It’s a growing movement reflecting a shift in how people think about their relationship with alcohol. There’s nothing wrong with choosing a “sober curious” lifestyle to improve wellness. But it’s also important to recognize the difference between sobriety and the choice to go without drinking. Plenty of people can’t pick up sobriety and safely set it aside later, no matter how tough it gets. Some of them stepped away from alcohol after recovering from alcohol addiction, but many have simply given up drinking (or never started) because they prefer a sober lifestyle. If you choose to go sober or sober curious, you are joining an extensive family of famous people who have chosen to go the same way.
How it started
- While pursuing my masters, I also received my BCAT certification which allows me to work with clients with Autism.
- Dani Cirignano, a writer in San Francisco, counted herself among the sober curious when she decided to take September and October off from alcohol a couple of years ago.
- Unfortunately, the more you drink, the more likely you will develop memory loss and for a longer duration.
It’s about questioning the role of alcohol in one’s life and exploring https://drarosabernardo.doctorspronokal.com/2025/10/02/why-does-alcohol-give-me-a-headache-causes-relief-3/ a healthier relationship with drinking. Social media has also played a significant role in popularising the movement. Influencers and wellness advocates are sharing their sober curious journeys, normalising the idea that you don’t have to drink to enjoy life or fit in.
The Origins of the Sober Curious Movement
Being sober curious isn’t about following strict rules—it’s about intentional choices that support your health, happiness, and well-being. Whether you choose to cut back on drinking or fully embrace an alcohol-free lifestyle, the key is to listen to yourself and do what feels right. As more people prioritize health and wellness, they seek activities and lifestyle choices that promote longevity. Sober curiosity aligns perfectly with this growing trend of mindfulness and intentional living. Being sober curious is different from practicing total alcohol abstinence. Sober curiosity takes a flexible, exploratory approach to alcohol consumption.
Sobriety Goes Social: Sober Bars Are on the Rise
The sober curious approach is less about stopping because you absolutely must, and more about being, well, curious about what would happen if you did. People who are sober curious wouldn’t necessarily consider themselves non-drinkers. As the Medical Director, Mark works with the staff to coordinate the appropriate level of care for each individual client. He works directly with the clients on management of medical issues both related to and separate from their addiction, ensuring comprehensive health care plans that ensure our clients’ chances at recovery. What he has found to be most rewarding about working in the addictions treatment field is being able to help suffering addicts and alcoholics to realize their fullest potential. Deirdre graduated in 2012 from Pace University and completed her bachelor’s sober curious at Columbia University in New York and has her Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner.
It’s also a good idea to start pursuing hobbies and activities that don’t involve drinking. Ideas you might explore include local recreation centers or parks, art classes, reading, playing an instrument, or dancing. Increasing numbers of young people aren’t just sober curious; they are skipping alcohol altogether. A study published in Substance abuse JAMA Pediatrics found that the percentage of college-age students abstaining from alcohol has grown from 20 to 28% over the past twenty years.
