For many people, alcohol is a normal part of social interaction—after-work happy hours, Sunday football games, a regular poker night, or a weekly night out with friends. While many people may never consider the effects of alcohol on their health or how it impacts their life, a growing movement among Americans has begun to take off. The “sober curious” movement is defined as an exploration of sober living and a sober lifestyle.
A sober curious lifestyle is about making conscious decisions about drinking rather than simply giving in to peer pressure or cultural expectations. By taking the time to think critically and make sober-minded decisions, those who choose sober curious lifestyles can explore how their relationship with alcohol affects both their mental and physical health.
The sober curious movement empowers individuals to make decisions about their alcohol use without pressure or judgment. There have been sober meetups, sober events, and sober clubs popping up across the country to bring sober-minded people together in a supportive environment. Women’s Recovery, located in the beautiful state of Colorado, offers women’s sober living programs for women struggling with alcohol use disorder. Call 833.754.0554 today for more information.
Who or What Is Leading the Sober Curious Movement?
The sober curious movement has been driven by millennials who are looking to take control of their relationship with alcohol. This is not the same as an individual with alcohol use disorder who must remain vigilant and sober to maintain recovery. Instead, individuals pursuing a sober curious lifestyle may not meet the criteria for a substance use disorder at all—they are simply curious about the way alcohol fits into their life and the effects it has on their overall experience of living.
For many, it begins with one too many hangovers or the realization that they could actually save and afford something if they did not regularly spend money on alcohol every week. This inner examination teaches them how to embrace mindful drinking and leads to the sober curious trend that is gaining popularity.
For many sober curious individuals, the goal is not to quit drinking. Instead, they wish to examine the reasons and consequences of drinking and exercise self-discipline and control over their drinking habits, irrespective of peer pressure or societal expectations.
When Did the Sober Curious Trend Begin?
Sober curiosity is not new. Astute observers of culture have long noticed that socialized drinking has become so expected and normalized that it is more controversial when someone chooses not to drink at a social engagement unless for religious or health reasons.
However, the sober curious movement as we know it today began to take shape in 2018. This was when the sober curious phenomenon started gaining momentum, and sober events began to pop up in cities across the United States.
The sober curious movement has been going strong ever since, as it embraces a sober lifestyle and encourages people to explore their relationship with alcohol. If you’re sober curious, know that resources are available to help you explore sober living and make mindful decisions about your drinking.
Curious About the Sober Curious Movement? Contact Women’s Recovery Today
Perhaps you regularly have an end-of-the-workday glass of wine? Over the last few months, it has increased to two or three glasses, and the following mornings are not great—you are slow to get moving and lethargic all day at work. You are not late, and your work has not suffered, but you don’t feel alert and fully present in your day.
Women’s Recovery can provide information on living a sober curious lifestyle and help you assess whether you have a diagnosable alcohol use disorder. We offer a range of treatment options, including the following:
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Dual diagnosis treatment program
- Trauma treatment program
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
Learning how to examine the role of drinking in your life can help you and your loved ones lead happier, more productive lives and limit the chances of developing a real problem later. Contact Women’s Recovery online or call 833.754.0554 to learn more about the sober curious movement.
