Small changes in drinking habits can make a big difference

With St Patrick’s weekend approaching, Drinkaware, the national independent charity working to prevent and reduce alcohol misuse, is launching this year’s ‘Here’s To Change’ campaign. This initiative highlights how small changes in drinking habits can lead to lasting positive impacts.

St Patrick’s Day is a time of national pride and celebration, with many people at home and abroad revelling in our Irish identity, culture, and heritage. However, some may associate March 17 with excessive and binge drinking.

However, attitudes are shifting. According to the latest 2024 Drinkaware Barometer, 37% of adults now agree they would like to drink alcohol less often, the highest such incidence in the Drinkaware Barometer to date.

The same proportion of adults (37%) state that they have made small positive changes to their drinking habits in the past 30 days. Among younger adults (18–24), that number rises to 51%, showing a growing trend toward mindful drinking - a conscious approach to alcohol consumption that prioritises moderation, awareness, and overall well-being.

Dublin-based hip-hop artist Nealo is supporting the ‘Here’s to Change’ campaign. Nealo has adopted a sober lifestyle and encourages other adults to explore its benefits.

“As someone who has suffered from the many downsides of binge drinking, it is really valuable for me to be able to help bring awareness to moderation, and how taking a break from alcohol can positively affect the lives of so many of us,” said the music artist.

The positive trend has been growing in recent years with less than one in three adults (31%) making small positive changes to their drinking in 2020, compared to 37% in the last survey.

Furthermore, 68% of adults have either already had a sober night out or would be willing to consider doing so to moderate drinking. This shift reflects a broader cultural change toward mindful drinking habits, where people prioritise their health while maintaining social connections more easily than ever.

Encouraging Small, Positive Steps The Here’s To Change campaign celebrates the growing momentum around mindful drinking and aims to support those making small yet meaningful adjustments. Whether that means choosing alcohol-free options, alternating drinks with water, setting spending limits, or simply reflecting on drinking habits, the campaign encourages individuals to find changes that work best for them.

Drinkaware CEO Dearbhla O’Brien commented: “We want to empower people to feel the benefits of positive changes in their drinking habits—whether that’s drinking less often, reducing harmful drinking behaviours such as binge drinking, or choosing alcohol-free alternatives.”

She conceded that while culture is changing, challenges remain, particularly around binge drinking.

“St Patrick’s Day is a moment of national pride, and we hope this campaign encourages people to celebrate in ways that align with their personal well-being and values or to embrace making a positive change. Here’s To Change!”

Join the Mindful Drinking Movement

For those interested in making mindful drinking choices this St. Patrick’s Weekend, Drinkaware offers simple, practical tips such as:

* If drinking at home, choose a smaller glass or measure your drinks

* When out at a pub or event, alternate each round with a glass of water

* Consider low or no-alcohol options available at bars and restaurants

* Set a spending limit to help manage alcohol intake

* Plan a sober night out