Dry January Without Alcohol: Healthy Alternatives, Better Rituals, and What to Do With Your Time One of the biggest surprises people report during Dry January isn’t cravings — it’s boredom. Not because life without alcohol is boring, but because alcohol quietly filled a lot of space: evenings, social glue, stress relief, transitions between work and…
read moreWhat Makes Dry January Hard (It’s Not Willpower) Dry January isn’t difficult because people lack discipline. It’s difficult because alcohol is deeply embedded in social life — dinners, celebrations, work events, stress relief, and even friendship rituals. Research on month-long alcohol abstinence challenges shows that social context, not physical withdrawal, is the most common reason…
read moreThis October, join Affect in a challenge to get sober. With free tools to support your progress, including a sober tracker, cravings toolkit, and reflection challenges, the Affect app is the sidekick you need to be successful! Download our free app and start your Sober October, today!
read moreThat’s why Holland's story matters. Because recovery isn’t just for people who have lost everything—it’s for anyone who chooses honesty over hiding. And his decision to stop drinking proves that even superheroes need help sometimes. Tom Holland’s Turning Point In 2022, Holland tried Dry January, a monthlong break from alcohol. What was supposed to be…
read moreHear how Affect member, Brian, overcame addiction to cocaine, heroin, and alcohol with the support of his counselor and group.
read moreDuring September’s National Recovery Month, Affect.com highlights powerful stories that remind us: sobriety changes lives. One of the most inspiring examples is actor and director Bradley Cooper, who has been open about his struggles with addiction and his nearly two decades of sobriety. How Old Was Bradley Cooper When He Got Sober? Bradley Cooper was…
read moreCelebrate your independence from drugs and alcohol 5 tips to protect sobriety and ways to moderate drinking when you feel tempted or pressured at parties and gatherings The Fourth of July is a time for fun and celebration—but if you're on a recovery journey, it can also come with challenges. Social events, drinking, and party…
read moreFor years, the idea that moderate alcohol consumption — especially wine — could be good for your heart or longevity was widely reported. But new, large-scale research has overturned this belief. The truth? No amount of alcohol is good for your health.
read moreIt's a question more people are asking themselves than you might think: "Is my drinking making me depressed?" The relationship between alcohol and depression is complex — and deeply intertwined. If you've noticed that your mood sinks after drinking, or that alcohol feels like both an escape and a trap, you're not alone. Alcohol and…
read moreEmbracing Renewal on Your Recovery JourneyAs the chill of winter gives way to the warmth of spring, nature embarks on a journey of renewal and growth. Trees bud, flowers bloom, and the world seems to awaken with new possibilities. This season of transformation offers a powerful metaphor for those on the path to recovery from…
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