Quitting Alcohol: Why Any Day is a Great Time to Start
If you missed Dry January, don’t worry—there’s always Feb Fast to hop on the no-alcohol wagon. And if February doesn’t suit, there’s Dry July, Sober October, or even your own “Remember December” (okay, we made that one up).
Taking a month off alcohol can bring noticeable improvements to your physical, mental, and emotional health, regardless of when you start.
Alcohol and Australian Men: A Snapshot
Recent research highlights the significant role alcohol plays in the lives of Australian men:
- From 2013-14 to 2022 almost 9 in 10 men aged 18–57 reported drinking alcohol in the past year, according to the Australian Institute of Family Studies.
- During the peak of COVID-19 (2020–2021), frequent drinking increased, especially among men aged 45 and older and those in regional or disadvantaged areas.
- Risky drinking (more than four standard drinks per occasion) is highest among men aged 18–29, but remains concerning among older age groups. After the age of 30, more than half of men consumed below the risky threshold, although almost 3 in 10 older men (45-57 years in 2013-2014) were consistently borderline for risky drinking.
In 2022, alcohol-related and alcohol-induced deaths in Australia hit a 10-year high, underscoring the serious health risks associated with excessive consumption.
Download: Australian male alcohol use and harm prevention across the life course (Ten to Men)
(Ten to Men is an Australian longitudinal study on the health and wellbeing of men and boys. It was established by the Australian Government’s National Male Health Policy (2010) and currently serves the National Men’s Health Strategy 2010-2030).
The Benefits of Going Alcohol-Free
Even a short break from alcohol can lead to noticeable health benefits, including:
- Better sleep and mental health. Improved rest enhances your ability to handle life’s challenges.
- Lower blood pressure and improved insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Weight loss, thanks to cutting out empty calories.
- Reduced cancer risk
Source: Canadian Centre on Substance use and Addiction. 2023
Small Steps, Big Gains
Whether it’s one month or just a reduction in overall consumption, every step counts. The more you cut back, the greater the benefits - especially for those consuming high levels of alcohol.