Each year, usually in January, social media begins to erupt with talk of people participating in “Dry January.” Arising out of the “sober curious,” “sober sometimes,” or “elective Sobriety” movement(s), Dry January, Dry July, and even Sober September all describe a window of time where people challenge themselves and others to see what life is like without alcohol.
So, What Is Sober Curious?
The sober curious movement began as a challenge for those who felt as though they had partied a little too hard over the New Year’s holiday. Sober curious is the term that is often used to describe those who do not necessarily identify as addicts or as having a drinking problem but decide to experiment with complete sobriety to see what changes it can bring to their health. Those who are sober curious make the conscious choice to abstain from drinking alcohol to see what kind of positive benefits it can bring to their lives, not because they have a clinical drinking problem or for any other reason such as religious or otherwise.
It is important to note that this decision is not necessarily a lifelong commitment to sobriety. Choosing to be sober curious is typically done out of curiosity of what it’s like to be sober; hence the term sober curious. Participating in the sober curious movement is generally seen as an alternative to traditional sobriety as would be attained by attending a treatment program. Sober curious participants are encouraged to experiment with how alcohol fits into their lives versus what complete abstinence from alcohol looks like.
What Are the Benefits of Sober Curiosity?
Those who have experimented with sober curiosity report several benefits. The first and most recognized benefit is a change in lifestyle. This includes improved memory of those time spent socializing with friends and the avoidance of potentially embarrassing situations, which can result from the use of too much alcohol.
Abstaining from alcohol also provides more time in one’s life as less time is spent recovering from the effects of alcohol, such as mornings spent hungover. People who try being sober curious often report feeling more focused and feel as though they are able to function better after a night out with friends.
Additionally, sober curiosity can lead to health benefits as a result of abstaining from alcohol. Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to weight gain, cognitive decline, and a variety of other medical and mental health-related illnesses. Abstaining from alcohol tends to result in weight loss, improved memory, and other health benefits.
Why Is the Sober Curious Movement Gaining Popularity?
There are likely several reasons for the growing popularity of the sober curious movement. Currently, society is becoming much more health-conscious, and people are realizing that there are significantly more negative than positive effects of alcohol. Consequently, many are choosing to avoid alcohol to have a healthier and more active lifestyle. Even when not excessive or chronic, alcohol consumption can still lead to adverse health effects such as weight gain, risk of alcohol dependence, and increased risk of injury or memory problems. The sober curious movement also coincides with other mindfulness activities’ growing popularity, including meditation and yoga. So, when searching for information on what it means to be sober curious or what the sober curious movement is, you will likely run into descriptions or explanations that include mindful drinking or mindfulness practices.
For those who have become alcohol dependent, taking a short break as is common with sober curiosity is likely not an option. Many who drink heavily or have a chronic relationship with excessive alcohol consumption often struggle to manage their relationship with alcohol. If you are concerned that you are one of the twenty million-plus U.S. people who struggle with alcohol dependence or find that drinking is causing you stress or harm, consider seeking treatment advice. However, if you can and want to experiment with cutting alcohol out of your life, the sober curious movement might be an excellent place to start.
Teen Mental Health Treatment in South Florida – AWA
At Adolescent Wellness Academy, a teen mental health treatment center located in South Florida, we understand the complexities and challenges of guiding our loved ones, especially adolescents, towards recovery from mental health challenges.
Recognizing the delicate nature of this journey, we are committed to offering compassionate, specialized care even in situations where individuals may be hesitant to seek help.
We are dedicated to providing a supportive environment that fosters healing and growth through our tailored programs:
- Day Therapeutic Program: A structured daytime treatment offering therapeutic support and education that integrates seamlessly with the adolescent’s daily life.
- After-School Program: An innovative approach that provides therapeutic activities and supports post-school hours, allowing teens to continue their education while receiving the care they need.
When you join our therapy or afterschool programs, you enter a caring and non-judgmental community. This support network involves teens, their families, peers, and our team.
Our team of clinicians, alumni, and other parents are here to offer invaluable assistance. Parent Support Groups (PSG) and assessments ensure that the support is tailored to each family’s needs. Contact us today for more information about teen mental health at 1-866-548-8677 or visit our locations in Miami-Dade and Broward.
About the Author
Brandsmen
