If you’ve been thinking about cutting back on alcohol, you’re not alone.
Drinkaware’s 2025 Monitor1 found that many UK drinkers are taking steps to reduce how much they drink, with many of these being influenced by the drinking habits of their social circles.
Our research2 found UK drinkers are almost twice as likely to have tried (57% vs 30%) and succeeded (46% vs 24%) in reducing their drinking over the past 12 months when someone they know has cut back.
How are people cutting back?
Around nine in 10 (87%) UK drinkers are making changes that can help them cut back , or control, how much they drink. The most common ways include:
- Taking drink-free days during the week (66%)
- Setting a drinking limit (45%)
- Choosing low or no alcohol alternatives (31%)
Health is the top motivator
For many people, health is the main reason to reduce how much they drink. In fact, 64% of drinkers who are making changes say health concerns are their biggest motivation.
- 41% want to improve their physical health
- 34% want to reduce the risk of long-term conditions, such as liver disease
This shows that lots of people are making a clear link between drinking less and feeling better, both now and in the future.
... But it's not always about health
Not everyone cuts back for health reasons. The 2025 Drinkaware Monitor research3 suggests that as a nation we’re becoming more health conscious, investing in fitness, nutrition, and active lifestyles. But Drinkaware’s latest insights 3 show that younger generations, especially Gen Z, are more likely to cut back for other reasons.
Instead of focusing on long-term health, they are often motivated by:
- Saving money
- Wanting to stay in control
- Avoiding "hangxiety" (hangover-related anxiety)
This highlights how different groups may have different reasons for changing their drinking habits.
Thinking about cutting back yourself?
Whatever your reason for thinking about cutting back, or even if you have never considered it before, a good place to start is by understanding more about your drinking. Our quick and easy Drinking Check is a great way to do this. It only takes a few minutes and gives you personalised feedback on your relationship with alcohol.
Here are some tried-and-tested tips:
- Want to save money? Don’t drinking in rounds when out of the house, and use unit measuring cups at home to avoid over-pouring to reduce how much you spend on alcohol.
- Want to feel healthier? Set a drinking limit (e.g. just having a glass or pint in one sitting), and planning drink-free days throughout week. Drinking a smaller amount of alcohol and drinking less often will likely lower your health risks.
- Want to stay in control on a night out? Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks (this is called “zebra striping”) or choose lower-strength options to reduce the amount of alcohol you consume when you drink.
Cutting back doesn’t have to mean cutting alcohol out completely. Small changes can make a big difference and help you feel better for it.