The term, "Sober Curious" was first coined by Ruby Warrington in 2016, who next went on to write two bestsellers about the concept. Sober curiosity is a concept that can be understood with the following characteristics:
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Social Moments
When an individual is attending a social event such as a party, occasion or a celebration, he or she questions himself/ herself as to what would the experience be without the consumption of alcohol. One may question how could have the time be spent in the absence of alcohol.
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Mental and Physical Health
An individual grow curious when he or she experience mental and physical changes. He faces a lot of questions pertaining to the overall health and wellbeing. As time goes by, he or she becomes more aware of the factors and potential factors that are or may contribute to such changes.
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Cases of Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can develop overwhelming feelings and emotions in an individual which might be difficult to cope with. To cope with such feelings and emotions, one may depend on the use and consumption of alcohol to supress them. However, an individual might look for alternatives as well.
To summarize, a sober curious individual is the one who questions drinking and drinking-related habits in three forms: why to drink, how one feels when he/ she drinks and what would happen in case of cutting down on alcohol or shut down the drinking habit entirely. Sober curiosity is a feeling of wondering how life would be in case of absence of alcohol or whether the sober lifestyle is something he/she is looking for and can adopt to. In one line, being sober curious is being more careful and intentional about why, how and when one drinks. It is no shock that reducing or shutting down alcohol consumption can have significant health benefits in the form of improved blood pressure, improved weight management, better insulin resistance, increased energy and much more.
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The "sober curious" are people who decide to stop drinking alcohol to see what positive impacts it can have on their lives, rather than because they have a clinical drinking issue or are religious. This decision is not always a long-term commitment to sobriety, and it is frequently made out of curiosity about what it's like to be sober, hence the phrase "sober curious." It's viewed as an alternative to traditional sobriety in that individuals are encouraged to experiment with how alcohol fits into their lives rather than committing to complete abstinence. Although women make up a large portion of the sober curious movement, it is not entirely for women.
Sober curious groups and clubs have sprung up as a result of the sober inquisitive movement. These organizations allow persons experimenting with sobriety to have the social contacts they previously had that were based around alcohol, due to the function that alcohol plays in many social interactions. People can also talk about what sobriety has done for them and the changes they've noticed in their health and life in these groups. While these organizations are a great resource for those in the sober curious movement, other venues and businesses are taking notice. Many people who have chosen to remain sober will continue to frequently visit bars, increasing demand for non-alcoholic beverages such as mocktails and non-alcoholic beers. The sober curious movement also strives to de-stigmatize sobriety and increase acceptance of a sober lifestyle in popular culture.
Sober curious simply means that individuals are taking a closer look at their health and wellbeing. It entails an interest in the factors that drive an individual's urge to drink and how alcohol affects the life. Sober curious persons may not necessarily fit criteria for an alcohol use disorder or plan to give up alcohol permanently, unlike people who stay sober due to dependency or addiction. It is to be noted that regular drinking at social occasions has become a normal and when one chooses not to drink then, it is seemed as quite unusual. Though people continue to regard alcohol as a stress management tool and in celebrating the events, growing consciousness and awareness among the individuals is influencing them to take a break out of their drinking habits and reevaluate the alcohol use. Sober October and Dry January are the two prime examples of individuals' efforts towards reducing their consumption of alcohol and breaking the monotony.
Sober October is a great initiative to look closely at one's drinking habits. Maintaining sobriety can be difficult, and there's no shame in finding it more difficult than anticipated. Giving some thought to how one feels as the days of abstinence pass can help gain a better understanding of your drinking habits. Keeping a sober journal can assist in sorting through emotions as they arise and, afterward, more in-depth exploration. Sober October began in 2014 as a fundraising campaign for Macmillan Cancer Support, a U.K.-based organization that assists cancer patients. The major purpose of this campaign is to raise funds, but it also underscores the need of checking in with oneself about the alcohol connection. Sober October has grown in popularity over the previous few years as a global movement. Sober October simply means that individuals don't drink for the entire month. One can commit to 14, 21, or 31 days without drinking if he/ she wishes to participate in the official fundraising challenge to collect money for cancer support and treatment. Whether one participates in a fundraising challenge or not, the important thing is to use the month to reflect on the influence of alcohol on individual's life. When one's drinking habits start to cause concern, abstaining from alcohol for a few weeks might help one become more aware of any patterns and take the initial steps toward making positive changes. Aside from helping an individual better understand the connection with alcohol, abstaining from alcohol for a month has a number of advantages. Since heavy alcohol consumption can damage the liver, increase the risk of cancer and alcohol use disorders, affect concentration, lower the immune health and cause depression and anxiety, being sober for a month tags along numerous health benefits such as improved energy, sleep and concentration, lowers cholesterol, less anxiety and irritability, more control over thoughts and emotions and improved ability to fight against diseases and illness.
