Do you want to change your relationship with booze in 2020?
Maybe you're sick of spending the weekend hungover, or you've realised you're relying on booze a bit too much — whatever the reason, ABC Everyday is here to help with a series of articles about people improving their relationship with alcohol.
For some of you, this new path might mean embracing a sober life; for others it's simply taking a break from alcohol or cutting back.
Ready to take the first step? We have plenty for you to explore that will keep you inspired and motivated along the way.
If you're not sure where to start…
Why I gave up alcohol for a year
Our ABC colleague Flip Prior decided to make 2019 booze free — and she reaped the benefits very quickly.
Flip described herself as an "enthusiastic drinker". But sometimes, love can start to get a bit complicated.
Once Flip decided it was time for a change, she knew it was going to take hard work and commitment. So she decided to seek help from healthcare professionals, others on a similar journey and online communities. Read the full story here.
Trying to cut back on the booze? This is how to set yourself up to succeed
For some of us, taking a break from alcohol can be tough, even if it's something we really want. But putting a few simple strategies in place can help you be booze free.
From creating a support network to adapting your routine, here are six tips to get you well on your way.
Learn more about exactly how alcohol affects your body
Most Australian adults will have at least an occasional drink and about half of us are regular drinkers. But it's easy to underestimate the health impacts, and experts believe there is too much risky drinking.
Here's a wrap on exactly what science says about booze's effects on us.
If you need inspiration…
Partying sober when you love a drink is hard
Like Flip, Maggie Collins has loved drinking alcohol since her teens.
After experiencing issues with her pancreas, Maggie decided to take a six-month break from booze. But with a career in the music industry, that's easier said than done.
She shares how she copes in social situations and — keeping it real — what she misses most. Read her honest and insightful reflections here.
What I learnt from a summer without alcohol
ABC Everyday reporter Moataz Hamde decided to have a booze-free summer, and he learnt a thing or two about how to go cold turkey on the turps and deal with the social fallout.
Here, Moataz shares his strategies for surviving — plus why a summer sans sangria is a great idea.
Men from the bush share how they broke the habit of drinking too much
People living in regional and remote areas are more likely to drink at levels that are harmful to their health. This includes adolescents who are up to 80 per cent more likely to consume alcohol than their mates in the big cities.
Meet some guys who have confronted societal norms in the country to pull back from the booze after it became clear it was preventing them from becoming the men they wanted to be.
What life looks like for those who changed their relationship with booze
Just as much as we can enjoy a cold beer or a sparkling champagne on a summer's afternoon, we can loathe the troubles alcohol brings.
In response to Flip's story, you shared your own experiences of reducing your alcohol intake and stopping altogether — including the hurdles like peer pressure and the lure of a wine with friends. These are your stories.
I holidayed in Italy without a drop of wine. I didn't just survive, I thrived
Wondering how you could possibly ever go travelling to a country known for its wine and not drink a drop?
Flip not only got by without fine Italian wine, but had a whirl of a time using her extra energy and money on experiences and delicious desserts.
Here's how she did it and how you can, too.
Sober dance parties after you've quit alcohol are more fun than they sound
You might think that giving up alcohol means giving up carefree dancing — or that dancing the night (or day) away is impossible without liquid courage.
But as Flip found, sober dance parties have proved a brilliant way to blow off steam, get in some regular exercise and experiment with bold new dance moves "without feeling like an idiot", in an alcohol-free environment that's heaps of fun.
Want to see what it's all about? Check out why sober dancing is worth giving a go.
When you face resistance…
The negative reactions you might get from loved ones
When you change your relationship with booze, you might be surprised by how defensive or combative people can be towards you.
Some things you might hear from friends and family include: "You'll be no fun now", "You won't be able to last", "This whole thing is ridiculous" and "Just have one, it won't hurt".
Have a read about how other people managed these reactions while maintaining their relationships.
How to handle work drinks when you're going sober
Hanging out with colleagues in social situations often brings a not-so-subtle pressure to drink — it's ubiquitous, and opting out can feel uncomfortably weird.
But it can be done — and without having to give up Friday night drinks.
Socialising at work when you don't drink without being left out
Interacting with bosses and other colleagues can help you get ahead at work, but often these gatherings are held in settings that involve or rely on drinking alcohol.
If you need some guidance on how to navigate these without booze, there is some advice for you here.
If you need some energy to keep going…
Giving up alcohol isn't easy, but after a month I'm already reaping the benefits
A month into her year without alcohol, Flip felt "worlds away from that wretched creature who woke up to 2019 cracking open one bloodshot, puffy eye and cursing her appalling life choices".
Here, Flip walks us through how she stayed accountable and sustained change in her day-to-day life. Read all about it.
… and after a year…
Flip says she's gained an appreciation for the joy that comes with not feeling she needs or wants to drink.
"I know rationally that "just one drink" won't trigger that level of malaise, but when I think "is one drink worth it?" the answer is usually no, as I no longer need it to imbue my life with a sense of pleasure, relaxation or mental release." You can read more about her year here.
Make a promise, drink kombucha, learn guitar: Your tips for giving up booze
When Sean Delaney's children asked him to stop drinking, it became his motivator. For Kat, taking kombucha to parties was a treat that helped her say no to wine.
These are your real-world tips for resisting alcohol cravings and temptation when reducing how much you drink.
My doctor's prescribed hangover replacement left me feeling dizzy, sweaty and proud
Getting into your gym gear might not feel like the fuel you need when you're ditching alcohol — but getting sweaty is helpful for both general health and recovery for people with substance abuse disorders.
Here's how Flip replaced alcohol with exercise and made it a lasting habit — and you can, too.
Yumi Stynes' open letter to anyone trying to quit drinking
The broadcaster and host of ABC podcast Ladies, We Need to Talk says she began drinking heavily when she was 13 and comes from a family that had lots of alcohol around. Despite this, she's been sober for two and a half years.
Read about why she's called last drinks and how it has changed her health, relationships and approach to life.
Why it's time to stop thinking alcohol is a reward
We might consider a cheeky glass as a harmless way to wind down or celebrate, but it does have consequences — especially for women.
Alcohol consumption is also connected to many other health problems, such as liver disease and depression. Catch up on what the experts and the research has to say about alcohol's effects.
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Understanding and managing negative emotions after giving up alcohol
Going a few months without a drink comes with sense of achievement and pride. But as Flip Prior found after six months, at times that only gets you so far.
According to experts, it's normal for unpleasant thoughts and emotions to creep back from time to time on the road to giving up booze long term.
The good news is there are things you can do to help you get through the gloomier times on your alcohol-free journey.
Waking without a hangover makes being a morning person easier
After more than half a year of being alcohol-free, Flip was on a mission to see if she too could become a productive morning person.
Being up and motivated first thing doesn't come naturally to her but it turns out people are not born "a morning person" and there are some hacks making the most of hangover-free mornings.
This is general information only. For detailed personal advice, you should see a qualified medical practitioner who knows your medical history.