HEALTH SENSE
Sobriety without stigma By Tiffany Hall
Recover Alaska
A
stigma exists that sobriety is boring or antisocial, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. A growing number of Alaskans are deciding to live a sober lifestyle, which ranges from never drinking to intentionally drinking less, for reasons that range from choosing a healthier routine to spending less on extras. People are opting for fun and creative alcohol-free cocktails when out with friends and choosing to participate in alternative activities such as getting outdoors or catching up over a cup of coffee over the standard bar scene. Last month, in March, sobriety took center stage as Alaskans worked to break the stigma surrounding sobriety during Alaska’s Sobriety Awareness Month. Bars and restaurants across the state participated by featuring delicious alcohol-free beverages on menus. Sobriety Awareness Month leads nicely into Alcohol Awareness Month in April. While sobriety awareness is really about breaking the stigma around choosing not to drink or choosing to drink less, this month is about Alaskans reevaluating their relationships with alcohol. Recover Alaska, a nonprofit, helps people do this by providing a free online screening tool and listing many resources on their website. Results are confidential. Healthy living and intentional choices continue to drive a sober-curious movement across the country year-round. Nearly 40% of Alaska adults report not drinking, while thousands more are actively reducing their alcohol use through dry weekends and months or just skipping a drink now and then, according to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. While people increasingly think more about their alcohol use, so do bars and restaurants. Many are branching off from only having dusty bottles of O’Douls on hand to creating hand-crafted cocktails that are not only tasty but are completely buzz-free. For example, in Fairbanks, the Pump House has a mocktail menu with zero-proof cocktails they’re happy to shake up for you. First on the menu is On the Beach, a bubbly and tart drink made with fresh raspberries, orange and lime juices and topped with Sprite. The Reviver is on the fresher side, made
Non-alcohol mocktails are a popular option at many Alaska bars and restaurants.
with pineapple juice, ginger simple syrup and fresh mint. A third option for those looking for something tropical is the Cranpina which includes orange, pineapple, cranberry and grapefruit juices with coconut syrup. No alcohol-free drinks on the menu? Bartenders say when in doubt, just ask! Many are prepared to make an alcohol-free version of popular cocktails or have their own go-to drink that may not be on the menu. Many people who choose not to drink, or drink less, report experiencing better moods, sleeping better, better skin and many other benefits. So don’t let the misconceptions of the past surrounding sobriety deter you from ordering a buzz-free Old Fashioned on the rocks! Tiffany Hall is executive director of Recover Alaska, a multi-sector action group pursuing a solutions-based approach to reduce excessive alcohol use and harms across the state. Its vision is for Alaskans to live free from the consequences of alcohol misuse and be empowered to achieve their full potential.
North WiNd Behavioral Caroline Atkinson
MA, LPC Licensed Professional Counselor
Cathy Johnson
RN, MSB, ANP Advanced Nurse Practitioner
Elizabeth Kraska
MA, LPC Licensed Professional Counselor
1867 airport Way Suite 215 FairBaNkS, alaSka
(907) 456-1434
Fax (907) 456-1481
North Wind Behavioral Health offers outpatient treatment Services include: individual, for anxiety, depression, PTSD, mood disorders, ADHD couples and family therapies and and other behavioral health challenges. medication management. Hours: Monday–Thursday 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. • Most Insurances Accepted • www.northwindbehavioral.com
AlaskaPulse.com — April 2020 — ALASKA PULSE MONTHLY
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