Yep, it's that time of year again. In its third year, FebFast is like an uber-extended 40-hour challenge for alcohol drinkers. The idea is a straight-forward one - for the entire month of February you don't drink alcohol. Easy, right?
The idea is to raise funds to support organisations working in research, prevention and services around alcohol and other drugs for young people. Those services include the Australian Drug Foundation, Mater Health Services – Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Service (Qld), Ted Noffs Foundation (NSW & ACT) [disclaimer: Ted Noffs is a co-partner of BTL, however, BTL is not receiving any funds from FebFast], Youth Substance Abuse Service (Vic) and FebFast’s grants program for smaller grass-roots organisations.
If that's not enough enticement, suggested personal benefits are (according to the site) losing weight, saving money, finding more time, energy and productivity in your day and sleeping better'. What's not to like?
Of course, February is the perfect timing in many regards - most of us have over-indulged over the Christmas and New Year period, to the extent that going without alcohol feels like a welcome relief.
But for those who are daunted at a whole month without booze, espeicially at a special occasion like a birthday, FebFast offers a $25 'Time Out Certificate'.
Who's done it in previous years? If so, how did you manage socially if you had mates not taking part?
Or are you planning to do it this year?
5 Comments
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MischaBee
over 2 years ago
I think I might give this a go! I'm not a huge drinker - I regularly go without alcohol for extended periods of time, but find it hard to say no to a cold beer or a glass of wine with friends in this summery sunshine. Does anyone have tips for taking on Feb Fast?
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diviniti
over 2 years ago
i don't drink anyway. it's not difficult.
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tronica
over 2 years ago
I did febfast in 2008. It wasn't hard for me then as I was only drinking occasionally. But it was difficult not to drink with friends. I just told them I was doing FebFast! This did mean avoiding any 'huge' nights, but it's a good chance to see if you can do it and to raise money for (and awareness of) drug and alcohol organisations
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Polite Society
over 2 years ago
A good cause, but I don't think I can do it. Too many events in Feb.
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switch
over 2 years ago
great cause and idea , but feburary is way too busy for me but the october one seems like an awsome idea
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