How Going Sober Saved My University Experience

FIRST PERSON ACCOUNT –

July 13, 2024 – I did not have one distinct reason for going sober, but upon reflection, it can be attributed to numerous factors that were affecting my mental health and my university work. In hindsight, I was drinking as a form of escapism … As drinking is so deeply entrenched within university culture, it is difficult to fathom the possibility of successfully going sober. Often university is associated with the many newfound freedoms individuals encounter upon turning 18: moving away from home, being surrounded by strangers, and arriving in a culture that finds excessive drinking acceptable. Therefore, it is no wonder that the same SOS-UK report acknowledged that 81% of their respondents believed drinking and getting drunk was part of university culture. University nightlife has developed this culture through the atmosphere it promotes during circling, clubbing, and chaotic society and sports initiations. It is not sustainable to expect universities to altogether ban these activities, as they are often integral to socialisation outside of an academic setting. Instead, universities must be mindful of the culture they are unintentionally contributing to.

This culture often deters sober-curious individuals from choosing a sober university experience. It was one of the reasons that delayed my decision to go sober in my second year, despite experiencing one of the worst downward spirals to my mental health I had seen in years. When I finally decided to go sober, it seemed like a matter of urgency (of course, this is not the same for everyone).