What Does Sober Curious Mean?

Have you ever found yourself questioning your relationship with alcohol? Have you considered what your life might look like without it?

The sober curious movement has been gathering some momentum, and it’s redefining how individuals (especially the younger generations) approach alcohol. Find out what you need to know about sober curiosity in this article.

 

What Does Sober Curious Mean?

Sober curious refers to a growing movement where individuals are choosing to question or explore their relationship with alcohol.

This isn’t exclusive to individuals who may have an alcohol addiction or are in recovery. In fact, sober curiosity has gained popularity amongst those who don’t consider themselves to have a serious drinking problem but are conscious of the impacts that even moderate alcohol consumption can have on their mental and physical health.

 

Who Started the Sober Curious Movement?

Many people believe that the sober curious movement is down to an author called Ruby Warrington, who released a book back in 2018.

The book encouraged people to really reflect on the role drinking culture and alcohol plays in our lives and how alcohol impacts their personal and social experiences, decisions, and overall well-being.

 

Why Are People Sober Curious?

People who are sober curious simply have an interest in knowing what their life would be like without regular drinking of alcohol. For many sober curious people, it’s not about completely eliminating alcohol but about making mindful choices around it.

In other words, it calls for us to rethink our drinking habits. It’s a societal shift away from mindless drinking and towards a more conscious relationship with alcohol.

There’s also more choice than ever to accommodate those who are less interested in drinking alcohol. The market for drinks with no or low alcohol is expected to grow faster in the next four years (2022 to 2026) than it did in the previous four years (2018 to 2022).

 

How Many People Are Sober Curious in the UK?

In England and Scotland, a notable 24% of adults often find themselves drinking beyond the recommended safe limits.

Interestingly, when it comes to Great Britain as a whole, 27% of those who drink tend to really go for it on their heaviest drinking days, consuming more than 8 drinks for men and over 6 for women. However, there’s a flip side to this – in 2017, 20% of people reported that they don’t drink alcohol at all. Plus, it seems there’s a general trend towards moderation – overall alcohol consumption has decreased by about 16% since 2004.

In addition to the above, a recent study revealed that 24% of those who drink alcohol are interested in the idea of a more balanced and sober lifestyle, and it’s mostly within the late teens to mid-20s age bracket.

 

Exploring the Health Advantages of a Sober Curious Lifestyle

Embracing a sober curious approach to life can offer numerous health benefits. Here’s how cutting back on even moderate alcohol use can enhance your well-being.

Physical Health Benefits

Here’s what you might experience by reducing your alcohol consumption:

• Increased Energy and Better Sleep: Even a short period of reduced alcohol intake can lead to these benefits.
• Improved Blood Pressure and Insulin Resistance: Over time, these health markers can improve significantly.
• Effective Weight Management: A sober lifestyle can help in maintaining a healthy weight.
• Stronger Immune System: A healthier lifestyle contributes to a more robust immune system.
• Lower Risk of Certain Diseases: This includes a decrease in the risk of alcohol-related diseases and some cancers.

Mental Health Improvements

A sober curious approach can also lead to notable mental health enhancements:

• Better Stress Management: You may find it easier to cope with stress.
• Improved Sleep Quality: Sleep deprivation has been linked to negative moods, and alcohol reduction often leads to better sleep patterns.
• Increased Focus: You’re likely to experience sharper mental focus.
• Reduced Stress Levels and Increased Productivity: Enjoy heightened energy and efficiency.

 

Advice for Those Who Are Interested in Going Sober

See below for our advice for those who are interested in either reducing their alcohol intake or going sober to quit drinking altogether.

Establish Healthy Boundaries

As a sober curious individual, it’s essential to establish boundaries. This could involve planning ahead for social events and having a confident ‘No, thanks’ ready when offered a drink.

Communicating your boundaries to friends and family to avoid alcohol, is also important. By sharing why you’re choosing to be sober and curious and suggesting fun activities that don’t involve alcohol, you can foster understanding and support from your loved ones.

Build a Network That Supports Your Decisions

To maintain a sober curious lifestyle, it’s key to build a supportive network. This can involve connecting with other sober, curious individuals at events or online, which can provide a wealth of advice and encouragement.

Online platforms (such as Facebook, Instagram, and Reddit) host numerous sober curious communities where you can connect with others on a similar journey. There are also specific resources, such as the Sober Girl Society, which offers tailored support for women looking to change their relationship with alcohol.

Practice Mindful Alcohol Intake

If you’re not interested in going sober altogether, take a mindful approach to consuming alcohol. That means focusing on understanding why you drink, how much you’re drinking, and the impact it has on your body and mind.

This awareness allows you to make conscious decisions about your alcohol intake and identify any destructive patterns that may be present.

Practising mindful and moderate drinking also involves:

• Setting clear intentions
• Being aware of your triggers
• Practicing moderation
• Listening to your body
• Reflecting on your habits
• Seeking support when needed

Finding Alternative Activities

Adopting a sober curious lifestyle may lead you to seek out activities that don’t revolve around alcohol. This could mean:

• Picking up a new hobby
• Engaging in physical activities, such as yoga, group walking or a fitness class.
• Spending time with friends and family in environments that do not revolve around alcohol.

Socialising doesn’t always have to involve alcohol. In fact, steering clear of alcohol-centric activities can open up a world of possibilities. So, next time you’re planning a social gathering, consider activities that do not involve drinking. This not only supports your sober curious journey but also allows you greater focus to explore new interests and hobbies.

 

When Sober Curiosity Isn’t Enough

If you’re battling alcohol use disorder, a sober curious lifestyle may fall short of what’s needed. Discontinuing alcohol without professional supervision can lead to dangerous withdrawal symptoms. In such cases, it’s crucial to seek professional help.

While the sober curious movement is gaining popularity, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s important to work on understanding your relationship with alcohol and seek the appropriate resources and support.

For those dealing with alcohol use disorder, there are numerous resources available, including therapy, medication, and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous.

 

Find Help for Alcohol Addiction Today

If you require professional support for alcohol use disorder, please get in touch with us today. Our team are on hand to talk you through all of the options available to you, helping you find the best treatment routes to take.

Call us on 03301 596 494 for more information.