You don’t have to quit drinking to want to feel better. Even a small change can bring back your mornings, your focus, your time. And in New Mexico, where drinking rates are among the highest in the country, every step toward less can make a real difference.
Where we are, and where we could go.
New Mexico has some of the highest rates of alcohol-related harm in the U.S. Take a look at these eye-opening statistics.
1 in 8
Adults who report binge drinking
in the past month.
More than 50%
of alcohol-related deaths in 2023 were due to alcohol-related chronic disease.
6x
The rate that alcohol is involved in fatal motor vehicle accidents vs Crashes only involving injuries.
The good news? Reducing alcohol use even just a little has been shown to improve sleep, mood, energy, and long-term health.
The change wasn’t dramatic. The difference was.
Most people don’t quit drinking overnight. Some don’t quit at all. But many notice that even a little less can provide a lot more calm, clarity, and time back to their lives. Read through real stories from people who cut back to see how one small change impacted their lives.
What you actually get back
It doesn’t take months to start feeling better. Your body and mind begin recovering almost immediately when you drink less…even just a little less.
After 1 Day
Better sleep begins. Your body starts to rehydrate and reset.
After 1 Week
You wake up clearer. Focus improves. Cravings may start to ease.
After 1 Month
Skin improves. Blood pressure drops. Energy returns.
After 3-6 Months
Immune system strengthens. Mood lifts. Productivity and memory often improve.
After 1 Year
Risk of serious illness (like liver disease and some cancers) begins to decline significantly.
What support can look like
Download the Toolkit
Flyers, social templates, and posters for community partners, providers, or anyone who wants to share the message.
Need help now?
If drinking has become hard to manage, or if someone you love is struggling, call us. We’re here for you, 24/7.
Helpline: 833-796-8773
What does “moderate drinking” actually mean?
The CDC offers clear, science-backed guidelines on how much is considered low-risk drinking and what starts putting your health at risk.
Not all drinks are created equal. The CDC defines a standard drink as:
12 oz of beer (5%)
5 oz of wine (12%)
1.5 oz of distilled spirits (40%)
Moderate drinking means no more than 1 drink a day for women and 2 for men.
Most people don’t realize how easy it is to go beyond that.
In fact, compared to not drinking, drinking alcohol in moderation may increase your overall risks of death and chronic disease. This includes conditions like cancer and heart disease. Even low levels of alcohol use (less than 1 drink per day) can raise the risk of certain cancers.