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Is January Sober for you? Why Do We Insist on This ‘All or Nothing’ Lifestyle?

The recent trend toward sobriety makes me a little sad, and I am eager for this fad to pass.

Libby Winkler
4 min readJan 10, 2024
Photo by Kelsey Knight on Unsplash

As the new year begins, there is a growing movement towards sobriety known as “Sober January” or “Dry January."

The idea behind this trend is simple: abstain from alcohol for the entire month of January as a way to reset your body and start the year with a clear mind.

The truth is that our society has become fixated on the concept of all-or-nothing.

Everywhere we turn, messages are urging us to work harder, be more efficient, and always aim for perfection. And while determination and resilience are admirable traits, they can also lead us down a dangerous path of self-destruction.

In the case of “Dry January,” many people may feel pressure to participate because it’s seen as a trendy and socially acceptable way to improve their health. But what about those who struggle with alcohol addiction or have a complex relationship with alcohol? For them, this trend can be triggering and potentially harmful.

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Libby Winkler
Libby Winkler

Written by Libby Winkler

Freelance writer who loves exploring the messiness of humanity, while poking around in nooks of life and shining light on all the things that make us complex..

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