Alcohol is an extremely prominent aspect of cultures all around the world. Most bars, functions, and parties people go to will have some form of alcohol available for their guests. This prevalence has led many people to question their own habits and if drinking really enhances their experiences. The sober curious movement was developed to help these individuals explore their options. Banyan’s Massachusetts addiction treatment center explores this concept and what it means in the realm of alcoholism recovery.
Explaining Sober Curiosity
Being sober curious means making the conscious decision not to drink alcohol, typically from the intention of maintaining wellness. It encourages an individual to think critically about why they feel inclined to drink and whether doing so would enhance the experience or if it is simply done out of habit. While this may sound like sobriety for people with alcoholism, there are a few key differences to keep in mind. Sober curiosity is an excellent choice for people who may not meet the criteria for alcohol addiction. It highlights the reality that a person does not necessarily need to hit “rock bottom” to make a change for the better.
Also, someone who is sober curious does not have to commit to giving up alcohol permanently. It gives participants the opportunity to see how moderation of abstinence from drinking would work in their situation. How long a person chooses to abstain from drinking can differ, with some electing to try it only for a couple of weeks, others a month, and some will even try for an entire year. Additionally, certain folks may not set a clear timeline and will simply listen to their body and mind’s needs.
The term was first coined in 2018 by Ruby Warrington, author of the book “Sober Curious: The Blissful Sleep, Greater Focus, Limitless Presence, and Deep Connection Awaiting Us All on the Other Side of Alcohol.” She examines the phenomenon that a person does not need to be completely dependent on alcohol to desire to make a change. The sober curious movement encourages people to think critically about their habits and validates any questions they have regarding the role of drinking in their lives.
Mindful Practices for the Lifestyle
Have you decided you would like to give this option a shot? If yes, there are a few practices you can implement to explore your relationship with alcohol and how you can go about abstaining.
- Create a plan: If you know you are going to be in a situation that presents you with the option to drink, produce a plan which includes practicing your response. Even a mere “No, thank you” should work. However, if people continue to push your boundaries, you are well within your right to remove yourself from the situation.
- Find like-minded friends: Surrounding yourself with people who are respectful of your choices should be a priority, even without the implications of alcohol. Consider a mocktail-making party, where each person makes their own unique sober concoction and votes on the winner at the end.
- Explore new activities: From meditation to reading and even exploring the outdoors, there is quite literally a world of engaging sober opportunities at your disposal.
A crucial factor to remember is that these practices will not suffice for someone with a serious drinking problem. Addiction to alcohol typically involves a mixture of chemical imbalances caused by the consistent binges of alcohol and other societal factors. In these cases, alcohol addiction treatment, like that found at our rehab in Massachusetts, can help.
Seek Out Care at Our Wilmington Rehab Center
If you need Massachusetts addiction treatment, Banyan offers a variety of care levels that are designed to help you reclaim your life from the throes of alcoholism. Our partial hospitalization program is an excellent option for those looking to receive intensive care while having the ability to return home at night. If you are worried that someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction, do not hesitate to get them the help they need.
To learn more about the programs we offer, call Banyan Treatment Center Massachusetts at 888-280-4763 and speak with an intake specialist today.
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