Does Drinking Alcohol with Intention Actually Work?

Drinking with intention has become a newer movement in the past few years, with many understanding that drinking on autopilot and out of habit isn’t providing them with any health benefits.

In fact, many are realizing that habitual drinking often contributes to poor sleep, heightened anxiety, depression, and digestive issues.

Although mindful drinking practices create a new sense of self-awareness, helping individuals become more accountable, the question is, does drinking with intention actually work? Or is it just another excuse to glorify alcohol?

Well, it depends on your perception and where you are in your journey with alcohol.

On one hand, mindful drinking encourages individuals to slow down, reflect, and make conscious choices rather than falling into patterns of numbing or escapism.

It helps people redefine their relationship with alcohol before abstaining from it entirely.

However, there’s a valid concern that “drinking with intention” could be a catchy phrase that helps individuals rationalize their behaviour while masking their dependency, and still harming their health.

. . .

I’ve been on this journey for a few years now. In the beginning, I intended to cut down on alcohol because I noticed every time I drank, it would be far too much, leading me into binge drinking and a hangover.

Back in 2022, I took the initiative to eradicate alcohol and stayed sober for 3.5 months. The experience gave me a new sense of understanding how I was drinking on autopilot and how greatly it affected my motivation and health.

Interestingly enough, I broke my dry and ended up bingeing on beers and cigarettes while sitting at a Vancouver beach, probably due to my brain chemistry still being wired to old habits or addictions.

Fast-forward a few years, and I can safely pour myself a glass of Chardonnay without drinking the whole bottle.

Something has changed for me, I don’t enjoy getting wasted anymore regularly, and I keep the “having too many,'‘ to a few times a year.

. . .

So the question remains, can you drink with intention?

Well, that depends on the individual’s true intentions and their ability to be honest with themselves.

Are you drinking to mask addiction, while clinging to substance?

Or are you using it as a stepping stone to better health and emotional regulation?

For some, being curious about intentional drinking and becoming more self-aware can help them live a more balanced lifestyle when it comes to drinking; for others, it may be an opportunity to ask hard questions about their relationship with alcohol and step into the uncomfortable unknown and shift the relationship entirely.

If you do struggle with alcohol use disorder, then please seek professional help, but if you’re wanting some guidance with balancing your lifestyle and health, please feel free to reach out.