SOBER CURIOUS?

A new generation embraces the benefits of shunning alcohol

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics in 2020 found that the share of 18 to 22-year-old college students in the U.S. who reported that they abstained from drinking increased from 20% in 2002 to 28% in 2018. Say it ain’t so!

Another study published in 2018 found that in the United Kingdom, the percentage of 16 to 24-year-old non-drinkers increased to 29% in 2015 from 18% a decade prior.

This embrace of temperance has its roots in 2018 when Ruby Warrington published a book called “Sober Curious.” Additional bestsellers followed – all designed to help readers reject alcohol and become more mindful and “in the moment” without the influence of alcohol. The book also delved into the real motivations for alcohol consumption.

The benefits are numerous. Hangovers become a thing of the past; your mental health improves which can make it easier to deal with stress. In addition, your energy levels will increase thanks to better sleep. You may even look better! Alcohol dehydrates the skin, and this happens every time you drink, causing your skin and eyes to look dull and redshot. And lastly, you could lose weight since most alcohol contains lots of empty calories.

Luckily, the sober curious movement is intentionally vague. It could lead followers to a path of lifetime abstinence of spirits or simply a break – you’ve heard of “sober January."

"When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading." ~ Henny Youngman

Nelya Page, a socially active Millennial puts it this way. “Going completely sober is a bit extreme. I like having the ability to respond to cues and say, ‘I’m relaxed enough.’”

How you interpret this movement and for however long, make sure it fits your lifestyle. For Ms. Page that means maintaining balance. “Drinking in moderation should coincide with gatherings with family and friends and celebrating the contentment of life.”

A temporary de-tox, especially after the holiday season, sounds perfectly reasonable. But let’s not take it too far. After all, life is short. Order the cocktail – or at the very least a "mocktail," which have come a long way thanks to a wide-range of creative ingredients designed to obscure the lack of actual alcohol.

Like Ms. Page, we at the Inevitable Gentleman support the recreational imbibing of spirits to help make the mood light and frivolous or as an excuse to get together with friends and family.