National Sober Day – September 14, 2022, history, quotes FAQS
National Sober Day occurs annually on September 14, and the day forms a part of National Sober Month. This day was founded in 2019 by ‘Real Aligned Women’ who identify themselves as a ‘sisterhood for sobriety. This initiative is also sponsored by The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
This holiday can be about renewing one’s commitment to staying sober or marking the start of a journey to getting sober. Millions of people suffer from substance abuse, and this day reminds them that they are supported and that they are not alone in their struggles.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL SOBER DAY
Alcohol is not only difficult to quit but one of the most widely abused substances in the world with many deaths attributed to it every year. Alcohol has a long history in our society and has been a part of human culture for years. In the past, it was mainly made by fermenting grains, fruit juice, and honey. Evidence of fermented beverages can be found in ancient Chinese, Egyptian, and Indian histories.
In these early societies, the beverage was consumed for a variety of reasons — for its nutritional value, as a pain reliever, and as part of religious ceremonies. During the 16th century alcohol, specifically ‘spirits,’ were considered medicinal.
In the 18th century, Britain passed a law encouraging the use of grain for distilling spirits. The law led to the rise in the availability of cheap spirits. It spiked gin consumption which reached 18 million gallons, and alcoholism became widespread.
In the 19th century, there was a change of mindset and the temperance of the time pushed the idea of moderation in alcohol consumption — which ultimately became a push for total prohibition. The U.S. passed a law prohibiting the manufacture, sale, import, and export of intoxicating liquors. It resulted in a boom of illegal alcohol trading forcing the cancellation of the prohibition of alcohol.
Today alcohol has little to no nutritional value. Medically alcohol is only used as a solvent for water-insoluble compounds. In most religious ceremonies alcohol is merely symbolic. More than 17 million American adults are suffering from alcohol use disorder.
Alcohol causes approximately 88,000 deaths a year, and 40% of all car accident deaths in the U.S. involve alcohol. This National Sober Day, let us all join hands to: “Celebrate sober life and bring awareness to addiction.”
NATIONAL SOBER DAY TIMELINE
7000 B.C.
[The Initial Fermented Beverage
Chinese produces a fermented drink from grapes, hawthorn berries, honey, and rice.
1920
The U.S. Alcohol Ban
Congress passes an amendment banning the trading of alkaline in most U.S. States.
1935
The Inception of Alcoholic Anonymous
Recovering alcoholic Bill Wilson starts Alcoholics Anonymous.
2019
The Day to Celebrate Sobriety
Two recovering friends form ‘Real Aligned Women’ and they set aside a day to celebrate sobriety.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL SOBER DAY
Reach out to a recovering alcoholic
Offer your support to anyone you know who is moving past alcoholism. Let them know that you will be there for them in their sobriety journey.
Have a booze-free party
You do not need alcohol to have fun! Create mocktails and plan activities that do not require alcoholic drinks.
Volunteer at a recovery center
Everyone needs help especially when they are at their lowest. Volunteer at a shelter or recovery center as a way to give back to your community.
5 FACTS ABOUT SOBREITY
It is a life-long journey
The journey to sobriety is a lifelong practice since there is no cure for the disease of addiction.
Having support is imperative to success
A study found that recovering alcoholics helping others were able to stay sober longer.
You may have a relapse
Around 80% of those on the long-term path to sobriety have at least one relapse.
Sobriety aids a better life
Your physical health will improve and recover when you start your sobriety journey.
Sobriety is a balm to your relationships
With sobriety comes the mental and emotional clarity needed so you can focus on those who matter the most to you.
WHY NATIONAL SOBER DAY IS IMPORTANT
It is a day for new beginnings.
It encourages people to celebrate new beginnings which will lead to better lives. This is the day to renew their commitment to staying sober or to begin their journey to recovery.
It breaks the taboo around alcoholism
This day highlights a problem many people are facing. It creates a space where people can be open about their struggles.
It educates and informs about different journeys.
People take different paths to get sober, and these need acknowledgment. We celebrate those who have stayed the course and encourage those who have relapsed.
NATIONAL SOBER DAY FAQS
What is the usual term for a sobriety anniversary?
It is called a ‘sobriety birthday’ because you are literally marking the start of a new life.
What initially begins to happen to your body after you stop drinking?
After three or four weeks of not drinking alcohol, your blood pressure will stabilize.
Can I just show up to an A.A.meeting?
Yes, you can. You do not need an appointment to attend an A.A. meeting.
