The Sober Curious Movement: Why Motherhood Is Making Women Embrace Alcohol-Free Living
January is notoriously known as “Dry-Jan” for all those who partake in cutting down alcohol completely for one month. But recently there has been a big shift in drinking culture, sober is now a word being thrown around left right and centre. From celebrities saying they are teetotal, to a growing range of books coming out on the topic and a rise in the popularity of non-alcoholic drinks, there is a serious shift going on at the moment that goes beyond health and wellness.
The sober lifestyle is growing in popularity, largely due to its transformative impact on energy levels and mental clarity. For mothers, the thought of waking up with a raging headache while a toddler throws a tantrum is not a pleasant experience. However with that being said, are we mothers ready to give up our (rather large) glasses of wine?
Exploring the 'Sober Curious' Movement and why so many mums are embracing alcohol-free living, and should we all?
By Alice Codford
In recent years, the sober curious movement has gained significant momentum, sparking discussions around alcohol consumption and inspiring a shift in how we view social drinking. What started as a niche trend has evolved into a mainstream cultural phenomenon, with many women, especially mothers, leading the charge. But what’s fueling this change, and why now?
What Does It Mean to Be Sober Curious?
The term "sober curious" invites individuals to rethink their relationship with alcohol, encouraging them to question why, when, and how much they drink. Unlike traditional sobriety, this movement doesn’t demand a lifetime commitment to abstinence. Instead, it’s about making conscious choices around drinking, often with a focus on mental and physical well-being.
Why Is the Sober Curious Movement Trending?
The sober lifestyle is growing in popularity, largely due to its transformative impact on energy levels and mental clarity.
Health and Wellness Prioritization: As society becomes increasingly health-conscious, many people are scrutinizing the impact of alcohol on their physical and mental well-being. Alcohol, often marketed as a stress reliever, is now being viewed through a more critical lens for its links to anxiety, poor sleep, and long-term health risks.
Social Media: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have amplified the movement, with influencers and wellness advocates openly discussing their journeys to reduce or eliminate alcohol. The rise of alcohol-free alternatives—such as non-alcoholic wines, spirits, and beers—has also made it easier to participate in social settings without feeling left out.
Celebrity Influence: Recent years have seen several high-profile mothers openly sharing their sober journeys, inspiring others to follow suit. Celebrities like Anne Hathaway, Chrissy Teigen and Lily Allen have spoken candidly about their decisions to stop drinking, highlighting the profound benefits on their mental health, physical well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life. Their transparency has sparked meaningful conversations and made sobriety feel more accessible and aspirational.
Why Are Mothers Leading the Charge?
For many mothers, the sober curious movement represents a liberation from societal expectations and a pathway to reclaiming their health, focus, and time. Here’s why:
The "Mommy Wine Culture" Backlash: For years, the narrative around motherhood has been intertwined with wine culture. From memes to marketing campaigns, the message has been clear: moms need wine to survive the chaos of parenting. However, this trope is losing its appeal as more mothers realise the toll that alcohol can take on their energy, mental clarity, and emotional well-being.
Setting an Example: Mothers often strive to model healthy behaviours for their children. By choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle, they demonstrate the importance of self-care and mindful living.
A Desire for Authentic Connection: Many mothers are finding that sobriety fosters deeper, more meaningful relationships. Without the haze of alcohol, they’re able to engage more fully with their families, friends, and even themselves.
Mental Health Awareness: Postpartum depression and anxiety are common challenges for new mothers. Since alcohol is a depressant, reducing or eliminating it can be a proactive step toward better mental health.
The Future of the Sober Curious Movement
As the sober curious movement continues to grow, it’s clear that it’s more than a passing trend. For many, it’s a transformative journey toward a healthier, more conscious way of living. For mothers, it’s a chance to break free from outdated narratives, embrace authenticity, and create a legacy of well-being for themselves and their families.
Whether you’re considering cutting back or diving into an alcohol-free lifestyle, the sober curious movement offers a supportive space to explore what truly nourishes you. So, why not take the first step? You might just discover a new sense of clarity, connection, and empowerment waiting on the other side.
How to Explore the Sober Curious Lifestyle
If you’re curious about going alcohol-free, here are some tips to get started:
Start Small: Try committing to a short period, like Dry January, to see how you feel without alcohol.
Reflect on Your Why: Take time to journal or meditate on your reasons for exploring sobriety. This can help you stay motivated and intentional.
Explore Alternatives: Discover the growing range of non-alcoholic beverages, from sparkling wines to mocktails.
Get Informed: Listen to podcasts, read books and follow people on social media who you can connect with who are on similar journeys.
Try Some Delicious Alternatives: You don’t need to stick to just water if you want to explore not drinking. There are plenty of great alternative drinks that will make you feel like you're drinking, minus the booze!
Books To Read On The Subject By Women
Millie Mackintosh not only reflects on her struggles with alcohol but also delves into her journey of motherhood. The book explores how becoming a mother changed her perspective on life and her relationship with alcohol. Millie shares the challenges she faced balancing the demands of motherhood with her career, and how the birth of her daughters helped her re-evaluate her choices and priorities. Her story of growth is intertwined with her experience of becoming a parent, showing how the responsibilities of motherhood served as both a motivator for change and a source of strength. Read more here.
Sober Mama by Rachael Sheppard is a candid memoir about the her journey to sobriety and how it transformed her life as a mother. Sheppard shares her personal struggles with alcohol and the challenges she faced while raising young children as a single mum, often feeling overwhelmed by the demands of motherhood while drinking too much. The book details her decision to get sober and how that decision positively impacted her relationship with her children, her mental health, and her overall sense of self. Through her story, Sheppard offers insights into the process of recovery, breaking free from the societal pressures around drinking, and finding empowerment in sobriety. It's a story of resilience, growth, and the importance of prioritising one’s well-being for the sake of family. Read more here.
Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker is a powerful and thought-provoking memoir that challenges traditional views on alcohol addiction, particularly for women. Whitaker shares her personal journey of quitting alcohol and explores how societal expectations, gender roles, and the cultural normalisation of drinking often make it harder for women to recognise and address their own struggles with alcohol. The book combines her own experiences with research, offering a critique of the ways women are socialised to cope with stress, trauma, and identity through substances. Whitaker advocates for a more holistic, compassionate approach to recovery, encouraging women to break free from the harmful narrative around drinking and embrace a new, healthier way of living. It's not just a memoir but a call to women to reclaim their power and quit drinking on their own terms. Read more here.
