How to take a break from alcohol this fall.
You’re probably pretty knowledgeable about Dry January. In fact, you might be one of the 21% of Americans who participate in Dry January every year, according to a report by YouGov. You may even be well-aware of all of the benefits pausing from alcohol, which is why you’re a fan. Or possibly you were actually excited to learn about Sober September last year and took part in that. However in 2020? We need more. The year calls for Sober October.
But just what IS Sober October, where did it originate from, and how can you participate this year?
Why is 2020 the perfect year for Sober October?
This has actually been an incredibly difficult year for everyone. As we have problems with the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic, significant uprisings over racial injustice and police cruelty, and the catastrophic effects of climate change – there have been reports of stress and anxiety on the rise, and it’s difficult for some to handle anxiety without resorting to alcohol. Not only that but being in isolation triggers some to drink more as they cope using alcohol or others to drink again if they’re already sober.
Not much is presently known about the numbers of individuals who increased their alcohol intake throughout the lockdown, The Lancet reports that “heightened financial difficulties, social seclusion, uncertainty about the future, and the redistribution of the health labor force and the disruption to medical services might contribute to increased alcohol consumption and relapse under lockdown conditions.”
Needless to say, we’re all stressed about the current condition of our country and the world, and if you’re not sober, alcohol might have just recently ended up being a more regular coping mechanism than before. You most likely currently understand at heart that it may not be the best coping mechanism and you should probably take a break. This is why Sober October in 2020 is so important.
Where did Sober October come from?
In 2010, the Australian non-profit Life Education produced the fundraiser “Ocsober” and quickly after the U.K.-based charity Macmillan Cancer Support developed the real name “Sober October”, according to InStyle.
The original objective for these companies was to develop fundraising efforts where individuals who signed up to give up alcohol for the whole month of October could set up a giving page where their loved ones could make donations. Ultimately, it was implied to encourage a healthier lifestyle, and Macmillan in particular states that their objective is to raise money for people with cancer.
Eventually, because you don’t need to live in Australia or across the ocean to take part, Sober October spread to the U.S. You don’t have to sign up with one of those 2 groups in order to take part.
How can I participate in Sober October?
Just as with a Dry January, all you need to take part in Sober October is to stop drugs and alcohol for the entire month. But honestly, it can be a little bit more complicated than that. For one, it may be handy to understand the distinction in between “going dry” (which is what you’d be doing in Sober October) and being in recovery. Secondly, suddenly giving up alcohol (even temporarily) might not be as simple as it sounds. And it is okay to ask for some extra support throughout this month.
You can commit yourself to a month of self-care and self-reflection. Take this chance to stop briefly, reflect, and think about the function alcohol plays in your life. And having a little support while doing this? Well, that’s even better.
Coalition Recovery’s Telehealth recovery program is a perfect way to try Sober October while also having additional support. This program provides group counseling and therapy programs; all completely online.
Are there benefits to taking a “break from alcohol”?
Month-long challenges like Sober October and Dry January become part of the greater health trends that have actually been following sobriety recently (such as being sober curious). As Refinery29 reports, some people are just avoiding alcohol for health factors. We at Coalition Recovery do not actually agree that sobriety is a trend, we do support anybody who wants to reassess how they feel when they stop drinking alcohol for a period of time.
Going sober for a month can lower your risk of liver damage, enhance glucose balance, and even lower cancer-promoting proteins in your blood, according to The Guardian and The Medical Daily. Which’s simply the physical side of the advantages. On a mental and emotional level, quitting alcohol for a month can mean basic improvements to your mental health, according to Canadian Medical Association Journal. Plus, taking a break from alcohol during Sober October can improve your sleep since drinking hinders your sleep cycle and REM sleep, according to the Sleep Foundation. According to InStyle, another benefit is better skin and who doesn’t want that!
With all of these possible advantages to taking a break from alcohol, shouldn’t you sign up for Sober October ASAP? You never ever know where it might lead.
Do not participate if you have a dependence
If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, then Sober October is not for you.
If you have a physical dependence to alcohol from drinking frequently, stopping could have serious and sometimes even fatal effects. Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol include agitation, restlessness, shakiness, and confusion. If you stop drinking and notice these symptoms, seek medical attention. Before you begin Sober October, it might be a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider. They will be able to assess the probability of withdrawals. They can also refer you to the most appropriate treatment provider in the area.
For individuals looking for immediate help or evaluations, Coalition Recovery representatives are available 24/7 to help assist with any questions you might have. We employ a board-certified psychiatrist to help evaluate and diagnose the severity of drinking and assess whether or not Sober October could potentially be dangerous.
For more information on our telehealth recovery program or just advice on whether or not you should participate in sober october in 2020, call us at (888) 707-2873