‘No Alcohol November’ is a month-long challenge to abstain from alcohol. It’s an opportunity to reset your relationship with drinking in the run up to the Christmas holiday season. Your own Bylines Scotland correspondent takes up the gauntlet and puts the issue into the public domain.
Why do people not drink in November?
The internet is full of arguments about why we all should have a ‘month off’ before the traditional period of overindulgence that is the Christmas and New Year – the festive season. The Ocean Recovery Centre claims that ‘No Alcohol November’ can make it easier to control the amount of alcohol you regularly drink. A month off allows your liver and body to heal a bit.
They also claim that a month of alcohol can help you lose weight. You cut out the empty calories of alcohol, and you are not putting yourself in the situation where you binge on junk food after a few drinks in your local, or indeed in your house. This should help you shed a few pounds and you will feel better.
Why I’m taking up the challenge
This is my first ‘No Alcohol November’. I’ve got to come clean at this point and admit that I, like many others throughout the land, do like a drink. I possess what my wife calls the “Celtic” gene, which is commonly found in these parts and involves a tendency to enjoy socialising with the assistance of the odd tipple. I like to think of myself as a social drinker who can leave it at any time. ‘No Alcohol November’ will test my theory and I will get to test my will power over the next 30 days.
The bumps in the road
There are always hurdles to overcome when trying to stop drinking alcohol. Family parties, sports occasions with your mates, birthdays that may fall in November. These all add to the challenge. Let me make it clear at this point; there is no non-alcoholic drink which can replace my enjoyment of a glass of red wine, a beer or indeed a glass of fine malt. An alternative does not exist in the universe I love and know. No doubt I will drink more coffee than usual and am determined to avoid looking too closely at any booze I have in the house. This I will keep for the Christmas season that follows.
Saturday 1 November
I had a lie-in following my final October Friday evening tipple. I then weighed myself. It will be interesting to see if a month of abstinence will lead to any weight loss and/or a feeling of increased well-being over the next 30 days.
I am going to keep a diary of the journey. It’s going to be an unusual November.
I will let you know how it goes, promise!
Charlie.
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