“One strategy I like is having a ‘fake drink’ in hand – like a soda water and lime, for example – which makes it feel like I’m still a part of the group, but I’m not actually drinking. It also reduces the chances of anyone asking me why I’m not drinking,” says Sinead. Usually what I do is I’ll go for a couple months without drinking, and then maybe I’ll have a drink or two, and be quite happy to do a few more sober months after that,” says Tess. It is no surprise that alcohol can bend your wallet or break your bank. Going out for drinks is expensive, and so is purchasing alcohol from the store.
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First off, there are all sorts of fun mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks you can still try. These days, with many bars temporarily closed due to COVID restrictions or with outdoor-only service, those of us who do drink are doing it at home—and doing A LOT of it. For more insights on addiction, including common myths & misconceptions about addiction and the impact of alcohol on health, (e.g., does alcohol make you sleepy?) visit our linked articles. Sparkling water with a twist of lime, a non-alcoholic cocktail, or herbal tea can be just as enjoyable as any alcoholic beverage. If you find yourself in social settings where alcohol is the main focus, consider branching out and seeking new communities.
- A simple, “no, thanks” should be sufficient, but if it isn’t you may want to have a backup plan in place regarding how to tell people you don’t drink.
- It’s an option that allows you to have a healthier relationship with alcohol so that you don’t find yourself depending on it when dealing with stress or needing it to celebrate good news.
- Some people share their newfound curiosity on social media, which helps to normalise wanting to be more thoughtful about your drinking.
- Others are driven by mental health considerations, recognizing that alcohol can exacerbate anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Maintaining Connections Without Alcohol
Surely’s non-alcoholic rosé is the perfect way to maintain your sober curiosity. So she took a month off entirely, and became aware of when she was drinking on autopilot. “The good thing about having a clean break for a period before you try and moderate your drinking is that you learn what your triggers are, which are different for everyone,” says Dean. She noticed that it was easy for her not to drink at home, but she found sober socializing difficult at first.
Other Benefits Of Cutting Back On Alcohol:
The sober curious sober curious movement has sparked a notable increase in the popularity of non-alcoholic beverages, providing a variety of options for those seeking alternatives to traditional alcoholic drinks. This section examines the growth of non-alcoholic beverages and the influence of celebrity endorsements on this evolving market. Some people also find success with taking regular breaks from drinking, such as having several days off per week or going completely dry once every few months.
These improvements can contribute to a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. If you see the term sober curious on a person’s Tinder profile, you can likely expect that they will be more interested in dating activities that don’t rely on alcohol (bars, clubs). Sober curious means that they are strongly interested in exploring the sober lifestyle to some extent.
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Car crashes and the odds of winding up in a violent situation also Drug rehabilitation go up the more you drink. “Excessive drinking was responsible for 1 in 10 deaths among working-age adults aged years,” the CDC found. According to a report from the World Health Organization, “Alcohol is a causal factor in 60 types of diseases and injuries, and a component cause in 200 others.” Generation Z has demonstrated a noteworthy shift in drinking behaviors compared to previous generations. Recent studies indicate that 26% of 16-to-25-year-olds in the UK are now teetotal, while only 15% of 55-to-74-year-olds abstain from alcohol. In the United States, Gen Zers report a 60% alcohol consumption rate, which is lower than the 70% rate among those aged 35 to 54, and 52% among Baby Boomers.
- The term “sober curious” has gained significant traction in recent years as more individuals seek to reassess their relationship with alcohol.
- The sober curious movement is basically a one which champions a more mindful approach to alcohol consumption.
- To be sober curious is a valid wellness choice that can help you reevaluate your relationship with drinking alcohol.
Many bars and restaurants are also expanding their non-alcohol or ‘mocktail’ offerings to include inventive drinks. Instead of thinking, “I won’t be able to drink with my friends,” remind yourself that cutting out alcohol may energize you, leaving you open to socializing in more rewarding ways. According to a 2018 study, 1 month of abstaining from alcohol may help lower blood pressure and risk for alcohol-related diseases. Sober curiosity often begins with some concern about how alcohol is affecting your life.