Drinking culture has shifted and many Millennials and Gen Z alike are becoming ‘Sober-Curious’ and not for the reasons you may think. Is it your time to get on the sobriety train?
You may not see yourself as an ‘alcoholic’ as you don't regularly binge drink.
So why stop if it isn’t a big problem?
As I found myself discussing with a friend recently (who also gave up drinking), alcohol use and its effects on your life are on somewhat of a spectrum. Yes there are those that drink to the point that there are severe negative consequences, others that drink to feel comfortable in social situations, and some that simply enjoy a very nice glass of wine with dinner.
Why do people drink?
Culturally acceptable
To socialize
Becomes a habit
A way to de-stress & relax
Coping strategy
Like the taste
Celebrate a milestone
Why not have a non-alcoholic drink? A lot of Sober Curious consumers are choosing taste over effect (Forbes). All too often human beings are looking towards something outside of them to feel happy or to cope. A pill that takes their worries away, or rewarding themselves with a beer after a job well done.
Even if alcohol doesn’t have a life altering effect, could it still be a problem, albeit minor?
I ultimately gave up drinking for a variety of reasons, the main one being that it just didn’t make me feel good. Mentally, Physically, Spiritually.
Negative Effects of Drinking (Moderate to High Risk Use):
Weight gain
Other negative effects on the body’s systems (organs, tissue, skin, bone health).
Dehydrating
Poor sleep quality
Weakens immune system
Lower inhibitions
Poor coordination
Unstable emotions
Hangovers
“Alcohol is a depressant drug that is legal in Canada. Depressant drugs slow down the parts of your brain that affect your thinking, behaviour, breathing and heart rate. For this reason, it should be consumed moderately.” (CAMH)
The new Sober Curious movement has more to do with making a conscious choice for optimal health than needing to take a 12 step program. There is an increasing body of research that suggests there is really no health benefit to that glass of wine like we have been led to believe (or perhaps what we want to believe). Gen Z’s are consuming 20% less than Millennials did at their age in favour of mocktails and overall wellbeing (Vancouver Sun).
So maybe you have a dependent or fractured relationship with booze, or maybe you don’t. But just because it isn’t leading to an arrest, doesn’t mean that alcohol is good for you.
Some (Pretty Big) Benefits of Abstaining or Drinking Less:
Save money
Able to drive
Better sleep
Feel happier
More energy
Clear thinking
Improved confidence
On A Deeper Level
The work hard, play hard mentality is endemic of the older generations who are not accustomed to the new wave of thought that has us openly discussing and feeling our way through our lives. A lot of us simply weren’t raised that way and it isn’t our fault. Learning to accept sensitivity, advocating for our needs, and opting to follow our dreams are admirable components to living a fulfilling life, instead of strife.
As more and more people are breaking free from this ingrained socio-cultural habit, there is less stigma. We are talking about what makes us tick, and we are developing empathy for others and their choices. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard people comment, “Wow, good for you, that is definitely something I have been thinking about changing in my life.”
What if we broke free from the notion that life has to be hard? When we think this way and succumb to the negative narratives in our minds and in our daily encounters, we crave something that makes life worth living.
It doesn’t mean that life is ‘perfect’ it simply means that you can choose to face it head on, feel all of it to release it, and ride through those waves. I can tell you from experience that you will feel liberated, and powerful.
How To Make Some Changes:
Try abstaining for a month “Sober October”
Quit drinking during the week
Limit yourself to one drink at a time
Talk about it, tell a loved one
Check in with a group or a buddy
Replace drinking with a favourite activity or hobby
Walk the dog
Youtube workout
Read
Join a team (hockey, baseball)
Join a club (book, knitting)
Volunteer your time
Visit a therapist
Take a Yoga class
Remember you are NOT alone, we are ALL learning
Check in with yourself after a month, how do you feel?
Change Takes Courage
All of these activities lead you to begin a new habit and a new routine. It takes time and effort to create a new routine. Give yourself some grace and remember that as your spiritual Self, you are already whole and complete. Everything is beautiful (even a mistake) as it is leading you to make changes for your overall well-being. Take time to love your true Self exactly as you are.
Here are some other posts to help you navigate change and what life throws at you in helpful ways:
Are you ready to see what you’re made of?
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