Drinking is largely accepted as a social activity and a way to cope with stress. It might even be a remedy for insomnia or anxiety.

Yet, alcohol generally doesn’t do much to relieve these concerns long-term. It also comes with some significant downsides.

As such, you might wonder if it’s time for a break. And you’re not alone. From month long sobriety challenges to the #SoberCurious movement, more and more people are taking a closer look at the role alcohol plays in their lives.

Whether you’re looking to cut back or take an indefinite break, these tips can help you create a plan that works for you.

1. Examine alcohol health effects

Alcohol can affect your health in many ways. Even drinking moderately can leave you feeling groggy, foggy, or hungover. The more you drink, the more likely you notice other health effects, too, like:

• disrupted sleep
• digestive issues
• memory problems
• increased anxiety, depression, and irritability
• disagreements and other conflict with loved ones
• Over time, these effects can begin to pile up.

2. Take some time to explore your relationship with alcohol

A key first step in giving up anything is identifying why you’re doing it.

Figure out how much you actually drink

Maybe you don’t think you depend on alcohol, exactly, but you still wonder whether you might be drinking too much.

Say you don’t have any cravings when you go without drinking. All the same, “a quick drink” often turns into three or four drinks. When you’re having a good time, you find it hard to stop, especially in the company of friends having the same amount.

3. Consider your approach

You might know you want to give up alcohol entirely. But maybe you’re not sure about quitting completely and don’t want to hold yourself to that goal.

That’s absolutely OK. What’s most important is taking a look at your drinking habits and finding a way to cut back that works for you.

It’s possible to develop a better relationship with alcohol and make more mindful, informed choices about drinking without total sobriety.

4. Talk about it

Letting others know about your choice to stop drinking may help motivate you to stick with your decision.

Involve your loved ones

Family and friends can provide encouragement and support when you stop drinking.

By opening up about your relationship with alcohol, you might also encourage others to explore their own drinking habits.

Maybe your partner, sibling, or roommate is also thinking about making a change. Changing drinking habits together allows you to support each other while also boosting your motivation and accountability.

5. Change your environment

When alcohol makes up part of your typical routine, drinking can become something of an automatic response, especially when you feel stressed or overwhelmed.

You may not need to completely reinvent your life to quit drinking, but making a few changes in your surroundings to help avoid alcohol triggers can make a big difference.

Get rid of your alcohol

Alcohol in your house can tempt you when you’re trying to quit. If you feel like having a drink, knowing you’ll have to go out and make a purchase can deter you long enough to find a good distraction.

Keep nonalcoholic beverages on hand for yourself and others. You don’t have to offer alcohol to be a good host. Let guests bring their own alcohol — and take it with them when they leave.

If you live with roommates, consider asking them to keep their alcohol out of sight instead of in shared open spaces.

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