The Soberhead Challenge: Videos posted to social media show folks "giving up addiction"
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A young man crushing energy drinks in an auto metal scrapper, another exploding his last pack of cigarettes. A mother pouring wine into her garden fountain. A woman cutting up her credit cards. The Mayor of Waukesha dumping a bottle of beer. All of these gestures of “giving up addiction,” posted in videos on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Twitter are acceptances of “The Soberhead Challenge” in support of Recovery Month and in loving memory of those lost to addiction.
Participants give up a “substance” of their choice for a minimum of 72 hours in order to create a personal experience that will give them more of an understanding of addiction and the recovery process.
The Soberhead Challenge is being undertaken by people of all walks of life, from “regular Joes” to those in “long-term recovery” to people who have lost a loved one to addiction.
Participants pass on the challenge by nominating others. American Idol alumni, musicians, actors and inspired folks from every corner of the nation are all jumping on board!
And the message is working!
Those participating are getting a new perspective on the struggles and rewards of the recovery process. And some are so inspired they are committing to releasing their addictions for the rest of the month and beyond.
Participants -- whether they succeed or fail, as well as those who deny the challenge are donating money through SoberheadChallenge.com. Funds are being raised in an effort to not only financially support recovery efforts of organizations that apply to benefit, but also to inspire unification of the recovery movement.
The Soberhead Challenge, in support of National Recovery Month, is catching fire across the nation – and it all started in Wisconsin -- with a “supergroup” of organizations in or from the Milwaukee area:
Funds raised by The Soberhead Challenge will be donated through the CJ Lomas Recovery Foundation 501 (c) (3) charitable organization and directed to local organizations that provide public and professional education, research, patient and community services as well as to fund raising efforts for those affected with and by drug and alcohol addiction.
The bigger message of The Soberhead Challenge, for those struggling with addiction to seek help, is being echoed and received. Each of the originating organizations mentioned above have been approached for guidance by people who have been motivated by the Soberhead Challenge to change their lives.
It’s no secret that the entire nation is in the throws of an epidemic. The Washington Post states, “100 Americans die of drug overdoses each day… accounting for more deaths than traffic fatalities or gun homicides and suicides.” And according to Fox6 Milwaukee, “It is an epidemic that is quickly approaching a shocking milestone. The number of heroin-related deaths in Milwaukee County could soon surpass the total number of heroin-related deaths throughout all of last year. This, with four months left in 2014.”
The Soberhead Challenge is looking to change those numbers by creating awareness and understanding of addiction and by fostering an enthusiasm and celebration of the recovery process.
Sobering Stats about Addiction and Abuse:
CLICK HERE to access The Soberhead Challenge's Facebook page.