Understanding The 'Sober Curious' Movement

Forbes Innovation Healthcare Understanding The 'Sober Curious' Movement Nicole F. Roberts Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. I write about global public health, behavioral science & innovation Following Click to save this article. You'll be asked to sign into your Forbes account.

Got it Jan 10, 2024, 12:11pm EST Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Friends toasting during a lunch at bar getty The ‘sober curious’ movement is not just a fleeting trend. It’s a shift in the way people and generations are interacting with and thinking about alcohol use. The movement refers to individuals becoming more mindful of their alcohol consumption without necessarily committing to complete abstinence.

It's about questioning the role of alcohol in one's life and exploring a healthier relationship with drinking. Stated another way, it doesn’t necessitate complete sobriety as the focus is on personal choice and exploration rather than strict rules. It's more about being mindful of alcohol's impact on your mind and body and making informed decisions about its place in one's life for health reasons.

According to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics in 2020 , the percentage of college students aged 18 to 22 in the United States who stated that they refrained from drinking alcohol rose from 20% in 2002 to 28% in 2018. Given the growing body of evidence against drinking this should not come as a surprise.

Alcohol poses long term and serious risks , such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, liver disease and mental health issues. In 2023 a Canadian study found that even low levels of alcohol consumption can raise the risk of mortality . For example, a study analyzing the health data of nearly 400,000 individuals has found a connection between moderate alcohol consumption and a higher likelihood of developing heart issues such as hypertension and coronary artery disease.

Additionally, a study published in the journal Nature in March 2022 suggested that consuming one glass of alcohol per day may lead to brain shrinkage . It’s important to reiterate being sober curious is different from sobriety. Choosing sobriety means abstaining from alcohol. Some people do this for health or religious reasons, for others it’s due to personal or family experiences with addiction.

Some simply don't enjoy drinking. On the other hand, being sober curious means reflecting on why, when and how you consume alcohol. It involves being curious about sobriety – usually for health and wellness reasons. Specifically, people who identify with the sober curious movement might choose to: 1.

Reduce Alcohol Intake: They might cut back on alcohol consumption or take breaks from drinking to see how it affects their overall wellbeing. MORE FOR YOU New Names Appear On Epstein List: What To Know About Latest Unsealed Documents The Russians Could Run Out Of Infantry Fighting Vehicles In Two Or Three Years How Auditor Deloitte Missed A Nigerian Company s Massive Fraud 2.

Practice Mindful Drinking: When they do drink, they do so consciously, focusing on quality rather than quantity. They might explore non alcoholic or low alcohol options and pay attention to the effects of alcohol on their body and mind. 3. Social and Health Reasons: Some are motivated by health and wellness goals, wanting to improve sleep, mental clarity or physical fitness by reducing alcohol consumption.

Others are influenced by social reasons, avoiding the pressure or social expectation to drink. 4. Community and Support: Many individuals engaging in the sober curious movement find support and community through social media, events and groups centered around mindful drinking, where they can share experiences and resources.

And according to Google Trends data, the market is changing to meet this new demand. There was a significant increase in search interest for "non alcoholic drink" and "non alcoholic beer" in the U.S. in 2022. Additionally, the search term "sobriety" has remained popular for several years.

This suggests that people who are cutting back on alcohol are actively seeking alternative beverages. It is expected that the market for non alcoholic drinks will continue to grow as Americans increasingly demand more options. Analysts believe that these drinks will not completely replace alcoholic beverages, but rather provide alternatives for those who are curious about sobriety, offering more choices than just club soda.

Despite the growing trend, not everyone is immersed in daily interactions and environments that encourage sobriety. In fact, much of our world centers around alcohol. As do many relationships. This means that communicating choices is important for those around you to support you and seek out new options, activities and opportunities.

What can one expect—or hope for—if they choose to engage in a sober curious lifestyle? There are several potential health benefits including: 1. Improved Sleep: Alcohol can disrupt sleep patterns . Cutting back or abstaining can lead to better sleep quality and more restful nights. 2. Enhanced Mental Clarity: Alcohol consumption can affect cognitive function.

Being sober can lead to increased mental sharpness, improved focus, and better decision making. 3. Weight Management: Alcoholic beverages often contain a high number of calories. Reducing alcohol intake can contribute to weight loss or weight maintenance in a number of ways. 4. Better Digestive Health: Alcohol can irritate the digestive tract and lead to issues like acid reflux or gastritis.

Cutting down on alcohol can improve digestive health for some individuals. 5. Improved Mood: Alcohol can impact mood and exacerbate feelings of anxiety or depression. Reducing consumption may lead to more stable and positive mental health. 6. Enhanced Physical Fitness: Excessive alcohol consumption can hinder athletic performance and muscle recovery.

Being sober can lead to better physical fitness and faster recovery after exercise. 7. Reduced Risk of Health Issues: Excessive alcohol consumption is linked to several health problems such as liver disease, heart issues, and certain cancers. Cutting back on alcohol can lower the risk of developing these conditions.

So where should you start if you’re interested in exploring sober curiosity? One recommendation given by many experts is to begin by journaling. Each time you want to drink write down what you’re feeling, doing and where you are. It’s a potentially powerful way to understand your motivations and triggers to drink.

For some it’s anxiety and feeling down that calls for a drink, and for others it’s celebratory or out of boredom that drinks are desired. Knowing your reasons to drink and not to drink will help you find the resolve and real time awareness to help meet your goals. Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn .

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