March 22, 2024 by Kyla Jenée Lacey via TheHubs.news About two and a half years ago, at the turn of the new year, I decided I would stop drinking. I told a male friend this, and his response was that he wanted to get me drunk one last time, and just like mixing brown and white, that did not sit well with me. As of March 19, 2024, I can count six times that I’ve had a drink this year, and honestly, I’m a bit disappointed in myself because the reasons for me not drinking have very little to do with a physical desire to drink, but rather a desire of those around me, as four of those occasions were ..read more

February 13, 2024 by Khadi A. Oluwatoyin It is very easy to get lost in the people, places and things we perceive to bring us pleasure and reward. This is especially true when we are experiencing emotional turmoil, discomfort or hardship. During my addiction and for some time after, I used romantic partners and prospects to call the shots in almost every aspect of my life. It was a method I used to escape my reality. I curated my day based on their suggestions, likes and dislikes. I projected my needs and allowed my feelings to be influenced by theirs. When they were in a good mood, I was in a ..read more

October 29, 2023 by Khadi A. Oluwatoyin When we decide to stop drinking and or using drugs, I believe we have a responsibility, at some point, to discover (or for some of us, rediscover) our passions and desires. The things and activities that get us excited, glowing like a jack o’lantern on Halloween night. Though it may feel like it at first, sobriety isn’t a punishment. Yes, some of us may have done terrible things while drinking and or using, which may have led us to make the decision to get sober. But as we gain clarity through time and begin to heal through works of self-improvement (i.e ..read more

May 28, 2023 by Khadi A. Oluwatoyin By now, you should have finished watching the final season of Snowfall. If not, you may want to save this read for another day. For those of you who are not familiar with the show or have no intention of watching it, Snowfall is a crime drama television series set in Los Angeles during the 1980s, which follows the rise of the crack cocaine epidemic (which we all know was intentionally created by the Central Intelligence Agency, allegedly) and the impact it had on the city. The series premiered in 2017 and has six seasons in total. I want to discuss the last ..read more

April 12, 2023 by Hillary LeBlanc via CBC News I mistakenly thought bars would bring me friends and community. Here’s what I learned getting sober. This is a First Person column by Hillary LeBlanc, who co-owns the BlackLantic podcast. For more information about CBC’s First Person stories, please see the FAQ. Growing up as one of few Black people in a predominantly white community was never easy. I was raised by my white single mom in Moncton, N.B. Until I went to university, I was one of — at most — five Black students. My Senegalese father immigrated to Canada and lives in Ontario. I visite ..read more

Most think that personal growth consists of flowers & roses. The opposite is true. Personal growth is the most challenging, confusing, heartbreaking but NECESSARY experience that you may ever go through. The challenging part is not making the decision. It is remembering that you made a decision. Those who forget often find it difficult to reach the place they are yearning to reach. Before I continue, please understand that I am speaking from my own personal experience. It wouldn’t be fair for me to have such a strong opinion on something that I haven’t experienced. Right? Personal growth ..read more

Having healthy relationships is vital for our mental health. They help reduce stress, give us a safe place to be our authentic selves, and provide a solid foundation for us to build the rest of our life on. An excellent relationship even has the ability to motivate us and push us toward our highest self. Although they may not receive as much spotlight as romantic or familial relationships, these bonds are some of the most important connections we will make. Plutonic friendship is particularly special because they are the people we voluntarily chose to spend time with without expecting much in ..read more

January 12, 2023 by Alexa Spencer via Word in Black Khadi A. Oluwatoyin, founder of the Sober Black Girls Club, offers tips on navigating sobriety, and coping with stress during the process. It’s that time of year again: new year’s resolution time. Nearly 40% of Americans participate in the annual tradition by setting at least one goal toward living a healthier life. Pledging to exercise more often, lose weight, and reduce work-related stress are among the most common resolutions for 2023. But for folks participating in Dry January — a 31-day sobriety challenge started by U.K.-based organizati ..read more

I haven’t had a drink in 6 months, and I’m excited to enjoy the holidays sober. Since I quit drinking, my mood has improved tremendously. I don’t think I’ll ever have the desire to drink again. Mood aside, my energy levels have gone up, my taste buds have changed, and I am generally happier. Last year was the first time I spent the holiday season sober. At the time, I found it unbearable. I gawked at my siblings and cousins enjoying wine with their meals. I binged on cigarettes and chocolate in hope that my cravings for champagne or chardonnay would alleviate. I dreamt about drinking and was e ..read more

POPSUGAR Fitness contributing writer Maya Richard Craven, an American journalist, recently wrote an article for the publication about sobriety as a Black women. The article reads: I was 25 years old when I decided to get sober. After a tough breakup, I had started to drink as much as possible. What began as occasional trips to bars with friends turned into daily visits by myself. I had been sober seven months when Los Angeles County went under a shelter-in-place order in March. Then, two weeks into social distancing, I caved and had a drink. I felt I had an excuse. Every time I heard the word ..read more