Adam’s Journal
I had the best of intentions. Really, I did.
I thought this was the year I was going to make good on a Sober October. But I only made it six days before I broke my pledge by having a cocktail. (I swear it was a small one!) Then, four days later, I did it again.
So, am I better off just waving the white flag on this month and giving it another try come January (when I may end up breaking my pledge again)?
Dr. Scofield Prescribes
In health, as in life, it’s important not to let the perfect get in the way of the good. And as a series of new research studies have hammered home, any reduction in the amount of alcohol you consume is good.
For years, we believed that drinking alcohol in modest amounts carried health benefits. However, when scientists have delved deeper into the data, they’ve consistently found that alcohol is harmful when consumed at any level.
Not surprisingly, the risks that come with drinking ramp up as we consume more of it. So, even if you don’t go all the way to abstinence, reducing your drinking can result in a wide range of health gains.
Studies show that cutting your drinking by even a modest amount can lead to lower blood pressure and decreased risk for heart disease and cancer. Research has also found that lowering alcohol consumption improves liver health and results in better sleep, energy levels and mental health. It can even help your skin.
Obviously, in the long term, you can only expect these kind of benefits if you make permanent changes in your drinking habits. Nevertheless, cutting down for a limited period can be a vital first step. Indeed, studies have demonstrated that people who gave up alcohol for a month started drinking less the rest of the year.
Now, would it be better for your health if you actually adhered to your Sober October plan? Absolutely. (Indeed, it would be better if you kept that going for November, December and on.)
Still, you should think about alcohol like food. Just because you indulged in one piece of cake doesn’t mean you should give up trying to eat healthily. Similarly, don’t let a cocktail or two stop you from trying to drink in moderation.
Even if this month hasn’t been completely dry, afford yourself a little grace. A Sober-ish October may not be perfect, but if you’re reducing your drinking, that’s a step in the right direction. Keep it up!
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Adam Cohen is OMRF’s senior vice president and general counsel. Dr. Hal Scofield is a physician-scientist at OMRF, and he also serves as Associate Chief of Staff for Research at the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center. Send your health questions to contact@omrf.org.
