Growing health and wellness consciousness, changing social patterns and evolving metacognition — an awareness of one’s own thought processes — have sparked their interest in the “sober curious” movement. Dating and social occasions can sometimes feel a bit different when you’re sober curious. Be upfront about your lifestyle choices early in relationships to ensure compatibility and mutual respect.
Sober Curious
You can also look for events hosted by Club Söda if you want to learn more. You might also consider joining a support group, attending sober curious events, or visiting a sober bar or coffee shop. Though some individuals have been sober curious for decades, the term was created by Warrington.
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A 2018 Berenberg Research report, in fact, found that Gen Z are drinking 20% less alcohol per individual than Millennials, who themselves are drinking less than Gen X and Boomers did at their age. And the phenomenon is widespread; most European countries, the U.S., Australia and New Zealand have seen noticeable declines in drinking among Gen Z according to http://211.22.63.119/wordpress/2020/11/09/sobriety-anniversary-wishes-for-your-sober-friends/ a BBC report. The term “sober-curious” is used to describe the decision to decrease the amount of alcohol you consume. As the name implies, it encourages participants to scale back their alcohol consumption and/or begin to experiment with an alcohol-free lifestyle.
Sober curious: The benefits of abstaining from alcohol
I’ve now been alcohol-free for a year, and I can’t see myself going back. I’ve realized that the small dopamine boost that alcohol temporarily gives you, is a high price to pay for the side effects – poor sleep, “hangxiety,” and a huge dip in mood and motivation. Warrington supports it with ample research and expert insights, crafting a sober-curious handbook intentionally written to help everyone lead a more fulfilling life. “As a doctor, I’ve seen firsthand the difference that a better relationship with alcohol can make in a person’s overall health outcomes, which is why I recommend Sunnyside to my patients.” Sunnyside members see big results in their first 30 days, and it only gets better from there.
For example, if you value being an effective and helpful employee at work, how does alcohol get in the way of that? You might notice that alcohol negatively affects your sleep and leads to fatigue the next day, which impacts your performance at work. 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.
How do I start exploring the sober curious lifestyle?
- You’ll set your personal goals based on the habits you wish to redirect, and the app will create a weekly plan.
- Our expertise tells us that the rise of the “Lo/No” alcohol lifestyle reflects genuine change for Gen Z.
- However, in today’s culture, drinking alcohol is often encouraged in social settings, which can lead to becoming reliant on it and, in some cases, dependent on it.
- Chronological age is measured by your birth date, but biological age measures how old your cells are.
Gen Z and Millennials are redefining social drinking, opting for mindful consumption and alternative beverages that align with their values. With increasing awareness of health benefits and the rise of alcohol-free options, this trend is set to shape the future of drinking culture for years to come. After learning about the Sober Curious movement, 52% of Gen Z and Millennials say they are likely to participate in it in 2025. This suggests that alcohol reduction is not just a fleeting idea but an evolving lifestyle trend. With social media playing a crucial role in spreading awareness, more young adults are embracing mindful drinking and viewing it as a key component of a balanced, wellness-oriented life. The good news is that it’s not one-size-fits-all, and there’s no pressure to accomplish one specific outcome – some still drink alcoholic beverages while exploring sobriety, and every baby step counts towards the bigger goal.
Recent research suggests imbibing has few health benefits.
And founders in Pittsburgh and Houston have opened stores that exclusively sell nonalcoholic beers and wines. Hadid and other celebrities have founded or invested in companies that make alternatives to alcohol. Kin Euphorics, a wellness brand that sells drinks infused with so-called functional mushrooms, welcomed Hadid as a cofounder in 2021, and Katy Perry launched a line of nonalcoholic aperitifs earlier this year.
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If you’re questioning the role alcohol plays in your life, you might be curious about what it’s like to lead a “sober life” without alcohol. You can think of it as an opportunity to step back and compare how you feel — physically, mentally and emotionally — with and without alcohol in your life. It can be helpful to talk to other people interested in being sober curious. Having a friend who is also sober curious can make it easier to navigate social situations where drinking is encouraged Sober living home or expected.
The true marker of success is being compassionate with sober curious yourself and remembering your personal motivations for embarking on the path. These open discussions have highlighted a growing recognition that alcohol often hinders, than than helps, in managing anxiety, getting quality sleep and staying emotionally resilient. “One household item that is easy to mix with for a mocktail is orange juice,” she said. “You can make non-alcoholic mimosas with orange juice and non-alcoholic sparkling wine. It’s as easy as that.”
