Online forums, social media groups, and local meetups can provide support and advice. These communities can be valuable for sharing experiences, offering encouragement, and discussing challenges. They can also be a great way to meet like-minded people and expand your social circle without the focus on alcohol. The term #sobercurious has been trending on social media as more people share that they are taking a break from alcohol or drinking less. The term comes from the book “Sober Curious” by Ruby Warrington, which encourages people to reflect on the role alcohol plays in their lives 3.
What are the benefits of being sober?
Those who practice the sober curious method aim to examine the role alcohol plays in their lives, question societal norms around drinking, and become more attuned to the physical, emotional, and social effects of alcohol consumption. If you find yourself questioning your drinking habits and realize that alcohol has become a problem, it might be time to reach out https://ecosober.com/blog/what-is-sober-curious/ for professional help. At 12 South Recovery, we offer addiction treatment services designed to help individuals reclaim control of their lives and address substance use in a healthy, supportive environment.
No booze, no problem: How nonalcoholic drinks are shaking up the beverage industry
In a similar vein, some people are choosing to engage in observances, such as “Dry January” or “Sober October,” in https://sukhernirjas.com/6-things-that-happen-to-your-body-when-you-stop/ which people take a break from alcohol consumption. During these breaks, people often share their experiences of going alcohol-free through social media platforms, like Instagram and Facebook. Researchers call these alcohol-free intervals “temporary alcohol abstinence challenges,” or TAACs. Research from international contexts, primarily in the United Kingdom and Australia, has found that TAAC participants may be motivated by concerns about the effects of alcohol on their health. Many of these TAAC participants report benefits, such as positive effects on sleep, weight, and self-rated health, and reduced levels of alcohol consumption following a TAAC.
Don’t stress the social situations
- Start with something manageable, like one alcohol-free weekend or a dry month, and see how it feels.
- One survey of over 1,000 participants found that on average, some people spend $300 per month on alcohol.
- (13) For those who have struggled with addiction, the journey to recovery is often a lifelong winding road.
- Alcohol is also a significant factor in domestic violence and disproportionately impacts women in the form of harassment, assault and unsafe environments.
“Often when you go to a social event, you realize, wow, there are a lot of people here that aren’t drinking or drinking very little,” he says. “Many people have this idea that if I don’t have a drink in my hand at a social event, people are going to think I’m strange or weird. Of course, it is not that simple for everyone to change their drinking patterns, especially for individuals dependent on alcohol or who have alcohol use disorder. If your loved one is struggling and you’re not sure where to turn, we are here to help. Research shows that women tend to have lower levels of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), the enzyme responsible for metabolising alcohol in the stomach.
For those dealing with addiction, sober curiosity can pose a significant risk of relapse and is not a substitute for professional treatment. By contrast, many people practice alcohol abstinence because they don’t like it, while others abstain from alcohol for health, psychological, or dependency reasons. This approach is generally non-negotiable and lifelong, particularly for those recovering from alcohol addiction. Things like Dry January are an opportunity for you to try out the sober curious lifestyle and see how you do. It could be that you notice benefits immediately, or perhaps you’ll notice just how high your usual alcohol consumption is.
Reducing alcohol consumption can have a significant positive impact on both your physical health and mental wellbeing. Physically, you may notice improved sleep, more consistent energy levels throughout the day, and a stronger immune system. Mentally, many report better clarity, reduced anxiety, and a general sense alcoholism symptoms of better wellbeing. These improvements can contribute to a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. Given the growing body of evidence against drinking, this should not come as a surprise.
More and more people are toying with the notion of drinking less. Here’s how to get started
“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.” “There are nonalcoholic beers, wines, and non-alcoholic spirits on restaurant and bar menus, even at hotels and resorts, and now in airplanes and even airline lounges. They are everywhere,” Sheinbaum said.
- To initiate a journey towards a sober curious lifestyle, it’s essential to personally comprehend and confront one’s drinking habits.
- Attending book club gatherings or sporting events, socializing at coffee shops, spending time outdoors, and even ordering mocktails when out are all becoming more popular among people joining the sober curious movement.
- Ria Health offers several FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder.
- Albertson has found that prioritizing yoga, meditation and walking on the beach has really helped as a drinking distraction for herself.
- Reducing your drinking can also help to lessen the chance of experiencing anxiety after a night out – also known as ‘hangxiety’.
Barriers and challenges to reducing drinking
In reality, though, people recovering from alcohol use disorder can go on to drink occasionally. Similarly, people who don’t meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder can still have a challenging relationship with alcohol and benefit from taking a break. You can have concerns about your drinking habits even if you don’t meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder. Month-long sobriety challenges like Sober October and Dry January have encouraged people to reevaluate their alcohol use. Some also try to break habits like drinking without thinking or drinking socially just because everyone else does. Sometimes, you might consider engaging in other activities that don’t put drinking front and center.
So… what is sober curious, exactly?
Have you ever pondered the idea of living a life less entwined with drinking alcohol? The term “sober curious” refers to people who can choose, question, or change their relationship with alcohol in response to their mental or physical health. Sober curiosity is a concept that invites you to question and even transform your connection with alcohol, all in the pursuit of better mental and physical well-being. At its core, it’s a conscious choice to reflect on how alcohol affects one’s life, health, and social interactions without necessarily committing to complete abstinence. This concept invites people to experiment with their habits, becoming more mindful of their drinking patterns and the cultural pressures around alcohol consumption.
If you’re opening up your social circle to a few close friends, consider a hike or picnic in the park. Other resources that can help include recovery support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and SMART Recovery. Think about how you will navigate situations where you might feel pressured to drink. Market research company Fior Markets estimates that the global non-alcoholic beverage market will grow from $923 million to $1.7 billion by 2028. Non-alcoholic cocktails, AKA mocktails, are becoming more commonplace on restaurant menus nowadays.
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