In my experience, a fundamental part of being sober curious is simply making conscious choices about when I drink, rather than giving into pressure or habit. Previously, if I were going for dinner with friends I’d have a drink, even if I didn’t necessarily want to. The movement has been popularized online, and there’s an ever-increasing community of people giving it a go. Online search interest for terms relating to sober curiosity, like “zero alcohol beer,” has been steadily increasing since the pandemic, indicating that something is shifting. Last year, after completing a Dry January challenge, I started contemplating a life without alcohol. I’ve been “sober curious” for a while — I’ve never been a big drinker, have often abstained for long periods.
Focus on conversation
- Fitness influencer Kendall Toole, a former Peloton instructor turned podcast host, told “GMA” she’s seen positive improvements in her physical and mental health since she departed from drinking.
- If the sober curious journey has inspired you to reevaluate your relationship with alcohol, it’s important to remember that support is available.
- The supermodel recently said she drinks sometimes but cut out hard liquor.
- Research shows that 13% of U.S. drinkers consumed both full-strength and no-alcohol products, a 6% increase from 2023.
- Along the way, I’ll share personal stories and practical tips to help you embrace sobriety, find support, and enjoy social activities without alcohol.
- Understanding these moments is the first step toward changing your response to them.
It’s a colorful tapestry of collective healing, enabling many to shine brighter without substances clouding their experiences. Unlike teetotalism, which is rooted in moral or habitual abstinence, “sober curious” invites a gentle exploration. Some engage occasionally with zero-proof alternatives or mocktails; others participate in intermittent sobriety—like Dry January—to recalibrate their habits. For some people, the sober curious journey helps them realize that alcohol is affecting their health, prompting them to seek addiction treatment for a healthier, alcohol-free life. The sober curious movement is about exploring the impact of alcohol in your life and making mindful decisions about whether or not it’s a healthy choice for you. A lot of people who embrace a sober lifestyle report feeling sharper and more focused.
A Shift in Drinking Habits
In Oura data, we see that alcohol increases resting heart rate by 4.8%, lowers heart rate variability by 12.1%, and lowers deep sleep by 6.9%. Your cues may include stress, social events, celebrations, or simply seeing your favorite beer in the fridge. You can even choose to write it down, to start building an understanding of what your main cues and triggers are.
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They often mention increased creativity and productivity in their lives. At Wander Sober, we share personal stories and guides from the global sober travel community — each drug addiction one edited and fact-checked by our team to ensure safe and helpful insights. You’ll meet hundreds of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings.
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People who adopt a sober curious approach often do so to discover if consuming less alcohol could improve their lives. The study authors concluded that both the SC movement and TAACs have the potential to engage young adults who want to stop or reduce their alcohol consumption. Both the SC movement and TAACs focus on well-being and the benefits of behavior change and, thus, share elements with evidence-based, brief behavioral interventions, such as motivational interviewing. The growing popularity of these movements may also help to destigmatize non-drinking for people who choose not to drink in certain social settings.
History Of Sober Curiosity
That’s because alcohol is a neurotoxin that disrupts communications in the brain while affecting the functions of brain cells. Sober October became popular in the UK around 2014 as a fundraising initiative, encouraging people to give up alcohol for the month and raise awareness about alcohol-related issues. The idea is about being more informed and mindful about when and why you choose to drink. Alcoholics Anonymous gained popularity in the 1930s, providing support for individuals struggling with alcohol dependence. To dive deeper into the topic, feel free to explore online sobriety Communities that share tips, resources, and encouragement for those on a sober path.
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There are many resources and communities available for those exploring reduced alcohol consumption. Online forums, social media groups, and local meetups can provide support and advice. These communities can be valuable for sober curious sharing experiences, offering encouragement, and discussing challenges.
The Role of Journaling in Maintaining Sobriety
If you’re considering sobriety, even temporarily, know that you are making a health-minded choice by going alcohol-free. It’s also a good idea to start pursuing hobbies and activities that don’t involve drinking. Ideas you might explore include local recreation centers or parks, art classes, reading, playing an instrument, or dancing. It is important to note that, for a person with an alcohol use disorder or a history of destructive behavior surrounding drinking, participation in the Sober Curious movement is not a substitute for professional help. Though some individuals have been sober curious for decades, the term was created by Warrington. Her event series called Club SÖDA NYC stands for Sober or Debating Abstinence and features panels, writing workshops, and sober retreats.
Physical Health and Sobriety
I was often left anxious, stressed, insecure and overwhelmed because I’d been suppressing my feelings with booze. Experiment with no- and low-alcohol drinks until you find options that genuinely excite you. From botanical spirits to craft alcohol-free beers, the choices are endless. There are many non-alcholic beers, wines, and spirits to replace (or temporarily substitute) your favorite boozy beverages.