Reflecting on Your Relationship with Alcohol

April is a good time to reflect on your relationship with alcohol.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a time to reflect on your relationship with alcohol and consider how it aligns with your goals and well-being.

For some—myself included—every month feels like Alcohol Awareness Month. It’s a journey I embrace with gratitude, one that has significantly improved my life. This month, I invite you to join me in exploring your thoughts, feelings, and goals about drinking.

Understanding Your Patterns

While I usually have perhaps eight drinks a month, there are times when I find myself drinking nightly—not excessively, but consistently. While this pattern doesn’t align with the life I want to live, it can be hard to break. I’ve noticed these habits often form during periods of illness or stress. Have you experienced something similar?

When I recover from those bouts of illness, I pause to ask myself: What is best for me? Awareness is the first step in reshaping habits. Consider these questions:

• Do you feel trapped or empowered in your relationship with alcohol?
• What challenges or fears hold you back from moderating?
• How do your experiences shape your perspective?

Bringing curiosity and compassion to your answers can set the stage for meaningful progress.

Exploring Alternatives

When I wanted to reduce my nightly drinking, I started experimenting with non-alcoholic options. A simple Google search led me to discover alcohol-free (AF) spirits. With a bit of creativity, I found joy in crafting mocktails. One of my favorites combines AF bourbon, AF Black Cherry Cranberry White Claw, and ice in a beautiful crystal tumbler. It’s refreshing, flavorful, and super low-calorie.

Mocktails are more than just beverages; they can become part of a rewarding ritual. Rituals provide structure and satisfaction, helping replace the psychological pull of alcohol with something positive and intentional. What rituals might work for you?

The Power of Small Wins

Each morning, I mark a red “DRY” on my calendar to celebrate the night before without alcohol. Watching those crimson marks multiply fills me with pride and motivation. What are your rewards for moderation? Whether it’s treating yourself to a favorite activity or reflecting on your progress, choose something meaningful that reinforces your commitment.

Of course, moderation looks different for everyone. For me, it means enjoying a drink on special occasions like birthdays or celebrations—a pattern that feels sustainable and aligned with my values. What does moderation look like for you?

Resources to Support You

The journey to understanding and redefining your relationship with alcohol doesn’t have to be lonely. Moderation Management™ offers tools to help you succeed:

• Kickstart Courses to guide your journey
• Meetings & Online Communities for shared support
• Resources to help you reach your goals.

With curiosity, compassion, and the right support, you can embrace a life that aligns with your vision for health and happiness. This April, let’s celebrate progress—no matter how small—and continue working toward the happier, healthier lives we all deserve.

About the Author

Susan Keller is the author of Mostly Sober: A Love Story and a Road Trip, a deeply human drama centered around the alcohol moderation movement. Her work inspires readers to explore their relationships with alcohol with honesty and courage.

Photo by Tunafish on Unsplash