A habit worth expanding, say mental health experts

CINCINNATI (WKRC) – As October comes to a close, mental health providers suggested that those who participated in Sober October should consider extending the practice if they are struggling with addiction.

Linda Gallagher, vice president of the Hamilton County Recovery and Mental Health Services Board, shared insights about the benefits of ongoing sobriety during an appearance on “What’s Happening in Health.”

“People who really stop and think about it don’t really realize how long it’s been, because it’s been 30 days or more since they’ve had any kind of alcohol withdrawal, and I think they can be surprised by immediate benefit they feel from not drinking for 30 days,” Gallagher said.

Gallagher advised people to reflect on their experiences during the month and asked: “Do you want to keep feeling this way without drinking alcohol?” He also encouraged people to consider whether they are using alcohol as a means of coping with mental health problems rather than addressing the underlying issues.

Gallagher also raised the question of whether drinking has gone from being an occasional activity to becoming a lifestyle. Those reflections, he said, can help determine whether staying sober beyond October might be beneficial.

“If your lifestyle has been party drinking, whatever it is over the weekend and then it starts to be Thursday through Monday, look at tapering off, look at a period of time where you don’t,” he said Gallagher.

Visit OhioCares to find the Mental Health and Recovery Center of Warren and Clinton Counties.