Megan Lee is halfway through reaching her goal of a year without drinking alcohol.
The assistant professor in psychology at Bond University on the Gold Coast/Yugambeh language region specialises in nutritional psychiatry.
Dr Lee says despite her scientific background, she is "still in this crazy system" of pro-alcohol messages, which is why she was motivated to try a year off booze.
"Most of us who are doing research on these things [it] is because we are interested in our own drinking behaviours," the 45-year-old says.
"We are also struggling with moderation, just as much as everyone else."
And Dr Lee says while many people find it hard to reduce their alcohol intake, the benefits are significant and there are some strategies that can help get you started.
How bad is alcohol for our health?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says there is no safe level of alcohol consumption when it comes to our health. They estimate that alcohol consumption plays a causal role in over 200 diseases, injuries, and other health conditions.
That includes the biological health risks such as cancer and liver disease, as well as things like car accidents, drownings and suicide.