Why Is Joining a Gym Normal, but Stopping Drinking Seen as Extreme?
Gyms are busy, lots of people are outdoors, and loads of people are doing Dry Jan.
Many of us have overindulged over the holidays (or the year) and are looking to make a positive change to improve our mental & physical health.
Not drinking and exercising both support that.
But why is it if we join a gym, no one blinks, but if we stop drinking, it’s seen as unbalanced?
With alcohol prevention, I believe in focusing on the benefits of not drinking. Because that’s how exercise and wellness are normally talked about.
What’s more empowering? Fast food warning labels or someone making a healthy lifestyle visible & attractive?
What’s more empowering? “Alcohol causes cancer” or here’s how not drinking or drinking less can improve these areas of your life..
Traditionally, alcohol has always been compared to other drugs which isn’t fair. Because other drugs don’t have a non-use problem.
People aren’t shamed for not using them.
Campaigns like Dry Jan exist to shift social norms and give people permission to opt out of a default behaviour.
We don’t need permission or a campaign to join a gym, so how long before not drinking feels just as normal as maintaining a gym membership or going on a fitness journey?
