This article discusses alcohol consumption. Please contact any of the following numbers for 24/7 confidential counselling sessions:
- Alcohol Drug Information Service – 1800 250 015 (national trunkline)
- Alcohol and Drug Foundation – 1300 858 584
- Alcoholics Anonymous AU – 1300 222 222
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
Drinking is deeply ingrained in social gatherings and everyday life in Australia. There are times when you hit the pub for a drink after work, see students toasting tinnies or pints during schoolies, even the Prime Minister has a drink from time to time.
However, excessive drinking not only poses health risks but also takes a toll on our finances. The decision to withdraw from drinking and embrace sobriety can lead to significant financial benefits.
Let’s explore some effective tips for withdrawing from alcohol and discuss the substantial savings that can result from this lifestyle change. In choosing sobriety, you can not only improve your well-being but also secure a brighter financial future for yourself and your family.
Why Quit Drinking?
Health Benefits
Many former drinkers may attest to how that decision to stop worked well for their health. Reduced risks of liver disease, cardiovascular issues, and improved mental health are just a few advantages of embracing sobriety. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation even offers the public a chance to explore health benefits from not drinking through events such as Dry July and FebFast.
National Scope
The alcohol situation in Australia also bears much notice to give habitual drinkers a dose of reality their loved ones might think is necessary. The most recent edition of the AIHW’s National Drug Strategy Household Survey (2022-2023) found that 31 per cent of Australian drinkers have been consuming dangerous amounts. An estimated one in four people admitted having at least four standard drinks a day more than once a month – and the same number of people report consuming at least ten standard drinks a week.
In terms of alcohol-fuelled incidents, the Survey noted that one in five Aussies over 14 years old (representing 4.6m people) complained being on the receiving end of physical and verbal abuse including intimidation tactics from an inebriated person in the proper 12 months. When broken down by age groups, the data found 33 per cent of Australians 18 to 24 years old as the most threatened by people under the influence of alcohol, followed by 30 per cent of people aged 25 to 29. You may have been one of those potential victims.
Effective Tips to Quit Alcohol
Set Clear Goals
Establish clear and achievable goals for yourself. Whether it’s cutting back on alcohol consumption or quitting altogether, having a defined objective will help you stay motivated. Australians themselves also tried setting their goals to get away from drinking. Finder’s Consumer Sentiment Tracker for December 2023, which surveyed New Year’s resolutions for 2024, revealed that two per cent of 1,039 respondents pledged to give up drinking, with five per cent of Gen Zers planning to quit drinking.
Seek Support
Reach out to friends, family, or support groups who can encourage and motivate you on your journey to sobriety. Having a strong support network can make a significant difference in your success.
Create a Supportive Environment
Remove alcohol from your living space to minimise temptations. Surround yourself with people who respect your decision and support your goals.
Develop New Hobbies and Activities
Replacing drinking with healthier activities can be beneficial. Engaging in hobbies, exercise, or pursuing personal interests can help occupy your time and reduce the desire for alcohol. To that end, the above Finder study identified improving physical fitness (36 per cent), getting more sleep (19 per cent), house renovations (11 per cent), and meditations (eight per cent) as notable activities to pursue.
Address Underlying Issues
Often, excessive alcohol consumption may be linked to underlying emotional or psychological issues. Seeking professional counselling or therapy can aid in addressing these issues and supporting your withdrawal process. In Australia, there are counselling services you can engage in such as Counselling Online, Alcohol Think Again, and the Australian chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Consider Medication
For some individuals, medication prescribed by a healthcare professional can assist with alcohol withdrawal symptoms as part of a major treatment plan. In Australia, acamprosate (Campral®), naltrexone, and disulfiram (Antabuse®) are the only approved medicines for alcohol withdrawal, but you can only purchase them under prescription. However, only acamprosate and naltrexone are covered under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), although the Australian Medical Association has sought as far back as 2011 to have disulfiram listed as well.
The Financial Impact of Sobriety
Deciding to stop drinking can positively affect you in more ways than you realise, and in many ways your body can thank you for doing the right thing.
Reduced Monthly Expenses
Alcohol expenses can add up quickly, especially if you regularly visit bars or restaurants. By cutting alcohol from your budget, you free up funds for other essential needs or to save for future goals. Writing for Yahoo! Finance, Emma Edwards said being able to wean off alcohol allowed her to drive to family activities like a wedding and show everyone she was sober, instead of booking a ride-share service to the venue; she also saved from not ordering fast food via UberEats, with the money being reprogrammed for buying groceries.
Decreased Healthcare Costs
The health benefits of sobriety can lead to decreased medical expenses. A healthier lifestyle can help avoid costly treatments and medications associated with alcohol-related health issues. Compare the Market’s Noemi Hadnagy looked over a survey stating respondents’ rationale for quitting drinking. The data noted that 40.6 per cent of respondents who drink wanted to quit to save money while another 35.7 per cent sought improved physical health.
Improved Work Performance
Any workplace you enter does not look kindly on people coming in reeking of alcohol. Sobriety can positively impact your work performance, leading to potential promotions and salary increases. A more focused and productive approach to work can result in enhanced job stability and higher earnings.
Avoiding Legal Expenses
Sobriety helps you avoid the potential legal costs associated with alcohol-related incidents, such as DUI fines, solicitors fees, and court expenses.
Building Long-Term Savings
The money saved from not spending on alcohol can be redirected towards building long-term savings or investments. Sobriety can help you achieve financial goals faster, such as buying a home or funding your retirement. If you think building long-term savings after quitting alcohol is hard, Kylie Maslen of Money Magazine says otherwise, she was able to save up to $28,000 a year.
Enhanced Family Finances
With more money available, you can contribute more to your family’s financial security and well-being. Investments in education, family vacations, or emergency funds become more feasible, especially if your loved ones see you making an effort to help them.
Conclusion
Choosing to withdraw from drinking alcohol offers numerous benefits, both in terms of improved health and significant financial savings. By setting clear goals, seeking support, and creating a supportive environment, you can successfully navigate the journey to sobriety. Embrace new hobbies and address underlying issues to maintain your commitment to a healthier lifestyle.
The financial impact of sobriety extends beyond immediate savings on alcohol expenses. Reduced healthcare costs, improved work productivity, and avoidance of legal expenses contribute to your overall financial well-being. Redirect the money once spent on alcohol towards building long-term savings and supporting your family’s future.
DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only and should not constitute official financial or health advice. QUICKLE has no working relationships with any company or organisation mentioned. Please consult a financial advisor, physician, and alcohol counsellor for your specific solutions.
