The reasons for cutting down or quitting drinking vary from person to person and range from physical health reasons to mental clarity, but whatever the motivation, the “sober curious” movement is becoming mainstream, especially among young people.
This topic and trend was recently highlighted in the latest season of “Emily in Paris,” with the title character explaining that most Gen Z and millennials who are adopting a healthier approach to their relationship with alcohol may not be abstaining completely, but they are beginning to consider not drinking.
“You might not be 100% sober, but you're interested in cutting down on your drinking,” Hilary Sheinbaum, author of “Going Dry,” a workbook and guide for reducing alcohol consumption, told Good Morning America.
An undated stock photo shows a soda drink.
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According to a 2020 study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association, abstinence is becoming increasingly common among Gen Z, with 28% of college students saying they abstained from alcohol in 2018, compared to 20% of respondents saying they did not drink alcohol in 2002.
As “GMA” first reported in 2022, coming out of the pandemic, non-alcoholic beverage alternatives have become even more accessible in recent years, with the market flooded with new options, from bland non-alcoholic outlets to more acceptable, high-quality non-alcoholic drinks outside of the traditional sweet mocktails.
“Restaurants and bars have non-alcoholic beer, wine and (non-alcoholic) spirits on their menus, they're in hotels and resorts and now in airplane and airline lounges. They're everywhere,” Sheinbaum said.
An undated stock photo shows the park.
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Avon Nguyen, a Dallas-based content creator, told GMA that cutting down on alcohol has also helped her financially.
“If I had to choose between having a $22 drink or paying rent, I'd probably choose paying rent,” she explained.
Kendall Toole, a former Peloton instructor and podcast host and fitness influencer, told GMA that her physical and mental health has improved since she quit drinking alcohol.
“The most notable changes to my health are that, one, I'm getting deeper, more restful sleep, and, two, my anxiety is not as severe as it used to be.”
Unlike other celebrities and athletes who bottle alcoholic beverages like tequila or whiskey, Touré, who has openly declared his passion for health and mental health, has chosen to plant his flag on Don't Quit, a clean energy and protein drink that better reflects his own journey and values.
For those who want to change up their drinking habits and start their sobriety journey, Sheinbaum emphasized how easy it is to do so at home.
The drink is seen here in an undated stock photo.
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“One of the easiest household items to use to make a mocktail is orange juice,” she says. “You can make a non-alcoholic mimosa using orange juice and non-alcoholic sparkling wine. It's super easy.”
Check out these bartender-approved recipes for more delicious non-alcoholic cocktails for your next night out or sober soiree.
