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Live Well: Sober October

October 11, 2024

Wellness

Elective sobriety, the conscious choice to abstain from alcohol, has become popular among people looking for ways to live a healthier lifestyle. Dry January, Sober October, and similar challenges that include foregoing alcohol are popping up on social media feeds around the globe.

Current guidelines suggest a maximum of two drinks per week—a drink being one 5-oz glass of wine, 1 ½-oz shot of spirits, or 12-oz serving of beer.

But some experts disagree with including alcohol as part of a healthy lifestyle, citing that any amount poses a danger to health. Alcohol consumption is closely linked to other unhealthy behaviors like smoking, unhealthy food choices, physical inactivity, and poor sleep. Regular consumption of alcohol can also lead to other health problems like liver failure, heart disease, and cancer.

Nevertheless, the sober-curious crowd is growing. Mocktails, kombucha, and other non-alcoholic beverages are making their way to local restaurants and bars to accommodate sober lifestyles.

Temporary temperance may or may not lead to permanent abstinence from alcohol, but it is certainly a worthwhile act of self-care to explore. Changing your daily habits, even in small ways, can have a lasting, positive effect on the quality of your life.

If someone you know is exploring a sober lifestyle, here are some ways you can help support them:

  • Do not offer them an alcoholic drink
  • Do not ask them why they are not drinking
  • Provide non-alcoholic beverage options at gatherings
  • Ask how you can help support them

If you are concerned that you may be drinking too much and elective sobriety has not been successful, call 1-877-254-3348 in Canada to get additional support. It is free, confidential, and open 24/7.