If someone had told me when I was a wild 18 year old fresher that I would soon be the event coordinator for a society called “Sober”, I wouldn’t have believed them. 

In my third year of college when I gained slightly more sense, I became involved in DCU’s Sober Society. It was the best thing I could have ever done for many reasons. I made friends for life, organised so many fun events and learned how to enjoy myself without drinking. In no way is everyone on the society completely sober, (we all enjoy a bevy or two) but every October we make the pledge to stay sober for 31 days. 

Like most zillenials (gen-Z and millenials), I have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. I am a terrible drinker! I don’t know my limits, make a fool of myself after four G&Ts and always wake up full of regret, anxiety and THE FEAR. So taking on Sober October last year was a real eye opener for me and taught me a lot about myself and my relationship with alcohol. Since then I actually drink less and can happily enjoy myself on a night out without drinking. So this year I’m doing the same. I will admit, I went a bit hard with all the post Summer reunions this September, so I am really enjoying the break from drinking now. 

I think everyone should definitely give it a go and here are 5 reasons why.

Your Health is your Wealth

Believe it or not, excessive drinking is actually really bad for you??? I know, I was shocked too! I sometimes think about how I would easily drink 5 pints on a night out, but might not drink 5 pints of water in a day. That thought actually scares me and it’s something most of us don’t think about. It may not seem like it has any major effect on your body now but it may have some time in the future.

Hang…Over!

I get THE WORST hangovers! There have been times when I’ve not been able to leave my bed for a solid 12 hours, crippled with a hangover. I always feel so guilty for wasting my day dying in bed and think ‘“was it actually worth it?”. I usually come to the conclusion that it wasn’t worth it and vow never to drink again (which usually doesn’t last long). Make October a blissful month, free from nasty hangovers. 

Mo’ Money, Less Problems…

I would spend roughly 50 euro on a night out, some people go out every weekend, over four weeks that adds up to 200 euro! Think of Sober October as a saving opportunity and treat yourself to buying something nice at the end of it.

No More Post Session Depression

A night of drinking usually results in post session depression, for me anyways. I spend the next day overthinking all of my actions from the night before, full of anxiety and just a little but sad for no apparent reason. Alcohol really messes with my head and I’ve come to realise that no night out is worth compromising your own mental health. 

An Elephant Never Forgets

Sometimes I wake up after a big night out feeling annoyed that I can’t remember all the fun I had. Going out and not drinking is great because you can fully enjoy yourself and make actual memories. I enjoyed some of the best college nights out during Sober October last year and have those memories forever now.

If any of these reasons resonate with you, it’s worth giving Sober October a go. Even if you’re not fully successful in your attempt, it’s still a good thing to be aware of your alcohol consumption and take care of your physical and mental health. 

You can challenge yourself to a month of no alcohol any time, it doesn’t have to be October (the rhyme makes it more appealing I know). If you’ve missed the mark for October, just start in November, or any month for that matter! I’m no longer a DCU student or a member of Sober Soc but will always remember what I learned from it and take on Sober October every year.

Check out my friends at DCU Sober Soc for some sober related content and memorable events, on Instagram and Twitter @sobersocdcu