The rise of ‘sober curiosity:’ Why Gen Zers are reducing their alcohol consumption
This movement isn’t just leading to more non-alcoholic beer and wine options. It’s also bringing about a rise in creative and flavorful mocktails, seltzers, and other alcohol-free beverages. These alternatives are not only catering to the sober curious but also providing refreshing options for those looking to moderate their alcohol intake. Similarly, Dax Shepard, an American actor and comedian, shares his experiences in recovery on his podcast, Armchair Expert, and social media platforms, emphasizing the importance of sobriety in his self-identity.
- This means that communicating choices is important for those around you to support you and seek out new options, activities and opportunities.
- “If I’m going to choose between drinking a $22 drink or paying rent, I’m probably gonna pay rent,” she explained.
- This approach invites curiosity rather than control and promotes awareness instead of judgment.
Are You Sober Curious? Learn Why This Trend Is Growing
They want the choice, the quality and the enjoyment they get from alcoholic drinks – just without the alcohol. Millie Gooch, the founder of Sober Girl Society, provides a sunny yet realistic outlook on life in recovery. She offers an online sober community for women interested in or in recovery, with a focus on maintaining a fun and spontaneous lifestyle without alcohol. Her work highlights how the sober curious movement can foster a positive, supportive community. These generational shifts are attributed to a nuanced understanding of how drinking impacts health and societal worries.
Evolution of Social Spaces
Feeling very grateful and very blessed.” Her longtime friend Lena Dunham told a podcast last fall that she was “never a drinker.” Blake Lively doesn’t drink. Neither do Jennifer Lopez, Natalie Portman, Kim Kardashian West, Zendaya, Christina Ricci, Jennifer Hudson, Sarah Silverman, and Lucy Hale. Rumer Willis tried a sober January in 2017 and just kept going, she announced on Instagram six months later. Another study published in 2018 found that in the UK, the percentage of 16-to-24-year-old nondrinkers increased to 29% in 2015 from 18% a decade prior.
- And it only gets better.’” Afterward, Minturn couldn’t shake what her friend had said.
- By slowing down and paying attention, many people discover what truly supports their energy, emotions, and sense of balance.
- It’s all about finding what feels right for your life and wellness goals without the pressure of an all-or-nothing approach.
- The sober curious movement is gaining popularity, with nearly half (49%) of Americans planning to drink less alcohol in 2025, representing a 44% increase from 2023.
- Track your progress and feelings in a journal to see the changes and motivate yourself to continue.
Gen Z: The Sober Curious Generation
Millie Gooch, the founder of Sober Girl Society, told Insider’s Rachel Hosie that “sober curious” is a purposefully ambiguous phrase, as the movement includes all kinds of gray-area drinkers. A study published in JAMA Pediatrics in 2020 found that the share of 18-to-22-year-old college students in the US who reported that they abstained from drinking increased from 20% in 2002 to 28% in 2018. This practice resonates strongly with Gen-Z and Millennials, who are more likely to question conventional ways of thinking and pursue healthier lifestyles. I’m committed to advancing gender equality, having spent three years of my computer science degree involved in women-in-tech initiatives. I’m What is sober curious also passionate about ensuring climate change is tackled with urgency, and want to see young people’s voices taken seriously when shaping long-term solutions. The opportunity to help translate our generation’s priorities into evidence-based policies is exactly why I’m so excited to be part of this group.
‘Sober curious’ lifestyle rises in popularity with younger generations: Where to begin the booze-free landscape
If weight management is one of your goals, taking a closer look at your drinking habits is a great place to start. Alcoholic beverages are often packed with “empty calories,” meaning they offer little to no nutritional value. A single craft beer or a sugary cocktail can contain hundreds of calories, which can add up quickly and contribute to weight gain over time. By cutting back, you might find it easier to maintain a healthy weight without making other drastic changes to your diet. It’s a simple adjustment that can have a surprisingly big impact on your overall physical health and how you feel in your body.
Spectrum of Alcohol Use Disorder
Social media encourages sober people to create communities that help others fight against AUD. Past research has shown that young adults often engage in high-risk drinking behaviors, such as binge drinking. Young adults also have some of the lowest rates of treatment engagement for alcohol-related problems.
🎯 Who Sober Curiosity May Be Especially Helpful For
While moderate alcohol consumption may seem harmless, research has shown that even low levels of alcohol consumption can have detrimental effects on health. A 2023 Canadian study found that moderate alcohol consumption has been linked to a higher likelihood of developing heart issues such as hypertension and coronary artery disease. This movement has not only made sobriety more culturally acceptable but has also seen drug addiction a great deal of acceptance from the millennial generation.