The sober-curious and alcohol-free movement has gained momentum over the past few years. More people are considering the impacts of alcohol on their health, questioning societal norms, and reducing their alcohol consumption as a result. This shift has led many to give up alcohol entirely. In this post, we’ll explore the growing trend, delve into our mindset around alcohol, and consider whether alcohol-free beverages are worth it.
The Rise of the Sober-Curious Movement
To give you an understanding of the movement's growth, here are some fast facts:
Changing Attitudes Among College Students: The percentage of college students aged 18 to 22 in the United States who stated that they refrained from drinking alcohol rose from 20% in 2002 to 28% in 2018.
A Growing Trend in the U.S.: In a 2024 survey, 41% of Americans said they were trying to drink less.
I was sober-curious for years before deciding to go alcohol-free earlier this year. I initially tried cutting back, but drinking any alcohol often led me to drink more, so I decided to stop entirely. Through my alcohol-free journey, I’ve explored different strategies to help me abstain, and one surprising strategy has been alcohol-free beverages.
Alcohol-Free Beverages: A Surprising Ally
When I refer to alcohol-free beverages, I mean wine, beer, and mocktails that are crafted to have between 0% and 0.5% ABV. I was initially skeptical about their value, and I believe many others share this mindset. However, as we dive into this topic, you might find this method worth considering if you're on a journey to cut back.
Thankfully, the alcohol-free drink market is booming. In April 2018, there were just four non-alcoholic spirits on the market in the UK. By October, just six months later, there were 42. Additionally, 55% of venues in London are either dedicating sections of their menus to non-alcoholic drinks or creating stand-alone menus for them. Twenty-three percent of the most influential venues in London report better sales of non-alcoholic drinks in the last year than ever before.
During a recent trip to London, I experienced firsthand the city's vibrant alcohol-free offerings. Bars and restaurants provided a range of options, from alcohol-free beers to mocktails, allowing me to enjoy social gatherings without feeling left out. This experience showed me how valuable alcohol-free drinks can be, both socially and personally.
The Benefits of Cutting Back on Alcohol
Before diving into the alcohol-free beverage debate, let's address why people cut back on or eliminate alcohol in the first place:
Improving Physical Health: Fifty-eight percent of people drink less to enhance their physical health. Many individuals seeking weight loss or body recomposition recognize that changing their drinking habits is crucial to achieving their goals.
Saving Money: One in two people drink less to save money (2). Alcohol is becoming increasingly expensive, especially in major cities like San Diego, LA, and NYC, where a single drink can cost $10-18. Cutting back on alcohol can significantly reduce expenses.
The desire to save calories and money often leads to hesitance in choosing alcohol-free beverages. People may wonder if these options are worth the cost and calories.
The Alcohol-Free Beverage Mindset
People often resist alcohol-free beverages because they perceive them as unnecessary or overpriced. There are two primary reasons for this:
Caloric Concerns: Some believe that if they're going to consume calories, they might as well get the "benefits" of alcohol. However, it's important to remember that alcohol is a toxin. While it might enhance social experiences, the negative aspects often outweigh the positives.
Cost Concerns: Many hesitate to spend money on alcohol-free alternatives, especially if they’re trying to save. However, my experience shows that alcohol-free drinks can save money in the long run. Without the influence of alcohol, you’re less likely to overindulge, both in drinking and eating.
Rethinking Our Relationship with Alcohol
Understanding why we drink is essential to making informed choices about alcohol consumption. Here are some common reasons people give for drinking:
Having Fun: Alcohol is often associated with fun social experiences. However, as I discovered, it's possible to enjoy events without alcohol. I've danced at weddings, attended music shows, and celebrated special occasions sober, and found joy in those experiences.
Relieving Stress and Anxiety: While alcohol may temporarily relieve stress, it can worsen anxiety and increase cortisol levels over time. Building healthier stress-coping mechanisms can improve your overall well-being.
Improving Sleep: Some people drink alcohol to help them relax and fall asleep. However, alcohol disrupts REM sleep and increases time spent in lighter sleep stages, leading to frequent wake-ups and poor sleep quality. Long-term heavy alcohol use can contribute to insomnia, making it an unreliable solution for sleep struggles.
Enjoying the Taste: Many argue that they drink for the taste, but alcohol-free options have improved significantly. From alcohol-free beers to mocktails, the market offers delicious alternatives that satisfy cravings without alcohol’s negative effects.
Cultural Norms: Drinking is deeply embedded in our culture, often glamorized in media and social settings. However, more people are questioning these norms and seeking healthier alternatives.
The Verdict: Are Alcohol-Free Beverages Worth It?
Deciding whether alcohol-free beverages are worth the calories and money depends on your goals. If they help you reduce alcohol consumption, decrease stress, improve sleep, and support your health and fitness objectives, they are worth considering. Understanding why you drink and what you hope to achieve can guide your choices.
Reducing or eliminating alcohol is similar to reducing processed food consumption. It requires addressing the root issues and replacing old habits with healthier ones.
If you're seeking support in building healthier habits, my 1:1 coaching services can help create a personalized plan that aligns with your needs.
If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol addiction, it's important to seek specialized help. Reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for support and resources.
What do you think? Has your opinion changed on alcohol-free beverages or alcohol in general? Feel free to share your thoughts with me on Instagram.
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