Why my Sober October lasted a year | CNN

Editor’s note:

Jemal Polson is a social media producer at CNN, based in London.

CNN —

Introduction

1. It wasn’t something I originally intended to do long term.
2. Abstaining from alcohol for a couple of weeks or even a month was nothing new to me. However, it would only be a matter of time before the drinking ramped back up, along with the anxiety and regret afterward that could often last for days.
3. I knew the key to alleviating these issues. How to no longer fill in the blanks with the worst ideas imaginable of what I might have done, or what may have happened the night before. But frankly I was in denial.
4. Giving up drinking for an indefinite amount of time was too big a leap for me. But in October 2022, I knew I needed to break the cycle.

Starting the Sober Journey

• After one too many occasions of waking up with a hazy memory of the night before, I started my sober journey after seeing this CNN Wellness piece, which coincidentally published on the day I was feeling particularly rough.
• I read it thoroughly and bought “This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol,” the book by Annie Grace mentioned in the story’s second paragraph. As it turned out, I needed more than a Sober October.

Challenges and Benefits

• But without alcohol, would I still be fun? Would I lose friends — either because they would no longer want to be friends with me or I’d no longer want to be around them? Socializing and dating, especially within the LGBTQ community, are so centered on drinking — how would I navigate that? I’ve gone weeks and even longer than a month without drinking before. I don’t drink every day, or heavily every time I do — so do I need to abstain entirely?
• The answers to those questions are, yes, I would still be fun; no, I did not lose friends; yes, dating is a struggle regardless of drinking; and for the last one, yes, I do need to abstain. If you feel as though you need to quit drinking, even temporarily, I think it’s worth trying.

Understanding My Alcohol Use

1. Within weeks of abstaining, I realized what had led me to this point.
2. I wasn’t a heavy drinker in my teens or early 20s, but my alcohol use slowly accelerated in my late 20s. I think it was due to a mix of work events, where free booze flowed, and a higher disposable income to afford more drinks. I loved it all — wine, cocktails, spirits and cider. They took the edge off and lifted my mood.
3. I turned 30 in the middle of the pandemic, in 2020, and what was already on the rise went up on an even

   SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

   1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   • SDG 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
   • SDG 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
   • SDG 12.3: By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses

   3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   • Indicator for SDG 3.5: Number of people receiving treatment for substance abuse disorders
   • Indicator for SDG 10.2: Proportion of population reporting having felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months based on a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law
   • Indicator for SDG 12.3: Amount of food loss along production and supply chains, post-harvest losses included

   Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators
   SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol	Number of people receiving treatment for substance abuse disorders
   SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities	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	Proportion of population reporting having felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months based on a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law
   SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production	12.3: By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses	Amount of food loss along production and supply chains, post-harvest losses included

   Note: The indicators listed are examples and may not be directly mentioned in the article. They are derived from the targets and are commonly used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

   Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

   Source: cnn.com

    

   

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