Also sharing some insights into my choice of pursuing a ‘partially abstinent’ lifestyle
Quite a number of individuals, particularly from the younger demographics, are choosing to abstain from alcohol for multiple reasons.
The growing popularity of the #SoberLife hashtag, with over 2.6 million mentions on Instagram, indicates that a significant number of tech-savvy individuals have given up or are contemplating giving up alcohol.
Interestingly, it isn’t only the “sober-curious” members of Generation Z who are contemplating reducing their alcohol intake. The Millennial generation, who are a bit older, are also considering this shift.
Before I proceed with my argument, I acknowledge there are individuals who are genuinely affected by alcoholism. These individuals might seem perfectly fine externally, but they may struggle to operate without daily alcohol consumption. Their physiological and psychological systems have adjusted to the presence of alcohol in their day-to-day activities.
My points, however, are not intended for alcoholics who have sought help for their addiction. Instead, I’m communicating with the younger demographic who have chosen to abstain from alcohol because they didn’t appreciate the morning-after effects or because they had no recollection of the supposedly enjoyable experiences from the previous night.
Undeniably, Generation Z exhibits a strong understanding of the health consequences associated with alcohol consumption. This piece highlights the connection between alcohol and accelerated aging, diminished cognitive capabilities, and cardiovascular ailments.
A report from NCSolutions indicates a 53% surge in the “mindful sobriety movement” amongst Generation Z between 2023 and 2024. The report reveals that 61% of Generation Z individuals, born between 1997 and 2002, intend to reduce their alcohol consumption in 2024, a significant increase from 40% in the previous year.
As a fellow member of Generation X, I too am over feeling crummy and perhaps also the constant bar scenes.
It’s essential that our entire generation realizes the perils linked to habitual drinking. Yet, even in 2021, it appeared that Gen X was consuming alcohol in disproportionate quantities, as highlighted in a report by The Guardian.
Some participants in the Threads discussions unreservedly shared their concerns about the possibility of getting entrapped in addiction, particularly from consuming alcohol. This fear is often amplified by witnessing their own parents grappling with the challenges of alcoholism. Many of them also spoke about the regrettable actions of their loved ones when they are inebriated, and their firm resolve to not tread the same path.
“One user shared their personal story with me, ‘Having grown up with parents battling addiction, I turned to alcohol as an escape. Today, I am proud to say I have been sober for 112 days,’” they revealed in a comment.
I find myself recoiling when I encounter clips of intoxicated youth causing chaos in nightclubs. I’m relieved such widespread social media exposure wasn’t around during my younger years. Currently, many youngsters are possibly stumbling upon videos of their own unwise, and at times even reckless, behavior, without any previous memory of it.
Indeed, one could easily comprehend why the majority would be reluctant to consume excessive alcohol due to the risk of their drunken state being publicly shared on the internet. Moreover, there’s an increased susceptibility to danger when intoxicated, particularly for females.
However, interestingly, based on data compiled from my Threads survey, only a minor fraction of 5% cited this as their reason for abstaining from alcohol consumption.
I took the initiative to conduct an online investigation to delve deeper into the various factors influencing millennials in their decision to refrain from alcohol.
One such reason that emerged was the desire to decrease calorie intake. Alcoholic drinks are notoriously high in calories, hence it’s logical for individuals targeting weight loss to modify their drinking habits. To put it into perspective, the NHS reveals that alcohol harbors seven calories per gram, almost equivalent to fat itself.
What value does drinking bring?
I once decided to completely forego alcohol for half a year, purely to investigate if it would enhance my overall well-being. The verdict? It didn’t, which suggests that other health factors may be at play, rather than any negative impacts of a self-prescribed remedy.
During my period of sobriety, it was striking how frequently one is presented with a beverage in social settings or even at someone’s home, despite having clearly stated that you’re not partaking in alcohol. Interestingly, some individuals seem to take it as a personal affront when you refuse to drink with them, an attitude that does nothing to encourage moderation.
Observing the awkward behavior of individuals who have had a surplus of alcohol can sometimes be off-putting, especially if you are sober. Dealing with overly inebriated persons can indeed be challenging if you’re not in a similar state and joining in their mirth.
Becoming a father has, by course of nature, led me to reduce my alcohol intake. The exhaustion that accompanies parenting – a state of affairs that persists beyond the early years of childhood, much to the dismay of novice parents – leaves me too fatigued to consume more than a pint or two.
Now that I’m approaching my late forties, the consequences of excessive alcohol consumption have begun to amplify. Primarily, the hangovers seem to have worsened (though taking a few Advil before retiring for the night appears to alleviate this discomfort) coupled with an increase in lethargy, mental haziness, and the frequent interruptions to my sleep due to urination. This condition, known as nocturia, is more prevalent amongst those over 50. Interestingly, even in the absence of alcohol, my sleep is often disturbed for the need of a nocturnal visit to the bathroom. Alcohol only compounds this issue.
Consequently, my partner and I have made a pact to indulge in alcoholic beverages only during weekends, and extraordinarily, during weekday celebrations. Furthermore, we attempt to monitor our alcohol consumption, even if it’s not always perfect.
