You’ve conquered a month off booze – but smashing your second month might require the picking up of some new sober tools.
I've been sober since 2013 now, but before sobriety finally stuck I experienced five months of stop-start-stop-start. I couldn't seem to manage any longer than 30 days without drinking. A game-changer for me in going beyond 30 days was reading and listening.
I studied how to be sober in the way that some people study a new language, or to be a personal trainer. The more I learned, the stronger my determination became. The more I knew, the easier it was to not drink.
Many of you will already have your handy Dry January & Beyond app – but here are my top tips for books and podcasts:
Unwasted: My Lush Sobriety by Sacha Z. Scoblic
This was the first book I read that really extolled the benefits of an alcohol-free life, made me laugh, and presented a protagonist who I identified with deeply. Brilliant.
This Naked Mind by Annie Grace
A deep-dive into big questions like: is alcohol liquid courage, does it help me have better sex, and does it really relieve anxiety? The author has done heaps of research into the science behind drinking.
Blackout: Remembering the things I drank to forget by Sarah Hepola
If you're familiar with the scary experience of losing chunks of your boozy nights to memory blackouts, during which you still walked around, said things and even danced despite there being nobody at home, this wonderfully-written book will really resonate with you.
HOME
Hosted by two incredibly frank, fearless and funny women in long-term recovery, this series features interviews with the most prominent thinkers, authors and influencers in the field.
The One You Feed
Doctors, psychologists, neuroscientists and more talk about the power of positive psychology and give specific ways to better our mental health.
Since Right Now
Male voices in the recovery realm are pretty rare, but there are three here, and it's hugely entertaining hearing them tackle thorny issues, especially given some go to AA and some don't.
Good luck Sober Springers! And remember, you can sign up for some extra accountability (and to help us make Sober Spring even better next year) here.
