The arrival of October not only signifies the changing of seasons but also brings with it an annual challenge for many: Sober October. This initiative, which encourages people to abstain from alcohol for the entire month, has gained popularity in recent years as a way to re-evaluate our relationship with alcohol. For some, it’s a chance to take a break from social drinking, while for others, it may be a wake-up call to address potential issues with alcohol consumption.
In this blog post, we’ll explore when social drinking can become a problem, the benefits of going sober for October, and how it can help you re-evaluate your relationship with alcohol, as well as how NADclinic can help you kickstart your sober journey.
The Line Between Social Drinking and Problem Drinking
Social drinking, in moderation, is a common and often enjoyable part of social gatherings. It allows us to relax, bond with friends, and celebrate special occasions. However, for some individuals, social drinking can evolve into problem drinking without them even realising it.
So, how do you know when social drinking has crossed the line into problematic territory? Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Inability to recognise when it is time to stop drinking
- Strong alcohol cravings
- Developing a high alcohol tolerance
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Neglecting responsibilities
Once you recognise these signs, it is important to be proactive in making lifestyle changes to avoid further damage to your body, mind and relationships.
Benefits of Decreased Alcohol Consumption
It is always advised to firstly speak to your GP to see if there is any help you could receive medically, but if you feel like you can tackle this change on your own, there are many benefits to reducing or cutting out alcohol consumption. These can include:
- Increased self awareness & mental clarity
- Strengthened relationships with others
- Better quality of sleep
- More disposable income
- Improved physical health
Quitting or cutting back on alcohol can also increase your NAD+ levels, which control a lot of the positive physical and mental changes you might see when you go sober. However, your naturally occurring levels of NAD+, especially after a long period of excessive drinking can be depleted.
How NAD+ Supplementation Can Help
It’s important to note that while NAD+ supplementation shows promise, it should not be considered a miracle cure for excessive drinking. It should be used as part of a comprehensive approach to recovery, which may include lifestyle changes, counselling, and medical support if necessary.
However, NAD+ does have multiple benefits to those starting to make better lifestyle choices after a period of heavy drinking. Firstly, it aids in replenishing depleted NAD+ levels, which can improve energy levels and cognitive function. Secondly, NAD+ may support the body’s natural detoxification processes, helping to eliminate alcohol-related toxins more efficiently. Additionally, it can ease some of the aforementioned symptoms associated with excessive alcohol consumption, like fatigue and brain fog.
If you’re interested in making NAD+ part of your wellness routine, check out our Signature Detox IV Infusion. This blend of NAD+ and Glutathione can help your body to detox harmful toxins that can enter the body through substance and alcohol use, leaving you ready to begin your new healthy lifestyle. So, whether you’re only giving up alcohol for the month or making a permanent lifestyle change, head over to our website to learn more.