What is Sober Curiosity?
Alcohol is present in a lot of social events in our culture, including weddings, birthday parties, sports games, and even just weekly hangouts with our friends. Due to its normalization, we often “go along” with the drinking culture without critically thinking about why we drink and if we actually want to drink. The Sober-Curious Movement, most popular amongst young adults, encourages individuals to question their relationship with alcohol and to adopt a mindful-drinking mindset.
What does it mean to drink mindfully?
Practicing mindful drinking involves being consciously aware of your alcohol intake. You can ask yourself questions like “Am I drinking because I truly want to? Or is it because everyone else is doing it?” or “If I drink tonight, what are the consequences for tomorrow and is it worth it?” By pausing to reflect whether you truly desire to drink and weighing the consequences, you’re creating a healthier and more honest relationship with alcohol, as well as a deeper appreciation for your own personal choice.
How to do it?
Be mindful of alcohol consumption
Think about your drinking patterns. Do I only feel like drinking when other people are drinking? Do I tend to drink when I’m experiencing pressure or negative emotions? Drinking can become a coping mechanism for dealing with anxiety, but if the reasoning behind it isn’t recognized, it could become a habit preventing you from deciding what’s for your best interest and hindering the root issue from surfacing.
Connect with those who feel the same as you
Build a support network through talking to those also interested in being sober-curious. Having friends that are open to exploring sobriety can help you navigate through social situations where drinking is the norm, and help you feel less alone in the process.
Explore sober activities and social events
It can be a good time to pursue new hobbies and explore new social spaces. Art classes, book clubs, fitness/wellness classes, and local community centers are great supportive environments for people wishing to socialize but do not want to participate in drinking alcohol. Sober bars provide the open and social atmosphere of a traditional bar, but serve non-alcoholic drinks such as mocktails, kombucha, and craft sodas.
Alcohol has been studied to be detrimental to multiple aspects of mental and physical health. If you’re interested in rebuilding your relationship with alcohol, embracing a sober-curious lifestyle of cutting dack drinks and finding joy in alcohol-free experiences can help you reap significant benefits for both your physical and mental well-being.
