Like to recover from a hard day’s work with a glass or 2 of wine? Yep! You’re not alone. Most Australians like a drink.
While there’s no safe level of drinking, being ‘sober curious’, or embracing mindful drinking, may be a safe way to help reduce your alcohol intake or stop drinking altogether.
Here’s ‘sober curiosity’ explained and its health benefits.
What is sober curiosity?
Unlike sobriety, which involves giving up alcohol for good, being sober curious is about questioning and modifying your drinking habits.
Those who are sober curious don’t go along with the drinking culture. Just because others are drinking, they won’t necessarily do the same. People who are sober curious will consider how much they want to drink or if they will at all.
What happens when you stop drinking?
When you cut back on booze, you do your mental and physical health a favour. Research shows that after quitting or reducing your alcohol intake, your:
- mood and sleep quality get boosted
- energy levels increase
- relationships benefit
- work performance improves
- risk of long-term health problems lower
- bank balance grows
If you’re a regular or heavy drinker, it can be dangerous to reduce or quit alcohol on your own. Your doctor can refer you to treatment, such as detox, medication and counselling, to help you manage withdrawal symptoms.
How can I stop drinking every night?
Whether your intent is to drink less or quit altogether, it’s a good idea to have a plan before you embark on your ‘sober curiosity’ journey.
Keep in mind that breaking habits and routines isn’t easy. Be compassionate to yourself. Celebrate your small wins and persevere if you slip up. Give yourself credit for the steps you’re taking.
Read this article, ‘Managing your alcohol intake’, for tips on how to be mindful about drinking.
Need to seek professional support?
Your sober curiosity journey is a learning experience. If you’re having trouble reducing how much you drink or you realise that you don’t have control of your alcohol consumption, you should seek professional support.
You can get help from:
- your doctor
- Hello Sunday Morning for free online support
- Alcohol & Drug Counselling Online
- DrinkWise Australia website
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Australia website, or phoneline on 1300 222 222
Further information and resources
- Read about quitting alcohol.
- Learn how alcohol can affect your mental health.
Want more like this?
For health and wellbeing news you can use, go to the healthdirect blog.
