Take 5 for well-being: Going sober

Going sober isn’t just for people recovering from alcohol use disorder or addiction. Many have found that being sober is simply a better way to live. 

You might have seen TikToks or read articles about someone who tried “Dry January” and realized it was a lifestyle they wanted to keep pursuing. A life of sobriety can open the door to a clearer mind, steadier routines and a healthier relationship with yourself.

Here are five things you might not have considered about pursuing a sober lifestyle in college (or after).

You can have fun without alcohol

There are plenty of students having fun and building full, robust college lives without drinking or using substances. Contrary to popular belief or what social media feeds may tell you, not everybody’s doing it. In fact, UA offers tons of free and fun dry events.

University Programs hosts free and fun events for students by students every Thursday through Saturday during the academic year. Additionally, Collegiate Recovery and Intervention Services hosts regular events specifically for students pursuing recovery or sobriety, including sober tailgates on the lawn of Little Hall for every home football game – just look for the yellow balloons!

There are plenty of opportunities throughout the year to make memories without alcohol.

Stronger relationships

Attending sober events is just the start. When you go to or plan your own sober event, your relationships will likely be better and more intentional.

Some individuals may feel that they can open up and talk to others more easily when drinking. However, over time, increased substance use can actually negatively impact your friendships and relationships. Have you ever said things to someone after a few drinks that you would not say sober? Many people have, and it can leave a lasting impact on those relationships. When you’re sober, you’re more present. And that presence strengthens the relationships that matter most.

Better rest, better mindset 

Some people think having a drink at night will help them sleep or let them relieve stress, but research and data strongly disagree. While certain substances may help you fall asleep a little faster, most healthcare professionals say that they damage the brain’s ability to naturally handle anxiety and that your sleep quality is not as restful.

These habits not only lead to continued lack of quality recovery and continued low energy, but they also create higher levels of stress over time and an overreliance on substances. Most people who cut this habit notice an improvement in their mental well-being after a few weeks.

Financial savings 

Using substances is expensive — especially if you are buying alcohol at a bar. Along with that, going out often means paying cover charges, ordering Ubers and buying drinks for other people, too. It adds up faster than you think!

Better physical health

And finally, the obvious one. Since grade school, you’ve been hearing about the negative consequences substance misuse can have on your health. That’s because it’s true!

While some college students may not spend much time thinking about the long-term effects of alcohol or drugs, it’s undeniable that substance use takes a toll on organs like the liver and heart. It can also affect blood pressure and increase the risk of chronic illness. Talk to any athlete, coach or personal trainer, and they’ll tell you that over time, performance and overall body function can be negatively impacted by substance use.

Hope this helped

Being sober is not everyone’s goal, and that is fine. But I hope this list has encouraged you to at least think about the benefits of “going sober.” If you need any help in trying this out, call Collegiate Recovery and Intervention Services. Staff are happy to have a short or long confidential conversation with you about how you can implement some changes to your substance use and improve your overall quality of life.