Reclaiming your wellness

An opportunity for reflection

Every October, FNHA hosts the Reclaiming your Wellness challenge.

It is an opportunity for us to look at the role alcohol and other substances have in our lives – how much, how often and why we consume them. We can reflect on these questions, learn more about how alcohol and other substances impact our health, and consider what alternatives are available instead.

Originally called “Sober for October,” the name was changed in 2025 to shift our language and update our approach to better reflect the original purpose of the initiative. That is, to promote harm reduction and abstinence-based practices for First Nations people in BC who drink alcohol.

You make t​he rules

The Reclaiming your Wellness Challenge uses a harm reduction approach and involves a range of strategies and tactics for people who would like to reduce or stop drinking. The goal of the challenge is to enhance the knowledge, skills, resources and supports for individuals, families, and communities about alcohol. Quitting or abstinence is not required to access care and supports. How you approach this initiative is up to you.

Here are some ways you can participate:

• Learn about how alcohol impacts your health and wellness goals.
• Make a plan (for example, to drink alcohol only on weekends or only particular weekdays).
• Be mindful of how many drinks you have at a given time.
• Try to stop drinking alcohol altogether this month.
• Increase your daily water intake.
• Pair up with a friend, and support and encourage each other on your wellness journey.

Resources