In an effort to maintain my mental wellness, I’ve embraced Pilates, along with regular walks and bike rides as often as possible. The long-lasting tranquility derived from exercise outlasts even the calming effects of beer, exempting minor physical discomfort. Moreover, it comes with the additional benefits of a mood boost and enhanced energy levels.
It’s undeniable that the excessive consumption of alcohol can potentially escalate depressive feelings, leading to an incapacitating cycle that curbs one’s activity level. There have been instances where depression has kept me confined to my bed, lacking the willpower to engage with the world. Alcohol might provide a temporary respite from these overwhelming feelings, but over time it often exacerbates the situation.
So, given this knowledge, why do I choose to imbibe?
Occasionally, I enjoy a drink or two in social settings (which are infrequent nowadays), or during a quiet weekend at home. This is all about understanding one’s boundaries and contemplating the potential impact of your alcohol consumption on those around you.
The Enduring Charm of Liquor
Claims exist suggesting that one glass of wine daily can potentially serve as an antioxidant, offering protection against cancer, assisting in inflammation reduction and enhancing mental health. The accuracy of these perceived benefits or whether they are simply smart advertising strategies from large Alcohol Corporations remains a point of debate.
A prevalent belief posits that no measure of alcohol is completely “harmless”. However, my counter argument would be that responsibly indulging in a drink or two during weekend evenings serves as a safe mental reward. It provides a much-needed breather, creating some space from the week’s hustle-bustle, without leading to irresponsible behavior.
While I confess to having a preference for the robust flavor of beer with alcohol, the zero-alcohol alternative doesn’t quite match up yet. The partnership of a pleasing beer with certain cuisine is particularly enjoyable for me.
Nonetheless, as the trend towards alcohol abstinence strengthens, the demand for non-alcoholic drinks surges, ballooning into a market worth over $1.5 trillion globally. It’s only a question of when, not if, these beverages will achieve a taste surpassing or at least equal to their alcoholic counterparts.
In the meantime, efforts are underway in a particular firm to perfect a synthetic alcohol formula, which they claim comes without the infamous hangover effects. Given the rise in young adults expressing a lack of enthusiasm for alcohol due to the dreaded post-drink symptoms, could this innovation lead to a renaissance in their drinking habits?
Perhaps it’s time we reconsidered the definition of drinking responsibly?
Should we reevaluate the definition of the term ‘sober’?
In prior times, the term ‘sober’ was primarily used to denote an absence of alcohol consumption. However, in today’s context, someone who identifies as ‘sober’ might be seeking pleasure through alternative means — specifically from cannabis or Psilocybin, the latter now being considered as a treatment option for depression.
This prompts my subsequent proposition: what portion of those who identify as ‘sober’ refrain from using any substances at all? Does ‘sober’ only refer to the abstention from alcohol, or does it also encompass refraining from consumption of pills or cannabis?
The term “Cali Sober” seems to resonate with a lifestyle abstaining from drugs and alcohol, but allows for the consumption of cannabis and psychedelics such as mushrooms. Discussions continue about whether this truly aligns with the concept of sobriety, since marijuana can modify mental states, similar to alcohol.
Interestingly, it seems that Gen Z is trending towards a preference for cannabis over alcohol. As stated in an article by Bloomberg, a surprising 69% of those surveyed between the ages of 18 and 24 favor marijuana over alcoholic beverages. The increase of legal availability of cannabis seems to be a major factor in this preference shift. Consequently, many traditional alcoholic beverage companies are now creating THC-infused products designed to attract young customers.
A variety of specialists contend that it’s merely substituting one bad habit for another. Based on my personal experience with both booze and marijuana, I can assure you they offer different experiences.
While alcohol has the capacity to induce relaxation, it can also occasionally put me on edge or trigger argumentative tendencies. Marijuana, on the other hand, soothes in a unique manner, promoting patience and tolerance. However, utilizing excessive amounts of cannabis oil can incite anxiety or paranoia, but thanks to medical use and guidance from my doctors, the appropriate dosage with a higher CBD ratio has been determined.
Sealing the Bottle
There could be a problem if your thoughts are frequently consumed by the idea of consuming alcohol, and self-regulation becomes a challenge during solitary moments or social gatherings. In such cases, it might be in your best interest to abstain completely. But remember, such a decision should be guided by seasoned professionals, not me.
Choosing to refrain from alcohol is a commendable decision, and I fully support you. Specifically, I applaud the Gen Z population if they decide to follow this path.
It’s worth noting that there’s a balanced middle ground between total abstinence from alcohol and its excessive use, particularly for people who are less prone to addiction and genuinely savor the flavor of a fine single-malt scotch or an aged wine. This pleasure can be derived without becoming utterly intoxicated.
One undeniable observation is that the Gen Z demographic is consuming considerably less alcohol than older generations. It is possible that, in the not-too-distant future, societal attitudes towards alcohol may shift dramatically, mirroring the change in perception witnessed with cigarettes. Such a transformation could hold promising implications for the general health of our populace.
