There are many online groups and sober curious events you can attend. Being in social settings without alcohol will really help you remain sober. This list shows what a huge impact alcohol can have on your life. It is the reason why so many people are curious about becoming sober and reducing their alcohol intake. If you find it challenging to talk about why you’re not drinking, or drinking less than usual, it can be helpful to think about a response ahead of social events.

Support when you need it

Drinking alcohol can be fine in moderation for some people, but alcohol misuse or alcohol use disorder can lead to health issues and personal and professional problems. I believe that’s why so many people are drawn to the sober curious movement. 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.

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For example, someone with social anxiety might be terrified to attend a social gathering without liquid courage. They may greatly benefit from meditation, yoga, or exercise to reduce stress and calm their nervous system. You may even want to try a creative pursuit such as art or music. These activities can open doors to a whole new group of friends and experiences.

Alcohol is detrimental for women’s health

Notice any changes in your energy levels, mood, sleep, and social interactions. This self-observation can provide valuable insights into how alcohol affects you and what benefits you might gain by drinking less. The benefits of adopting a sober curious lifestyle are numerous, and can be both immediate and long-lasting. Without alcohol, the body can recover more effectively, leading to better sleep, increased energy levels, and a stronger immune system. Many Drug rehabilitation people also notice improvements in their skin, weight management, and overall fitness.

It’s a conscious decision to question the role alcohol plays in one’s life and to consider the benefits of reducing or eliminating it altogether. The sober curious movement has, however, been criticized as a trend that overlooks the difficult and complex recovery process, especially for those who may meet criteria for alcohol use disorder. That’s why talking to a licenced health care provider, such as a physician or psychotherapist, can help you or your loved ones work towards a healthier and more sober lifestyle that works for you. Being sober curious looks different for everyone, it doesn’t have to be a permanent change, and it’s ok to need extra support to change drinking habits.

Sober curiosity is a great idea for anyone who doesn’t struggle with  alcohol addiction. The world grows more overwhelming every day with its non-stop marketing campaigns, social media posts, loud public spaces, and more. Consumers are naturally growing more curious about the slow life and craving honest interactions without the interference of screens or alcohol. According to NielsenIQ, 93% of people who purchase non-alcoholic alternatives still drink alcohol. 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.

What Does “Sober Curious” Mean?

What if social interactions could be tolerable, enjoyable, and possibly better without the insertion of alcohol into everything? You may be veering into sober-curious territory if you’ve ever wondered this yourself. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your choices, and you have the right to prioritize your well-being. If someone insists on offering you a drink, a polite but firm “No, thank you” should suffice. Alcohol is also a significant factor in domestic violence and disproportionately impacts women in the form of harassment, assault and unsafe environments.

• Excessive drinking has numerous impacts on your body and mind, ranging from mild to severe.
• Many people who are completely sober do so as a result of alcoholism or alcohol use disorder.
• I truly believe that limiting alcohol isn’t a restriction—it’s an opportunity.
• ‘I’m just taking a break’, or, ‘I’m trying something different’ usually does the trick without inviting further questions.
• Without alcohol to numb or distract from emotions, individuals are more likely to confront their feelings and work through them in a healthy way.

While abstaining from alcohol completely is more likely to help your overall health, simply reducing your alcohol intake will also have many positive effects. Giving up alcohol isn’t always easy, especially if you are regularly in social situations where you might feel pressured to drink by friends, family, or co-workers. If you want to try being sober curious, some strategies can help you take a more mindful approach to drinking. “The movement pushes back at the normalization of heavy drinking and stereotypes that those who do not drink are less social or have less fun.”

Mental Health Resources

It usually involves some questioning about the drinking culture and your pattern of alcohol use. Surely’s non-alcoholic rosé is the perfect way to maintain your sober curiosity. Maybe you don’t drink as much as those around you or you avoid drinking every day. Or perhaps you’re just curious about the surprising health benefits of abstinence. If you haven’t already, grab some of Surely’s alcohol-removed rosé to help you ease into your sober curious journey. Our unique proprietary process ensures you get that sophisticated, crisp rosé taste without any of the guilt.