NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS take many forms but one popular standby trending for 2025 may ring familiar: curbing alcohol use. According to a 2024 report from NCSolutions, 41% self-reported as trying to drink less alcohol, of whom 61% were categorized as Gen Z and 49% identify as Millennials; both groups cited physical and mental wellness as their driving factor to consider changes. Here are five tips to start 2025 on a path to sobriety:

If you are trying to start the new year with less alcohol in your life, here are five tips to start 2025 on a path to sobriety:

• Put your commitment in writing: Consider journaling, writing your intentions daily or even drafting a letter to yourself listing your reasons for drinking less. Studies show that goals set in writing are more effective than those that remain only set in thought and theory.
• Surround yourself with support: Make a plan. Identify triggers or settings that may lead you to indulge and decide how you will handle those situations in advance. Have a friend or family member you can talk to about your choices.
• Know where to go for a good non-alcoholic drink: Mocktails are more popular than ever, with still and sparkling widely popularized.  YELP’s top 10 list for mocktails includes these three venues: Mango Haus, Well Comedy Club and The Botanist. At Mango Haus, you’ll find mimosas and mojitos. Well Comedy Club offers a signature Redbull Refresher and a mock margarita. The Botanist features a curated list of house specialties infused with fruit and fancy options. You can find something delicious without the temptation to drink by being aware of what’s available without alcohol.
• Keep alternatives on hand: Stock your home bar with good choices. Find our vegan “oat-nog” recipe in this month’s You Can Do It section of our magazine. Plan what you will prepare for yourself even as you serve alcoholic drinks to friends as you entertain this year.
• Offer choices to others: There’s nothing wrong with letting your guests know about your plan to curb alcohol use. Invite them to join you for a mocktail or simply offer one during get-togethers. Given the uptick in those also pursuing sobriety, it just may surprise you who chooses to join you in a non-alcoholic toast as you ring in the new year and celebrate throughout 2025.