Next month will be "Sober October," a challenge to encourage people to take a break from alcohol for 31 days.
Several studies have proven that consumption of any type of alcoholic beverage, whether occasionally or in large amounts, are detrimental to the health. That is why several organizations are coming up with monthlong, alcohol-free challenges to make people abstain from drinking.
In this case, Go Sober for October is an effort to raise money for McMillan Cancer Support. Over 32,000 people have signed up to stop drinking next month, raising £346,000 or nearly $500,000.
How To Go Sober For October
Giving up alcohol for one whole month would not be easy. Drinking has been so ingrained in everyone's lives that saying no to a glass of wine or a pint of beer could be a challenge, especially when going out at night.
However, here are a few ways to help the journey.
First, tell everyone. Sharing the decision to stop drinking to family and friends would ease the burden of abstaining from alcohol. Having a supportive circle who cheer on successes and provide encouragement could help in going sober feel a lot less like a challenge.
The next step for people who would want to participate at next month's event would be to cut back from alcohol as early as now. Going cold turkey or suddenly stopping from drinking alcohol can have a few side effects that can discourage progress.
"[P]sychological symptoms are very common, and not just if you're a really heavy drinker," stated Sarah Jarvis of Drinkaware. "You can have short-term problems even with relatively low levels of alcohol consumption if you've become used to drinking really regularly."
Withdrawal symptoms could include trembling, sweating, headache, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, lack of appetite, and trouble sleeping. It is best for heavy drinkers to gradually decrease the intake of alcoholic beverages until one can go a full month without drinking.
Perhaps, the best way one could be encouraged to say no to alcohol is to realize the benefits of going sober. People who abstain from drinking will have more energy for the day.
Those who stop drinking can expect to get a better quality of sleep because alcohol can interrupt a person's normal sleep pattern. It also helps people not to wake up nursing a hangover after a night of binge-drinking.
Health Benefits Of Going Sober For A Month
Abstaining from alcohol brings many benefits including clearer skin and weight loss, but experts agree that going sober could reduce one's risk of cancer, heart disease, and liver disease.
A recent study claims that there is a clear and convincing correlation between drinking and premature death from cancer, cardiovascular problems, or accidents.
