It's time to foster a culture that embraces diversity and respects individual choices. Sober shaming has no place in our campus community. Let's work together to create an environment where everyone feels valued and included.
Hannah Hockin & Nisha Bundhun
President & VP Wellbeing & Diversity
Sober shaming is the act of stigmatising or ridiculing individuals who choose to remain sober or limit their alcohol consumption. It often manifests in the form of judgment, exclusion, or even mockery, creating an environment where those who don't partake in drinking may feel isolated or uncomfortable.
Examples of Sober Shaming
- Making fun of someone for choosing not to drink or limiting their alcohol intake.
- Ridiculing someone for being the designated driver.
- Leaving out individuals from social gatherings solely because they don't drink.
- Creating social events that revolve around alcohol, making non-drinkers feel out of place.
- Pressuring someone to drink against their will.
- Belittling those who abstain from alcohol as being "boring" or "uptight."
Why it Matters
- Sober shaming can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, or isolation among non-drinkers. Everyone deserves to feel comfortable and accepted for their choices.
- Fostering an inclusive culture benefits everyone. It encourages diverse perspectives and experiences, promoting a more vibrant and supportive campus community.
- University is a time of self-discovery, and students should be free to make choices that align with their values without facing judgment.
What Can You Do to Stop It
- Organise social events that don't revolve around alcohol, making space for everyone to participate comfortably.
- Speak up against stereotypes and misconceptions about those who choose not to drink. Challenge the notion that a good time requires alcohol.
- Encourage positive and supportive language. Celebrate diversity in choices and highlight the importance of respect.
- Model inclusive behaviour by respecting others' choices and creating an environment where everyone feels accepted, regardless of their decision to drink or not.
- Encourage the University to provide mental health resources and counselling services. Students facing sober shaming should have access to a supportive network.
It's time to foster a culture that embraces diversity and respects individual choices. Sober shaming has no place in our campus community. Let's work together to create an environment where everyone feels valued and included. For more information on sober shaming check out the #stopshobershaming campaign. They have more information on how to support your sober friends when you're still drinking.
University Support
Remember if you are worried about your own or a friend's drinking or substance habits, then please don’t hesitate to reach out to the University's Wellbeing team. They will be happy to discuss any alcohol and drug-related issues with you at any time to help you make informed choices, ask questions and seek support.
You can contact the Wellbeing team by emailing wellbeing@royalholloway.ac.uk.
Within the Wellbeing team, there is also the Student Counselling Service, which can help with drug and alcohol-related problems. They work in a non-judgmental way to help you achieve the goals you have set for yourself. Additionally, they do not normally inform anyone of any illegal activity they hear about through counselling. The only exception to this rule is when there is a clear and immediate risk to someone's life.
External support
SADAS (Surrey Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service) offers confidential counselling, befriending, advice and support groups and has an office in Staines. Ring 01483 590150 or email info@sadas.org.uk.
They also run The Engage Project (a street drugs agency providing accessible services for a wide range of drug and alcohol misusers, their families, carers or partners). For more information ring 01784 453512 or visit their website.
AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) - Ring their helpline on 0845 769 7555 or visit their website.
Alcohol Concern - Ring their helpline on 020 7264 0510 or visit their website.
NHS - For more information on alcohol support and drug support.
FRANK offers friendly, confidential advice on any subject related to drugs. Available in 120 languages, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Calls are free from landlines and some mobiles. You can talk to FRANK confidentially at 0800 77 66 00, by textphone (for the hard of hearing) 0800 917 8765 or by emailing frank@talktofrank.com. For further information visit their website.
Surrey Drug Care offers 24/7 confidential and non-judgmental help via phone at 01483 300112 or online.
Drinkaware - If you do decide you want to drink, Drinkaware has provided some easy steps to make sure your nights out don’t end badly. You can call their drink line, 03001231110, every weekday from 9am-8pm or weekends from 11am-4pm.
Rehab 4 Addiction is a free helpline run by people who've beaten alcohol and addiction themselves in London and the Southeast. This is a helpline set up by people who are themselves in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Check out their website or speak to them by calling 08001404690.