Since Australia reached “peak beer” in 1975, our per capita consumption of alcohol has been steadily declining, with one of the fastest-growing categories on the shelves of liquor stores being low and no-alcohol beers, wines and spirits. Despite this, a report released in February 2024 by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare showed 31% of Australians were drinking at a “risky level” – more than 10 alcoholic drinks a week or more than four in one day. Sobriety months provide an opportunity to take a holiday from alcohol and are aimed at the general population rather than those with an addiction.
The first of the sobriety months was Febfast, kicking off in 2008. It was founded by Fiona Healy, a Melbourne media officer, who was concerned by the amount of alcohol consumed over the festive season. The concept was to raise money for charity by having friends and associates sponsor Febfasters who could live through the shortest month of the year without an alcoholic drink.
The first Febfast raised just $910 but, with support over the years from organisations including the Victorian police force and the AFL, by 2008 it was raising $350,000 with 1400 participants. Febfast is now run by the Youth Support and Advocacy Service’s drug and alcohol outreach program and in 2024 raised more than $175,000. Its anti-alcohol message has been somewhat diluted by allowing participants to choose their own challenge, giving up sugar or some other undesirable habit instead.
Dry July, also initiated in 2008, follows in Febfast’s footsteps. It was founded by three Sydney mates Phil Grove, Brett McDonald and Kenny McGilvaray whose aim was to raise money for their local hospital. This has evolved into the Dry July Foundation, a registered charity that raises funds to help people affected by cancer. In 2022, the Foundation raised $8.8 million and funded 95 projects from 49 different organisations.
It was two years later that the youth health organisation, the Life Education Centre, introduced Ocsober. It helps to fund programs like the Healthy Harold giraffe character who has been visiting schools across Australia since the 1970s educating kids about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
There are some questions about whether sobriety months result in permanent or even medium-term behaviour change. But there are short-term benefits including weight loss, better sleep and improved liver function. The programs have become well-known and can trigger an abstemious month even for those who don’t sign up to the official fund-raising programs. Saying “I’m doing Dry July” is a ready-made excuse for not drinking at a social event, without making you seem like a killjoy.
As I write this, I am closing in on the end of my own Dry July. Well, there was one lapse – two glasses of wine at the pub after a day of babysitting and volunteering at our apartment complex’s trash and treasure exchange. Just six nights to go, including one weekend. I’m not missing it – much. And afterwards, it might be easier to go back to just drinking at weekends. Time will tell.