been gaining traction for some time, and not just among the younger generations1, who it seems are seriously reassessing their relationship with alcohol and the part it plays in their life on a day to day basis, but also among the generation who are now 50+, who have found themselves regularly cracking open a bottle of wine, or two a night, as a routine habit after a “hard day”.
Even being slightly curious, and interested in reducing your alcohol content, rather than completely removing alcohol from your life, can have significant positive effects on your health, both physically and mentally.
And just some of the reasons highlighted below maybe be compelling enough for you to investigate further.
Benefits for your Physical Health
There is no doubt that the physical benefits weigh in high on the list for many of those who have looked closely at their relationship with alcohol.
Some examples include, but are not limited to:
Improved Sleep
Many will use alcohol as something to induce sleep, but in the main any sleep induced by alcohol will rarely be a healthy one. Alcohol will disturb the normal sleep cycle by having a “sedative” effect. Omit the alcohol and you will hopefully experience a more restful and rejuvenating sleep2.
Lower Blood Pressure
A reduction in your alcohol intake can assist in the reduction of your blood pressure. NHS UK advise that excessive drinking can “increase your blood pressure and blood cholesterol3 levels, both of which are major risk factors to hearth health”4.
Improved Liver Health
Give the liver a helping hand to do its job more effectively.
Your liver works to remove toxins (poisons) from your body, alcohol being one of these. The more alcohol you drink the harder your liver must work4.
Reduce Your Risk to Certain Types of Cancer and Dementias
Cancer Research UK5 have proven that alcohol has a direct link to Breast Cancer, Bowel Cancer (two of the most common), Mouth Cancer, some types of Throat Cancer (including oesophageal, larynx, and pharynx and liver cancer…see above!
Increased Hydration of the Body
Reduce the alcohol and you are more likely to feel hydrated6, and this can lead to improved general health, both physically and mentally (but water is a topic for another day). And if you suffer with those hangovers, we bet you know from your own experience, that you will reach for the water to try and help combat those incessant headaches! You may also find that your skin health improves.4
Reduced Alcohol Consumption Can Help you to Manage your Weight.
Many alcoholic drinks are high in calories4 (yes, we know the argument about calories but let us just use that word for now) and often offer more “calories” to your daily calorific content. Add on the kebab on the way home and you will see where we are going with this.
There was a great quote by Neil Ruddock7 where he described his relationship to alcohol and food which stuck with us.
‘I called it bad, sad, glad, mad syndrome. If I was mad, I’d have a drink and eat. If I was glad and happy, I’d drink and eat. So whatever emotion I had, my excuse was to eat and drink to get me out of that emotion. And the next day I’d feel bad so what did I do? Eat and drink again.
Benefits for your Mental Health
Following on from that quote…
We drink when we are feeling mischievous, when we are upset or depressed, when we are celebrating…anything…and when we are angry and frustrated.
Alcohol has been described as a “favourite coping mechanism.”
Improved Mood
Alcohol in the short term can increase the body’s production of dopamine and serotonin, but long term or excessive drinking can also lower both hormones too8.
There is an excellent video which shows the effects of dopamine “hits” below. (This does not just apply to alcohol…)
Many people report that they feel much more emotionally stable when they cut back on alcohol and their anxiety is reduced too.
Improved Concentration
Take away the alcohol and the chances are you will notice an improvement in both your focus and your mental clarity.
Increased Memory Function
Alcohol hinders memory function, particularly in the hippocampus. Reducing your alcohol intake can help to improve your ability to retain memories.
Social and Lifestyle Benefits
Embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle can positively impact your social life (honestly it really can), and your day to day living.
More Energy to do the things you REALLY want to do.
People adopting an alcohol-free lifestyle often report finding themselves with new found energy they never realised that they had!
Imagine, waking up with a hangover and how that truly feels if you are honest with yourself, where does the get up and go? Nine times out of ten we bet it gets up and leaves.
Now imagine waking up clear headed, after having had a fully restorative nights sleep. No banging headache to contend with. What would you really like to do with your time if it were your own and had not been hijacked by the night before?
Better Conversations with Everyone!
Your may find that your conversations have more meaning when you are not under the influence of alcohol. We have all done it, had the same conversation half a dozen times…in the same night.
But what about at home?
Many people affirm that they have much more clarity in their conversations with their partner and their children, and often more patience, and an ability to listen.
And If Nothing Else Think About the Possible Financial Savings!
A simple exercise for you.
Grab a pen and a piece of paper, okay your mobile.
Think how much you have spent this past week on alcohol? Be honest. Total it all up through the week. The wine bottles at home of an evening, the cheeky drink at lunchtime, the “just the one “after work, the heavy sessions at the weekend…now multiply that by fifty-two.
What could you do with that additional money? Save for a deposit for a house? New Car? Holiday?
How to Start Your Sober Curious Journey
If you are interested in exploring an alcohol-free lifestyle, here are just a few simple pointers to get you started.
- Do not think that you must go cold turkey. Some people do, yes, but cutting back on your alcohol consumption is an excellent place to start.
Try not to drink on consecutive nights (this will give your liver some chance to recover), or give yourself a designated alcohol-free day a week,
- Look at drinking alcohol free alternatives, the list in most bars is excellent these days. A large part of “drinking” is the habit of it. So, you may find that the alcohol-free alternative satisfies your need.
- Connect with others who are also interested in cutting back or going alcohol free and lean on them for the support. There are numerous online support groups these days. Check out the social media sites for the likes of OYNB or the Dryy App.
- Be patient. You are trying to break a habit that has potentially been with you for years, dare we say decades. We are not saying that it will be easy, but most who have been where you are and succeeded will tell you that pushing through that initially challenging period means that you get to reap the rewards, and you are unlikely to turn back,
Remember, this is all about being mindful of your alcohol consumption and exploring how reducing or eliminating your alcohol intake may improve your life1.
Whether you choose to cut back temporarily or make a long-term change, well done!
As we approach the spring of 2025, why not give it a try?
You might be surprised by how much better you feel, both physically and mentally, when you embrace a life with less alcohol or no alcohol at all.
1. https://www.calm.com/blog/sober-curious
3. Alcohol misuse – Risks – NHS
4. https://www.priorygroup.com/blog/benefits-of-giving-up-alcohol-for-a-month
5. Alcohol and cancer | Cancer Research UK and Alcohol related brain damage – Dementia UK
6. The science of nutrition and healthy eating: Week 3: 1 | OpenLearn – Open University
8. How does alcohol affect your mood? | Fact sheet | Alcohol Change UK
