Why I lead a teetotal lifestyle
I’ve had times before when I’ve felt like leading a teetotal lifestyle is viewed as boring. At university, many people’s idea of fun would be going out until the early hours and drinking a lot. This was just never my scene and I never felt comfortable drinking or going on nights out. This is when I knew I was leading a teetotal lifestyle. There are many reasons that people decide to stop drinking alcohol and you shouldn’t be judged for not drinking alcohol. Here are some of my thoughts about switching to a teetotal lifestyle and why I did it.
Teetotal lifestyle misconceptions
This is not a post wanting to preach about being anti-alcohol. Not long ago, I would have a drink here and there, but I have since become completely teetotal. Yes, it is important for people to understand the effects and dangers of alcohol and make sure everyone drinks sensibly. I hope this is common knowledge.
For those of you who are sober though, well done. People are not congratulated for being sober in the same way that you would praise someone for quitting smoking, yet alcohol is equally bad, if not worse. You may get congratulated if you have recovered from an addiction, and are celebrating a sobriety milestone, but when you choose to give up alcohol after just having the odd drink, it is something that gets forgotten.
Different attitudes about sober living
The attitude to alcohol, and to people who don’t drink, works differently, and it’s this that I would love to change.
There’s a misconception that because you are sober, you are boring. Just because you don’t want to go out clubbing to the early hours of the morning and wake up with hangover, you aren’t fun. 100% not the case. I don’t know where that mindset came from (I know not everyone thinks this way, so thank you).
The confusion is probably not helped due to sober having multiple definitions.
Here are Oxford Dictionaries meanings of sober:
1 Not affected by alcohol; not drunk.
2 Serious, sensible, and solemn.
Yes, sober does mean solemn, but it’s separate from the no alcohol meaning! When sober is relating to alcohol, it simply means not drinking, it does not mean solemn, or boring.
Health benefits
Health has always been a primary factor in cutting out alcohol. Living with chronic illnesses is tough and health is already precious. The decision to be teetotal was made to reduce the negative effects that alcohol can have on the body. Having Crohn’s Disease, I didn’t want anything to further disrupt my digestive system.
Charity awareness
If you are wanting to go teetotal, then charity campaigns such as #SoberSeptember and #GoSoberforOctober are great places to start. We have a chance to raise awareness of the effects of alcohol and the positives of sober life.
It’s time to make reduce the stigmas surrounding sober living.
Such a great idea! So glad i get to be aPart Of this!
Thank you! So happy to have on board! X
I love this idea! I’m almost coMpletely sober (i dont count one cider every so often) but i Dont go out eveR. I’m far too socially anXious to have ever been out Or to a nightclub and its so nice to have found someone at last who has a siMiLar outlook. well done and good luck, im With you on this!
Flora xx
Aw thank you, that’s so sweet! I’m not one for clubbing etc. I believe in going out during the day and sleeping at night! I might be tempted by the odd G&T but haven’t had one in a month or so! X
great idea. i had never heard of this campaign. i’ve been sober for several years now mostly due to my health but it’s not a bad way to go i’ve discovered 😉
Joy at The Joyous Living
I just launched the campaign today, so that might be why! I started off sober due to health, but then realised I prefer it for so many reasons!
Yay, I’m sober and definitely not BORING!! Great campaign ?
Thank you so much! #SoberNotBoring!
Love this!! Might give it a go!
Aw thank you! Please do, I’d love to see! Just using #sobernotboring counts ?
NICE POST!
Thank you!