Sober curious is a term coined by Ruby Warrington, a New York author, who says the term “means, literally, to choose to question, or get curious about, every impulse, invitation, and expectation to drink, versus mindlessly going along with the dominant drinking culture.”
Being sober curious is a growing trend. As a society, we have become more conscious of our drinking habits. It is no longer unusual to order a mocktail in a society ruled by drinking.
“People invest so much of their identity in their lifestyle choices, and it’s the same with drinking. Everyone is either a wine-guzzling party animal or a clean-living health freak. Personally, I believe the middle ground is the healthiest place to be.”
Rosamund Dean, Author to the New York Times
What is mindful drinking?
Mindful drinking means bringing awareness to your behaviours in terms of your decision to drink alcohol. Simply put, “drink less, perhaps think more about it.”
Both sober curious and mindful drinking approaches can be used interchangeably when reexamining your relationship to alcohol.
What are the health benefits?
Limiting alcohol consumption has a handful of both physical and mental health benefits. It may:
- Improve immune function
- Support energy levels and mood
- Lead to better sleep
- Lower blood pressure
- Improve the appearance of skin
How can you get started on your sober curious journey?
- Take time to reflect: ask yourself what role alcohol plays in your life and any moments that stand out where you particularly crave it. What do you like and not like about drinking? This can help you form realistic guidelines around cutting back.
- Establish a plan: Do you have an accountability partner you can meet up with? Will you make sure to eat while you’re drinking? If you’re out at a bar, consider ordering your cocktail with half the amount of alcohol. How many nights a week or month do you intend to drink? Creating a rule such as three or fewer drinks no more than three nights a week.
- Keep checking in with yourself: When met with the option to drink, think about the value alcohol will add to your experience. Continue to ask questions about the motivational factors behind alcohol consumption including what tempts you. Check-in while you’re drinking and note how you feel the next day.
What supplements can support the sober curious journey?
Supplements and lifestyle work together, so by limiting alcohol, you’re already on the right track to make sure your supplements are as effective as they can be. When you first start on your sober curious journey, you may want to look into these supplements.
B Vitamins
B vitamins are essential for energy and nerve function. They’re also the first nutrients to take a hit when we’ve overdone it with drinks.
Ashwagandha
May reduce some of the fatigue, stress and anxiety associated with drinking. Ashwagandha’s calming effects might be due to its activity on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, which slow down the central nervous system.
5-HTP + GABA
Supports the serotonin pathway and promotes restful sleep. GABA is naturally produced in the brain, and known as an anti-anxiety brain chemical. It can also be taken in supplement form and can often mimic the positive feelings from alcohol. It can limit stress and anxiety and help to make you feel more energized and social. The best part? No crash or hangover.
Zinc
Zinc is needed to form an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase, which breaks down alcohol in your body. It may also help reset some of the glutamate brain pathways that are overly active after drinking.
NAC
NAC is thought to modulate glutamate, a neurotransmitter associated with cravings. By influencing glutamate levels, NAC may help reduce the intense cravings for alcohol, making it easier to resist the urge to drink. It also helps support liver function by promoting the production of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that helps the liver detoxify harmful substances, including alcohol metabolites.
Tyrosine
Alcohol consumption can affect the brain’s reward system by increasing dopamine release, which contributes to the pleasurable feelings associated with drinking. L-tyrosine, is a precursor to dopamine and may support healthy dopamine levels in the brain. By doing so, it could potentially help reduce the craving for alcohol and the desire to drink.
What is a good formula for someone who is sober curious?
Our very own naturopathic doctor, Lydia Thurton has devised the perfect formula for someone who’s looking to drink less or just become a little bit more mindful of their drinking habits. These ingredients combine to help detoxify, reduce alcohol cravings, and soothe an anxious body.
Daily Mocktail
1000 mg NAC
100 mg Tyrosine
100 mg GABA
250 mg 5-HTP
Integrate these ingredients by building your own formula or take our quiz to get started!
The statements in this email have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
