If you want to explore your relationship with alcohol, it can be helpful to cut it out and note any changes in your life caused by its elimination. Alcohol use isn’t black and white, explains Nick Allen, founder and CEO at Sunnyside, an online system designed to help people decrease alcohol consumption by being more mindful about their drinking. When we were younger, being social was all about taking shots with friends at bars and drinking games in college. He encourages people to take inventory in a room the next time they’re out with friends. According to the CDC, all forms of alcohol are linked to increased risks of certain cancers, including colorectal and breast cancers.
What are the physical and mental health benefits of being sober curious?
Online forums, social media groups, and local meetups can provide support and advice. These communities can be valuable for sharing experiences, offering encouragement, and discussing challenges. They can also be a great way to meet like-minded people and expand your social circle without the focus on alcohol. “The movement pushes back at the normalization of heavy drinking and stereotypes that those who do not drink are less social or have less fun.”
Consider seeking a therapist for mental health support
And the market is changing to meet this new demand, according to Google Trends data. There was a significant increase in search interest for “non-alcoholic drink” and “non-alcoholic beer” in the U.S. in 2022. Additionally, the search term “sobriety” has remained popular for several years. marijuana addiction This suggests that people who are cutting back on alcohol are actively seeking alternative beverages. It is expected that the market for non-alcoholic drinks will continue to grow as Americans increasingly demand more options. Analysts believe that these drinks will not completely replace alcoholic beverages, but rather provide alternatives for those who are curious about sobriety, offering more choices than just club soda.
Awareness of Health Risks
“Set your expectations for just you and let go of what you can’t control, whether that’s people’s perception of you, extenuating circumstances, or emergencies.” “If you want to maintain the friendship, see a movie or do an activity with them that does not involve alcohol,” says Hafeez. It’s also a great way to meet people in a sober environment,” says Hafeez. Many aspects of some cultures revolve around alcohol — networking events, date nights, celebratory champagne toasts — so it isn’t always easy to avoid alcohol entirely. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. Please share this blog post with anyone who might find it helpful, or contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in your journey toward better health and well-being.
Sober-Curious Young Americans May Be Changing the Conversation Around Alcohol
As more individuals reconsider their relationship with drinking, the sober curious movement offers a space for self-discovery and personal growth. Short term or not, sober curiosity can still promote mindful drinking habits and lasting lifestyle changes. It’s What is sober curious absolutely OK to need extra support while addressing drinking habits. There is a growing demand for non-alcoholic beverages, with young consumers showing a preference for quality experiences over quantity. The no and low-alcohol category is expected to grow consistently, with total volume consumption projected to increase by over 31% across multiple countries by 2024.
As a whole, the sober curious movement is a group of individuals who questions the role alcohol plays in social life, and as a lifestyle choice opt to drink less or eschew alcohol together. The sober curious movement encourages people to question their drinking habits without necessarily committing to lifelong abstinence. It’s about examining why you drink, how alcohol affects your life, and whether you might feel better without it.
- In social situations, have a plan for what you’ll drink or how you’ll handle pressure to make you feel more confident.
- It’s not about perfection or rigid rules, but about honest self-exploration.
- For example, it might mean giving up alcohol for a period of time, such as participating in Dry January, or it might involve gradually decreasing your alcohol use.
Some have criticized the “sober curious” movement as a “trend” that overlooks the often difficult, complex process of recovery, and it’s a valid argument. How you structure your “sober curious” journey matters less than what you get out of it. If you’re interested in exploring a “sober curious” lifestyle, creating a plan and a support network are helpful first steps. Choosing a mocktail over a cocktail is slowly starting to be viewed as a lifestyle choice as opposed to an admission of a problem.
Lee blames the pernicious nature of alcohol marketing for preying on people who may be vulnerable to addiction. He pointed to statistics from the book Paying the Tab by economist Philip J. Cook, who found 80 percent of all alcohol in the U.S. https://bom69.org/addiction-recovery-blog/ is consumed by just 20 percent of the drinking-age population. “For me, BERO is personal. After two years on my sobriety journey, I wanted to create something that reflected my lifestyle and values,” Holland said. “This beer isn’t just for those on a similar path, but for everyone who appreciates quality, craftsmanship and living life to the fullest.” It’s a question Dr. Lee, who runs one of the world’s preeminent drug and alcohol treatment center networks, also asks. One of the toughest things for McCarthy was navigating work or social events without a drink.
At First City Recovery, we believe that everyone’s journey to sobriety is unique, and we are committed to providing personalized care that meets your individual needs. Letting friends and family know that you’re exploring a sober curious lifestyle can reduce the pressure to drink and may even inspire others to join you in your journey. If you’re not comfortable discussing your reasons in detail, a simple “I’m not drinking tonight” or “I’m taking a break from alcohol” is often enough. Alcohol is a depressant that can negatively affect mood, cognition, and mental health. By reducing alcohol consumption, individuals often experience enhanced focus, better decision-making, and a more stable emotional state.
This, says Hobelmann, could be everything from taking a walk to watching a Netflix show. If you drink when you’re lonely, pick up the phone and call a friend or make plans to do something social. Albertson has found that prioritizing yoga, meditation and walking on the beach has really helped as a drinking distraction for herself. You can also revisit an old hobby you once had, whether that’s playing a musical instrument or making art. Drinking less will give you more time to pursue these passion projects in general and can pave the way to help you find new hobbies and interests.
These platforms allow you to connect with others who are on a similar path, share experiences, and exchange advice. Books, podcasts, and blogs on the sober curious movement can provide valuable insights and tips for navigating life without alcohol. Some popular titles include Sober Curious by Ruby Warrington (who is credited with popularizing the term) and Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker, which offers a feminist perspective on sobriety. In addition to these alternatives, there are countless other beverages to explore, from sparkling water and herbal teas to kombucha and non-alcoholic spirits. Experimenting with different drinks can be a fun and rewarding part of the sober curious journey, allowing you to find new favorites that align with your lifestyle.
