Do you struggle to say no to alcohol? Have you found yourself in awkward situations because of your drinking? Are you looking to reduce your intake to improve your physical and mental health?
If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, then you might be worried about Christmas. Traditionally a time to let loose and be merry, the festive season can be hard to navigate if you’re trying to reduce or stop your alcohol intake.
There’s not only the pressure to fit in with our well-known drinking culture. It’s the abundance of alcoholic beverages on offer across the many social gatherings that mark the season. Which is why it’s not easy to maintain an alcohol-free Christmas.
Luckily, there are ways to navigate these tricky situations. It also helps that alcohol-free options are just getting better and better.
You’re not alone
First of all, you are not alone in looking for a new way to celebrate Christmas. While last December saw $2 billion in alcohol sales (Australia’s highest month ever for alcohol turnover), more people are now seeking non-alcoholic options.
A 2020 survey commissioned by Sans Drinks found that one in 10 Australians wish they could drink more mindfully at Christmas time. Social movements such as Feb Fast, Dry July and Sober October have also made people think about their relationship to alcohol.
According to market research firm, Wine Intelligence, sales of no and low alcohol wine in Australia are expected to grow 20% each year. This means zero-alcohol sales are expected to double in volume by 2025.
Alcohol-free ≠ fun-free
It’s fair to say that alcohol-free drinks have improved over the last few years. 0% beers, ciders and wines are now mainstream, making it much easier to say no to alcohol. Mocktails have also made a comeback, offering a fun way to celebrate when out and about without the booze.
Obviously, alcohol-free drinks are not going to taste the same. So, you need to be prepared to give several brands a go before finding the right zero-alcohol drink for you. But, with 0% drinks making it to more bars and restaurants across Australia, it’s easier than ever to get started.
Mindful drinking
If you’re not ready to give up alcohol just yet, a movement dedicated to more mindful drinking might be for you. Like mindful eating [link to Christmas overeating post], mindful drinking is about taking your time, being in the moment and having a healthier relationship with alcohol.
Focusing on what, why and how much you drink, mindful drinking offers a way to still enjoy alcohol without the hangover. By being more intentional and having a plan before heading out, you can limit how much you drink, feel more in control, and enjoy Christmas events, guilt-free.
Make new Christmas traditions
So, how can you enjoy an alcohol-free Christmas this year?
Why not encourage friends and family to try some alcohol-free drinks with you? You could host an ‘open’ bar, offering a variety of 0% beers, ciders, and wines to try. Buy some mocktail ingredients and shake up a storm. You’ll soon discover no alcohol does not mean no fun!
Carefully choose the events you attend. Look for ones where it will be easier to avoid alcohol, or where decent alcohol-free options will be available. Limit interactions with big drinkers and spend more time with others who want to be more conscious of their alcohol intake too.
If no alcohol is a no go for you right now, make the conscious decision to drink less. Have a plan for what and how you’ll drink over the festive period. For most of us, a glass of champagne at lunch and a glass of red at dinner will provide a pleasant buzz without the nasty hangover.
Worried about your drinking?
If you’ve noticed a growing dependence on alcohol in daily life (or if you’re drinking more each session), you might be struggling with binge drinking. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’re an alcoholic. It could just mean that you are struggling to control the impulsive urge to drink.
Identifying and managing the underlying cause of your impulsivity is key to living a more fulfilled life. To help you regain control, Impulsivity offers an online hub where you can access expert help and support, whenever you need it.
Developed by a team led by Dr Yuliya Richard (a clinical psychologist specialising in impulsivity), our courses use scientifically proven strategies to help you understand and overcome the specific impulsive behaviours affecting everyday life.
If you want to take charge of your life and manage your impulsivity for good, we can help. Offering a range of online courses, Impulsivity can guide you towards a healthier and happier life. Take our quick impulsivity test now to see if we can help!
