What Does Sober Curious Mean?

What Does Sober Curious Mean?

• Mandy Sandhu
• 22 Aug 2024

“Sober Curious” first came from Ruby Warrington’s book of the same name where she explores how people’s lives would change (for the better) if they stopped drinking habitually or stopped completely. Sober curiosity means being aware of drinking habits in your life and making conscious decisions about them. These decisions could be to notice when you drink, to lower the amount and frequency, or to stop altogether.

In this blog, we’ll explore what it means to be “sober curious” and what you can do to get alcohol addiction treatment now. Keep reading to learn more.

What Being Sober Curious Means 

People often drink at social settings and celebrations, or in situations where they want to unwind and de-stress. Sober curiosity is pinpointing when you’re drinking out of habit or drinking to meet social expectations, and changing that.

Being sober curious doesn’t necessarily mean those who drink will quit immediately. It means they become more mindful of drinking alcohol, tracking why they do it, and coming up with an approach to alcohol that works for them. Sober curiosity can be the first step an alcoholic takes to realize they might have a problem that’s affecting their life.

The Sober Curious Movement 

As sober curiosity became more popular, the sober curious movement emerged. It encouraged people to reassess their relationship with alcohol and built a community focused on promoting healthier, more sustainable drinking habits. 

The sober curious movement isn’t just for alcoholics abstaining from alcohol. It’s also for people who want to cut back and understand how alcohol affects them on a personal level. It has a lot to do with self-reflection and consideration.

The sober curious movement is making cultural changes. 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. 

As opposed to abstinence, the sober curious meaning encompasses the following:

• Questioning alcohol use
• Increasing awareness of drinking habits
• Thinking about the decision to drink each time
• Taking breaks from alcohol
• Doing more activities that don’t involve alcohol
• Being social without drinking

Sober Curious Versus Harm Reduction: Key Differences 

What is sober curious compared to harm reduction? They are similar in concept, but use different approaches. Harm reduction relates more to people with substance abuse problems who are on the path to recovery and can’t become sober immediately. They will slowly decrease their substance use, focusing on small victories.

Harm reduction means slowly lowering the risk of harm by gradually taking away from substance consumption. It assumes that people who are addicted will find ways to sate their cravings in whatever way possible. It’s a realistic approach to recovery.

Sober curious also means considering how alcohol affects your life and making conscious changes, not like harm reduction, which is to lower the risk a person is subjecting themselves to.

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Benefits of Being Sober Curious 

Alcohol has many negative effects on the body and mind. It can cause confusion, liver problems, weight gain, loss of appetite, sluggishness, impulsivity, and lots more. This means there are plenty of benefits to being sober curious.

Improved Mood 

What does sober curious mean to moods? Less alcohol is linked to a lower risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. It’s one of the reasons patients often participate in concurrent treatment at Freedom From Addiction. Lower alcohol consumption will also boost confidence, self-esteem, and emotional control.

Better Relationships 

Alcohol often gets in the way of relationships. Excessive drinking can lead to emotional outbursts and aggression, causing family and friends to distance themselves. Reducing alcohol consumption can strengthen these bonds, fostering healthier, more meaningful connections in both personal and professional settings.

Increased Health 

Reducing alcohol intake can increase energy, support weight loss, and nurse the immune system back to health. It also lowers the risk of liver disease and certain types of cancer. Since alcohol irritates the digestive tract, drinking less can lead to better digestion and comfort.

Mental Clarity 

Alcohol is known to cause sluggishness, brain fog, and even memory loss. Cutting back on alcohol can lead to increased mental clarity. You’ll remember fond events and make rational decisions.

Financial Savings 

Alcohol is expensive, especially when purchased at a restaurant, bar, or social setting. Potential financial savings inspire many people when they consider sober curiosity. You could save a lot of money and either put it away for the future or redirect it to something more valuable than alcohol.

Improved Sleep 

Alcohol causes fatigue and affects the body’s natural circadian rhythm. It can lead to long sleep, where you still wake up tired, or disrupted sleep patterns that make you irritable. Drink less alcohol to have better quality sleep.

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How to Be Sober Curious 

Curious about living a sober curious lifestyle? It’s simple to get started. Here’s how to lead a richer, sober curious life amidst the dominant drinking culture today.

Observe Your Drinking Habit 

First, ask yourself: what does sober curious mean to me? When you’re drinking, consider what you get from it, why you do it, and where. You might realize it’s out of habit. For example, you usually have a drink when you watch a movie. It might be because of a stressful day, or it’s the social norm at a party.

Discover Your Motivation 

What’s your motivation for taking the sober curious approach? People have different reasons, but often share the same goal: to be more mindful of their alcohol intake. Find yours and use it to inspire you. This could be to save money, have a more meaningful relationship with your children, be more present at social gatherings, and more.

Access Support 

Cutting back on alcohol can be difficult for some, especially if it’s a coping mechanism. This is why it’s important to build a network of support. This could be family and friends, alcohol addiction support groups, and new establishments that support fun activities without drinking alcohol.

Participate in Sober Activities 

Once you have a support network and places you can enjoy without alcohol, start participating in more activities and hobbies that aren’t centred around getting a drink. Join a sports team, take an art class, go hiking, and be mindful.

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Get the Support You Need at Freedom From Addiction 

If alcohol abuse has been something you or a family member is struggling with, start the recovery journey with us. At Freedom From Addiction, we take patients through medical detox, concurrent treatments, and numerous programs from intervention to relapse prevention.

Contact us today and get the help you or your loved ones need.