“Dry January” is the quintessential post-holiday tradition where people commit to a month-long hiatus from alcohol and start the year fresh. However, according to Mindbody’s 2024 Wellness Index, the sober lifestyle is becoming more popular all year around.
According to the report, 25 percent of millennials and Gen Z are embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle. In 2024, millennials drink less than older age groups, while Gen Z drinks 20 percent less than millennials. If they have not gone sober yet, there’s a 1-in-5 chance that they are contemplating going sober in the next year.
Whether they call it California sober, mindful drinking or sober curious, younger generations are breaking up with booze. Mocktail bars and restaurants offering nonalcoholic beverage options are popping across the country. There are even sober dating apps focused on cultivating romantic connections.
Here’s a look at why some are taking part in this health trend and choosing a sober lifestyle.
A Focus on a Healthier Lifestyle
Every time you raise a glass, there are a variety of risks that come along with it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, short term risks include injury, violence, and alcohol poisoning. Long-term risks include chronic health disorders like cancer, heart disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, stroke and mental health illnesses.
Younger generations are choosing to abstain to protect their mental and physical health. The potential health benefits that come with eliminating alcohol just might be too many to count. This wellness decision helps repair liver damage, decreases the risk of heart disease and cancer, and improves sleep and better brain function.
@soulfully_sober I’m a sober girlie. Of course. • • • • #alcoholfree #sober #sobercurious #alcoholfreelife #alcoholfreelifestyle #mocktails #recipes #alcoholfreeliving #alcoholfreedrinks #nonalcoholic #odaat #zeroproof #soberfun #soberlife #soberliving #sobermovement #soberlifestyle #alcoholfreedrinks #alcoholawareness ♬ original sound – Jasmine
A Desire for Self-Control
Another reason that Gen Zs and millennials are alcohol-free is to gain back a sense of self-control. It’s not the best feeling to wake up after a night of drinking regretting your actions or not even remembering them. Sobriety allows people to gain back control and to enjoy social situations. Some people truly enjoy being in the moment versus being an altered version of themselves.
@mogalatte I’m fed up! Its been over a year and a half of no drinking and the peer pressuring from people I don’t know has gotten worse! (ignore my nails I’m omw to get them done) #sobercurious #mocktailsonly #blackgirltiktok #sobercuriouslifestyle #fypシ ♬ original sound – mogalatte
Prioritizing Taste Over Effect
Some younger consumers are moderating or completely cutting their alcoholic consumption simply because they want a tasty drink without the negative effects. Gen Z and millennials are all about the experience of thing. Similarly, many younger consumers want an elevated, non-alcoholic experience. They seek tasty and flavorful drinks, but they do not see them as alternatives to alcohol. They simply see them as an enjoyable experience.
@itsyesihere Replying to @haunday #nonalcoholicdrink #sobercurious #mocktails ♬ original sound – Yesi 🤍
A Search for Healthier Coping Mechanisms
Younger generations have no problem talking about mental wellness and their mental health struggles. It makes sense that many have embraced a sober lifestyle as a means of improving their mental health. Oftentimes, drinking alcohol can be used as a coping mechanism for stress, grief, loss, disappointment and pain. Younger generations are embracing other tools, such as exercise and journaling, as outlets for their emotions.
@codialyn_ I stopped drinking alcohol! Ive been drinking since I was 16 and i’m finally free 😭🙌🏽. Heres how I did it. #recess #sobertok #sobercurious ♬ Nocturne (Chopin) calm piano solo – もつ
Freedom From Social Pressures
Many people are embracing sobriety as a means of breaking free from the societal norms and pressures. For some, the pressure of alcohol just isn’t worth the aftercare.
@briannajheath Like why is it such a big deal? #alcoholfree #sobercurious ♬ original sound – Brianna