When + How to Consider Being ‘Sober Curious’
Are you interested in sobriety but still want to indulge in a social drink or two? You're not alone. An increasing number of people are choosing to explore sobriety, but don't necessarily want to give up drinking entirely. If you're curious about drinking alcohol while sober, here's what you should know.
Firstly, it's important to understand that sobriety means different things to different people. For some, it may mean completely abstaining from alcohol and drugs, while for others it may mean cutting back on their consumption and developing healthier habits. Whatever your definition of sobriety is, it's important to stay true to yourself and your goals.
It's important to be mindful of why you want to drink. Are you doing it to fit in or to cope with stress? If so, it may be worth exploring other ways to address these issues.
Signs and symptoms of an unhealthy relationship with alcohol can include…
Craving to drink more than before, either in one sitting or throughout the week, to feel the same effect that you're used to.
Negative impacts on your personal and professional life. This could involve hurting job performance or being unreliable as a friend.
Anxiety, caused by long-term alcohol consumption which reduces dopamine receptors in the brain. Less dopamine in the brain is directly linked to anxiety and depression.
Poor sleep, where alcohol may interfere with hitting deep sleep stages that are crucial for physical and mental health.
Binge drinking, defined for women as having four or more drinks in two hours, which can lead to dangerous behaviors and long-term health problems.
Blackouts, caused by high levels of alcohol in the body that may interfere with memory while intoxicated, and long-term heavy drinking can damage the brain.
Issues in the bedroom, like interfering with the ability to reach orgasm or making someone less inhibited, leading to risky sexual behavior.
Weakened immune system, making one more prone to catching colds or the flu.
Other health complications, including increased risk of cancer, pancreatitis, and diabetes complications, heart conditions, digestive issues, decreased bone health, and liver disease.
Mixing alcohol with certain medications, which can be harmful or even deadly.
If you think you might be better off without alcohol, you should…
Reflect on why you drink. Think about the benefits and drawbacks of alcohol consumption and create an honest list of pros and cons.
Remember that you don't need to hit rock bottom to make a change. Even if you don't drink every day or every weekend, you may still feel that reducing your alcohol intake would improve your life.
Consider being "sober curious." This term, popularized by Ruby Warrington's 2018 book, refers to trying to avoid alcohol for a while, even if you don't believe you're addicted to it, as if you're testing out a new healthy habit.
Take a month off from drinking to see how you feel. You may find that you don't miss it or that you prefer to drink in moderation.
Try replacing a cocktail with a mocktail. There are now several alcohol-free options to choose from, here are some options.
Observing your relationship with alcohol doesn't require an obvious drinking "problem," much like discussing your sleep habits doesn't necessitate insomnia. Simply ask yourself, "Would my life be better with less alcohol?" and you can begin to explore being "sober curious" and establishing boundaries around when and how you drink to discover the answer.