Dry January is a remedy to the excessive drinking that happens on the New Year's Eve, Christmas ever and celebratory December in general. Dry January concept is highly popular in the western economies especially in U.K. (the originator) and is gaining momentum worldwide with the each passing year. But what are the health benefits of abstaining from alcohol during this period? There have been limited medical studies on how people fare during Dry January and the months that follow, but there aren't many studies on the long-term repercussions of the month. According to one study of 857 British adults, some respondents reported drinking less alcohol six months after participating in Dry January. Importantly, there did not appear to be a "rebound" effect, in which persons increased their drinking after refraining from alcohol for one month. Dry January can indicate potential drinking issues, such as mild to severe signs of alcohol withdrawal, depending on how much you usually drink. Anxiety, trembling hands, headache, nausea, vomiting, perspiration, and insomnia are all mild symptoms. After you stop drinking, severe symptoms usually appear two or three days later. Hallucinations, delirium, a speeding heart rate, and a fever are some of the symptoms. Although a month may appear to be lengthy, most people can accomplish their goals in that time. Even yet, staying dry in January may require some assistance. Here are some suggestions:
- Find a non-alcoholic beverage to replace the alcoholic beverage. Reach for alcohol-free liquids such sparkling water, soda, or virgin beverages in social circumstances or when one needs a cocktail after a hard day (non-alcoholic versions of alcoholic drinks.)
- Non-alcoholic beer or wine are also available, although some types contain up to 0.5 percent alcohol by volume, so read the label carefully. Stay away from temptations. Keep alcoholic beverages out of homes. Bring non-alcoholic drinks when welcomed to someone's home.
- Make a support group. Inform friends and family of plans and ask them to hold them accountable. Better still, enlist the help of a friend to complete the challenge alongside.
- Use various mobile applications to keep the hands dry. These kind of free software helps keep track of drinking habits, set personal goals, and provide motivational data such as calories and money saved by not drinking. It aims to reduce or eliminate alcohol use, depending on preferences.
- Don't give up in case a mistake is made. Simply start over the next day.
If addicted to alcohol, abruptly stopping drinking can be harmful and even fatal. Suppose one experiences any of the following symptoms after a period of drinking. In that case, he or she may be addicted to alcohol. He or she should not stop drinking abruptly: convulsions (fits), hand tremors (sometimes known as "the shakes") are a type of tremor that occurs in the hands, sweating and seeing things that aren't real (visual hallucinations), depression, anxiety and sleeping problems (insomnia). However, one can still manage drinking. Speak with a doctor who will be able to assist in safely reducing the drinking.
Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder is a pattern of drinking in which an individual has trouble managing drinking, is preoccupied with alcohol, or continue to drink even when it creates issues. This disorder also includes having to drink more to achieve the same impact or experiencing withdrawal symptoms when reducing or stopping drinking abruptly. The term "alcohol use disorder" refers to a level of drinking that is sometimes referred to as "alcoholism." Any alcohol consumption that jeopardizes the health or safety, or causes other alcohol-related issues, is considered unhealthy. It also includes binge drinking, which is defined as a pattern of drinking in which a man consumes five or more drinks in less than two hours or a woman consumes at least four drinks in less than two hours. Binge drinking puts one's health and safety at danger. One most certainly has alcohol use disorder if the drinking habits cause significant distress and makes it difficult for to function in daily life. It varies in severity from mild to severe. However, even a minor condition can worsen and lead to major complications, so it's critical to seek treatment as soon as possible. The alcohol use disorder can be mild, moderate, or severe based on the number of symptoms one encounters. The following are possible signs and symptoms:
- One is unable to control the amount of alcohol he/she consumes
- Trying to cut down on how much one drinks or wanting to cut down on how much one drinks but failing continuously
- Investing a significant amount of time on drinking, obtaining alcohol, or recovering from alcoholism
- Having a strong desire or urge to consume alcohol
- Failure to meet key duties at job, school, or home as a result of excessive alcohol use
- Continuing to use alcohol despite knowing that it is producing physical, social, job, or relationship issues
- Giving up or decreasing social, work, and recreational activities in order to consume alcohol
- Using alcohol in potentially dangerous settings, such as driving or swimming
- Developing a tolerance to alcohol, such that you require more of it to feel its effects or that the same amount has a smaller effect
- When one doesn't drink, he or she may experience withdrawal symptoms including nausea, sweating, and shaking, or may drink to prevent these sensations
- Periods of intoxication (alcohol intoxication) and withdrawal symptoms are common in alcohol use disorders
NOTE:
Alcohol intoxication- As the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream rises, one becomes intoxicated. The higher the blood alcohol level, the more likely one is to have negative consequences. Intoxication with alcohol leads to behavioral and mental disturbances. Inappropriate behavior, unpredictable moods, poor judgment, slurred speech, attention or memory issues, and poor coordination are just a few examples. One may also experience "blackouts," in which the individual is unable to recall events. A coma, lasting brain damage, or even death can result from extremely high blood alcohol levels.
