This can mean engaging in new and old hobbies (e.g., painting or fitness class), attending sober-curious meetups, going to designated alcohol-free spaces, or meeting with friends for coffee or tea instead of alcohol. There are even sober bars popping up around the country designed to provide the a way for people so socialize and avoid alcohol at the same time. When cutting back on alcohol, you will notice that within time, you will have more energy throughout the day. This is mainly due to Sober living house your improved sleep cycles and your hydration status.
How do I answer the question “why aren’t you drinking”?
💙 Deepen your friendships and relationships in your life without relying on alcohol with the Meaningful Practice for Meaningful Friendship series. 💙 Bask in the increased energy going alcohol-free gives you and treat yourself to The Daily Move, a guided exercise aimed to help you reconnect with your body and physical health. I truly believe that limiting alcohol isn’t a restriction—it’s an opportunity. Once you choose to go alcohol-free, connecting with like-minded people can help you feel less alone. Many bars and restaurants are also expanding their non-alcohol or ‘mocktail’ offerings to include inventive drinks. If you’re weighing the benefits of short-term sobriety, focus on what you’ll gain, not what you’ll lose.
What Does Being ‘Sober Curious’ Mean? 4 Ways It Benefits Your Health
Additionally, some people may be motivated by a curiosity to explore alternative ways of socializing and having fun that do not involve alcohol. As an integral part of The Freedom Center, Melissa’s multifaceted experience shines through her past work in various capacities. Her presence on this team highlights her dedication to crisis intervention and her ability to provide critical support during vulnerable times. Prior to her role in crisis intervention, Melissa worked extensively in the substance abuse and dual diagnoses treatment field.
Pay attention to your alcohol consumption
De Soi, a non-alcoholic aperitif, can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with alcohol. You could also check out non-alcoholic or low-ABV beers like BERO, Partake, and Athletic Brewing. Chewning also recommends “Not Drinking Tonight,” by Amanda E. White, which again helps to reframe our connection to and potential What is Sober Curious dependence on alcohol. “Sober Lush,” by Amanda Eyre Ward and Jardine Libaire, is another excellent read that offers ways to live “a decadent, adventurous, soulful life — alcohol-free.” Sober curiosity can be a unique experience involving trying new things and stepping outside your comfort zone.
I have been on both sides of the fence, active addiction and recovery, and continue to choose recovery every day. When it comes to comparing sober curiosity and sobriety, it’s worth noting that they don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Sobriety usually means completely avoiding alcohol, while being sober curious allows for a more flexible and adventuresome approach. Sober curiosity is all about questioning and examining your relationship with alcohol, whereas sobriety is https://ecosober.com/ a more definitive commitment to a life without it. Both paths have their own merits, and it’s up to each person to decide which one fits their goals and values the best.
- In addition to major health concerns, some people simply don’t like how they feel when they drink, or how it affects their relationships and jobs.
- In fact, you may find you enjoy get-togethers much more without “having” to drink.
- When you remove alcohol from your life for a designated period of time, you can better understand the role it plays in your life and how significant it is for you.
- With his expertise, experience, and passion for helping others, David is an asset to the Freedom Center, empowering individuals on his recovery journey.
For those who are curious about the sober lifestyle, it’s important to understand what it means to be sober curious and where this movement originated. While some studies suggest that a glass of red wine can be beneficial for cardiovascular health, experts widely agree that overconsumption of alcohol presents a problem. The notion of alcohol as a social lubricant has long been the norm — ask the designated driver at any event. However, in recent years, there’s been a growing awareness of the health implications of alcohol consumption and a cultural shift toward non-alcoholic beverages.
- Alexandra oversees all operations with The Freedom Center to ensure clients are given the best chance at success.
- If getting drinks with friends or dates has traditionally occupied a lot of your time, you’ll need to determine how to navigate these situations.
- Mindful drinking is a practice that involves being present and conscious of one’s relationship with alcohol.
- Those who need extra support can find it at organizations like Resurgence Behavioral Health, a leading addiction center in Los Angeles, helping to combat substance abuse.
Health and Wellness Benefits
These options not only provide a refreshing alternative to the bar scene but also create avenues for finding sober friendships. You can also http://dev.angelfrazier.com/alcohol-use-disorder-what-to-expect-when-you-quit/ give yourself permission to change your mind if you feel that an occasion in your life would be enhanced by alcohol. However, I will share some general tips for starting a sober-curious journey below. If any of this sounds familiar, simply becoming sober curious may not be enough. For many people with AUD or sensitivity to alcohol, one sip can be enough to pull you into a spiral of unhealthy behaviors. It’s far smarter to consider speaking with a therapist or using an accountability program.
