It’s rarely questioned, and when it is, it’s often framed as a problem to fix. Crystal Raypole has previously worked as a writer and editor for GoodTherapy. Her fields of interest include Asian languages and literature, Japanese translation, cooking, natural sciences, sex positivity, and mental health. In particular, she’s committed to helping decrease stigma around mental health issues. 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. It’s also a good idea to start pursuing hobbies and activities that don’t involve drinking.
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Plenty of options for alcohol-free socializing and dating exist. Many bars and restaurants are also expanding their non-alcohol or ‘mocktail’ offerings to include inventive drinks. If you’re ready to try a sober lifestyle, here are some first steps you can take to get started.
‘Sober Curious’: What Does It Mean to Explore Life Without Alcohol?
Throughout my life as a normal social drinker, I continuously questioned my alcohol consumption. If you only drink to excess on occasion, you may be able to set new habits on your own without too much trouble. For those who have a substance use disorder or struggle with addiction, some assistance may be needed, and it’s important to remember that support is available.
Engage in alcohol-free social activities
A sober curious lifestyle means you’re interested in cutting back, while a sober lifestyle means you abstain from alcohol altogether. Self-reflection helps individuals understand their personal reasons for drinking, their triggers, and the emotions tied to alcohol consumption. In the end, the sober curious movement is all about aligning your choices with what feels right for you. And if taking things one step at a time is your jam, then rock on! Some positive effects, like fewer or no hangovers, are expected when you reduce or stop alcohol consumption.
Are there benefits to being sober curious?
Health and wellness are often at the top of people’s new year’s resolutions and this year more people are focusing on less alcohol. Alcohol use is among the leading causes of preventable death in the United States and primary care providers are on the forefront of preventative medicine. They can do a screening, do a brief intervention (through education) and even provide treatment for AUD.
- “Sober curiosity” is essentially a movement to rethink the role of alcohol in one’s life.
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- Not everyone is comfortable with in person therapy and online therapy makes it easier to find support.
- You may have come across the phrase ‘sober curious’, or ‘semi-sober’ online or in conversations with friends.
Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol. You’ll meet hundreds of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance. While it’s one thing to experience the journey, it’s another to immerse oneself in knowledge and shared stories.
Benefits of online therapy in managing alcohol consumption and fostering sobriety
Or you might come up with some responses you might give if someone offers you a drink in a social situation. Simply saying “no thank you” is always an option, but you might want to prepare some excuses in case people pressure you or try to interrogate your reasons for not drinking. Being sober curious encourages you to think carefully about drinking and pay attention to how it impacts you. You also focus on quality, not quantity, making any drinking much more mindful. As a result of all the negative impacts of alcohol, one movement gaining traction among young people is being sober curious. Sober curious people want to be more aware of how much they drink while not being sober curious entirely abstinent.
Should you quit drinking alcohol?
Sans Bar has become so popular that Marshall took the concept on Twelve-step program the road this year. He organized pop-up bars in Washington, D.C., New York and Anchorage, Alaska. And he has opened new sober bars in Kansas City, Mo., and western Massachusetts. He became a substance abuse counselor to help others but found that being in recovery was often really lonely. Another social club member, Kathy Kuzniar, says she used to obsess over whether there was enough wine in the house. She says she feels calmer since she became sober, and she has lost 30 pounds.
Self-love and why American Gen Z are choosing not to drink
- A growing number of “sober curious” people are starting to take a closer look at the role alcohol plays in their lives.
- It usually involves some questioning about the drinking culture and your pattern of alcohol use.
- What is the difference between sober curious and a sober lifestyle?
- Although alcohol doesn’t kill brain cells, as was once widely believed, it can still result in many short- and long-term mental effects, including cognitive issues.
- Plenty of options for alcohol-free socializing and dating exist.
And despite confusing reports over the years about the heart health benefits of moderate drinking, it’s not super clear that there are any, and if there are, they’d be small and may not apply to everyone. The latest guidelines from the American Heart Association state that if you don’t already drink moderately (defined as one a day for women), you shouldn’t start. Therefore, Raegan and Erica want the bar to be a space where people can explore being sober curious alone or in social situations. New to learning about the sober curious movement in SLC we caught up with a local expert, Raegan Plewe.