As someone who has chosen a sober lifestyle my entire life, I genuinely appreciate the rise of the sober curious movement.
To put it simply, sober curious individuals don’t necessarily identify as having an Alcohol Use Disorder but are exploring the benefits of sobriety for a period of time.
I can easily count on one hand the number of times I’ve tried alcoholic drinks. I’m part of a unique group that abstains not due to religious beliefs or moral superiority, nor from battling alcoholism—though I admit that fear of it plays a role. Having a family history of alcoholism, I’ve always felt that the risks associated with drinking aren’t worth it. Plus, I’ve never enjoyed the taste of alcohol; my few experiences with it left me feeling uncomfortable, and I certainly dislike the way it made me feel afterward.
On top of that, I have health concerns that make abstaining a clear choice. As a cancer survivor, I’m already aware of numerous long-term health risks, so adding alcohol to the mix is not something I want to entertain.
Social Dynamics and Personal Choices
Throughout college, I refrained from drinking, even though it often left me feeling out of place at social events. I recognized early on that I wouldn’t fit in with many social circles. Today, as a mom, my choice to abstain has made me a bit of an outsider in the parenting community. Not only do I skip the wine, but I also avoid coffee, which I can’t stand. This has left me feeling disconnected from the majority of mainstream mom culture.
From my school days to now, it’s been evident that drinking is the norm in our society, while choosing not to drink is often frowned upon. However, I see the potential for change with the sober curious movement. This growing trend is bringing sobriety into the spotlight, making it more socially acceptable. Social media influencers, articles, and various online platforms are highlighting that there’s no need to pressure someone who declines a drink; they don’t owe anyone an explanation.
Empowerment Through Choice
As the sober curious movement gains traction, it is transforming the narrative around sobriety into a trendy personal challenge. In this shift, saying “no thanks” becomes an empowering counter-cultural statement. Interestingly, I have never felt empowered by my own choice to abstain; it often feels like an unwanted spotlight on me at social gatherings.
That said, I can envision a future where our society is less centered around alcohol. A world where it’s not assumed that a woman refusing wine is expecting or where a man who skips a beer isn’t bombarded with “just one more.” A society where having fun doesn’t require alcohol and where declining a drink doesn’t invite judgment.
Looking Forward
While I usually have mixed feelings about trends, I am genuinely excited to see the sober curious movement flourish. Any trend that alleviates societal pressure and normalizes the choice to abstain from alcohol is one I can wholeheartedly support.
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Conclusion
In summary, the sober curious movement is paving the way for a more inclusive society where choosing sobriety is celebrated rather than scrutinized.