3 Steps to Reduce Risky Substances

April marks National Alcohol Awareness Month. It's sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) to educate the masses about America’s #1 health problem: alcohol dependence. You might know this council better through two of their bigger campaigns – D.A.R.E and Know Your Limits.

But in fairness, this month is about awareness not about what you already know. Awareness has been defined per Oxford as “knowledge or perception of a situation or fact.” We all know alcohol and drugs are dangerous. Whether they are prescription or over the counter, legal or illegal.

In 2025 in Central Florida, there was a group of high schoolers that were in the news because they got intoxicated and had to go to the hospital during their prom. 

A few weeks ago, Tiger made news for his third crash and was arrested for a DUI in South Florida.

As with many topics, it’s not just what we know, it's about understanding why we do it anyway so we can make better choices with healthier options.

In many ways, alcohol is just another source of distraction whether on or off the road. 

So the better question to ask is, what is your subconscious level of awareness, or what others many call your self-awareness?

Psychology has 5 levels of awareness ranging from conscious to subconscious.

Why are you going to that form of relief? Is it stress induced, habit, pain, social?

Judson A. Brewer, MD, PhD conducted a study and found 3 steps to help reduce use of risky substances (tobacco, drugs, alcohol...) through mindfulness habit change rather than medications.

Step 1 – Recognize habit loops. 

Step 2 – Update reward value. 

Step 3 – Find the bigger, better offer.

To do this, try these 3 suggestions from NCADD to observe National Alcohol Awareness Month through curiosity.

1. Participate in Alcohol-Free Weekend.  

2. Start conversations with your family and social network. 

3. Throw ‘clean’ parties. 

   
   

These suggestions allow you to recognize your habits, why they are your go-to, and then have a better idea what that better offer is for YOU. 

For example, when my husband and I decided to take our teen daughters on their first cruise, I was debating which drink package we should purchase. I knew two things -

😲 I didn't want to be surprised with our final bill.

💸 I didn't want to be constantly thinking about our daily totals. Hello, mom was on vacation too! 😄

I knew what I was getting the girls, but I had to really think about myself. Was I going to drink wine at dinner, beer or pina colada on the pool deck, mimosas at breakfast? Mimosas at breakfast are what ultimately got me curious...so I looked up non-alcoholic options to test. I wanted to see if it was the taste or the alcohol I was really after. What I found was I was ultimately after the taste. I found a great non-alcoholic option with orange juice and plain sparkling water!

Not only did I save on our vacation, but it was a great example for my girls that you can still enjoy some of your favorite drinks without the alcohol. I felt better on our trip mentally, physically, and financially. All from getting curious and finding a better option that fits me.

You may be able to adjust to the new mindfulness or intentional habits on your own. You might need accountability through health or lifestyle coaching. You might need deeper work on what from your past is driving this current decision through counseling or therapy. All valid in their own right. 

Which suggestion are you going to get curious about first?

If you're seeking personalized support, that's precisely why we offer the lab sessions and the Life Alignment Intensive deep dive day. Should you need accountability while making changes, we provide 3-month lifestyle coaching. It's not a matter of if life will throw you a curveball, but when. Being more self-aware enables you to make better decisions, helping you not only avoid traffic tickets and collisions but also enjoy life with the people who matter most to you.