Alcohol withdrawal- When excessive and persistent alcohol use is abruptly discontinued or considerably decreased, alcohol withdrawal can occur. It can happen anywhere from a few hours to 4 to 5 days afterwards. Sweating, rapid heartbeat, hand tremors, sleeping problems, nausea and vomiting, hallucinations, restlessness and agitation, anxiety, and seizures are some of the signs and symptoms. The symptoms can be so severe that they interfere with your ability to perform at work or in social circumstances.
The effects of alcohol on the body and behavior might be influenced by genetic, psychological, social, and environmental variables. According to theories, drinking has a different and harsher impact on particular persons, which might lead to alcohol consumption disorder. Drinking too much alcohol over time may alter the normal operation of the parts of your brain connected with pleasure, judgment, and the ability to exercise control over ones actions. This may lead to a need for alcohol in order to restore positive feelings or alleviate bad ones. The central nervous system gets depressed when one drinks alcohol. The initial effect in some people may feel like a boost in energy. However, when one drinks more, he/she feel drowsy and loses control of behavior. Too much alcohol impairs speech, motor coordination, and brain's essential areas. A severe drinking binge could put in a life-threatening coma or possibly kill in some cases. This is especially concerning if one is taking drugs that also impair brain function. Drinking too much alcohol in one sitting or over time can lead to a variety of health issues, including:
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Liver Disease
Hepatic steatosis (fat accumulation in the liver) and liver inflammation can both be caused by excessive drinking (alcoholic hepatitis). Heavy drinking can cause irreparable liver tissue loss and scarring over time (cirrhosis).
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Problems with Digestion
Heavy drinking can cause stomach lining irritation (gastritis) and ulcers in the stomach and esophagus. It can also make it difficult for the body to absorb B vitamins and other minerals. Drinking too much alcohol can harm pancreas or cause inflammation (pancreatitis).
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Problems with the Heart
Drinking too much alcohol can raise the blood pressure and put one at risk for an enlarged heart, heart failure, or stroke. Even a single binge can result in atrial fibrillation, a dangerous abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia).
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Complications of Diabetes
Alcohol inhibits the release of glucose from the liver, putting you at risk for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This is extremely risky if one has diabetes and is on insulin or other diabetes drugs to control the blood sugar.
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Problems with Sexual Function and Menstruation
Men who drink heavily may have trouble sustaining an erection (erectile dysfunction). Heavy drinking can cause menstrual cycles to be disrupted in women.
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Problems with the Eyes
Due to a vitamin B-1 deficiency, heavy drinking can induce involuntary rapid eye movement (nystagmus) as well as weakness and paralysis of eye muscles over time (thiamin). If not addressed promptly, thiamin deficiency can lead to further brain abnormalities, such as permanent dementia.
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Defects in the Womb
Miscarriage can occur if alcohol is consumed during pregnancy. It's also possible that it'll trigger fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). FASDs can create physical and developmental difficulties in a kid that last a lifetime.
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Damage to the Bones
Alcohol may inhibit the formation of new bone. Bone loss can result in bone thinning (osteoporosis) and a higher risk of fractures. The bone marrow, which produces blood cells, can potentially be damaged by alcohol. This may lead to low cumulative blood count, thereby increasing the vulnerability to bruises and bleeding.
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Neurological Complications
Excessive drinking can affect the nervous system, causing numbness and pain in the hands and feet, disordered thinking, dementia, and short-term memory loss.
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Weakened Immune System
Excessive alcohol use can make it harder for the body to resist disease, increasing the risk of various illnesses, especially pneumonia.
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Increased Risk of Cancer
Long-term, excessive alcohol use has been linked to a higher risk of many cancers, including mouth, throat, liver, esophagus, colon and breast cancers. Even moderate drinking can increase the risk of breast cancer.
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Medication and Alcohol Interactions
Some medications interact with alcohol, increasing its toxic effects. Drinking while taking these medications can either increase or decrease their effectiveness, or make them dangerous.
