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Chances are, you’re familiar with Dry January, the month of abstinence in the wake of the holiday season’s overindulgence. But there’s a new trend to celebrate health and sobriety. It’s called Sober October and it’s transforming lives.
From the UK to the US
In 2014, Macmillan Cancer Support, located in the United Kingdom, created a 31-day challenge to raise money for those fighting cancer. For the 31 days of October, participants would abstain from alcohol as a part of their fundraising drive.
Fast forward to 2024 and a survey from the Boca Recovery Center found that Sober October has now made its way to the US. One out of four Americans intended to partake in Sober October.
The Benefits of Abstaining
Sarah Peregrine, the Director of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Services at Gateway Healthcare, located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, reported that taking a break from alcohol, even if it is just for one month, leads to many benefits to both mental health and physical health.
She stated, “Alcohol is a substance that affects the whole body,” and that “Even a short break has an impact on multiple body systems.” Other studies back up Peregrine’s statement, indicating that this can lower blood pressure, decrease insulin resistance, and help you lose weight.
According to Peregrine, improved sleep is another benefit of abstaining from alcohol. The Harvard Medical School’s Division of Sleep Medicine aligns with this as their studies show that disrupted sleep is associated with obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Peregrine notes, “People are able to go through the full sleep cycle in the absence of alcohol,” adding that this then specifically leads to a decrease in symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Turning a Month into a Lifestyle
Sober October isn’t just a temporary challenge, it can be a gateway to long-term sobriety.
Peregrine emphasizes that, “There doesn’t need to be a problem to be curious about what it might be like if you took a month off.”
For those ready to explore sustainable sobriety habits, support is crucial. You can call
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or find AA meetings near you to connect with peers and access resources that help you move from Sober October to sober. Period.
Participants can also use the Sober tracker app to log alcohol-free days, track progress, and celebrate milestones along the journey. Incorporating these tools into daily life helps reinforce long-term sobriety habits.