A bundle of dollars under an alcohol glass on a table
Alcohol and Health

How to Drink Less Alcohol and Save Money

Published:
September 29, 2025
·
Read time:
27
Reframe App LogoReframe App Logo
Written by
Reframe Content Team
A team of researchers and psychologists who specialize in behavioral health and neuroscience. This group collaborates to produce insightful and evidence-based content.
December 22, 2023
·
27
Reframe App LogoReframe App Logo
Certified recovery coach specialized in helping everyone redefine their relationship with alcohol. His approach in coaching focuses on habit formation and addressing the stress in our lives.
December 22, 2023
·
27
Reframe App LogoReframe App Logo
Recognized by Fortune and Fast Company as a top innovator shaping the future of health and known for his pivotal role in helping individuals change their relationship with alcohol.
December 22, 2023
·
27
Reframe App LogoReframe App Logo
Reframe Content Team
December 22, 2023
·
27

You keep telling yourself this is the week you’ll finally save more money. You have goals to hit, bills are stacking up, and that debt needs your attention. But when the weekend arrives, it’s the same routine. You meet friends at a bar, drink more than you intended, and by Sunday night, your bank account is lower and your motivation is gone. The connection between money and alcohol is painfully clear. If you're ready to learn how to control liquor costs and finally reduce alcohol consumption and save money, you're in the right place.

In this post, we’ll explore the hidden expenses of alcohol and reveal how reducing our alcohol consumption can enhance not just our financial health, but our physical health too. Let’s get started!

Call to action for signing up reframe app

How Much Is Alcohol *Really* Costing You?

When we think about the cost of alcohol, we typically think about the price of drinks at a bar or the bill from the liquor store. But what about the hidden expenses that often go unnoticed? Let’s take a closer look at some of the hidden expenses associated with alcohol: 

  • Transportation costs. Consider the expenses related to having a night out. For instance, we might take a taxi, rideshare service, or public transportation to a bar or party. All these transportation costs accumulate over time and can become a significant portion of our monthly budget.
  • Food expenses. Alcohol often goes hand in hand with eating and snacking (drunchies, anyone?). For instance, we might make a late-night fast food run or stop at a convenient store for snacks. Plus, when we’ve had a few drinks, our inhibitions may decrease, making us more likely to buy expensive or unhealthy meals.
  • Impulsive purchases. Since alcohol impairs our judgment, it’s easier for us to engage in impulsive spending. For instance, we might buy drinks for friends, splurge on unnecessary items, or make spontaneous online purchases. These impulse buys and unplanned expenses can be particularly problematic if they become a recurring habit.
  • Missed workdays. Excessive alcohol consumption can result in hangovers and subsequent missed workdays. When we’re feeling hungover, we may struggle to perform our job efficiently or skip out on work altogether. Frequent absenteeism can lead to reduced income and jeopardized job stability.
  • Accidents and legal issues. Unfortunately, alcohol-related accidents and legal problems are not uncommon. These can range from DUI tickets to accidents resulting from impaired judgment. We may then find ourselves having to pay legal fees, fines, and increased insurance costs — not to mention medical bills.
  • Healthcare costs. Over time, excessive alcohol consumption can take a toll on our physical and mental health. Treating alcohol-related health conditions, such as liver disease, heart problems, or mental health issues, are not cheap. Plus, these expenses can cause added stress and anxiety, impacting our well-being.

The bottom line? We may be spending a whole lot more money on alcohol than we realize. 

In other words, while that beer or wine might seem harmless at first, the long-term costs can be substantial.

The Direct Financial Drain

Beyond the less obvious expenses, let's talk about the most straightforward financial impact: the direct cost of alcohol itself. Each cocktail, beer, or bottle of wine comes with a price tag, and these individual purchases can seem minor in the moment. However, they accumulate quickly, creating a significant drain on our finances over weeks and months. For many, seeing the total amount of money saved is a powerful reason to start cutting back. If you’ve ever swiped your card for a drink without a second thought, you might be surprised to see how much you’re actually spending. Taking a moment to calculate your alcohol spending can be an eye-opening first step toward understanding its true financial weight and reclaiming control over your budget.

