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- Should you move to Utah?
Should you move to Utah?
plus J. Cole & the US 21 y/o drinking age


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
Here’s what’s on today’s menu:
No Booze News 📈: US alcohol consumption by state
They’re one of us 🤝: J. Cole
Wait, but why? 🤔: Why actually is the US drinking age 21?
Healthy Habit 🌱: The 1-second decision > Motivation
Product Spotlight 🛒: Super Coffee
Events 🎶: Secret concerts with SoFar Sounds
No Booze News 📈:
US alcohol consumption by state - is it what you thought?
OK so a lot of you loved last week’s breakdown on global alcohol consumption, but we’re left wondering how things look in the US. How intense is the drinking culture your surrounded in by your state?
Well fear not, check out this study and read below for some state by state insights 👇

The standard measurement in alcohol studies somehow became pure alcohol per liter or in the US Gallons per Ethanol. This makes sense to try and was out the different types of alcoholic beverages with varying levels of alcohol content, but makes it more or less useless to conceptualize in reality.
In the US, one “drink” has 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol. There are 128 ounces in a gallon. So one gallon of pure alcohol is about 213 drinks.
👑Utah takes the crown for the state with the lowest alcohol consumption, averaging a mere 285 drinks per capita annually (1.34 gallons of ethanol). This is significantly lower than the national average and nearly four times less than New Hampshire's consumption rate.
🤮New Hampshire clinches the bottom spot (by Zero Proof standards), with residents downing an average of a whopping 1,029 drinks per capita annually (4.83 gallons of ethanol). That's more than double the national average of 500 drinks (2.35 gallons ethanol) and way above the recommended limit of 447 drinks per capita annually (2.1 gallons).

Where you are and who you surround yourself with matters. It can easily influence what you do.
Not saying we should all move to Utah and become ski bums or mormons, but soemthing to keep in mind if you’re trying to make it easier for yourself to cut back on drinking!
They’re one of us 🤝:
J. Cole on overcoming things in his life to become a better person

