It doesn’t necessarily mean giving up booze altogether or signing up to sobriety indefinitely. Rather, it involves considering drinking less – and in some cases, not at all – and deciding to fit alcohol into your life more thoughtfully instead of mindlessly participating in drinking culture out of habit. With a search volume of over 1.3k per month, it’s definitely a movement that’s gaining in popularity. Alcohol also has long-term severe risks, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, liver disease, and mental health problems.
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They’re sipping handcrafted mocktails, with names like Baby’s First Bourbon and Honey Dew Collins, featuring nonalcoholic distilled spirits. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test–Consumption (AUDIT-C) is a key, three-question tool used by health professionals to screen people for alcohol misuse. Among young adults who received any treatment for substance use in the past year, a third were aware of the SC movement, and almost one in five had participated Alcohol Use Disorder in Dry January or similar abstinence challenges. The findings also showed that half of TAAC participants reported drinking less following the challenge. Even after the challenge period concluded, 15% of participants reported they continued alcohol abstinence.
History of the Term “Sober Curious”
They may greatly benefit from meditation, yoga, or exercise to reduce stress and calm their nervous system. These activities can open doors to a whole new group of friends and experiences. Ria Health offers several FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder. When combined with counseling, this approach is proven highly effective. Quitting alcohol completely can be a challenge, but there are more ways to do it than ever before.
- This can mean engaging in new and old hobbies (e.g., painting or fitness class), attending sober-curious meetups, going to designated alcohol-free spaces, or meeting with friends for coffee or tea instead of alcohol.
- As awareness of these effects grows, more people are redefining what health and a balanced approach to alcohol can look like.
- Brands like BRĒZ and CANN offer cannabis-infused beverages that provide relaxation without alcohol.
- Be upfront about your lifestyle choices early in relationships to ensure compatibility and mutual respect.
Go straight to the bar
There’s no one way to be sober curious, but it comes down to exploring your relationship with alcohol and intentionally drinking less of it. At Freedom Detox & Recovery Center, we welcome everyone on the spectrum of recovery—whether you’re deep in addiction or just beginning to ask, “What if I took a break from alcohol? Drinking culture also impacts opportunities for sober curious living and can vary depending on your work and social circles.6,15 For some, drinking at social events or work functions is common or expected.
Mental Health
The sober curious movement is more than just a trend; it’s a reflection of changing attitudes toward alcohol and well-being. Whether you’re considering a temporary break from drinking or a more permanent lifestyle change, the movement encourages a deeper understanding of how alcohol affects your life. You’ve probably noticed the growing number of alcohol-free bars, mocktail menus at restaurants, and friends choosing sparkling water over wine at dinner parties. A movement called sober curious is gaining momentum, and it’s changing how people think about their relationship with alcohol. Reducing alcohol consumption can have a significant positive impact on both your physical health and mental wellbeing.
- If you want to give flirting while sober a try, it may be worthwhile to arrange for meetups or join clubs and activities that are held in historically sober spaces.
- You can also try out 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or SMART Recovery.
- In one study, researchers found that participants reported less depression and improved mental health after giving up drinking for six months.
- Instead, it’s a mindful approach to drinking, where individuals choose to drink less or not at all, driven by a desire for better health, mental clarity, and personal growth.
- 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.
- Cutting back, she adds, can also help reduce one’s risk of falls, driving impairment and cognitive decline, which are already high-risk conditions in older adults.
Sober curious explained: Everything you need to know
You may be able to find sober-curious people and communities in person, or you can look for sober-curious groups online. Meeting other sober-curious people can provide a safe outlet to discuss your thoughts with people who understand your concerns. A sober-curious lifestyle is not necessarily a permanent abstention from alcohol, although some choose this eventually, nor is it a treatment for people who live with alcohol use disorder or alcohol addiction.
What are the benefits of cutting back on alcohol?
You don’t have to give up alcohol completely—just approach it with greater mindfulness and intentionality. Whether you choose to drink less, abstain entirely, or simply become more intentional about your choices, the sober curious lifestyle is a powerful way to enhance your well-being and redefine your social experiences. Modified drinking habits may translate to abstinence, moderation, or somewhere in between.
The sober curious movement is not about promoting complete abstinence from alcohol, nor is it about labeling oneself as an alcoholic or embracing lifelong sobriety. Instead, it’s a mindful approach to drinking, where individuals choose to drink less or not at all, driven by a desire for better health, mental clarity, and personal growth. The movement challenges societal norms around drinking and encourages a more intentional approach to alcohol consumption. The term “sober curious” has gained significant traction in recent years as more individuals seek to reassess their relationship with alcohol. It’s a conscious decision to question the role alcohol plays in one’s life and to consider the benefits of reducing or eliminating it altogether. Generation Z (or Gen Z) is a generation of collaborative and caring people, known to value equality, wellness, flexibility in the workplace, and supporting the planet.
Chris Marshall of Austin, Texas, has been sober for the past 12 years. He started drinking in high school, he says, and got his first DUI at 16. Chris Marshall is a certified substance abuse counselor and the founder of Sans Bar, a venue for “the nightlife experience” without the alcohol, in Austin, Texas. “Not everybody wants to get wasted when they go to the bar,” says Forte.
Lifestyle Quizzes
Starting a sober curious lifestyle begins with self-reflection and intention. Just jumping into it without a clear answer to your “why” will not sober curious result in lasting, long-term benefits or build up the coping strategies needed to truly change your life. Many young people today see drinking as counterproductive to their mental health goals. They’re not afraid of challenging the old “let loose” mentality if it means staying sharp and feeling good.