Average Spending and Yearly Costs

The numbers might be higher than you think. While individual spending varies, a 2021 Gallup poll found that American drinkers spend an average of $51 per week on alcohol. That might not sound like a lot, but it adds up to over $2,600 per year. Imagine what else you could do with that money — pay off debt, take a vacation, or invest in a new hobby. For those living in cities with higher prices, the annual cost can be even greater. Tracking your spending and seeing these savings grow in real-time can be incredibly motivating. A cost savings calculator can help you visualize this progress, turning an abstract goal into a tangible reward for your efforts.

The Hidden Costs of Drinking

The financial impact of alcohol isn’t just about what you spend on your own drinks. Social settings often come with their own set of unwritten rules and expectations that can inflate your spending without you even realizing it. Think about birthday celebrations, work happy hours, or holiday parties where drinking is the main event. These situations can create a subtle pressure to keep up with the group, leading you to spend more than you originally planned. Learning to recognize these external pressures is a key part of mindful drinking, allowing you to make choices that align with your personal and financial goals, rather than just going with the flow.

Social Spending: The Cost of a Round

One of the most common social spending traps is the tradition of buying a round of drinks. While it seems like a friendly gesture, it often leads to drinking more, faster, and at a higher cost. When someone buys you a drink, you feel obligated to return the favor. This cycle can continue all night, leaving you with a much larger bill than if you had just bought your own drinks. It also removes your control over the pace of the evening. A simple way to handle this is to politely opt out from the start. You can say something like, “Thanks, but I’m taking it slow tonight, so I’ll get my own.” Small changes like this can lead to big improvements in both your well-being and your bank account.

What Does 'Drinking Too Much' Mean?

Beyond the financial drain, many of us wonder where the line is between casual drinking and “too much.” The answer can feel a bit blurry and often depends on who you ask. But when it comes to our health, there are established guidelines that can help us get a clearer picture. Understanding these benchmarks isn’t about labeling your habits as “good” or “bad”; it’s about giving you the information you need to make conscious choices that align with your personal wellness goals. Let’s look at what the experts say so you can decide what’s right for you.

Understanding Alcohol Units

First, it helps to understand what an “alcohol unit” is. Different drinks have different strengths and come in different sizes, which can make tracking your intake tricky. A unit is a standardized way to measure the amount of pure alcohol in a drink. Think of it as a universal language for alcohol content. Knowing the units in your go-to drink gives you a much more accurate way to monitor your consumption than just counting glasses. This simple shift in perspective can be a game-changer for anyone looking to practice mindful drinking and become more aware of their patterns.

The 14-Unit Weekly Guideline

To keep long-term health risks low, the UK’s Chief Medical Officers recommend that adults drink no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, spread out over several days. So, what does 14 units actually look like? According to the NHS, it’s about the same as six medium (175ml) glasses of wine or six pints of average-strength beer. Regularly drinking more than this amount increases the likelihood of developing serious health issues over time. These aren’t just abstract warnings; they relate to real conditions that can impact your quality of life.

Consistently exceeding this guideline can take a toll on your body, affecting everything from your liver and heart to your mental well-being. Understanding the long-term effects of alcohol is a powerful motivator for change. Again, this isn't about hitting a perfect number each week. It's about using this guideline as a reference point to check in with yourself and ensure your habits are supporting the healthy, vibrant life you want to live.

The Dual Rewards of Drinking Less: Better Health, More Money

Given all the hidden expenses of alcohol, it stands to reason that if we cut back on our drinking, we’re likely to save more money. And with more money in our pockets, we can redirect our expenses towards something more meaningful, like a dream vacation, paying off debts, or building an emergency fund.

For instance, if we have outstanding debts, such as credit card balances, loans, or mortgages, cutting back on alcohol can allow us to direct the money we would have spent on alcohol toward paying down our debt. Similarly, with the extra funds at our disposal, we can also consider long-term investments, such as retirement accounts or even saving for a child’s education. 

But don’t just take our word for it! Research has shown that individuals who reduced their alcohol consumption significantly decreased their overall spending. One study noted that the savings they accumulated over time allowed them to make significant improvements to their financial situations. 

