Alcohol increases cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Elevated cortisol levels trigger inflammation, disrupt collagen production, and weaken the skin barrier. Over time, chronic cortisol elevation accelerates visible skin aging. Alcohol-free sparkling wine, for example, is more likely to see a peak in December when people stock up on options for celebrations over the holidays. Meanwhile, alcohol-free cocktails are more likely to see sales boom during the summer months.
- Whether that means cutting back or letting it go entirely, the choice is yours.
- A report from The Linus Group found that over 70% of Gen Z describe themselves as healthy, using exercise and habits like meditation to stay well.
- Some events, such as hikes and casual social gatherings, are free to attend.
Product Comparison: Curious Elixirs vs. Apothekary
For those looking for a structured reset, Dry January offers a built-in opportunity to put sober curiosity into practice. Each year, more people participate, not necessarily to quit drinking forever, but to better understand their habits, said health psychologist Dr. Richard de Visser. If you decide that you might benefit from a change, by either using substances in a more mindful way or simply taking a break from drinking, Young recommends creating a plan. Picking an accountability partner is a great first step, which may be a therapist or a trusted friend. Then make a contingency plan for unexpected challenges and how you’ll respond to them. For example, if you’re struggling to skip your habitual 5 p.m.
Do You Have to Quit Completely? Why Sobriety Looks Different for Everyone
In fact, 81% of consumers across the UK, US, Spain, Brazil and Japan believe it’s fine to decline alcohol without an explanation, according to research from Heineken published last month. Alcohol data and insights company, IWSR, now finds that Gen Z consumers are losing interest in Alcohol Use Disorder the idea of a month-long break from alcohol. Some people just want to be ‘better’ than everyone else all the time and just find reason after reason, cause after cause to support or champion. They learn a lot about one thing (usually at the expense of someone else’s time) and then bore everyone to death about it. As the year begins, many people are looking for ways to feel more grounded and resilient.
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Most people don’t struggle because they lack willpower. It’s because there’s nothing that feels satisfying. You miss having a proper cocktail, the clink of a glass, and a garnish you actually like. If you have additional questions, please reach out.
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Drink, it may be wise to remove alcohol from the house until it’s no longer a temptation. Sober-curious people may also be drawn to limiting their intake because they are concerned about dependency and want to learn to manage stress, anxiety, and social situations with a clear head. In fact, Young says some sober-curious people discover their alcohol and substance addiction as they limit or take a break from their intake. But Young says any reason to revisit substance use is a good reason, as “we don’t need anyone’s permission to stop or modify use.”
For some, being sober curious means being more intentional about when and how they drink. This could involve setting limits, choosing low-alcohol or non-alcoholic alternatives, or opting out of drinking altogether in certain situations. Being sober curious doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve sworn off alcohol forever. It’s about being mindful of the choices you make, understanding how substances impact you, and making decisions that align with your values and goals. Some venues may serve alcohol, but S&CB events are designed to be substance free. We ask that everyone arrive sober and refrain from using substances during events.
Curious No. 1 (Pomegranate Negroni Sbagliato)
Making friends as an adult can feel awkward, and many of us are relearning how to socialize without alcohol. We understand this and are intentionally adding light structure and simple icebreakers to help people connect in ways that feel natural and low pressure. For example, we often see an increase in social drinking during the holiday season.
Gen Z and the New Rules of Consumption: The Products Set to Define the Next Decade
I love pomegranate, so Curious No. 1 was, to me, a shoo-in winner. Hidden inside this complex bevvy are rhodiola and gentian that gently lift the mood and aid in digestion. The smell has a depth and dark jammy-ness that is very inviting.
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Many “sober curious” people who notice troubling patterns in their alcohol use find that a few weeks or months of sobriety helps them practice more moderate and mindful drinking going forward. And all those health benefits that come with sobriety? A growing number of “sober curious” people are starting to take a closer look at the role alcohol plays in their lives. Sober curious simply means that you’ve chosen to avoid alcohol for personal or wellness reasons. It involves curiosity about the reasons fueling your desire to drink and the way alcohol affects your life.
As winter continues, you can expect skiing, winter hikes, additional indoor activities, and plenty of hot chocolate. We are also expanding into community https://www.sivenson.com/cannabis-use-disorder-statpearls-ncbi-bookshelf/ service projects, educational talks, and online engagement opportunities. S&CB was founded because not drinking does not mean no fun. It means deeper connection, real adventure, and showing up fully. As we begin 2026, it felt like a great opportunity to update the Sober & Curious Boston Frequently Asked Questions.
Research from Montclair State University reveals that this generation perceives risk ‘everywhere they turn’, seeing more danger in life through social media, mass shootings and the climate crisis. This trendy booze-free brand brings a new twist to the sober lifestyle, thanks to its numerous nonalcoholic good-for-you mocktail offerings. Built with botanicals, adaptogens, and other beneficial ingredients, these bottled mocktails make sober What is sober curious living feel more attainable, for those who enjoy relaxing with a spritzer after a hard day. We tried a smattering of their most popular flavors to see what the fuss is all about—and whether they can truly fill the void during Dry January.
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