This means that communicating choices is important for those around you to support you and seek out new options, activities and opportunities. Evidence also suggests that Gen Z is perhaps even more interested in the sober curious or sober lifestyle than their millennial counterparts and that Gen Z consumes less alcohol than previous generations. All across the country, individuals are opening sober bars filled with mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks such as kombucha. One reason sober bars are popping up across the country is that they remove the pressures and dangers of alcohol while providing a space for socialization and community, which all humans crave.

Sober Curious? What It Means and Why It’s Worth Exploring

As you consider what you do and don’t enjoy about alcohol, you might choose to have a drink on occasion. This is one key difference between the “sober curious” movement and total sobriety. Some people share their newfound curiosity on social media, which helps to normalise wanting to be more thoughtful about your drinking. And the market is changing to meet this new demand, according to Google Trends data.

Pay Attention to Your Alcohol Consumption

Think about how you will navigate situations where you might feel pressured to drink. People participating in month-long sobriety challenges also reported increased energy and productivity, better sleep, and weight loss. Reducing your drinking can also help to lessen the chance of experiencing anxiety after a night out – also known as ‘hangxiety’. This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical sober curious condition. But even if you don’t end up making any big changes, you can’t not benefit from a period of reflection and looking at your relationship with alcohol.

What Is Sober Curiosity?

Changing your alcohol intake can be an adjustment, so Willoughby recommends exploring sober curious podcasts, books and blogs. Macdonald also suggests connecting with sober groups IRL or online, seeing a coach or therapist if you want to dig deeper and telling your family what you’re doing. « People who love you, love you for you, not for what is in your glass and they will support you if you ask them, » she says. Whatever your reasons for wanting to quit drinking, there are so many benefits for all of us to be more mindful of reducing the harmful effects of alcohol in our lives.

Are you sober curious? The movement that promises to change how you drink

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. The next step is to think about what being sober curious might mean in your life. 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. It might also mean limiting yourself to a single drink once each week when you are amphetamine addiction treatment out with friends or replacing your usual cocktail with a non-alcohol option.

Why are people sober curious?

Ideas you might explore include local recreation centers or parks, art classes, reading, playing an instrument, or dancing. 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.

Gen Z are health conscious

I started spending that time doing things that actually made me feel good, like morning walks, paddle-boarding, or trying out new hobbies. I am more resilient as I drank to get through periods of stress, heartbreak or sadness, which meant I tried to avoid them – and you can never avoid them really! Without alcohol, I actually have to face those things so I feel stronger in myself to be able to deal with them if they arise again.

• This attitude means Gen Z are reducing their alcohol intake as a way to manage their emotional wellbeing, and may look at alcohol as an impediment to a robust mental framework.
• If you believe you might have a drinking problem or want additional help to abstain from alcohol, consider talking to your doctor or a mental health professional.
• For some, it’s anxiety and feeling down that calls for a drink, while others desire drinks for celebratory reasons or out of boredom.
• If you find it difficult to avoid alcohol despite your best efforts, a good next step might involve reaching out to a professional who specializes in recognizing and treating alcohol dependence.
• This is one key difference between the “sober curious” movement and total sobriety.
• It took a toll on my mental health, self-esteem and relationships.

Reducing your alcohol intake can also provide space for you to explore your relationship with alcohol. There are lots of things that can get in the way of someone being able to think about changing their drinking habits. Alcohol is also a significant factor in domestic violence and disproportionately impacts women in the form of harassment, assault and unsafe environments.

• Seen the term ‘sober curious’ pop up across and wondered what it means?
• Jeanette Hu, AMFT, based in California, is a former daily drinker, psychotherapist, and Sober Curiosity Guide.
• Reducing your drinking can also help to lessen the chance of experiencing anxiety after a night out – also known as ‘hangxiety’.
• For some, being sober curious sounds straightforward and achievable, and preferrable to ‘traditional’ sobriety.

For some, being sober curious sounds straightforward and achievable, and preferrable to ‘traditional’ sobriety. You may have come across the phrase ‘sober curious’, or ‘semi-sober’ online or in conversations with friends. The freedom to drink pints, do shots, and be a ‘loud-mouthed mess’ was an act of rebellion and defiance; a declaration that I wasn’t afraid to take up space. When I quit, I worried that I’d confirm every stereotype about women being too uptight, too worried about being out of control and un-ladylike.