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Every year, more than 30,000 people pledge to Go Sober for October to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Encouraging social drinkers to give up alcohol for one month in a bid to change their lifestyle, participating in Go Sober for October, or Sober October as it is otherwise known has numerous health benefits.
Although many individuals take part in the Go Sober for October event to support Macmillan’s fundraising campaign, in the last few years, the number of adults in the United Kingdom going sober for a prolonged period has increased. In fact, approximately 10.4 million people now claim that they no longer consume alcohol.
Whether you are considering going sober for October or the rest of your life, we have shared the benefits of going sober and offered several tips for maintaining sobriety here.
The Benefits of Going Sober
From increasing the quality of your sleep to reducing feelings associated with anxiety and depression, going sober, even just for 31 days, enhances physical and psychological health and well-being.
Though many of the health benefits associated with sobriety can be felt within as little as one week, staying sober for a longer period is highly recommended.
In addition to increasing the quality of sleep and minimizing the effects of anxiety and depression, sobriety enhances our physical health, boosts our mental health, and improves our relationships with others. Find out how below.
Going sober enhances our Physical Health.
When frequently consumed, alcohol gives rise to several short-term health complications such as high blood pressure, increased heart rate, headaches, nausea, digestive system problems, breathing difficulties and drowsiness.
Although the short term health complications associated with alcohol use are alleviated as toxins are removed from the body, excessive alcohol consumption causes several long-term effects to surface. These long-term effects include liver disease, cancer, impaired cognitive function and heart failure.
While the long-term complications of alcohol use on our physical health require treatment, going sober helps the body recover and repair naturally. In turn, our physical health gradually improves.
Choosing sobriety boosts our Mental Health.
Unbeknown to many, when excessive amounts of alcohol are consumed within a short period, our mental health declines. Over time, psychological side effects such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, low moods and paranoia are experienced.
However, just as sobriety improves our physical health and well-being, eliminating alcohol from our lives and choosing to remain sober boosts our mental health.
As touched on above, in addition to boosting our spirits and helping us secure an optimistic outlook on life, sobriety alleviates symptoms associated with mental health disorders.
Sobriety improves our relationships with others.
When under the influence, some individuals engage in negative behaviours, such as stealing, lying and fighting. Others will struggle to complete everyday tasks, such as going to work or fulfilling daily obligations.
Although unintentional, these behaviours have an undeniable impact on those around us and can cause relationships with others to break down.
When sobriety is maintained, many find that they have the opportunity to improve and mend any relationships harmed by alcohol.
Our Tips For Staying Sober
For many, sobriety is a life-long journey that requires complete commitment and dedication.
Whether you are going sober for October or the rest of your life, there are a number of things you can do to ensure that you can maintain your sobriety.
To support you, we have outlined our tips for maintaining sobriety below.
- Surround yourself with a sober support network – as you commit to sobriety, finding a support network who are also sober is vital. Having a sober support network will encourage you to maintain your sobriety. It will also ensure that you can take advantage of any support you may need to secure a future free from alcohol.
- Create a routine – although you may not believe that creating a routine will benefit you, routines are proven to support those in recovery in maintaining their sobriety. Planning your time will ensure that you are distracted from temptation, helping you create a meaningful and enjoyable life.
- Journal – for many individuals, journaling is proven to be extremely effective as it provides an outlet for any negative thoughts or feelings that could otherwise compromise sobriety.
- Join a support group – if you are committed to your sobriety, but have little support from your family or friends, joining a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous, will benefit you. Support groups welcome individuals from all walks of life to share their recovery with others. Help and guidance can also be sought here.
Are You Going Sober For October? Or The Rest Of Your Life?
Although many people who participate in events such as Go Sober For October will maintain their sobriety in the weeks and months that follow, it is not uncommon for others to return to their old habits and consume alcohol again.
For this very reason, as you contemplate going sober for October, we would encourage you to ask yourself, are you going sober for October? Or the rest of your life?
Asking yourself this question will enable you to review your drinking habits and set yourself a number of goals that will help you achieve sobriety, be it for October or the rest of your life.
Getting Further Advice and Support
With many benefits associated with going sober for October, it is not uncommon to find yourself considering giving up alcohol for 14, 21 or 31-days. Yet, the thought of doing so many be daunting, especially if you have come to rely on alcohol to help you navigate stressful periods in your life.
Although the Go Sober For October campaign provides substantial advice and support, whether you are looking to go sober for October or the rest of your life, it is paramount that you seek professional help.
If you require any help or wish to refer yourself to rehab to ensure that you can maintain your sobriety, here at Rehab Clinics Group, we are on hand to assist you.
For more information, contact us today by calling 0800 470 0382.
Sources
https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/drugusealcoholandsmoking/bulletins/opinionsandlifestylesurveyadultdrinkinghabitsingreatbritain/2017/previous/v1#:~:text=In%202017%2C%20the%20proportion%20of,compared%20with%20men%20(18.1%25).
https://www.gosober.org.uk/about/how-it-helps
https://valahealth.com/posts/2020/10/01/what-to-expect-when-you-give-up-alcohol/#:~:text=No%20doctor%20will%20be%20able,started%20feeling%20like%20themselves%20again.