It’s not just our wallets that will benefit from cutting back on alcohol, our health will, too. Did you know that alcohol is associated with seven different types of cancer? Drinking affects nearly every aspect of our health, from our mood and sleep patterns to our digestive system and heart health. When we reduce our alcohol consumption, both our mind and body will reap the benefits. 

A Timeline of Physical Benefits

The positive changes start happening faster than you might think. When you decide to drink less, your body gets right to work on healing and recalibrating. It’s a process that unfolds over days, weeks, and months, with each stage bringing its own set of rewards. From better sleep to a stronger immune system, the physical improvements are some of the most motivating aspects of changing your relationship with alcohol. Let’s look at what you can expect as your body begins to recover and thrive without the constant presence of alcohol.

In the First 72 Hours

Your body begins to recalibrate almost immediately. As your blood sugar levels start to stabilize, you might notice a decrease in cravings for sugary foods and drinks. It’s not always smooth sailing at first; you might feel a bit irritable or anxious as your system adjusts to the absence of alcohol. Sleep can also be a little disrupted initially, but this is a temporary phase as your body works hard to find its new equilibrium. These early signs are powerful indicators that the healing process has already begun, setting the stage for more significant improvements to come.

After One Week

After just one week, you’ll likely start to feel some tangible rewards for your efforts. One of the most significant improvements is in your sleep quality. Instead of the fragmented, unsatisfying sleep that often follows a night of drinking, you’ll experience deeper, more restorative rest. This leads to waking up with more energy and feeling refreshed throughout the day. Proper hydration also returns, which does wonders for your skin, giving it a healthier, more vibrant appearance. It’s amazing how quickly your body thanks you for making a positive change.

Within a Month

By the one-month mark, the benefits become even more apparent. Since alcoholic drinks are often packed with empty calories, you may notice some weight loss without making other major changes to your diet. Mentally, the fog begins to lift. You’ll likely experience clearer thinking and improved focus, which can make you more productive at work and more present in your daily life. Your immune system also gets a significant upgrade. With your body’s defenses no longer suppressed by alcohol, you’ll be better equipped to fight off common illnesses like colds and the flu.

Long-Term Health Wins

Sticking with reduced alcohol consumption pays huge dividends for your future. You significantly lower your risk for a number of serious conditions, avoiding many of alcohol's long-term effects on the body, including liver disease, heart problems, and several types of cancer. Beyond disease prevention, you’ll notice a more stable emotional state and a general sense of improved well-being. This isn't just about avoiding illness; it's about building a foundation for a healthier, more resilient future where you feel your best physically and mentally.

Deeper Improvements to Your Well-being

Beyond the physical timeline, cutting back on alcohol touches nearly every corner of your life, leading to profound improvements in your overall well-being. These changes go deeper than what you see in the mirror; they affect how you feel, think, and connect with the world around you. From your mental state to your personal relationships, the positive ripple effects can be truly transformative, creating a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Enhanced Mood and Mental Clarity

Alcohol can often act as a depressant, and removing it can have a powerful effect on your mental state. Many people report feeling happier and experiencing a noticeable reduction in anxiety after they stop drinking. This newfound emotional balance is complemented by greater mental clarity. Without the mental haze that alcohol can create, your thoughts become sharper, your memory improves, and your ability to concentrate is strengthened. This clarity can help you feel more in control and capable in all areas of your life, from professional tasks to personal projects.

Restorative Sleep

We touched on sleep earlier, but it’s worth revisiting because it’s so fundamental to our health. While alcohol might make you feel drowsy and fall asleep faster, it severely disrupts the REM cycle—the most restorative stage of sleep. When you practice mindful drinking and reduce your intake, your body can finally achieve the deep, uninterrupted sleep it needs. This doesn't just mean you'll feel less tired; it means your brain has the time it needs to process information, consolidate memories, and repair itself, leading to better cognitive function and mood regulation during the day.

Stronger Heart and Immune System

Regular drinking puts a strain on your body's defense systems. As the NHS points out, it can make it harder for your body to fight off sickness because it impairs your immune response. When you cut back, your immune system can function as it's supposed to, making you less susceptible to viruses and bacteria. Your cardiovascular system also benefits. Reducing alcohol intake can lead to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart-related issues, contributing to a stronger, healthier you for years to come.

