But what does it mean to be sober curious, and how is it different from mindful drinking or going teetotal? Here, we asked two experts to dive into the benefits of wanting to be more conscious of what you drink and what the experience is really like. The Calm app puts the tools to feel better in your back pocket, with personalized content to manage stress and anxiety, get better sleep, and feel more present in your life. Adopting a sober curious lifestyle comes with a host of potential benefits, but it can also bring some challenges to navigate. It’s important to note that sober curiosity is not a recommended strategy for those with alcohol use disorders. For those dealing with addiction, sober curiosity can pose a significant risk of relapse and is not a substitute for professional treatment.
How to Live a Sober Curious Lifestyle
- Following a sober curious lifestyle not only has personal benefits but can also contribute to a safer and healthier society.
- Additionally, a shift in social norms and the availability of alternative options have allowed the sober curious movement to gain momentum.
- The conventional wisdom used to be that alcohol had to be an overtly destructive force in your life, sometimes even causing you to hit “rock bottom,” before it was time to get sober.
Some people also find success with taking regular breaks from drinking, such as having several days off per week or going completely dry once every few months. Others may decide on “sobriety lite” by limiting themselves only to certain types or amounts of drinks when socializing https://www.khusifoundation.com/addiction-healthy-people-2030-odphp-health-gov/ or attending events. The sober curious movement has created a space for people to see what works for them, from cutting back, to cutting out, to cutting in and out. Some people limit the number of drinks they have, while others participate in Dry January or Sober October and find balance that way. But even those who are sober curious can work with a therapist to cut back or cut out alcohol.
Cut Down Rather Than Out
Gen Z is even more engaged in the sober curious movement, with many opting to skip alcohol altogether. As more young people choose to abstain, this growing trend reflects a larger shift toward health-conscious choices and a redefined approach to socializing and self-care. Reflect on how alcohol impacts your physical health, mental clarity, relationships, and overall lifestyle. The rise of the sober curious trend can be attributed in part to growing awareness of alcohol’s effects on mental and physical wellbeing. What is Sober Curious People are becoming more health-conscious and are questioning long-held cultural norms that equate drinking with fun, relaxation or social success.
Plan for Social Situations
This is unlike movements that advocate for complete sobriety because of addiction. The One Medical blog is published Substance abuse by One Medical, a national, modern primary care practice pairing 24/7 virtual care services with inviting and convenient in-person care at over 100 locations across the U.S. One Medical is on a mission to transform health care for all through a human-centered, technology-powered approach to caring for people at every stage of life. You may want to limit your drinking to only certain days of the week like weekends (remembering that it’s recommended to have no more than four drinks on any occasion), or stick to a certain number of drinks. Whatever your parameters may be, consider tallying or jotting down your drinks in a journal to keep yourself on track. Doing so can also help you be more mindful of your drinking and identify patterns in your drinking behavior.
