Gone are the days of simple virgin cocktails that amounted to little more than gutted juices. Over the past few years, the hospitality industry has embraced a new era of zero-proof libations, where bartenders play with sometimes expensive ingredients and fermentation to appease sober, curious drinkers.
The sober curious movement, where people reevaluate their relationship with alcohol and embrace a booze-free lifestyle (or a relaxed version of it), led to a 20.6% increase in soft drink sales between August 2021 and 2022, NielsenIQ reported in October. .
Dry January, a month dedicated to sobriety, was a useful boost for those looking to reduce their alcohol consumption, which in part encouraged the development and sale of these products.
Maintaining mindful drinking after a month can be a challenge for some. The Inquirer spoke with Davis and Amanda E. White, founders of the Therapy for Women Center and author of “Not Drinking Tonight” (her second book, “Not Drinking Tonight: The Workbook,” was released Jan. 10), about how to change your mindset and having more options will help you stay alcohol free.
How to stay sober curious
Ask yourself: What drives me to drink?
“Sometimes people go back to drinking without realizing why they started again,” White said. “Probably because they’re not familiar with their triggers or the reasons they drink — maybe it’s an awkward feeling at a party or a warm day that makes you crave a margarita. Learn your triggers and come up with a plan to combat it.” them.”
Davis also suggests removing alcohol from your house to reduce temptation and make it harder to drink. And replace your favorite drink with an equally tasty and fun drink with zero alcohol content – this is a good opportunity to prepare a cocktail at home from fresh ingredients and alcohol-free products.
What is your motivation?
Making a list of the benefits you experience from sobriety can help you figure out why you decided to take on the Dry January challenge. “If you feel like drinking, look at this list to reconnect with your intention,” White said. According to Davis, journaling is a good way to track your progress. Write down your successes and challenges throughout the month to see how “your mood and physical being will improve.”
Don’t let others hold you back
“The fear of what people will say is a lot worse in our heads than reality,” White said.
You don’t have to explain why you don’t drink. Instead of making elaborate excuses when asked, learn to set boundaries. “Simple – say, ‘I’m not drinking tonight’ or ‘I’m not drinking right now’ and change the subject,” she said.
Share the positives of your Dry January experience and then offer your plan to continue experimenting to see how this lifestyle works for you. And remember, you don’t have to make any public commitments.
Find a support system
“Try recruiting friends or family to join you on your quest for dry January or sober curious living,” said Davis, who also runs the Soulbriety Society Facebook support group. Apps like Reframe and Tempest or community groups like Join Soberish and This Naked Mind offer community chats, lessons, coaches and more.
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