Sober September: How to Keep Going (Or Start Again) at the Halfway Mark

We’re halfway through September. If you took the 30-day challenge to take a break from drinking, today is a major milestone. Wherever you are on your journey—whether you’re 15 days sober or you’ve had a few stumbles—this check-in is for you.

For Those Still Sober: You’re Doing the Hard Part

First, congratulations. Making it 15 days is a huge accomplishment. You’ve moved past the initial physical cravings and are now in the phase of building a new routine.

There’s an old saying in recovery: it takes 7 days to start a habit, 14 days to familiarize yourself with it, and 30 days to set it in place. You are solidly in the “familiarization” phase. Sobriety is becoming your new normal.

How do you make it through the next 15 days?

• Lean on Your Prayer: Remember the daily prayer we discussed? “Jesus, today I do not want to drink. But on my own, I don’t have the power. With You, all things are possible. For today, please, no drinking.” If you’ve made it this far, that prayer is working. Don’t stop now.
• Be of Service: One of the most powerful ways to get out of your own head is to help someone else. It doesn’t have to be formal.
  • Return shopping carts in a parking lot.
  • Volunteer for an hour at a local food bank or church.
  • Simply ask a friend or family member how they really are, and just listen.
• Keep Your Goal in Sight: Mark your calendar. Celebrate every sober day. Your goal is in sight—whether it’s a 30-day chip, a special meal, or just the incredible feeling of making it.

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13

This verse is your mantra for the next two weeks. You are not doing this alone.

For Those Who Stumbled: This is Not Failure. This is Data.

If you drank, first, please give yourself grace. This is not the end of your challenge or your journey. This is a moment to gather what I call “Holy Intel.”

Think of it like a doctor diagnosing an illness. They ask: When did it start? What were the symptoms? What made it better or worse?

Your relapse is a source of data. Ask yourself:

• Why did I drink? (Boredom? Stress? Social pressure?)
• What could I have done differently?
• How did I feel afterward?
• Did I get back on track?

Write this down. This intel is invaluable. It tells you exactly where your triggers are and what you need to work on.

Maybe you restart your 30 days today. Maybe you decide to moderate carefully for the rest of the month. The path isn’t as important as the intention behind it. The goal is progress, not perfection.

“The righteous fall seven times and rise again…” – Proverbs 24:16

You fell. The most important part is that you get back up. Today is a new day.

The Bottom Line for Everyone

Wherever you are on day 15, what matters is that you are present, you are trying, and you are turning to your faith for strength.

Never give up. Don’t give in. Whether your path is abstinence, moderation, or still figuring it out, walk it with intention and with God.

You’ve got this.

Chris Mosser
Author of Grateful Truce

P.S. How is your September going? Share your progress—or your struggles—in the comments below. Let’s support each other.