The benefits of cutting back on drinking are some of the main reasons why the sober curious movement has gained so much popularity. Not to mention, you feel better; you wake up more refreshed, your mind is clearer, your body is stronger, and your mood is brighter. «This is a very personal journey and it’s important to focus on yourself and how alcohol is making you feel.» 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.
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At social events, she asks for her bubbly H₂O with a slice of lime, which helps her to blend in as it resembles a gin and tonic. “At the start, everyone questioned my lack of alcohol intake, but I feel that it’s becoming more of the norm to opt for more healthy drink options,” says Ayala. She still has an occasional glass of wine, but says the Dry January movement helped her to kick the habit and dodge the social pressures. If you find yourself questioning your drinking habits and realize that alcohol has become a problem, it might be time to reach out 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.
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- The sober curious approach invites individuals to reflect on their drinking habits and how alcohol affects their relationships and overall quality of life.
- Whether your goals are related to health, mental clarity, or personal growth, having clear intentions can help guide your journey and keep you motivated.
- This might be especially true if you’re concerned about how not drinking or drinking less might impact your social life.
- Dating and social occasions can sometimes feel a bit different when you’re sober curious.
- Past research has shown that young adults often engage in high-risk drinking behaviors, such as binge drinking.
- She was originally aiming to moderate her drinking while learning about sobriety and alcohol-free living.
By unfollowing accounts that promote drinking and following sober curious accounts, you can surround yourself with like-minded people and reduce the temptation to drink. Additionally, many find that embracing the sober curious lifestyle helps them develop healthier coping mechanisms, fostering a more balanced and fulfilling life. Ultimately, people are drawn to this movement because it offers freedom from the constraints of drinking culture, encouraging exploration of a more authentic life aligned with their values. The term sober curious has gained traction in recent years as a growing movement that encourages individuals to question their relationship with alcohol and explore a lifestyle free from it or with reduced consumption. Books, podcasts, and blogs on the sober curious movement can provide valuable insights and tips for navigating life without alcohol. Some popular titles include Sober Curious by Ruby Warrington (who is credited with popularizing the term) and Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker, which offers a feminist perspective on sobriety.
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Resources like Resurgence Behavioral Health provide vital treatment for alcohol addiction in California, guiding patients toward recovery with personalized care and support. 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. The «sober curious» or «sober sometimes» movement started as a challenge for those who felt they’d partied a little too hard over New Year’s weekend. First there was «Dry January,» when people could brag on social media about how they were taking a break from booze. Now there’s «Dry July» and even «Sober September.» And the movement has spread across the U.S., with people challenging each other to see what life is like sober curious without alcohol and share in that experience. Not too long ago, a group of women in a bar who were not drinking alcohol would have seemed kind of strange.
Gayle Macdonald, sober coach and founder of Sober Bliss, explains that starting off sober curious can be a bit more relaxed than going teetotal straight away. «It’s not about immediately giving up alcohol completely or forever, which can be quite scary or steeped in shame and guilt. It’s more about looking at your relationship with alcohol and the role it plays in your life.» 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. Seen the term ‘sober curious’ pop up across and wondered what it means?
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The sober curious method is an approach to exploring life with reduced or no alcohol consumption without necessarily committing to permanent abstinence. It’s not about adhering to a strict program or set of rules but instead cultivating a mindset of mindfulness and intentionality regarding alcohol use. 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. At First City Recovery, we believe that everyone’s journey to sobriety is unique, Halfway house and we are committed to providing personalized care that meets your individual needs. Letting friends and family know that you’re exploring a sober curious lifestyle can reduce the pressure to drink and may even inspire others to join you in your journey.
Alcohol is also a significant factor in domestic violence and disproportionately impacts women in the form of harassment, assault and unsafe environments. A more open dialogue surrounding mental health means Gen Z are also increasingly aware of alcohol’s tendency to impair emotional regulation and lower mood. Holding a drink – whether it’s sparkling water, a soda, or a mocktail – makes it less likely anyone will ask why you’re not drinking. Maybe it’s sticking to non-alcoholic options all night or leaving early if the atmosphere gets too boozy. Cutting back on alcohol freed up my weekends – no more days lost to hangovers or sluggishness. I started spending that time doing things that actually made me feel good, like morning walks, paddle-boarding, or trying out new hobbies.
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And according to a study published on JAMA Network Open, while everyone they looked at reported drinking more since the pandemic started, there was a 41% increase in heavy drinking in women, compared to the previous year. When cutting back on alcohol, you will notice that within time, you will have more energy throughout the day. This is mainly due to your improved sleep cycles and your hydration status.
What is the difference between sober and sober curious?
These communities can be valuable for sharing experiences, offering https://nvpcs.com/addiction-and-divorce-statistics-to-know-during/ 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. People have been exploring the sober curious lifestyle for years, perhaps without even realizing it.