Richer Personal Relationships

The effects of drinking less extend beyond your own body and mind; they can also transform your relationships. When you’re more present, clear-headed, and emotionally stable, you can connect with others on a deeper level. Communication with family, friends, and partners often improves because you’re fully engaged in conversations rather than being distracted or dulled by alcohol’s effects. This can lead to stronger bonds, greater trust, and more meaningful interactions, enriching your social life in ways you might not have expected.

Ready to Save? How to Cut Your Alcohol Costs

Okay, so now that we’re aware of the hidden costs and potential for financial and health benefits, let’s take a look at some ways we can reduce our alcohol spending. Here are four tips: 

1. Know Your Numbers: Set an Alcohol Budget

Establishing a monthly budget for alcohol consumption is a crucial first step in taking control of our spending. Start by reviewing your current alcohol-related expenses. Take a close look at your receipts, bank statements, or credit card records to understand your current spending habits.

Based on your financial situation and goals, set a reasonable monthly budget for alcohol. Be sure to consider both the cost of alcoholic beverages and the additional expenses associated with drinking, such as transportation and dining out. 

Once your budget is in place, diligently track your alcohol-related expenditures throughout the month. This will help you stay accountable and make adjustments as needed.

2. Sip Smarter: Discover Alcohol-Free Options

One of the biggest misconceptions about reducing alcohol consumption is that it prevents us from socializing. But, this doesn’t have to be the case! We can still enjoy gatherings with friends while opting for healthier, alcohol-free alternatives, such as mocktails or alcohol-free beers. In fact, many bars and restaurants now offer a variety of mocktails and non-alcoholic beer options that mimic the flavors of traditional alcoholic beverages without the alcohol content. 

We can also get creative in our own kitchen by making homemade non-alcoholic drinks with fresh fruits, herbs, and sparkling water. Another tip to reduce alcohol consumption is to alternate alcoholic drinks with water to reduce our drinking. This helps us save money and stay hydrated, so it’s a win-win!  

3. Redefine Fun: Plan Alcohol-Free Outings

Try diversifying your social life by planning activities that don't revolve around alcohol. For instance, maybe we organize outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or picnicking in the park. These outings encourage physical activity and provide opportunities for bonding with friends and family.

Or maybe we host a game night with friends and engage in some friendly competition. We can also consider trying knitting classes, pottery workshops, or group painting sessions as a way to connect with others. Plus, these activities offer a chance to explore new talents and interests.

Volunteering is another great sober activity that can be incredibly rewarding. In fact, giving back is associated with improvements in mood, health, and overall well-being.

4. You're Not Alone: Find Your Support System

If we’re finding it challenging to reduce our alcohol consumption on our own, we can always turn to others for help. And contrary to what some people believe, seeking support is actually a sign of strength. 

Consider joining a local or online support group dedicated to helping individuals reduce or quit drinking. These groups provide a sense of community, shared experiences, and valuable advice. We might also benefit from reaching out to a mental health professional or therapist, who can offer personalized strategies and support to help us cut back on drinking. 

Finally, don’t forget to confide in trusted friends and family members about your goals to cut back on alcohol. Their encouragement and understanding can be a powerful source of motivation.

Call to action for signing up reframe app

Making Your Savings Count: Tracking and Motivation

Set Meaningful Savings Goals

Deciding to cut back on alcohol is a huge step, and seeing your bank account grow is one of the most immediate rewards. But money is just a number until you give it a job to do. Setting clear, meaningful savings goals is what turns a nice perk into a powerful motivator. Think about what you *really* want that extra cash for. Is it to finally build up an emergency fund? To pay off a nagging credit card bill? Having a specific purpose transforms the act of not spending into an act of building the life you want, making it much easier to stick with your new habits.

