As festival season ramps up across Tasmania, there’s a buzz in the air. Music, food, art, and cultural celebrations offer us opportunities to revel and connect with loved ones.
During moments of celebration, it can sometimes feel like alcohol is available at every turn. But increasingly, Tasmanians are reflecting on their alcohol use, and many are choosing to cut back or cut out alcohol entirely.
A recent poll by the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) found that 1 in 4 people in Tasmania would like to reduce the amount of alcohol they drink, with the number rising to 1 in 3 among people aged 25-44.
FARE’s Health Programs Director, Kristie Cocotis said the shift reflects a broader trend playing out across Australia and the world.
“People in Tasmania and across the country are becoming increasingly aware of the negative effects that alcohol can have on their sleep, their mood, and their mental health,” said Kristie.
“Whether it’s to support mental health, improve wellbeing, or just feel better the next day, people of all ages are questioning the role alcohol plays in our lives. We’ve heard from many Tasmanians who have taken breaks from drinking alcohol and noticed a huge improvement in their mood and happiness, on a day-to-day basis.”
Festival season brings us the opportunity for joy and connection – but it can also create situations where you might be offered a drink. So what strategies can Tasmanians use to cut back?
Seek out what you enjoy in Tasmania
Look for events that focus on creativity, community, and good vibes — with less of a focus on alcoholic drinks. From live music to food festivals, there’s no shortage of alcohol-optional spaces to explore in Tasmania.
Have the conversation
Interested in cutting back on alcohol? According to FARE’s research, between 25-33 percent of your friends and family likely feel the same way. Starting a conversation can open up support and encouragement. You might even find a festival buddy who shares your goals.
It can help to have a few prepared answers about why you are not drinking or don’t want another drink. This can be as straightforward as saying: “No thanks, I’m not drinking” or, “I’m cutting back on alcohol”.
Other options could be saying that you want to have a clear head, a good night’s sleep or that you have an early start the next day.
Sip something different
Zero alcohol drinks are having a moment. Many venues and events now offer alcohol-free alternatives like non-alcoholic beer, kombucha, craft sodas, and zero-proof cocktails. Bring your own if the event allows, or ask what’s on offer — you might be surprised by how good they taste.
Tasmanian artist Caroline Strong says her social life has only improved since she stopped drinking four years ago.
“Socialising now is great, I have more energy to socialise. I go to wineries with people — they have wine and I have the local soft drink. There are always nice drinks that you can have now, you don’t just have to have juice or a Coke.”
Back yourself
Whether you’re sober-curious, cutting back, or cutting out alcohol, it’s exciting to try new paths and take steps to help improve your health and wellbeing. It’s okay to politely decline and move the conversation on. You’re not alone — plenty of Tasmanians are doing the same.
Caroline hasn’t looked back since cutting out alcohol. She feels she’s been able to be more present as a mother, and she’s hit her stride creatively — selling pet portraits and making jewellery for the sober community.
“What I’ve achieved in four years of being sober, I couldn’t even dream possible before. It’s really changed my life for the better,” she said.
Find a new community
Making new friends on a similar path can be a great way to stay focused on your goals. Why not put the feelers out to a local sober group, inviting people to join you at a festival?
After Caroline stopped drinking alcohol, she founded Sober Tasmania, an alcohol-free social group, to support and connect with other people who were cutting out alcohol.
“There are people out there that are wanting to support you. Even if the closest people in your life aren’t supporting you (to cut back), there are people out there who are going to cheer you on,” she said.
“I want people to know that there is a community where we can get together and there’s not going to be the presence of alcohol and there’s no pressure to drink.”
Get support
If you’re worried about your alcohol use or finding it difficult to cut back, there is help.
Head to Support services | Be Nice to Brain to find out where you can get support.
