For those dealing with addiction, sober curiosity can pose a significant risk of relapse and is not a substitute for professional treatment. Changing your alcohol intake can be an adjustment, so Willoughby recommends exploring sober curious podcasts, books and blogs. Macdonald also suggests connecting with sober groups IRL or online, seeing a coach or therapist if you want to dig deeper and telling your family what you’re doing. “People who love you, love you for you, not for what is in your glass and they will support you if you ask them,” she says. Most people won’t experience any major side effects of cutting down their drinking, but for some it can be dangerous to suddenly quit. “This depends on how much you’ve been drinking, for how long and the level of physical dependence on alcohol,” Macdonald explains.
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- Track your progress and feelings in a journal to see the changes and motivate yourself to continue.
- “Sober curious” people often discuss the short-term physical benefits of less alcohol, including not feeling fatigued or unwell after drinking.
- This approach is generally non-negotiable and lifelong, particularly for those recovering from alcohol addiction.
- Being “sober curious” or “sober sometimes” refers to your choice to drink less alcohol or refrain from drinking completely.
- Maybe it’s cutting out regular happy hour cocktails with friends, not drinking wine or beer for a week, or jumping on the Dry January trend and forgoing alcohol for a whole month.
“The movement pushes back at the normalization of heavy drinking and stereotypes that those who do not drink are less social or have less fun.” One of the biggest challenges to maintaining your sober-conscious decision is isolation. Developing a social network with like-minded individuals creates a supportive community that acknowledges the challenges and supports the efforts of choosing a healthier lifestyle. While you may not have friends that are interested in being sober curious, there are many resources online that help connect you with others who practice this lifestyle. Transitioning to a sober curious lifestyle involves more than just avoiding alcohol; it’s about actively engaging in rewarding and fulfilling alcohol-free experiences. Substituting drinking-related activities with alternatives that do not involve sober curious alcohol can pave the way to a more balanced and enjoyable life.
Why Sober Curiosity Is Growing
The primary difference between sobriety and sober curious lies in their approach and commitment to alcohol consumption. Sobriety refers to complete abstinence from alcohol, often as a response to addiction or dependency. People who embrace sobriety commit to not drinking at all, often through structured programs or support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Sobriety is generally a long-term or lifelong commitment, driven by the recognition that alcohol has had a harmful or problematic impact on their life, and they choose to live without it.
How to Start Your Sober Curious Journey
Many studies have noted that alcohol abuse can damage brain areas like the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. These regions oversee crucial tasks like decision-making, memory, learning, and mood. Many people who go sober curious find themselves thriving in ways they never heroin addiction expected—mentally, physically and emotionally. When cutting back on alcohol, you will notice that within time, you will have more energy throughout the day.