Short-Term Rewards and Long-Term Dreams

Break your financial goals into two categories: small treats and big dreams. Short-term rewards give you something to look forward to right away. Every week you stick to your budget, you could treat yourself to a nice meal, a new book, or a ticket to a movie. For the long term, think bigger. That money you used to spend on drinks each month can add up quickly. It could become a vacation fund, a down payment for a car, or a serious dent in your student loans. Visualizing these exciting possibilities makes skipping a pricey round of drinks feel less like a sacrifice and more like a strategic investment in your future.

Practical Ways to Watch Your Money Grow

Once you have your goals, the next step is to make your savings visible. It’s one thing to know you’re saving money, but it’s another thing entirely to *see* it accumulate. This visual proof is incredibly encouraging and reinforces that your efforts are paying off in a real, tangible way. Watching that total climb provides a steady stream of positive feedback, helping you build momentum. Whether you prefer a hands-on approach or a digital one, finding a practical method to track your progress is key to staying on course and celebrating every dollar you save.

From Savings Jars to Savings Apps

You can start with something simple, like a physical savings jar. Every time you pass on a drink, drop the cash you would have spent into the jar. For a more modern approach, open a dedicated high-yield savings account and set up automatic transfers for the amount you’re saving each week. To make it even easier, you can use an app designed to help you on your journey. The Reframe app includes tools that help you track your progress, including a sober days and cost savings calculator that shows your savings grow in real-time. Seeing those numbers add up right on your phone can be the perfect daily reminder of how far you’ve come.

How Much Do You Spend on Alcohol? Try Our Calculator

If you need a little more incentive to cut back on drinking, consider using our alcohol spending calculator to check how much you are spending on alcohol. It is designed to help you understand and calculate how much you are spending on drinks — per week, month, and year. This can then help us set goals to effectively change our drinking habits, whether that means cutting back on consumption or eliminating alcohol entirely.

You just might be surprised to learn how much you’re spending on alcohol! Sometimes seeing the number for ourselves can encourage us to make the change we know we’ve needed to make.

More Than Money: Simple Ways to Reduce Alcohol Consumption

Cutting back on alcohol is not easy. It can be a journey full of ups and downs, trials and errors. But it is possible! Here are four practical tips for reducing your alcohol consumption: 

  • Track your consumption. Keep a journal of your drinking habits to identify patterns and gain insight into your relationship with alcohol. Pay attention to specific situations, emotions, or stressors that trigger you to drink. Recognizing these triggers is the first step in addressing them.
  • Set clear goals. Start small with modest goals that align with your current habits. For instance, if you typically have a glass of wine every evening, aim to reduce it to every other evening. Then you can make adjustments over time. For instance, maybe you only have one glass of wine each week.
  • Find alternative coping mechanisms. Many of us turn to alcohol to cope with stress, anxiety, or boredom. To reduce our consumption, we need to find alternative coping mechanisms. Consider activities such as exercise, meditation, or pursuing a new hobby. Whether it's learning a musical instrument, cooking, or gardening, find activities that you enjoy.
  • Seek support. We weren’t meant to journey through life alone. Choose at least one person to confide in and share with them your goal of reducing your alcohol consumption. Or consider partnering with a trusted friend who shares similar goals. Holding each other accountable and providing mutual support can make a world of difference.

Remember that cutting back on alcohol is a process that takes time and intention. But it’s well worth the effort — not just for our finances, but for our overall health and well-being.

Create Your Personal Plan

A vague idea to "drink less" is hard to stick to. A concrete plan, however, gives you a clear roadmap. The simple act of putting your intentions into words makes them feel more real and holds you accountable. This isn't about creating rigid rules but about setting clear, personal guidelines that align with your goals, whether they're financial, health-related, or both. Think of it as a personal contract you make with yourself to prioritize your well-being. It’s your game plan for navigating situations where you might otherwise drink on autopilot, giving you a sense of control and purpose as you move forward.

Write It Down and Keep It Visible

Grab a notebook or open a document and write down your plan. Include your core reasons for cutting back—maybe it’s to save for a down payment or to wake up with more energy. Then, set specific, measurable goals, like "I will have three alcohol-free days this week" or "I will stick to a $50 alcohol budget this month." Finally, brainstorm how you'll handle potential challenges, like peer pressure at a party. Once your plan is written, don't hide it away. Make it visible. Put it on your fridge, set it as your phone's lock screen, or use an app like Reframe to track your progress and keep your goals front and center.

