Detox Summer: Take a Substance Break

For those who aren’t familiar with terms like “Dry January'' or “Sober October,” they refer to taking a month off from all consumption of alcohol, marijuana or any other substances. The reasons for this differ from person to person, but there are undoubtedly many benefits that come from doing so. 

I understand that we’re in college, and therefore, some of us want to spend our time in “fun” ways. However, I think this is a time of year in which we could really benefit from a little distance from our vices. So call me crazy, but I think that everyone should take a break from substance use as we finish the school year and head into summer. 

Actually taking that time off can be pretty difficult. I’ll be the first to admit that there have been a lot of times I’ve wanted to take a break from smoking or drinking, but I always ended up making excuses. Examples can include things like life is short, it helps me sleep, I don’t want to miss out, this is college, etcetera. These are all things that I’ve used to justify my substance use— and I know that I’m not the only one. It can be really hard to take a break when you're surrounded by people doing it, or you’ve built a habit. As hard as it can be, being able to take a break from substances, whether it be weed, alcohol or otherwise, is so important and comes with many benefits.

When you take a break from substance use, you have more energy and a greater sense of clarity when you’re sober. Waking up in the morning, you never have to worry about a hangover or grogginess that eats into your day, and going to bed you know that your body is getting the best rest it possibly can. You can be more present in the moment and enjoy a clearer perspective. I know some people feel like they enjoy a moment more when they're smoking or drinking, but in reality, while you may be more relaxed, you're only taking yourself further away from what's in front of you.

Henrik Ernst, a senior business major, talked to me about the break that he recently began. “I’ve reflected on times I wasn’t smoking, and noticed that I just have more life force, energy, motivation and with graduation coming up I want to feel crystal clear,” he said. With finals around the corner, taking a break can make it easier to lock in and finish your year strong. 

“If you’re doing something all the time you become numb to it, and it’s good to reset and get back to your most pure state, so to speak,” he said. Taking a break allows you to check back in with yourself and see where you’re at without any outside forces influencing you. Any desire to use a substance can then reveal to you more about why you want it in that moment, and what you might really need instead.

Committing to a substance break also forces you to be more creative with how you spend your time. Rather than taking the easy route by having a drink or getting high, you will have to come up with other ways of filling your weekends and nights. Going into summer, many of us will have more free time. Start it with your best foot forward and use that free time to fully engage in something you love without anything holding you back. Pick up an instrument you’ve been trying to learn, read that book you’ve been putting off or start a new activity that has always interested you. Without a substance to lean on, you can focus on what really matters to you. 

Taking a break will require the practice of discipline. Whether it's two weeks, a month or even a year, your commitment will be tested by yourself and likely those around you. With each successful day, you will build confidence and feel a sense of achievement simply by living your life. Think about the benefits of living a life with greater clarity and confidence. If you do falter, rather than beat yourself up, use it as an opportunity to learn more about yourself and your habits. I know we’re only human, and most of us will continue to use substances throughout our lives. However, do yourself a favor and at least take a break. Nothing worth doing is easy, but trust me when I tell you, it will be worth it.