Beyond the Headlines: Why Sobriety is About More Than Just Health Statistics

Note: this is all based on my personal views and perspective.

As a sober mom and coach, I’ve noticed a trend in the sobriety space. With recent media attention on the health impacts of alcohol - namely it being a carcinogen - many voices are focusing on how dangerous alcohol is for your health. While I completely agree that alcohol is bad for your health, I want to offer a different perspective. 

Preaching Problems

The more we shout from the rooftops about the dangers of alcohol, the more likely we are to lose very people we hope to help. No one wants to be preached to. No one wants to be continuously reminded that something they consume is bad for their health. Those that are drinking in excess and know they need to quit… well now we're just adding to their anxiety and shame. 

Yes, alcohol is a carcinogen - meaning there is evidence it can cause cancer. But guess what? Carcinogens don't cause cancer in every person. There are so many factors (lookin’ at you, genetics) that affect people’s susceptibility to carcinogens. We've all heard of lifetime smokers who never develop lung cancer - and non-smokers who do. I’m in no way promoting smoking or drinking, but I want to remind you that it’s not so clear cut. 

Your Journey is About You

Let’s be honest, we all expose ourselves to plenty of things that are terrible for our health. I know that bacon and Diet Coke aren't doing my body any favors, but they don't consume my thoughts. They don't keep me up at night with guilt and shame.

Alcohol's health risks are very real, but they're rarely the primary reason people choose sobriety. I don’t believe focusing on the health risks is helpful during the sober journey. I think it’s just the opposite - knowing how bad alcohol is for your health simply adds to your guilt for not being able to stop drinking so much.

Finding your WHY

Instead of focusing on alcohol's dangers, consider your personal reasons for exploring sobriety.

For me, thoughts of drinking filled up my headspace. I was constantly planning when I was going to drink (is it 5pm yet?), how many I could have (it was a rough day with the kids - I deserve it!), and most of all - guilt about how much I’d drink.

Quitting alcohol freed me from that exhausting mental cycle. And as a bonus - it significantly reduced my anxiety.

Embrace the Uniqueness

I can’t stress enough how personal a sober curious journey is. As a person who has proven to herself that she cannot moderate, it can be hard to believe that other people can. But I have seen it firsthand!

There are people out there who can have a drink once a week, once a month, or just on special occasions. There is absolutely not a one-size-fits-all approach to alcohol. 

By touting the dangers of alcohol, we may simply be pushing away people who can be of great support to us - or, even worse, those who could really use our help. 

So, focus your journey on YOU. You are making this choice for yourself. And be really honest with yourself - it is not JUST about the health effects. 

Reach out if you'd like my free Dry January Guide, or if you'd like to schedule a free, no pressure discovery call. I'm here to help!

Jess