Treatment can reduce your risk of experiencing dangerous alcohol withdrawal symptoms and provide a safe space to explore sobriety. If you’re ready to learn more, contact a treatment provider today to explore your rehab options. Interest in sober curiosity continues to grow not only because of the growing interest in the health awareness aspect of this movement but also because there is a major cultural shift around alcohol. People are becoming more health-conscious and are focused on longevity and wellness. The benefits of cutting back on drinking are some of the main What is Sober Curious reasons why the sober curious movement has gained so much popularity. Not to mention, you feel better; you wake up more refreshed, your mind is clearer, your body is stronger, and your mood is brighter.
Gen Z are health conscious
A similar experience was had by Megan Wilcox, Alcohol-Free Mindset Coach and creator of SobahSistahs. She was originally aiming to moderate her drinking while learning about sobriety and alcohol-free living. Over time, she gradually decreased her alcohol intake and decided to live fully alcohol-free. Rather than focusing on not drinking, you may decide to invest time and energy into relationships and other interests you once enjoyed now that you have more time on your hands. Make it a priority to check in with friends and family you haven’t spoken to in a while and invest in the relationships that bring you joy that you might have been neglecting.
Bring your own drinks
It’s best to connect with a professional treatment program that can provide supervised outpatient or inpatient alcohol detox. Reducing your drinking can also help to lessen the chance of experiencing anxiety marijuana addiction after a night out – also known as ‘hangxiety’. Brown University Health, Rhode Island’s first health system, was founded in 1994 by Rhode Island Hospital and The Miriam Hospital. You can also call or text 988 nationwide to connect with local support systems. Numerous studies have researched the ways in which alcohol disrupts our sleeping patterns.
Functional Beverages
Given the social aspect of drinking, it might be challenging to break away from alcohol in group settings, but there are things you can do to ease the burden. Get professional help from an online addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp. Biological aging can have an effect on every organ, but the most obvious to the eye is the skin, which is your largest organ. Individuals who consume alcohol may have skin that looks dry and wrinkled, similar to sun damage. This is because alcohol reduces collagen and elastin production, which results in saggy, dull, and wrinkled skin because the cells cannot repair https://cofrea.com/whatare-sober-living-house-rules/ themselves.
Your Health
People who are sober curious may choose to drink less heavily, often, or quit drinking altogether. According to the CDC, all forms of alcohol are linked to increased risks of certain cancers, including colorectal and breast cancers. 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. There’s no one way to be sober curious, but it comes down to exploring your relationship with alcohol and intentionally drinking less of it.
- It’s a form of self-exploration, where people commit to reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption, either temporarily or permanently.
- Given the growing body of evidence against drinking, this should not come as a surprise.
She challenges you to question whether alcohol is playing the role you think it is. For example, does an alcoholic beverage really help you unwind, does it actually make you more social or creative, does it honestly help you sleep? She points out the billion dollar alcohol marketing industry and how it has played into dependency on alcohol.
In that regard, sober curiosity can be for almost anyone who is interested in seeing how their mind and body respond to taking time off from consuming alcohol. Short term or not, sober curiosity can still promote mindful drinking habits and lasting lifestyle changes. It’s absolutely OK to need extra support while addressing drinking habits. Being sober curious is about reflecting on what impact alcohol has on your life.
Be upfront about your lifestyle choices early in relationships to ensure compatibility and mutual respect. In social situations, have a plan for what you’ll drink or how you’ll handle pressure to make you feel more confident. Many people find that relationships and interactions can become more meaningful when alcohol is less of a focus.