What do you want to give up this October?

October is a time for reflection on the past year as we move into the colder months, and it is also a month with two very important messages to help improve your health. Thousands of people will be using the whole of October to stop smoking for Stoptober or go without alcohol for Sober October. It’s a great time to give something up with the support of others around you.

Both habits have a massive impact on your health and finances. If you visit our new Drink Coach website you can take the Alcohol Test to find out how risky your drinking is. More information and advice can be found on our stop smoking pages and our alcohol pages.

Read the section below for tips and support to help you to achieve your quitting goals.

STOP being spelt out by broken cigarettes — No smoking

Choose Your Quitting Strategy

There are several tactics you can use to quit smoking or drinking or your chosen goal for this month, and the best approach will vary from person to person.

Set Clear Goals: Begin by defining what you want to achieve and give yourself a clear and achievable timeframe.

Remove Temptations: Aim to get rid of any alcohol or cigarettes, reducing accessibility and temptation.

Seek Support: Share your decision with friends or join a support group to stay motivated during your break. You can contact our specialist support service, Atlantic Recovery Community service, for help to give up alcohol or our support to stop smoking service with Your Health Dudley.
Identify Triggers: Recognise the situations and emotions that trigger your alcohol or smoking cravings and make plans to beat them.
Explore Alternatives: Discover non-alcoholic beverages or nicotine replacement therapies that can serve as a satisfying swap and help reduce cravings.
Stay Active: Engage in physical activities and hobbies that distract you from cravings, release endorphins, and reduce stress.
Practice Stress Management: Learn relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, to manage stress without resorting to alcohol or cigarettes.
Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and reward your smoke or alcohol-free milestones to stay motivated and reinforce your progress.
Reflect and Re-evaluate: Use your break as an opportunity for self-reflection. Assess how you feel both physically and mentally without alcohol or smoking and decide whether you want to continue your break or make permanent lifestyle changes.

Your Path to Healthier Living

Sober October and Stoptober are fantastic opportunities to make positive changes in your life. By participating in these campaigns, you can experience improved physical and mental well-being and financial savings.