The Sober
Curious Movement
Being
sober on a bus is, like, totally different than being drunk on a bus.” -Ozzy
Ozbourne.
When I first
heard the term “sober curious,” I was confused. I mean, we all know what it
feels like to be sober…what is there to be curious about? In case you are not familiar with the expression,
someone who is sober curious is choosing to abstain from alcohol for an
undetermined amount of time. The idea has been gaining traction on social media
and has recently been featured in several news stories such as NPR
and The
Washington Post.
At first, I
admit I was a tad bit judgey and I rolled my eyes a little. I’m thinking, “If you don’t want to drink
alcohol at a bar, order a soda water with lime and be done with it. Sheesh. You
don’t need to post a picture of your drink on social media with a hashtag
announcing this decision to the world.”
But after reading more, my thinking has shifted.
A Sense
of Belonging
Wanna
find out who your true friends are? Get sober.
In his
hierarchy of needs, Maslow rates love and belonging right after food, water,
and shelter. As humans, we need to feel a sense of deeper, more meaningful
relationships. Identifying as sober curious is gaining traction because it
fulfills our need of belonging. We may not realize how prevalent alcohol is in
our social lives until we make a conscious decision to not to partake. It’s easy to fit in when you drink. While we
all have experience with sobriety, what might be harder to envision is a social
life without alcohol. I have a friend who recently completed an amazing weight
loss and fitness challenge. Later, she remarked that she was often lonely—choosing
to avoid temptation and stay home when her friends were out eating and
drinking. I’m not so fond of being stone cold sober in a bar full of drunk people
either. I just don’t feel like I fit in. So, the challenge is to find other
activities where alcohol isn’t the focus. One function of #sobercurious is to provide a
platform for like-minded people who share a common interest.
Breaking
the Stigma
Avoid
using cigarettes, alcohol and drugs as alternatives to being an interesting
person. -Marilyn vos Savant
Let’s face
it. Sober people don’t have the best reputation. Society thinks sober people
are boring. Even the dictionary definition of sober includes the terms
restrained, serious, and sedate. Are you not drinking because you are a teetotaler,
an alcoholic or a Sober Sally? Often people who choose not to drink pair the
decision with some kind of excuse.
Reasons I
have used not to drink:
·
I’m not old enough.
· I’m driving.
· I can’t mix alcohol with my medication.
· I don’t want the extra calories.
· I don’t sleep well after a few drinks.
· I’ve been drinking for the wrong reasons.
· I’m pregnant.
· I have too much to do tomorrow to feel sluggish or hungover in the morning.
· I want to be a good role model for my kids.
· I’m trying to save money.
The #sobercurious
movement is a PR team coming in to revamp the image of sobriety. It is breaking
the stigma that being sober is no fun. #sobercurious lets people choose not to
drink without having to offer up some excuse. Sometimes I love a glass of wine and sometimes
I don’t. Lately I’ve been choosing not to have one more often. Do I have to
have a reason why? Or justify my choice to explore the physical and mental
effects of abstaining from alcohol? I hope not. Whether I’m holding a cocktail
or a mocktail, I’m still me.
So, if you
are ever interested in hanging out sober, text me. I’d love to be sober curious
together. We can even post it on Instagram. #sobercurious #partofthemovement
 |
| Enjoying our mocktails |
