Summary

The website content discusses the growing "sober curious" movement, which encourages individuals to reevaluate their relationship with alcohol, leading to a shift in social norms and the popularity of non-alcoholic beverages.

Abstract

The article "How Sober Curious is Becoming the Next Cultural Movement" delves into the burgeoning trend of individuals questioning their alcohol consumption and seeking alternatives. Inspired by Ruby Warrington's book "Sober Curious," the author shares personal insights on the transformative effects of abstaining from alcohol, highlighting the benefits of improved health, self-discovery, and the formation of new habits. The rise of non-alcoholic drinks and the support found within online communities are also emphasized. The movement has gained traction on social media platforms like Instagram and has influenced businesses, including bars, to expand their non-alcoholic offerings to cater to this growing demographic. The piece underscores the importance of understanding one's own drinking habits and the potential for personal growth by adopting a sober curious lifestyle.

Opinions

The author endorses the sober curious movement, affirming that life without alcohol can lead to enhanced well-being and a more authentic sense of self.
There is a positive view of the increasing variety and quality of non-alcoholic beverages, which are seen as viable alternatives to traditional alcoholic drinks.
The author believes that social media platforms, particularly Instagram, play a significant role in providing support and community for those exploring sobriety.
The article suggests that the sober curious movement is influencing societal norms, with bars and other establishments beginning to offer more sophisticated non-alcoholic options.
The author emphasizes the personal journey of reevaluating one's relationship with alcohol and the importance of taking responsibility for one's health in this context.
It is noted that not everyone can safely partake in the sober curious movement, especially those with severe alcohol disorders, who require professional support to maintain sobriety.

How Sober Curious is Becoming the Next Cultural Movement

Finding out who you are is not so dull.

Getting sober has become a new trend. I've just gone through it. Sober curious is now the new term I've been coming across; Ruby Warrington wrote a book about it that I found online.

How different would your life be if you stopped drinking on auto-piolet? or altogether? Some of the questions forming the thesis of Sober Curious.

Sober Curious demonstrates how alcohol is a weak imitation of the joy, inspiration, confidence, connection, and overall sense of aliveness that can only be generated from within — while offering a tantalizing glimpse of the well-being that awaits when you give up drinking — Sober Curious.

It's all I had to read off her website to know that I have just experienced this new cultural movement without alcohol and that by reading this information from the book, I can tell you she's right.

How non-alcoholic drinks are becoming more popular.

I wrote an article a few weeks back about giving up alcohol for three months, and it ultimately got me out of the auto-piolet of drinking that Ruby mentions on her website. Since then, I have indulged in alcohol, but nothing like I used to. I've been able to substitute alcohol for non-alcoholic drinks that are also becoming more popular. Companies are coming out with zero-proof whisky, tequila and gin—De-alcoholized, wine and bubbles, and of course non-alcoholic beers such as IPA's.

Six months ago, if you were to tell me to try one of these non-alcoholic drinks, I would have politely declined, but since I gave up drinking for a bit, I realized how much of a habit it was instead of a pleasure. I've already purchased my non-alcoholic bubbles to go with oysters for this week's dinner with the ladies.

Sober curious is blowing up Instagram.

On Instagram, I was surprised to see a network of sober people posting how long they've been without a drink, daily pictures of themselves counting the days. A vast support system online is becoming quite popular.

Again when I went dry for three months, I gained quite a few new followers for my Instagram business account and gained a lot of respect from my new friends. They helped me stay motivated and supported me as I went through a dry journey with alcohol.

Businesses such as bars are starting to get on board with the movement.

Bars are starting to step up their non-alcoholic menu, such as the Pretty Ugly located in Toronto. Known as the placebo program, whereas having these non-alcoholic drink options and the regular drink choice, patrons won't feel called out if they don't feel like boozing.

Since I experienced no alcohol for three and half months (that's how long I lasted, surpassing my goal), I've been going out and feeling differently, and I don't feel so much pressure to have a casual cocktail. I look for mocktails on the menu now. My mindset has changed because I'm cutting out unnecessary drinking habits and going weeks without any alcohol, which is the first time in many years.

What exactly is sober curious, and why would you want to bother.

Sober curious is a lifestyle change. It's changing the way you consume and view alcohol and your relationship to it. How it truly makes you feel and how it makes you take responsibility for your health when drinking.

Are you someone that comes home every day from work and drinks three glasses of wine to relax? Or maybe you drink every time you play sports known as a beer league because it's part of the culture. After-work drinks with co-workers, perhaps? Are you on auto-piolet?

When does it become a habit? that’s everyone’s personal journey and only you would know.

Unfortunately, not everyone can partake in this movement. People with severe alcohol disorders need to be fully supported with staying sober.

How to be part of the sober curious movement

Personally, going dry (no alcohol) for as long as possible would be very beneficial. It would help if you gave yourself enough time to start rewiring your synapse, located in the brain, for neuroplasticity to take effect. Meaning when you replace old habits with new ones, you begin to rewire your thought patterns.

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In the meantime, pick up new hobbies. You would be surprised what you can achieve without drinking. I put more effort into my writing, and it's starting to pay off because I'm becoming more consistent.

Some final thoughts.

The most significant benefit of being sober curious is that I could dig deeper inside myself and become more comfortable in my skin.

It's a new beginning with my relationship with alcohol, and I feel that I have control over it, whereas it took control over me so often in the past.

The pressure of having to drink at every event I attend has dissolved, and I'm aligning myself with like-minded people. Believe it or not, there is more of us than you think.

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