Consider an alcohol-free approach for Dry February

This Dry February, I’m encouraging everyone to take a moment to reflect on their relationship with alcohol, stay informed about the associated risks and think about reducing—or even removing—alcohol from their routine.

Understanding how alcohol may affect your body can help you make informed choices that support your health goals and promote a more balanced, healthier lifestyle.

Cutting back or going alcohol‑free comes with many benefits: more energy, better digestion, improved sleep, and an overall boost to your well‑being and mental health.

Beyond these day‑to‑day improvements, it’s also important to recognize that alcohol use is linked to heart disease, stroke and a higher risk of at least seven types of cancer, including breast and colon cancer.

Current guidance is clear: if you choose to drink, less is better. We now know that even small amounts of alcohol can have harmful effects. Research shows that no amount or type of alcohol is considered safe for your health—regardless of your age, sex, gender, ethnicity, alcohol tolerance or lifestyle.

You may want to try a few practical strategies to help cut back on your alcohol consumption:

• Instead of reaching for a drink to unwind, try playing a game, going for a walk, connecting with loved ones, or simply drinking water while enjoying those activities.
• Track how many standard drinks you have each week to understand your habits.
• Try choosing alcohol‑free beverages or drinks with a lower alcohol content.
• Sip slowly when you do choose to drink.
• Alternate each alcoholic drink with a non‑alcoholic one.

For more details on the health impacts of alcohol, check out Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health. It’s a helpful resource to better understand the short and long‑term risks associated with drinking.

And remember—your health care provider can offer personalized advice and strategies to support you on this journey.

If you're interested in learning more about alcohol and its effects on your health, visit durham.ca/Alcohol.