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It’s Not Just Dry January: The Rise Of Sober October

Alongside challenges like Dry January, Sober October has become a prominent time for people to experiment with cutting back or eliminating alcohol. What initially began as a short-term experiment has transformed into a larger lifestyle trend. “Consumers are increasingly looking for products they can really lean into during these periods of abstaining entirely from alcohol,” Brooks Addington, founder and CEO of TÖST, an alcohol-free beverage brand, said in a Zoom interview. “Trial of new products, of course, is a part of the fun. But having a go-to that meets their expectations from a taste and accessibility standpoint is important to stay engaged in a challenge like Sober October.”

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Featured

 Alcohol-free months are all the rage – but will a sober October lead to long-term health benefits?

Not to be confused with Stoptober (the smoking cessation campaign from Public Health England), Go Sober for October provides a second annual chance to join a mass, month-long break from booze. If you failed at Dry January (being snowed in calls for nips of brandy, right?), you still get another shot at giving up for a bit without being roundly eyed with suspicion and disapproval. With one in five adults drinking over the recommended upper limit of 14 units a week, according to a YouGov poll this year, livers up and down the land must be breathing sighs of relief.

 Drinking Mindfully – Sober October

Sober October isn’t just a fleeting commitment to cutting out alcohol for 31 days—it’s an invitation to pause and reflect on your relationship with drinking. It’s about being more present, more intentional, and ultimately more mindful about the choices you make every day.

 I’m an addiction researcher and therapist. Here’s why promoting sober ‘dry months’ bothers me

Campaigns that challenge people to abstain from alcohol for one month — often in support of a good cause — have emerged across the globe over the past decade. Dry January officially launched in 2013 with a public health campaign by British charity Alcohol Change. Other “month of abstinence” campaigns have included Dry July, Sober September, Sober October and “Dry February” — a few examples of campaigns from Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada and beyond. Dry campaigns have gained traction with people increasingly taking a time out from drinking alcohol for one month.

Articles of Interest

Stay on track this Sober October: 8 strategies to help you...

Sober October is a popular movement encouraging people to take a break from alcohol for the entire month, focusing on health, wellness, and self-discipline. Whether you’re participating for health reasons, mental clarity, or to challenge your self-control, here are eight tips and strategies to help you successfully get through the month:

When you go sober for even a month, your body will change. Here’s how.

Dry January. Sober October. More and more people are attempting to curb their alcohol use—so we asked experts what benefits you can really expect to see.

From Dry January to Sober October: Cutting Back on Alcohol

In the past decade, movements like Dry January and Sober October have gained traction. According to a survey by market research firm Morning Consult, Dry January participation peaked in 2022, when many people decided to cut back following a rising trend of alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s Not Just Dry January: The Rise Of Sober October

Dry January isn’t just a passing fad or a failed New Year’s Resolution anymore. And it’s no longer the only month on the calendar marketed around giving up alcohol.

Sober October: what to drink when you’re not drinking

An update on the ever-increasing range of no-lo drinks now on the market, for those seeking a credible alternative to a glass of wine or a short.

Sober October: when did giving up alcohol become a heroic act?

Stopping drinking in the name of charity is all well and good. But cut out the social media gloating – it doesn’t deserve a medal.

The Ultimate Guide To Sober October

Sober October is a worldwide movement that encourages people to abstain from alcohol for the entire month of October. This challenge is growing in popularity as more individuals recognise the benefits of taking a break from drinking and adopting a healthier lifestyle. The concept is simple: for 31 days, participants commit to staying sober, whether that means quitting alcohol entirely or significantly reducing their consumption. The origins of Sober October are a Macmillan Cancer Support fundraiser which launched the initiative in 2014 as a way to raise funds and awareness for cancer research. Since then, the campaign has expanded globally, attracting participants from all walks of life who are seeking to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

You may need a Sober October more than you think. Experts explain how to do it right

Sober October, Dry January and Dry July: For one quarter of a year, these campaigns provide a motivation for people to come together and challenge themselves to go without alcohol. It isn’t a surprise to Annie Grace that these periods to reduce alcohol consumption are becoming more popular. The author of “This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol” said she is seeing more and more people evaluate the relationship that alcohol plays in their livesIt isn’t a surprise to Annie Grace that these periods to reduce alcohol consumption are becoming more popular. The author of “This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol” said she is seeing more and more people evaluate the relationship that alcohol plays in their lives.

Resources

17 ways to unwind after a stressful day – without hitting the booze

With Sober October just around the corner, thousands of us will again be attempting to give up booze for a month. But what are the best ways to wind down at the end of the day when alcohol is off the menu? Here are 17 ideas to get you started.

Sober October

Sober October is a public health campaign about drinking less and experiencing more. This year, Sober October puts extra focus on the workplace.

Sober October for Breast Cancer

By taking part in Sober October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and fundraising, you’re providing valuable support services and education for people affected by breast cancer.