Identify and Manage Your Triggers

Triggers are the specific people, places, feelings, or routines that spark the urge to drink. For many of us, these are so ingrained in our daily lives that we don't even notice them. It could be the stress of a long workday, the Friday night catch-up with certain friends, or even just boredom on a Sunday afternoon. The first step is simply to become aware of what your personal triggers are. By paying attention and recognizing these patterns, you can begin to understand your relationship with alcohol on a deeper level and start making conscious choices instead of reacting automatically.

Rethink Your Routines

Once you know your triggers, you can start to change the routines built around them. If happy hour is your go-to stress reliever after work, try creating a new unwinding ritual. You could go for a walk while listening to a podcast, take a relaxing bath, or spend 15 minutes on a creative hobby. If your social life revolves around bars, suggest new activities to your friends. Plan a picnic in the park, organize a game night, or try a new fitness class together. The goal isn't to eliminate fun but to redefine what fun looks like and build new, healthier habits that serve you better.

Actionable Tips for Drinking Less

Having a big-picture plan is essential, but you also need practical strategies for those in-the-moment decisions. Small, consistent choices are what lead to lasting change. These tips are designed to be simple and easy to implement, helping you feel more in control whether you're out with friends or relaxing at home. They empower you to handle social situations confidently and build momentum toward your goals, one smart decision at a time. Think of these as your go-to moves for staying on track and making progress you can feel proud of, day by day.

Smart Choices When You're Out

Socializing doesn't have to be a test of willpower. Today, there are more alcohol-free options than ever before. Don't be afraid to ask the bartender for a mocktail or check the menu for a non-alcoholic beer. Another effective strategy is to alternate every alcoholic drink with a glass of water or soda. This slows your pace, keeps you hydrated, and cuts your total consumption in half without making you feel like you're missing out. You'll save money, avoid a hangover, and still get to enjoy the social atmosphere with your friends, proving that a great night out doesn't depend on how much you drink.

Incorporate Alcohol-Free Days

Designating specific days of the week as alcohol-free is a powerful way to break the cycle of habitual drinking. Look at your calendar and decide ahead of time which days you won't drink—maybe you start with Monday and Wednesday. This proactive approach removes the need to make a decision in the moment when you might be tired or stressed. Having these planned breaks gives your body and mind a chance to rest and reset. You can use a sober day counter to visualize your progress, which can be incredibly motivating as you watch the days—and your savings—add up.

Your Path to a Healthier, Wealthier Life

We often don’t think about how much money we’re spending on drinking. But, apart from the obvious cost of buying drinks, there are many hidden expenses of alcohol, including transportation costs, food expenses, impulsive purchases, and healthcare costs. By reducing our drinking, we’ll not only be able to save money and spend it on more meaningful endeavors, but we’ll also experience improved mental and physical health. It may take time and intention, but we — and our wallets — will be better for it!

If you want to cut back on drinking, but don’t know where or how to start, consider trying Reframe. We’re a science-backed app that has helped millions of people reduce their alcohol consumption and enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my social life is built around drinking? I don't want to miss out. This is a common concern, and it doesn't mean you have to give up your friends. The goal is to shift the focus of your time together. You can be the one to suggest new activities that don't center on alcohol, like trying a new cafe, going for a hike, or hosting a game night. When you are at a bar, you can confidently order a mocktail or a non-alcoholic beer. You’ll likely find that your friends care more about spending time with you than what’s in your glass.

I'm not a heavy drinker. Will I still see significant savings and health benefits? Absolutely. Even a few drinks a week add up significantly over a year, not just in cost but in calories and disrupted sleep. You might be surprised by how much you save by cutting back just one or two drinks per week. From a health perspective, you’ll likely notice more immediate benefits like waking up with more energy, having clearer skin, and feeling less anxious. It’s less about fixing a major problem and more about fine-tuning your well-being.

