Many people are cutting back on the booze this October in an effort to not only expand their wallets but also improve health. This trend is also known as “Sober October” and consists of forgoing all alcohol and drugs for 31 days. This campaign initially started in the UK as a campaign to raise awareness of alcohol consumption and as a fundraiser for MacMillan Cancer Support. When going out on the weekends, there are a lot of other expenses one might not think about besides fancy, expensive drinks. There are many surrounding costs like an Uber to and from the bar, late night pizza orders, and a hangover brunch the next day. All of these costs add up to a huge dent in your savings over the month. By participating in Sober October, you can save money, lose some weight, and possibly experience a boost in mood and attitude.

​

Marketwatch.com created a breakdown of how much the average man and woman can save per month during Sober October. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, a woman should have no more than 3 drinks on a single day, and a man should have no more than 4. Say these two people went out three nights a week averaging 2-4 beers, they could spend anywhere from $130-$260 per month, or $1,560 - $3,120 per year on beer. Now imagine if those beers were cocktails – it could mean even more money saved. Of course, this will vary for people who drink more heavily or live in larger cities.

​

Not only does cutting out alcohol improve heart and liver health, but it also provides a whole slew of overall health benefits. Dr. Fiona Sim a previous general practitioner and medical advisor details what happens to your body once you stop drinking. There are a few changes you will notice right away when you stop drinking which include a decrease in blood pressure, a normalized sleep schedule, and better sleep quality. However, it is important to note that the level of your alcohol dependency can bring possible withdrawal symptoms.

​

Along with physical health benefits, there are mental health benefits as well. Anxiety and depression are often linked to alcohol. There are also issues with memory loss in people with heavier drinking. Decreasing the amount you drink, or going sober for a while, can reduce the risk of dealing with these side effects. October is not only National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, but there is also a whole week dedicated to Mental Illness Awareness.

​

Sober October is a great way to reset everything, including your gut, mind, and wallet before the major holidays begin. Dr. Sim also recommends “telling those in your social circle the truth when participating in Sober October.” Of course, there will be people that don’t understand, but others will respect it and maybe even join in. Perhaps even after the month of sobriety is over, you will look at alcohol in a different light and perhaps not drink as much as you did before – your wallet and your body will thank you.