When Is the Best Time to Quit Drinking?

Saying no can feel awkward, but it’s where change begins.

There’s one thing I hear over and over again from people who are ready to make a change:

“I do want to stop. I just need to get through this weekend. After that wedding. After the trip. After the footy.”

It’s always after something.

There will always be a reason to wait. A holiday coming up. A birthday. A mate’s party. A stressful week at work. A family event. Something to celebrate. Something to grieve. Something that gives you permission to say “not yet”.

But if you're here reading this, then something in you already knows it’s time. And that matters.

What If “Forever” Feels Too Big?

If the idea of never drinking again makes your chest tighten, you’re not alone. Most people I speak to feel the same way.

So don’t think about forever. Think about for now.

What if you gave yourself three months? A proper health kick. Clean out the system. See how you feel.

We guarantee you this: within a few weeks, you’ll start waking up with more clarity. You’ll feel lighter. Sleep better. Cope better. Think clearer. Suddenly, the idea of “forever” might not sound so awful. It might even sound good.

Because when life starts to work again, so do you.

Life on the other side of alcohol — clearer, simpler, and genuinely yours.

How to Choose Your Quit Date

This part matters more than you think.

Some people pick a random Monday. Others wait for a “sign” or a rock bottom moment. I don’t recommend that.

Pick a date you can honour. Clear the calendar for a few days. Set up a plan. Get some support.

Trying to do this alone is the hard way. Especially if drinking has become your way of coping. The method matters more than the timing. And the earlier you get the right structure in place, the smoother it’ll be.

If you’re thinking of doing this with us, you’ll get a private program, a real team, and no judgement. But whatever you do - don’t go in blind.

The Truth About Waiting

If your health is already showing signs of strain, please don’t wait.

Heavy drinking puts enormous pressure on the liver, heart, and brain. Alcohol-related liver disease is one of the leading causes of preventable death in Australia. Once symptoms start, damage can be harder to reverse.

The longer you delay, the fewer tomorrows you get to choose from.

What Happens Next

When you do take the leap, it won’t all be easy. But it will be worth it.

Every person I’ve worked with who stuck with the process has said the same thing:

“I wish I’d done this sooner.”

They’re not talking about perfection. They’re talking about peace. Clarity. Purpose. Being proud of who they are again. Building a life that actually feels like theirs.

So if you’re wondering when to stop drinking, the answer is simple.

When you’re ready to start living.

Read Also:

• Alcohol Rehab at Home: What It Looks Like and How to Do It Safely

• What to Expect in the First Week of Quitting Alcohol

About the Author

Graeme Alford, founder of Reset My Future, helps people reset their thinking and take back control—without needing to hit rock bottom.

Graeme Alford is the founder of Reset My Future and has been sober for over 40 years. Once a high-functioning alcoholic whose addiction cost him everything—including his career and freedom—Graeme rebuilt his life from the ground up. Today, he leads a one-on-one recovery program that helps people stop drinking, reset their thinking, and start living a life they’re proud of.He holds a Diploma in Alcohol, Other Drugs & Mental Health and has worked with hundreds of clients who want a real alternative to traditional rehab. His approach blends lived experience with evidence-based strategies—and a deep belief that no one is too far gone to change.