A significant shift in drinking habits is underway in the nation's capital, with one in three Canberrans aged 18 and over planning to cut back or eliminate alcohol entirely over the next year. This movement towards sobriety and moderation is being supported by a new digital campaign funded by the ACT government.
New Campaign Supports Healthier Choices
The ACT government has allocated $572,951 through the Healthy Canberra Grants program to fund the 'It's Good' online campaign, which officially launched on Wednesday. Developed by the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE), the initiative provides practical resources for those looking to change their relationship with alcohol.
FARE CEO Ayla Chorley explained that the campaign features real Canberrans sharing their personal stories about alcohol use, alongside evidence-based strategies for reduction or abstinence. "Canberrans who have cut back or cut out alcohol have found new ways to connect and built deeper relationships, are sleeping better, have more energy, and are discovering new hobbies and routines," Ms Chorley said.
Real Stories of Transformation
The campaign includes powerful testimonials from local residents who have successfully transformed their lives by changing their drinking habits. Meg, a 42-year-old physiotherapist and mother of three from Macarthur, stopped drinking in January initially to support her husband during a three-month workplace challenge.
"Before then, after-work and weekend drinks were a chance for she and her husband to wind down," she recalled. "Which is fine, I understand that is what a lot of people do. But where it became something I wasn't loving about myself was when the Saturday afternoon drinks would get earlier and earlier."
Meg found that her children became her primary motivation for quitting. "I feel like I'd be 'fun mum' for about an hour and then I'd become 'sleepy mum', 'mum who wants to sit and not do anything anymore'. Honestly, I didn't like it."
Since giving up alcohol, the couple has experienced multiple benefits including better sleep, improved mental alertness, and increased energy. "My skin has never been better and I've lost weight," Meg reported. They've discovered new ways to enjoy themselves without alcohol, even attending a Metallica concert and opting for ice creams instead of drinks.
Survey Reveals Widespread Impact of Alcohol
A recent survey conducted as part of the campaign development revealed compelling data about alcohol's effects on Canberrans:
- 31.4% of people reported that alcohol disrupts their sleep
- 21.7% experience increased worry or anxiety the day after drinking
- One third of adults plan to reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption in the coming year
Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith emphasized that the campaign aligns with Australian Alcohol Guidelines, which recommend that healthy adults consume no more than four standard drinks on any day and no more than ten in a week. "The evidence is clear that alcohol is harmful to health in both the short and long term, with negative impacts extending to families and our community," she stated.
Simon, a 46-year-old personal trainer from Florey, represents those who have chosen moderation rather than complete abstinence. He began cutting back in his early thirties and now drinks only occasionally. "Initially I made the decision to cut back on alcohol because I liked to wake up early and it was easier to do that without a hangover," Simon explained. He also wanted to maintain peak performance in his training sessions.
Simon noted that social situations can sometimes feel awkward, but he and his wife have become comfortable with their choices. "If I'm drinking one or none, and someone is getting up for a drink they say, 'Sorry, I'm just going to go get another one'. And we're like, 'We don't care, do your thing'. So I think it makes other people a little bit more self-conscious than me."
The 'It's Good' campaign arrives at a strategic time, offering support as people navigate the festive season. As Ms Chorley noted, "This campaign provides practical tools for navigating social situations and conversations about alcohol, to help people make decisions that feel right for them. You don't have to commit to a big change - you can start by saying 'I'm good' the next time you're offered a drink."
Canberrans interested in exploring the resources can visit the campaign website at www.imgood.org.au.
