Welcome to Zero Proof, the weekly manifest making it easy to feel good about not drinking.

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As always, don’t borrow from tomorrow.

-Billy & Connor

Also, don’t forget to fill out our usual poll at the bottom of the newsletter if you have feedback on the content of this specific issue.

Here’s what’s on today’s menu:

• No Booze News 📈: Massive NCAA Study about to drop

• They’re one of us 🤝: Rich Roll on how sobriety kickstarted his growth

• Wait, but why? 🤔: Why do I want to drink when others do? FoMO.

• Healthy Habit 🌱: Can running or biking really make me self confident?

• Product Spotlight 🛒: Do we really need liquor to have fun? NOPE

• Events 🚴‍♀️: Find Your Pack: Why joining a running or cycling club will help you find a healthy way to socialize

No Booze News 📈:

NCAA conducted a massive study on student-athletes' use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco

Headlines & pop culture shows like Blue Mountain State have you thinking blow out college parties hosted by the football team every night…

But is that actually the case?

Conducted from October 2022 to June 2023, this NCAA study involved over 23,000 participants, marking a continued effort by the NCAA to monitor and improve substance use trends in collegiate sports.

The study reveals a notable decrease in binge drinking among student-athletes, with rates dropping from 55% in 2009 to 35% in 2023.

The study, whose full results will be shared at the 2024 NCAA Convention in Phoenix, also highlights significant declines in the use of narcotic pain medication and spit tobacco.

But even though binge-drinking is on the way down, celebrating wins or commiserating losses with alcohol is perceived as the norm.

Whether athletes feel pressure to celebrate with alcohol or they enjoy drinking, research shows college athletes binge-drink more than non-athletes

More on this in Wait, but Why? below..

They’re one of us 🤝:

Rich Roll on how Sobriety kick started massive growth in his life

Rich Roll is a world-renowned ultra-endurance athlete, bestselling author, full-time wellness & plant-based nutrition advocate and motivational speaker.

He is also extremely vocal about his sobriety and how not drinking has led to massive growth in his life. He attributes his decision to no longer drink to being the key catalyst that has allowed him to accomplish all the things he is known for above.

Rich’s quote below lays out exactly what putting down alcohol does from the standpoint of self belief:

Rich is undoubtably a fellow Proofer as he constantly points back to how his sobriety is what has allowed him to really take on the many challenges that have turned into a list of many unfathomable accomplishments.

Tune into the video below to learn more about Rich and his journey.

Wait, but why? 🤔:

Why do I want to drink so badly when others are? Well FoMO

You’ve had a long day or week, you’ve eaten right, exercised, hit your numbers just the way you wanted and your tired and ready to do the hardcore relaxing you’ve been oh so excited for.

Then BAM, you open your phone and see your friends’ instagram story at happy hour and next thing you know your well earned zen bliss is TKO’d and you’re in a manic panic thinking about all the ‘fun’ being had without you.

That’s FoMO.

As it turns out, FoMO feels real, but is a perception you’ve made up in you’re head.

The problem is it’s an extremely good motivator for us to do things we know we shouldn’t or probably didn’t want to - which all to often is drink.

FoMO is real

Staying on the college trend (March Madness in the air) - A recent study published in the journal Addictive Behaviors explored the connection between fear of missing out (FoMO) and alcohol use in university students.

The findings suggest that students who experience higher levels of FoMO tend to drink more alcohol, even after accounting for the big 5 personality traits.

FoMO in numbers!

Southern Methodist University also conducted an interesting survey on students alcohol use and perception of others.

The answers showed major misperceptions about alcohol norms, particularly for atheletes who have less social availability then other students:

• Only 20% of students surveyed reported drinking the previous night, yet they believed that over half drank.

• Only 8% reported getting drunk, yet they believed at least one-third got drunk.

• Of students who drank, most reported consuming only a few drinks per week. Yet they believed most students were drinking 10 to 15 drinks per week.

• 35% reported abstaining from alcohol, but very few believed that many of their peers were non-drinkers.

