At 12 South Recovery, we’ve noticed a growing interest in this movement as people evaluate their relationship with alcohol and its impact. Many “sober curious” people who notice troubling patterns in their alcohol use find that a few weeks or months of sobriety helps them practice more moderate and mindful drinking going forward. Alcoholics Anonymous A growing number of “sober curious” people are starting to take a closer look at the role alcohol plays in their lives. Sober curious simply means that you’ve chosen to avoid alcohol for personal or wellness reasons. It involves curiosity about the reasons fueling your desire to drink and the way alcohol affects your life.
Sober Curiosity: Creating More Room for Joy and Freedom
According to Drink Aware’s 2019 study on drinking behaviours in the UK, year-olds were the most likely to be teetotal, with 26% refraining from drinking. Socialising sober might feel different at first but remember why you’re doing this. Shift the focus from what’s in your glass to the connections you’re making. 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. If you often drink out of routine (like pouring a glass of wine after work), try swapping it for a different ritual, like making an alcohol-free cocktail or brewing a sober curious special tea.
- The bottom line is that it’s easy to get in a loop where our social lives or professional circles revolve around alcohol.
- In the spring of 2024, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) released its strategic plan for fiscal years 2024–2028, Advancing Alcohol Research to Promote Health and Well-Being.
- 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.
- In a similar vein, some people are choosing to engage in observances, such as “Dry January” or “Sober October,” in which people take a break from alcohol consumption.
Laugh It Out: Using Comedy to Explore Emotions and Build Confidence
While nonalcoholic beverages are becoming more readily available to purchase, in 2025, 21% of Americans shared one of the biggest challenges they have when it comes to nonalcoholic drinks is the limited availability. Being sober curious means taking an introspective look at yourself and your drinking habits. It’s an intentional method, meant for people to change their lifestyle by no longer drinking at all or drinking more mindfully.
History of the Term “Sober Curious”
Sober curiosity allows for personal discretion and occasional drinking, but abstinence requires you to stop drinking alcohol completely. Giving up alcohol typically isn’t easy http://www.person168.com/index.php/2025/10/15/does-alcohol-thin-your-blood-like-aspirin-clear/ for people with alcohol use disorder. Maintaining sobriety involves a lot of hard work, and it’s a lifelong process for many. Reducing your alcohol intake can also provide space for you to explore your relationship with alcohol. According to a 2018 study, 1 month of abstaining from alcohol may help lower blood pressure and risk for alcohol-related diseases. Have a soft drink or water at dinner, and fill your time with walking tours, cultural activities, and lounging by the beach instead of sitting at a bar.