Most of you may know J. Cole from his legendary lyrics and his ability to create some of the best rap music in the last decade or two. What we guess you didn’t know about J. Cole is he is one of us. A fellow Proofer.
In the video below, J. Cole comes out and addresses his drinking habits and his mindset around it. He says that “there are things that I’ve beat in my life, like things that I had to like overcome to just be a better person for myself.” When talking about how, he references that “it’s not just as easy as like ‘oh, let me stop, no! It’s hard you know what I mean? And those are the things I attack head on.”
In this example he recognized he was just doing it (drinking) because he had the mindset that it was “inconsequential to him.” He then realized, that wasn’t the case. So he addressed it head on and made some changes.
Today, J. Cole still drinks on special occasions, but he has made a commitment to himself to “be a better person” no matter how hard it may be. For him, drinking was one of the hurdles to address and his willingness to take that head on is what it is all about. For this, he is deemed a Proofer.
Wait, but why? 🤔:
Do you really know why the US drinking age is 21?
The number 21 is mystical in in US society, representing one of the most significant coming of age biomarkers for any young person. A glorified year where you’re finally deemed mature enough to join the rest of adult society by legally purchasing and drinking alcohol..
Most countries in Europe have drinking ages starting as young as 16 or 18, so does the US drinking age of 21 have anything to do with maturity at all?
In the spirited landscape of American policy, the choice to set the drinking age at 21 is actually a tale of public safety, political maneuvering, and a determined mothers' movement.
The pivotal year was 1984, and the figure steering this change was none other than President Ronald Reagan. Despite an initial reluctance to federalize the drinking age—preferring states to wield that power—Reagan was swayed by a rising tide of concern over drunk driving fatalities, particularly among the youth.
Enter Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), a formidable force in advocacy, founded by Candace Lightner in 1980 after her daughter was tragically killed by a drunk driver. MADD's relentless campaigning illuminated the dire statistics: higher drinking ages correlated with lower drunk driving incidents. They championed the cause, pushing for national legislation.
The culmination of their efforts was the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984, which effectively coerced states into raising the drinking age to 21 by threatening to cut federal highway funds. This legislation, signed by Reagan, was a landmark victory for MADD and a significant shift in American alcohol policy.
It underscored the power of grassroots movements in shaping law and highlighted a rare moment of bipartisan agreement on the importance of public safety over states' rights.
Healthy Habit 🌱:
Don’t rely on motivation! The 1-second decision
We all know the feeling: you're at a social gathering, having a good time, and the drinks are flowing freely. Before you know it, you overwhelmed and feeling awkward or you've had more than you intended. If you're looking to cut back on your alcohol consumption, the 1-Second Decision can be a powerful tool.
What is the 1-Second Decision?
Developed by Navy SEALs, the 1-Second Decision is a strategy for overcoming challenges in the face of pressure. It involves taking a moment to regain control of your thoughts and emotions, refocus on your goals, and then make a quick decision and take action.
How to apply the 1-Second Decision to drinking less
Recognize the Trigger: The first step is to identify the situations that tempt you to overindulge. Is it social gatherings, stressful situations, or simply boredom? Once you know your triggers, you can be better prepared to respond.
Take a Deep Breath: When you find yourself in a tempting situation, take a deep breath and pause for a second. This brief moment allows you to regain control and step outside of the automatic response of reaching for another drink.
Refocus on Your Goals: Remind yourself of your reasons for wanting to cut back on alcohol. Is it for your health, your fitness, or simply to feel more in control? Keeping your goals at the forefront of your mind will give you the strength to resist temptation.
Make a Decision and Act: Don't let yourself get stuck in indecision. Decide what you're going to do, whether it's ordering a non-alcoholic drink, politely declining another drink, or leaving the situation altogether. Then, take action immediately to avoid getting swept back up in the moment.
Challenge the Fear of Feeling Awkward: It's normal to feel some anxiety about being the only one not drinking in a social setting. However, remember that your friends and family will value your company regardless of what you're drinking. Be confident in your decision and you'll find that most people are supportive and understanding.
Remember, the 1-Second Decision is not about willpower, but about taking control of your thoughts and actions. By following these steps, you can empower yourself to make healthier choices, one moment at a time.
Proofer Products 🛒:
Craving a pick-me-up without the hangover? Super Coffee
Looking for a healthy and delicious alternative to sugary coffee drinks or energy crashes? A Zero Proofer from the New York recently recommended we highlight Super Coffee ☕🦸
This ready-to-drink coffee beverage boasts 200mg of caffeine from Colombian beans, plus 10g of protein and healthy fats for sustained energy, all with zero added sugar.
Perfect for busy mornings, that afternoon slump, or powering through a corporate happy hour - Super Coffee could be your new go-to drink to stay focused and energized, without compromising your health goals.
Suggest a product to be featured on Zero Proof!Let us know about a product you think is perfect for Proofers and we'll give you a shoutout next post |
Event Spotlight 🎶:
Swap the bar for a secret concert with Sofar Sounds
Looking for a fun and unexpected way to spend an evening that doesn't involve crowded bars and overpriced drinks? This weeks event reco from a Bay Area Zero Proofer is Sofar Sounds 🎸
This global music community curates intimate live music events in unique locations like art galleries, lofts, and even houseboats.
Imagine sipping on a beverage (of your choice!) while enjoying the talents of up-and-coming artists in a cozy and personal setting. Sofar Sounds is all about discovery and connection, offering a chance to experience music in a whole new way.
With events happening all over the world, there's likely a Sofar Sounds experience happening near you. Head to their website to find an event in your city and ditch the routine for a night of musical discovery!
Suggest an event to be featured on Zero Proof!Let us know about an event you think is perfect for Proofers and we'll give you a shoutout next post |
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