So all in all, FoMO is real and knowing it’s real and how it works is important.

Now next time you’re enjoying me time focus on JoMO instead 😁

Healthy Habit 🌱:

Run your way to confidence: How cycling and running can boost your self-belief

Keeping on the theme of Rich Roll and building self esteem, we wanted to highlight a feel-good workout that goes beyond just physical benefits. Running and Cycling are fantastic ways to build self-confidence, leaving you feeling strong and capable both on and off the road (or track).

Here's how these activities can work wonders for your inner voice:

• Accomplishment Addiction: Both running and cycling offer a constant stream of achievable goals. Whether it's conquering a longer distance, hitting a new speed, or simply completing a workout, these small victories add up. The more you achieve, the more you'll believe in your ability to tackle challenges.

• Body Positivity Boost: As you get fitter, you'll start to notice changes in your body. It might be increased endurance, toned muscles, or simply feeling more comfortable in your own skin. This newfound appreciation for your body translates into a more confident you.

• Stress Slayer: Running and cycling are amazing stress relievers. Exercise releases endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that combat stress hormones. With less stress clouding your judgment, you'll feel more positive and ready to take on the day.

• The Community Connection: Running and cycling groups are a great way to meet like-minded people and build a support system. Sharing your journey with others who understand the struggles and triumphs can be incredibly motivating and confidence-boosting.

So lace up your shoes, grab your helmet, and get ready to experience the confidence boost that comes with running and cycling. You might be surprised at how much these activities can empower you in all aspects of your life.

Proofer Products 🛒:

NOPE: Change the way you chill

Being normal is boring but rallying for vitality is everything! Do we really need to liquor up to have fun? NOPE.

“NOPE Founder, Beth Ann Shaeffer, wanted to make an alcohol-free lifestyle fun and flavorful for anyone taking a break from booze. Not satisfied with club soda and lime as the only substitute, she created NOPE, a deliciously bold, unapologetic cocktail alternative.”

NOPE is a proofer product through and through and we highly recommend the Raspberry Ginger Beer… its slaps!

Event Spotlight 🚴‍♀️:

Find your pack: Why joining a cycling or running club will provide you a healthy way to socialize

As we learned in the Healthy Habit section above, running and cycling can be fantastic for physical and mental well-being, but sometimes that solo grind can get...well, grindy. If you're looking to inject some fresh motivation, camaraderie, and maybe even a little friendly competition into your workouts, then we highly recommend you consider joining a cycling or running club!

Here's what you can expect from becoming a club member:

Level Up Your Skills: Clubs are brimming with experienced runners and cyclists who are happy to share their knowledge. Whether it's mastering proper running form, conquering technical climbs on your bike, or learning about bike maintenance, there's always something new to pick up from your fellow riders/runners.

Safety in Numbers: There's a certain comfort (and safety) that comes with group rides or runs. Not only will you have people to watch your back on the road or trail, but experienced members can often guide you on the best routes and alert you to potential hazards.

Push Your Limits (the Fun Way): Training with a group can be incredibly motivating. You'll naturally push yourself a little harder to keep up with the pack, but the camaraderie and friendly competition make it way more enjoyable than slogging through miles alone. Clubs often have group training plans for different skill levels, so you can find a group that matches your goals.

Find Your Tribe: Running and cycling clubs are a great way to meet like-minded people who share your passion for these activities. Group outings, post-workout coffee breaks, and even social events create a strong sense of community, giving you a built-in support system to celebrate your victories and commiserate over those tough workouts.

Beyond the Physical: Joining a club isn't just about getting faster or fitter (although that happens too). It's about the social connections, the shared experiences, and the sense of belonging. It's about finding your "pack" and knowing there are people who are there to cheer you on, every step or pedal stroke of the way.

So, what are you waiting for? Search online or ask around at your local bike shop or running store to find a club that fits your interests and skill level. You might just surprise yourself with how much you enjoy the ride (or run)!

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