Almost five years ago, I traded in a life that included alcohol for one without it. When I decided to pursue an alcohol-free journey, I did so with some uncertainty about what this choice would mean socially. At that time, there was not a well-trodden path or a clear roadmap for those who wanted to stop drinking – but did not identify as being in recovery.

In 2019, there was a niche corner of the internet with sober bloggers, influencers, and alcohol-free coaches, which I stumbled upon after a Google search: “People who are sober but not boring.” While I know now that a sober life is anything but boring, the words I typed into Google at that time reflected what we have been culturally conditioned to believe a life without alcohol entails.

Fortunately, that search term led me to find several pioneers in this movement who championed the idea that you could stop drinking alcohol without going to AA or even identifying as an alcoholic. (And if AA is your path, there is absolutely no judgment. AA saves lives, and for many people, adopting this label grants entry into a supportive community that helps them get and stay sober).

I was seeking a third option, something outside the binary categories of “alcoholics” or “those who could moderate.” It didn’t make sense to me that there couldn’t be an in-between. I felt like these categories left out a huge group of people—those questioning how alcohol fit into their lives due to physical health, mental health, spiritual reasons, or simply wanting to explore a life where they felt more present. Those who had cut back on drinking but found that even a glass or two left them feeling foggy the next day, and perhaps regretting things they wouldn’t have said or done otherwise. The people who were tired of the “hangxiety” – but didn’t know if another way existed because the options society presented were limited.

In 2020, the alcohol-free movement that had been gaining momentum in the background started to shift from a culturally niche interest to a mainstream phenomenon. What began as quiet reflection during the COVID lockdowns—when people reevaluated their relationship with alcohol, free from social pressures—intensified following the release of Holly Whitaker’s Quit Like a Woman. A key moment that significantly accelerated this movement was when Chrissy Teigen shared her decision to go alcohol-free after reading the book.

The sober curious movement began to take the world by storm. I witnessed firsthand the shift from menus lacking alcohol-free options to those featuring dedicated mocktail sections. What was once unusual—to tell friends you’re not drinking—was becoming a socially accepted and even celebrated choice. The challenge of finding online resources for a sober curious lifestyle transformed from a struggle to an abundance of options readily available.

The alcohol-free movement is far from a passing trend; it’s rapidly evolving into a significant cultural shift. The non-alcoholic market is not only gaining traction but is also outpacing the growth of the traditional alcohol industry. This surge reflects a deeper, long-term change in consumer behavior, driven by a growing awareness of health and wellness.

More people are choosing to embrace alcohol-free options, and this shift is evident in the expanding variety of high-quality, innovative non-alcoholic beverages hitting the market. Brands are investing heavily in this space, recognizing the increasing demand for sophisticated alternatives that cater to those who seek a more mindful lifestyle without sacrificing social enjoyment. This movement is reshaping the beverage landscape, signaling a fundamental change in drinking culture.

As for me, I couldn’t be more grateful for my decision to pursue an alcohol-free lifestyle. Beyond the health and mental benefits, not drinking has deepened my presence and awareness in all aspects of life. Life without alcohol feels brighter, bigger, and more expansive, and it is not at all limiting in the ways that society has historically taught us. Mindset is truly the key here: if you believe life without alcohol will be boring, it will be exactly that. But if you can open your eyes to the immense possibilities that sober curiosity can hold for you, the whole world will open up to you.

If you’re sober curious like I was, you can do this too. Linked below is a list of resources to help you explore your sober curiosity and get you started.

Disclaimer: The concept of sober curiosity is meant to add more options to consider regarding one’s relationship with alcohol. For those who struggle with addiction, the idea of being “sober curious” may not be a safe option because of the nature of their personal experience with alcohol. Drinking non-alcoholic (NA) beverages is not for everyone and can be triggering. My writings on sober curiosity are intended to provide more choices about alcohol and are written with the utmost respect for those who identify as being in recovery, align more closely with AA models, or have struggled with addiction.

No spam, just a good old fashioned monthly blog. Enter your email for writings about anxiety, OCD, and alcohol-free living to be delivered right to your inbox.

Barb Shepard is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, OCD and Anxiety Specialist, and Sober Curious advocate in Syracuse, New York. Any content on my website or blog is a not substitute for therapy and is for educational purposes only. I cannot provide tailored therapeutic advice unless you are a therapy client. Reading this blog or listening to audio content does not constitute a therapeutic relationship. If you are seeking therapy, visit psychologytoday.com. If you are in crisis, dial 911 or visit your local emergency room.