Lifestyle trends including Sober October and Locktober gain popularity

October has become a month for various lifestyle and abstinence challenges, including ‘Sober October’ and ‘Locktober’.

Sober October, which originated from the Australian ‘Ocsober’ campaign and gained prominence through UK cancer charities, encourages individuals to abstain from alcohol for 31 days. The movement has evolved into a broader conversation regarding health and ‘sober curiosity’, with some participants questioning whether cannabis use fits within the parameters of the challenge.

Locktober is a separate trend involving sexual restraint or chastity play. Described as a month-long sexual challenge or kink, it involves participants—regardless of gender—abstaining from or restricting sexual activity, sometimes through the use of physical chastity devices. Experts note that while it is often associated with BDSM, it is a challenge that any consenting adult can undertake.