If decreasing consumption feels unattainable or results in withdrawal symptoms, it could be an indicator of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Here, we unpack the sober curious movement, potential benefits and challenges, and where to get more information, or help and support. Describing yourself as a mindful drinker can be helpful if you aren’t yet sure of your end goal. “It’s less rigid than saying, ‘I am completely alcohol-free from now until forever,'” says Willoughby, who authored the book How To Be A Mindful Drinker. “It’s about taking time to evaluate your drinking habits and how they do (or don’t) fit in with the life you’d like to lead.”

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If you are invited to a bar or restaurant for a social gathering and want to take this approach to being sober curious, try to only attend events marijuana addiction at places where alcohol isn’t the main focus. The sober curious movement has gained steam recently, such as with the rise of interest in “Dry January” — a time when participants decide to not drink for the month of January. Some people who don’t drink alcohol have made a conscious decision to eliminate alcohol from their lives, sometimes through the help of a 12-step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Influencers have shared their experiences with “dry months” and the subsequent improved mental clarity and productivity, inspiring others to follow suit. What sets Gen Z apart is that this change appears to be more than a passing trend.

The health benefits of less alcohol consumption

The sober curious movement invites people to rethink the societal norms around drinking and empowers them to make choices that prioritize their mental, emotional, and physical health. It’s not about labeling alcohol as inherently evil, nor about achieving a specific milestone—it’s about exploring who you are without alcohol in the driver’s seat. The same Mintel survey explained that two-thirds of consumers aged reported worrying about the emotional impact of alcohol, while a similar figure reported that they wanted to learn more about drinking mindfully.

Going out for drinks is expensive, and so is purchasing alcohol from the store. Alcohol is not only empty calories on your body, meaning that it has no nutritional benefit, but it also is known to leave you with an empty bank account. Sunnyside Med offers access to compounded naltrexone (50mg + B6 5mg), paired with behavioral tools to help you reduce your drinking over time. According to Drink Aware’s 2019 study on drinking behaviours in the UK, year-olds were the most likely to be teetotal, with 26% refraining from drinking. Socialising sober might feel different at first but remember why you’re doing this.

How to be ‘sober curious’ and limit an alcohol use disorder or over-consumption

Unlike teetotalism, which is rooted in moral or habitual abstinence, “sober curious” invites a gentle exploration. Some engage occasionally with zero-proof alternatives or mocktails; others participate in intermittent sobriety—like Dry January—to recalibrate their habits. The sober curious lifestyle is not just a health trend — it’s become a cultural shift that’s gaining momentum for several reasons.

• In New Zealand, binge drinking rates among young people have decreased by over 50% from 2001 to 2012.
• People have been exploring the sober curious lifestyle for years, perhaps without even realizing it.
• Generally, while alcohol can have a sedative effect at first, helping you fall asleep, it typically results in poor quality of sleep.
• It’s a conscious decision to question the role alcohol plays in one’s life and to consider the benefits of reducing or eliminating it altogether.
• The sober curious movement has gained steam recently, such as with the rise of interest in “Dry January” — a time when participants decide to not drink for the month of January.
• In addition, abstinence challenges in particular may help encourage young adults to consider entering treatment for alcohol misuse.

Fitness influencer Kendall Toole, a former Peloton instructor turned podcast host, told “GMA” she’s seen positive improvements in her physical and mental health since she departed from drinking. One of the biggest surprises and benefits of reducing alcohol is the amount of money you can save. When cutting back on alcohol, you will notice that within time, you will have more energy throughout the day. This is mainly due to your improved sleep cycles and your hydration status. Alcohol is naturally a diuretic, meaning that it removes fluid from your body, leaving you dehydrated. Cutting back on alcohol prevents dehydration and the fatigue that comes with it.

How to get help with alcohol addiction

A small study published in the British Journal of Medicine showed a remarkable reduction in cancer-related markers in participants who refrained from drinking alcohol for one month. Murthy said Friday that there is a direct link between alcohol consumption and increased risk for at least seven types of cancer, including cancers of the breast, esophagus, liver and several others. For some cancers, that risk starts at just one drink a day or even fewer, he said. For more insights on addiction, including common myths & misconceptions about addiction and the impact of alcohol on health, (e.g., does alcohol make you sleepy?) visit our linked articles. Generation Z has demonstrated a noteworthy shift in drinking behaviors compared to previous generations. Recent studies indicate that 26% of 16-to-25-year-olds in the UK are now teetotal, while only 15% of 55-to-74-year-olds abstain from alcohol.

How to take a break from alcohol

Reducing alcohol, staying hydrated, and eating a healthy diet can drastically improve your skin health and brighten your skin. Although alcohol is a nervous system depressant and, as a result, can temporarily make you feel relaxed and fall asleep faster, it increases nighttime awakenings. Therefore, when you drink alcohol, you are more likely to get interrupted sleep throughout the night, even if you do not marijuana addiction realize it. A more open dialogue surrounding mental health means Gen Z are also increasingly aware of alcohol’s tendency to impair emotional regulation and lower mood. Maybe it’s sticking to non-alcoholic options all night or leaving early if the atmosphere gets too boozy. This reimagined nightlife shows how sobriety doesn’t equal boredom—it can be just as vibrant, if not more inclusive, than drinking culture.

Shift your mindset

Platforms like Reddit’s r/stopdrinking or local sober-curious meetups can offer solidarity. Many people report better sleep, clearer skin, improved workouts, and emotional steadiness within just weeks of cutting back. Health is perhaps the single most powerful motivator for Gen Z’s move away from alcohol. Where earlier generations might have viewed drinking as a rite of passage, Gen Z places it at odds with their long-term wellness goals. It’s being intentional about your choices and learning what feels right for you. From commercials and TV shows to dinner tables and social gatherings, alcohol is deeply woven into everyday life.