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Case Study: A Case of Alcohol Abuse
The patient is a 65-year-old Caucasian woman who has been married to an accountant for 35 years. They have a total of 12 grandchildren and five grown children. She worked as an elementary school teacher for 28 years until retiring 15 years ago. Her mother had hypertension and died 10 years ago at the age of 81 from a cerebrovascular accident. Her father died at age 55 from a heart attack more than 30 years ago. She has two younger sisters, ages 61 and 59, who are both in quite good health. At the age of 28, she underwent an appendectomy, and one month later, at age 55, she had a cholecystectomy. Her asthma and high blood pressure are under control thanks to regular visits to her family doctor.
The family doctor has known about the patient's drinking issue for the most of his time with her. It appears to have started in the early 1970s, when she was named in a lawsuit filed by a parent of one of her students. Despite the fact that the school supported her and the case was ultimately decided in her favor, she recalls the two-year period as one of constant worry and uncertainty. She recalls having blackout episodes after that. She was hospitalized three times for detoxification, with brief sobriety intervals. The doctor inquires about her alcohol consumption on a frequent basis and believes that the patient is mostly honest about her drinking and sobriety periods. Her husband and a daughter contacted a week earlier, requesting time to "speak about mother." According to the husband, his wife had begun drinking (about 1 pint of vodka) three months earlier. He noticed that she slurred her words on occasion. Daughter is afraid about leaving the patient with the grandchildren. When they met with her, she denied "excessive drinking" and said they caused "more of an issue than there was."
The doctor consented to speak with his patient, explaining that her husband and daughter had already spoken with him, and she agreed to make an appointment. He expertly pointed out that the problem was not new, that it was having marital and family ramifications for her, that she had tried unsuccessfully to fix it in the past, and that he felt it was time to take a decisive move to tackle the situation. When she agreed to a referral to a psychiatrist for brief psychotherapy, he was taken aback. In late September 1997, the patient visited my office. She confirmed the history of her alcoholism that her primary care physician had given me. She also mentioned that she tried to attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) sessions for a year before quitting because she was "bored." "A workaholic who is bossy and frequently makes me feel defensive," she said of her partner. She admitted to drinking every day for the previous three months. She'd been having trouble sleeping for six months, blaming it on "bronchitis and a chronic cough." Her energy level, appetite, and weight were constant. She denied having a depressed or nervous state of mind. Identifying parameters and creating a narrative history were accomplished in the first session. She was taught the cognitive model for analyzing behavior in session 2 and was told that this would be the framework she would use. In session 3, participants were given the task of identifying and evaluating alternatives to drinking. Her drinking habits drastically decreased during a one-week trip. She had been alcohol-free for ten days by the fourth session. "To have nerve" and "to forget an insult" were two cognitions she noted prior to earlier drinking. She reported nearly a month of continued abstinence in session 5. She believed that using the model and dealing with the identified meanings when she anticipated a "drinking situation" was crucial to her success. She focused on a visit from her grandchildren in session 6, which came with its own set of demands and issues. She'd been clean for 6 weeks and noticed that her mood was "more level" and that she was "less readily agitated." She discussed two blunders in session 7. Each situation was analyzed in cognitive terms, with different meanings, repercussions, and behavioral possibilities being considered. She stated in session 8 that she believed she had regained control of her drinking habit and that she felt "free" for the first time in years. Drinking alcohol as a habit was differentiated from deciding to drink in light of the repercussions of an alcohol addiction to her in the final discussion. After nine sessions over a five-month span, psychotherapy was ended. Her primary care physician received a letter detailing the treatment. A six-month follow-up revealed that abstinence had been maintained. Individual counseling was necessary in this case because AA had been started but had failed to help the patient.
Data Bridge Market Research report on alcoholic beverages market provides analysis and insights regarding the various factors expected to be prevalent throughout the forecast period while providing their impacts on the market's growth. Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the alcoholic beverages market is expected to witness market growth at a rate of 2.5% from 2022 to 2029. The alcoholic beverages market is segmented on the basis of product type, packaging, and distribution channel. In addition, the outline of healthy breweries and spirits will further provide potential opportunities for the growth of the alcoholic beverages market in the coming years. However, the rise in the alcohol market because of augmented health issues might further challenge the growth of the alcoholic beverages market in the near future. The major players operating in the alcoholic beverages market report are E & J Gallo, William Grant & Sons, Boston Beer, Miller Coors, Diageo, Treasury Wine Estates, Jose Cuervo, Constellation Brands, Beam-Suntory, Haelwood International Holdings Plc and Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Pty Ltd., among others.
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