Binge-drinking: ‘I was stuck in a cycle of self-destruction’
Binge-drinking: 'I was stuck in a cycle of self-destruction' BBC
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Stuck in a Cycle of Self-Destruction: Sarah’s Journey to Sobriety
Sarah Cartin, a resident of Toronto, Canada, recently celebrated one year of being teetotal. Her decision to quit drinking was a brave one, as she had spent many years trapped in a cycle of self-destruction. Sarah’s story is relatable to many young people who initially start drinking for fun with friends but find themselves spiraling out of control.
The Dark Side of Binge-Drinking
Sarah’s regular binge-drinking sessions led to illness, blackouts, and dangerous situations. She realized that alcohol was not serving her well and decided to make a change.
A Life Transformed
Since giving up alcohol, Sarah has never been happier. She celebrated her soberversary with a party and now wants to encourage others to consider a sober lifestyle. Sarah plans to organize sober meet-up events in Toronto to connect with like-minded individuals who want to have fun without alcohol.
What is the Health Advice about Alcohol?
Alcohol misuse is a significant public health issue in Northern Ireland. The Department of Health advises men and women not to drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week on a regular basis, spread across three or more days. This is equivalent to about six medium glasses of wine or six pints of 4% beer.
Binge-drinking, which involves consuming a large amount of alcohol in a single occasion, is especially harmful and can increase the risk of accidents, misjudging risky situations, self-harm, and other negative outcomes.
‘I Was Binge-Drinking in a Dark Headspace’
Caroline McKenna, who splits her time between Northern Ireland and Australia, also experienced the negative effects of binge-drinking. She decided to quit alcohol during the Covid-19 pandemic and has never looked back. Caroline believes that giving up alcohol is an act of self-care and promotes a positive mental health message.
More Women Becoming Sober-Curious
Dr. Melissa Kelly, a sobriety coach and founder of Sober Girls Ireland, has noticed an increasing number of women, particularly younger women, re-evaluating their relationship with alcohol. Dr. Kelly herself has been teetotal for three years and believes that quitting alcohol should be seen as an act of self-care rather than a sign of a problem.
Related Topics
If you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues in this story, help and support are available on the BBC Action Line website.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. No Poverty
- Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property.
- Indicator: None mentioned or implied in the article.
3. Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
- Indicator: None mentioned or implied in the article.
5. Gender Equality
- Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.
- Indicator: None mentioned or implied in the article.
10. Reduced Inequalities
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
- Indicator: None mentioned or implied in the article.
16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
- Indicator: None mentioned or implied in the article.
17. Partnerships for the Goals
- Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.
- Indicator: None mentioned or implied in the article.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| No Poverty | Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property. | None mentioned or implied in the article. |
| Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol. | None mentioned or implied in the article. |
| Gender Equality | Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life. | None mentioned or implied in the article. |
| Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. | None mentioned or implied in the article. |
| Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. | None mentioned or implied in the article. |
| Partnerships for the Goals | Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships. | None mentioned or implied in the article. |
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Source: bbc.com
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