In Our Lifetime we have Learned, Heard, Seen, or Even was Told by Someone about the Benefits of Just Being Sober Curious. Hopefully, it was Something Voluntarily and not out of Necessity

In recent years, the term “sober curious” has gained popularity as more and more people become interested in exploring a sober lifestyle. This is an ever constant in people’s lives as that is something that they will always strive for as withdrawal symptoms is the body aching to be healthy again. In fact, it is reported by the Association of American Medical Colleges that in 2018,

21.2 million Americans have a substance use disorder

During 2018, The United States had a population of 326.8 million people living in it. Doing the math, that is roughly, a staggering 6.5% of people that are addicted to a substance. And this was some years ago, the figure is surely much higher now.

So what exactly is and what does sober curious mean, where did it come from, and how can someone become completely sober? In this article, we will explore the origins of sober curious and provide some steps to becoming completely sober.

The Origins and the Curiosity of Being and Staying Sober Curious

The term “sober curious” was coined by Ruby Warrington in her 2018 book, “Sober Curious: The Blissful Sleep, Greater Focus, Limitless Presence, and Deep Connection Awaiting Us All on the Other Side of Alcohol.” The book explores the idea of questioning our relationship with alcohol and the benefits of a sober lifestyle. But this is just the contemporary version, the history of it goes back much further

The concept of sober curious can be traced back to the larger wellness movement, which emphasizes self-care, mindfulness, and a holistic approach to health. For many, sobriety has become an important part of their wellness journey. It is seen as a way to improve mental health, physical health, and overall well-being.

Even in this very country, there was a large movement in its very history during the 1920s. The 18th amendment was when three-fourths or 36 of the then-current 48 states during that time actually agreed as a majority consensus to outlaw the making and sale of all alcohol in the entire country.

After one year from the ratification of this article the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United States and all territory subject to the jurisdiction thereof for beverage purposes is hereby prohibited.

There were many groups striving in this movement and for many different reasons but the chief end goal for everyone was for the people in the U.S. to live sober and by living sober be more healthy, have less crime, decrease societal poverty, etc. And considering all of that, wouldn’t that be considered a noble goal?

Still, despite all of that, Prohibition was ended in 1933 after 13 years with the 21st amendment which was just used to end the 18th. However, the dream of sobriety lives on as another movement but one of choice instead of one that is forced.

From Going Sober Curious to Steps to Becoming Completely Sober

If you are interested in exploring a sober lifestyle, here are some steps you can take to become completely sober:

Set a goal:

Before embarking on a sober lifestyle, it is important to set a goal. This could be a short-term goal, such as taking a month-long break from alcohol, or a long-term goal, such as quitting alcohol altogether.

It is quite widely known that the cause of many relapses is because of people seeking sobriety are too ambitious and do not set realistic short-term goals. This is why the sobriety group Alcoholics Anonymous rewards their members with keepsake tokens every month. This shows them that sobriety is a journey taken one step at a time and if they feel themselves wavering on the path then they can hold out until the next token.

Make a plan:

Once you have set your goal, it is important to make a plan. This may involve finding alternative activities to replace drinking, identifying triggers that may lead to drinking, and establishing a support system.

Seek support:

It is important to have a support system in place when embarking on a sober lifestyle. This may include friends, family, or a support group.

Remember that many people fall out of their sober curious desires or outright sober life when they feel the most weak. Without support, even the strongest person will have a hard time as they will feel alone. Them knowing someone is on their side encouraging their lifestyle for the better makes all the difference.

Practice self-care:

Sobriety can be challenging, and it is important to practice self-care to support your overall well-being. This may involve getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and practicing mindfulness.

Stay accountable:

Finally, it is important to stay accountable to yourself and your goals. This may involve tracking your progress, celebrating your successes, and learning from your setbacks.

The Modern Day Sober Curious Movements are Still Alive and Well Helping Others Join in the Healthy Lifestyle

“Dry January”:

This is a popular annual challenge where people commit to not drinking any alcohol for the month of January. It started in the UK but has spread worldwide.

And it’s a movement that is growing. Just take a look at this statistic from CGA

“Dry January has been growing in popularity for a number of years, and 2022 saw participation grow to 35% in the US – a significant increase from 21% of consumers who took part in 2019

“Sober October”:

Similar to Dry January, Sober October encourages people to give up alcohol for the entire month of October.

“Mindful Drinking”:

This movement is focused on being more aware of why and how much we drink, and making more conscious choices about alcohol consumption. It includes strategies like drinking low-alcohol beverages, taking regular breaks from alcohol, and setting personal drinking limits.

Here are some other groups that derived from sober curious to full-blown cultures and ways of living. There is something for everyone here:

Straight Edge:

Straight Edge is a subculture that emerged in the 1980s hardcore punk scene. Its members abstain from alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and casual sex as part of their commitment to clean living and personal discipline. The movement has since spread beyond the punk scene and has become a popular lifestyle choice for many young people around the world.

Alcoholics Anonymous: Alcoholics Anonymous is a support group for people struggling with alcohol addiction. The program is based on a 12-step approach that emphasizes personal responsibility, moral inventory, and spiritual growth. AA meetings are typically held in churches or community centers and are open to anyone who wants to stop drinking.

Narcotics Anonymous:

Narcotics Anonymous is a support group for people struggling with drug addiction. The program is based on the same 12-step approach as Alcoholics Anonymous, and members are encouraged to seek help from a higher power and work through their addiction with the support of their peers.

SMART Recovery:

SMART Recovery is a science-based addiction recovery program that emphasizes self-empowerment and cognitive-behavioral techniques. Members are encouraged to identify and change the underlying thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their addiction, rather than relying on a higher power or spiritual guidance.

Moderation Management:

Moderation Management is a support group for people who want to reduce their alcohol consumption rather than completely abstaining from it. Members are encouraged to set personal goals for their drinking and to develop strategies for staying in control of their alcohol intake.

Women for Sobriety:

Women for Sobriety is a support group for women struggling with addiction. The program is based on a holistic approach that emphasizes self-help, positive thinking, and personal growth. Members are encouraged to develop a sense of self-worth and to take control of their lives by staying sober.

LifeRing Secular Recovery:

LifeRing Secular Recovery is a support group for people who want to recover from addiction without relying on a higher power or spiritual guidance. The program is based on the idea that individuals can take control of their own recovery by building a strong support network and focusing on personal growth and self-improvement.

All the Benefits of Living a Sober Lifestyle Began with Someone Being Sober Curious About the Issue and you can too

There are many benefits to a sober lifestyle, including improved mental and physical health, better sleep, and greater focus and productivity. Many people also report feeling more connected to themselves and others.

Not only that but those who have undergone some type of addiction usually are in poor health due to abuse and using the substance in excess. That poor health is usually attributed to their body not being in normal levels both physically and mentally. A good way to keep on track or to help the body recover is a good dose of exercise and rest to get the body back to normal naturally. But to expedite this process you can take supplements such as Vitamin C to assist your body with other natural ways as well.

In conclusion, the concept of sober curious has gained popularity as more and more people become interested in exploring a sober lifestyle. If you are interested in becoming completely sober, it is important to set a goal, make a plan, seek support, practice self-care, and stay accountable. By doing so, you can experience the many benefits of a sober lifestyle and embark on a journey of self-discovery and well-being.