Where in the UK do you live? Sheffield, South Yorkshire What is your sober date? April 2011
Do you think the tide is changing with AF drinks being more widely available? Yes, definitely. When I first quit drinking back in 2011, I only knew a couple of people who didn’t drink, and the only AF drinks were pretty terrible and not widely available. The difference between that and today, with a burgeoning sober curious movement, loads of exciting AF drinks on the market, whole sections of the supermarket filled with alcohol-free options, and even Heineken 0% being advertised on the Euros billboards..! The world is definitely waking up the idea that alcohol is a pretty bad idea for lots of people, and life is healthier and happier without it. Have you seen a rise in membership post lockdown globally? We have seen a rise – especially towards the end of both major lockdowns in the UK. I have witnessed, particularly in my 1-2-1 coaching practice, people drinking more in lockdown, as a way of coping with stress, and this seems to have disproportionately affected women who were mostly the ones juggling childcare, home schooling and work. Social media posts joking about wine o’clock didn’t help, but I think an awful lot of people have eventually arrived at a place where their increased alcohol consumption has resulted in their questioning more acutely their relationship with alcohol and (thankfully) starting to address it.
Do you have a sober hero-heroine? Anthony Kiedis, Red Hot Chili Peppers If so, why are they so special to you? I needed a new model of ‘cool’ when I first quit drinking that didn’t involve alcohol or drugs. RHCP are my favourite band and it just so happens the lead singer is sober/clean so I fixated on him for a while and it helped me understand that there is a coolness to be found in sobriety! Program: 12 Step or Modern Recovery? I have always believed that whatever works is the right way – this is different for us all. When did you set up Soberistas? We launched in November 2012 Why did you set up Soberistas? I didn’t identify as ‘an alcoholic’ but knew I needed help. There was nothing available to me that resonated back in 2011, so I created what I would have wanted. My main aims in setting up Soberistas were to create a non-stigma, non-religious site that was totally non-judgmental and a safe space for people to offload their worries about alcohol misuse and/or sobriety. The way Soberistas grew was a bit of a shock! There were obviously a lot of people out there who felt the same way as me. How big is the backroom staff at Soberistas? We have two main staff members (one of them being me), plus a part-time role and our writers, social media person, and then our software development/management team. What does Soberistas offer its members? A friendly and non-judgmental safe space where they can talk (or write!) honestly about their issues with alcohol. Blogs, forum, Ask the Doctor, podcasts, Book Club, feature articles, chat room, Discount Club are all components of Soberistas, but in essence, we are a big, friendly, worldwide community! .
How do I join Soberistas?
"Soberistas is a worldwide community of friendly, non-judgmental people, all helping each other to kick the booze and stay sober. Create a profile for a free 1 week trial and have a look around - you’ll find a wealth of information on ditching the drink, personal stories and lots of advice. At the end of your 7 day free trial no money will be asked for or taken. If you do wish to take out a subscription after the trial it is £ 49 for an annual subscription or £ 19 for a 3 month option. Don’t beat yourself up about getting into difficulties with booze - join the Soberistas community instead and start working towards a happier, healthier you today.”
- Lucy Rocca, Founder
Social Media for Soberistas @Soberistas – Instagram and Twitter /Soberistas – Facebook @lucyroccalifecoaching – Instagram @RoccaLife – Twitter
What is your favourite summer drink? San Pellegrino Limonata
What was the last sober quit-lit book you read? The Unexpected Joy Of Being Sober, Catherine Gray Do you have a favourite sober quit lit book? Blackout by Sarah Hepola What is your top sober tip for readers? See drinking, not as the individual drink, but the drinking lifestyle. That is what you are ‘giving up’, not the individual drink, which doesn’t exist. What is your one non-negotiable in your day to protect your sobriety? Running.
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