Today's world~15 minBrief interventionMotivational interviewing
Rethinking my drinking (sober curious)
Take an honest look at your drinking, try a break, and see what changes — whether you want to cut back or stop.
Fewer Americans drink than at almost any time since Gallup began asking in 1939: in 2026, 54% said they drink, tying the previous year's record low, and about half now see even moderate drinking as unhealthy. A break — like a dry month — and noticing what changes is a simple, low-pressure experiment.
If you drink heavily every day, don't stop suddenly without talking to a doctor — alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous. If you're in abstinence-based recovery, alcohol-free beer and 'mocktails' that mimic your old drink can be triggers; talk it over with your sponsor or counselor.
1. Why I'm thinking about my drinking now
2. What my drinking looks like
Check any that apply
3. What drinking gets me — and what it costs me
4. My goal
Pick one
5. My plan — what I'll drink instead, how I'll handle social events and evenings
6. Who I'll tell, and who might give me a hard time
7. After a week or two: what I noticed (sleep, mood, energy, money, anxiety)
8. Was it harder to stop than I expected? What does that tell me?
If it's been harder than you thought, that's useful information — a doctor, counselor or support group can help.