Do you see yourself as sober curious, a mindful drinker or want to quit booze entirely? | Life

12 Oct 2018

Marilynn Manuel

Friends talk about the sober curious movement

Why are young people turning their backs on booze?

The term sober curious stems from wanting to be more mindful about drinking and defining your relationship with alcohol according to this Get The Gloss article that was written by Ayesha Muttucumaru.

In light of the recent surge in wellness and health information that is currently making its way around the world, millennials are becoming increasingly aware of the dangers of alcohol and are putting bottles down.

According to Alison Stone in this Bustle article, "Having curiosity opens up the possibilities to better understand ourselves and our motives for doing things".

This means we no longer have to drink when everyone else is drinking because we don't want to be known as the boring ones, or continue to drink well after our bodies have clearly had enough.

Although health concerns seem to be the biggest motive, there are many other reasons why millennials are calling it quits with their relationship with alcohol.

I spoke to a few young women who share their reasons for joining the sober curious movement.

I'm the kid who drinks green tea at social gatherings

The first year I started drinking, I was invincible. I could drink anything and wake up the next day like nothing happened. But over the years, my body’s tolerance for liquor has plummeted. I get godly hangovers, and sometimes I’ll get a headache while drinking, so I’ve decided that liquor isn’t really my thing any more. I’m now the kid who drinks green tea at social gatherings, and I’m limiting my liquor intake more and more as I go without quitting it entirely.

Thobe, 23

I used to associate drinking with being the life of the party

I always felt ashamed of the fact that I’m what many consider to be a light weight. I often used to associate drinking with being the life of the party and thought that there was something wrong with me that I couldn’t enjoy more than one or two glasses of wine at a time. And of course it didn’t help that people would scoff at me because they thought drinking in moderation is boring. The truth is, that I’ve discovered that I just don’t like the way it feels if I drink too much. I like being in control of my senses and I like enjoying my wine. After drinking more than three or four drinks, I’ve found in the past, that I’m just not savouring the drink. Today I’ve stopped caring what people think and believe that I can have one or two drinks and have just as much fun as those who choose to have several more.

Tammy, 33

I didn't like who I became after I had a couple of drinks and so I called it quits

Whenever I drank I became a completely different person, someone that I can go as far as saying I didn't like and so I called it quits. Being loud, breaking the law and acting promiscuous was just not my thing.

Carly, 25

Before you pick up that drink practise mindfulness. Ask yourself why you've chosen to drink.

If it is a result of peer pressure, anxiety or stress then it probably is not the best idea.

The sober curious movement is certainly a positive one and the healthy behaviour it encourages is definitely welcomed. So why not try join the movement and benefit from a healthier body, mind and saving some money all in one go.

Sign up to W24's newsletters so you don't miss out on any of our hot stories and giveaways.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred

Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.

Join News24 today