Are You Feeling Sober Curious?
April has been dubbed “Alcohol Awareness Month” every year since 1987 and as such, it’s the perfect time to highlight the sober curious movement and culture catching on across the world. During this month, the National Council for Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) and its affiliate network aim to increase awareness and understanding of the causes and treatment around alcoholism, which is considered a major public health problem.
While alcohol has long been a significant part of American culture, the Sober Curious Movement took off around 2012 and has only become more popular in recent years. Less people are drinking and consuming alcohol than ever before in the United States, according to Gallup, and many people are giving alcohol up altogether.
The LSU Sport Psychology & Counseling team answered some common questions about “sober curiosity” and the recent cultural shift surrounding alcohol consumption.
What does it mean to be “sober curious?”
Sober curiosity is widely understood to be a deeper exploration of one’s relationship with alcohol and sober culture, often for physical and mental health reasons. It involves decreasing consumption and combatting the stigma and pressure that often follow a person’s decision not to drink. It’s important to note that you DO NOT have to be struggling with sobriety or addiction to be sober curious. Instead, exploring one’s relationship with alcohol further can be understood as an act of self-love and self-compassion.
What are the benefits related to reducing alcohol intake?
Being sober curious or trying out an alcohol-free lifestyle can spark a range of physical and mental health benefits. Drinking less often leads to feeling more energized, sleeping better, and noticing improvement in their focus, memory, and mood. It can reduce inflammation and reduce long-term risk of certain health problems including cancer. And it doesn’t stop there – people who consume less alcohol also report improvements to their gut health (less bloating and digestive issues), positive changes to their skin or complexion, and even increased confidence and relief from anxiety and depression.
How have businesses and the alcohol industry responded to this societal shift?
If you feel like you’ve seen a diversification of drink choices and options in recent years, you are not imagining things. According to a Forbes Article published in December of 2022, no- and low-alcohol beverage sales increased drastically across the globe last year – and the market “surpassed $11 billion in market value.” In response to a shift among Millennials and Gen-Zers, there are more non-alcoholic and “mocktail” options both in retail stores and in restaurants.
What resources can help me learn more about the sober curious movement?
Social media or a simple Google search can be a great place to start. A lot of people are learning about sober curiosity from social media, influencers, entertainers, and well-known celebrities. For example, actress Blake Lively launched her own line of non-alcoholic mixers in 2021 and singer/songwriter Katy Perry has her own line of non-alcoholic beverages. Athletes are getting into the mix, too. NBA star Dwyane Wade partnered with Budweiser on limited-edition non-alcoholic beer. There are also a lot of listicles and articles highlighting alternative options and fun mocktail ideas. Finally, you can read more about what an alcohol-free lifestyle entails in books like Annie Grace’s “This Naked Mind” or Laura McKowen’s “We Are the Luckiest.”
If you are interested in exploring what it could mean to be SOBER CURIOUS or if you would like a safe space to talk, your Sports Psychology & Counseling team has got you covered! For support and guidance throughout your college career as an LSU student-athlete, reach out to your resources. It’s often the hardest step, but the most rewarding.