The idea of creating a budget and a plan feels overwhelming. What's the simplest first step I can take? Don't worry about creating a perfect, elaborate plan right away. The easiest and most effective first step is to simply become aware. For one week, track your drinking without any pressure to change. Just notice when you drink, why you drink, and how much you spend. This simple act of observation gives you a clear starting point and often provides all the motivation you need to make small, manageable changes.

How do I stay motivated when I don't see the savings or health changes right away? Motivation comes from seeing progress, so make your progress visible. Open a separate savings account and transfer the money you would have spent on alcohol into it each week. Watching that balance grow is a powerful visual reward. For your health, focus on the small, early wins. Pay attention to how much better you sleep after just a few alcohol-free nights or how much more energy you have in the morning. These immediate benefits can keep you going as you work toward bigger long-term goals.

Besides the price of a drink, what are some of the 'hidden' expenses I might be overlooking? The true cost of drinking goes far beyond the bar tab. Think about the extra expenses that often accompany a night out: the rideshare there and back, the late-night food you wouldn't have bought otherwise, or the impulse purchases you make with lowered inhibitions. Over time, these hidden costs can easily double or triple what you think you're spending on alcohol, creating a much bigger impact on your budget than you realize.

Key Takeaways

  • Look Beyond the Bar Tab: The true cost of drinking includes hidden expenses like rideshares, late-night food, and impulse buys. Calculating your total spend reveals the real financial opportunity in cutting back.
  • Your Health and Wallet Will Thank You: Drinking less delivers dual rewards. You'll save significant money while also experiencing rapid health improvements like better sleep, clearer thinking, and more energy.
  • Create a Plan, Not Just a Promise: Vague goals are easy to forget. A simple, written plan that includes a budget, trigger management, and fun alcohol-free activities gives you a clear roadmap for success.

Related Articles

Summary FAQs

1. What are the hidden expenses associated with alcohol consumption?

Hidden expenses include transportation costs, food expenses, impulsive purchases, missed workdays, accidents, legal issues, and healthcare costs. These often-unnoticed costs can significantly impact your finances.

2. How can reducing alcohol consumption help your finances? 

By cutting back on alcohol, you can save more money, which can be redirected towards meaningful goals like paying off debts, building an emergency fund, or investing for the future. Research shows that reduced alcohol consumption leads to decreased overall spending.

3. How can cutting back on alcohol enhance our health? 

Cutting back on alcohol is good not just for your wallet, but your health, too. Drinking affects nearly every aspect of our health, from our mood and sleep patterns to our digestive system and heart health. When we reduce our alcohol consumption, both our mind and body will reap the benefits. 

4. What are some practical tips for reducing alcohol spending?

Practical tips for reducing alcohol spending include setting a budget, exploring non-alcoholic alternatives when socializing, planning sober activities, and seeking support from friends. 

5. What are some practical tips for cutting back on alcohol? 

Cutting back on alcohol is a process. You can start by keeping a journal of your drinking habits to identify patterns and triggers; setting clear goals and limits; finding healthier coping mechanisms like exercise or meditation; and seeking the support of friends, family, or a mental health professional

Are You Ready to Save Money on Alcohol With Reframe?

Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!

The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.

You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.

Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol. 

And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).

The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today! 

Call to action to download reframe app for ios usersCall to action to download reframe app for android users
Reframe has helped over 2 millions people to build healthier drinking habits globally
Take The Quiz
Our Editorial Standards
At Reframe, we do science, not stigma. We base our articles on the latest peer-reviewed research in psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral science. We follow the Reframe Content Creation Guidelines, to ensure that we share accurate and actionable information with our readers. This aids them in making informed decisions on their wellness journey.
Learn more
Updated Regularly
Our articles undergo frequent updates to present the newest scientific research and changes in expert consensus in an easily understandable and implementable manner.
Relevant Articles
No items found.
Ready to meet the BEST version of yourself?
Start Your Custom Plan
Call to action to download reframe app for ios usersCall to action to download reframe app for android users
review
52,000
5 Star Reviews
mobile
4,500,000+
Downloads (as of August 2025)
a bottle and a glass
1,000,000,000+
Drinks Eliminated (as of August 2025)

Scan the QR code to get started!

Reframe supports you in reducing alcohol consumption and enhancing your well-being.