Soberish

July 3, 2023
Lyons, founder of the online community 1,000 Hours Dry, debuts with a smart how-to manual that encourages readers to embrace a “soberish” lifestyle by “writ your own narrative when it comes to the relationship you have with alcohol.” Unlike traditional 12-step programs that center a higher power, Lyons frames recovery as a process “based within your own sphere of control,” whether that means abstaining from drinking or simply cutting back. Readers should first look inward to pinpoint the emotional function alcohol serves in their lives, whether it’s fighting shyness or reducing stress; “once we find the root,” Lyons writes, “we can address it and make some tangible, positive changes.” To that end, she offers a sobriety “toolkit” of “new... habits to replace the old ones that were negatively impacting your wellbeing,” among them eating well, identifying and avoiding emotional triggers, adopting an “abundance mindset,” and practicing “intuitive movement” by “express... ourselves physically without tying ourselves to exercise milestones.” Based in sound psychological principles and addiction research, Lyons’s advice is ideal for those who wish to rethink their relationship with alcohol without adhering to prescriptive principles or moralizing judgments (“You get to... choose what works best for you... and how you’d like to move forward”). It’s ideal for the sober-curious.

August 1, 2023

This work from the founder of Join Soberish and 1,000 Hours Dry (The Dry Club) aims to assist individuals in establishing healthier relationships with alcohol. Lyons reveals her struggles with alcohol and her journey to address them. The author suggests employing empowering and inclusive terminology such as "alcohol-use disorder," or using no labels at all, as the term "alcoholic" has negative connotations. She defines "soberish" as a positive label or lifestyle that takes power away from alcohol and enables readers to find healing pathways in their alcohol use, offering advice, tools, and exercises to assist readers in achieving a soberish lifestyle. Sections discuss the neurological and physical effects of alcohol and the benefits of limiting or abstaining from drinking. Every chapter includes simple reflections and exercises to establish goals and design a soberish action plan. Techniques include identifying triggers, mindfulness and meditation, intuitive movement, cryotherapy, sound healing, journaling, and creating support systems through social media or online forums. The book has interviews with experts (nutritionists, yoga instructors) and concludes with advice from other individuals that complements the author's message. VERDICT A useful guide to establishing a healthy relationship with alcohol.--Erica Swenson Danowitz

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