Have you heard about the sober curious lifestyle? This way of living is becoming more intriguing among young adults who are looking to cut back on drinking or want to live an alcohol-free lifestyle. As we explore the sober curious lifestyle, we’re going to examine what exactly this entails, the benefits, and why more young adults are looking into it.
A Closer Look at the “Sober Curious” Lifestyle
The sober curious movement is believed to have started in 2018 with the publication of the book “Sober Curious” by Ruby Warrington.[1] The book aimed to help readers take a step back from alcohol.
When you hear someone talk about a sober curious lifestyle, they are not necessarily stopping all alcohol consumption. What they are doing is questioning their relationship with alcohol and possibly thinking about leading a sober lifestyle.[2]
People who are living a sober curious lifestyle have the option to choose, question, or change their drinking habits. The sober curious movement is leading many young people to recognize the unhealthy habits that can come with alcohol consumption.
Why are More Young Adults Exploring an Alcohol-Free Lifestyle?
Sober curious is becoming more appealing to young adults, particularly Generation Z, as they focus more on their mental and physical health. This age group is becoming more aware of how their relationship with alcohol can impact other parts of their lives and possibly get in the way of their goals.
Young adults are also more interested in prioritizing self-care which has become increasingly popular in mainstream culture. Statistics show that nearly 90 percent of Americans actively practice self-care, with 1/3 admitting to increasing their self-care during the past year.[3] However, when you drink too much, self-care tends to take a backseat.
With the accessibility of non-alcoholic beverages and a heightened awareness of the negative impacts of alcohol, more young adults are looking into how becoming sober or limiting alcohol consumption can benefit them in all areas of their lives.
Benefits of a Reduced Alcohol Lifestyle
When people begin to look into living a lifestyle with a reduced alcohol intake, they can expect to see many health and social benefits.
Improved Health
When you consume too much alcohol, it can lead to many health problems including heart and liver disease. Cutting back on alcohol can help to reduce the risk of developing these illnesses.
Better Digestive Health
Alcohol is known to irritate the digestive tract. This can lead to acid reflux and other health issues. Cutting down on alcohol consumption can help some people improve their digestive health.
Improved Mood
Drinking too much can lead to anxiety and depression. Reducing alcohol consumption can lead to better mental health and a positive mood.
Get a Better Night’s Sleep to Maintain an Alcohol-Free Lifestyle
Alcohol use can disrupt sleep patterns. Cutting back on alcohol can help you get a better night’s rest.
Weight Management
Since alcoholic beverages are high in calories, limiting your intake can help you lose weight and prevent gaining excess pounds.
Better Cognitive Skills
Drinking too much alcohol can impact mental clarity. Being sober can improve focus and decision-making skills.
Destigmatize Sobriety
As more young adults explore the sober lifestyle, it can help to destigmatize sobriety for so many people who have already chosen that lifestyle or who are learning to live that way following a substance use disorder. Many people avoid social settings because they are afraid they will be looked at differently for not drinking. With more people looking to live a sober life, the choice may be more widely accepted.
How to Begin an Alcohol-Free Lifestyle
There are several steps young adults, and people of any age can take if they are looking to identify with the sober curious lifestyle.
Reduce Alcohol Intake
Reducing alcohol intake or taking breaks from drinking, such as the “Dry January” movement where people abstain from drinking for the month, can help you see how this decision impacts your overall well-being.
Drink More Consciously
Becoming more mindful of how much you are drinking and how your mind and body feel as a result, can help you to make more educated decisions about your alcohol consumption. This may include drinking less alcohol and looking into low-alcohol and non-alcoholic options.
Seek Support
If you want to learn more about living a sober curious lifestyle, there are community and social media groups that are focused on more mindful drinking. A search of these groups in your area can lead to an environment where you can share your experiences and learn from others.
Explore Sober Activities
Look for activities that don’t involve alcohol. This can include taking a new gym class, an art class, or taking up another hobby. By engaging in alcohol-free activities, you can see what living a sober life is like and how appealing it can be.
Learn to Live an Alcohol-Free Lifestyle with Help from Ember Recovery
Ember Recovery helps teens and young adults embrace an alcohol-free lifestyle as they recover from substance use disorders. We have a variety of programs for teens and young adults who want to stop using substances and learn how to live a sober life. As we get to know our patients, we can devise a treatment program that is specific to their needs.
To learn more about the various programs Ember Recovery offers, contact us today.
Sources:
[1] https://www.businessinsider.com/timeline-of-the-sober-curious-movement-2022-12#the-sober-curious-movement-began-to-form-around-2018-3 [2] https://www.verywellmind.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-sober-curious-4774971 [3] https://asdonline.com/blog/retail-news/what-self-care-trends-mean-for-retailers-in-2020/ [4] https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicoleroberts/2024/01/10/understanding-the-sober-curious-movement/
Andrea Dickerson is a Licensed Therapist and Certified Substance Use Counselor who has worked in behavioral health since 1997. Currently, Andrea is the Director of Behavioral Health, overseeing the Ember residential treatment programs and YSS outpatient counseling clinics throughout Central and North Central Iowa. She became a Motivational Interviewing (MI) trainer in 2006 and provides MI trainings throughout Iowa.
Andrea specializes in working with adolescents and their families and enjoys seeing the family relationships grow through therapy. Andrea is also a CARF International Surveyor, going around North America ensuring behavioral health organizations are meeting required standards.
In her free time, Andrea enjoys cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs, as well as being an active member of Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA), a global organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. She has been a member of the SI of Des Moines club since 2012 and has been actively involved at the regional level, currently serving as Co-Governor of the Peaks to Plains Region.
Through her involvement in SIA, Andrea has been actively involved in the Dream Programs, coordinating annual Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls projects, which give girls the tools they need to achieve their education and career goals, empowering them to break cycles of poverty, violence, and abuse.