Is everyone turning to sobriety? It seems that Gen Z is going sober-curious. Recent stats show that 28% of young adults in the UK do not drink alcohol, and this figure doubles in the States, with 46% of Americans now reporting they don’t consume alcohol at all. The stark difference presents drinking culture as a norm within the UK, but still, people are slowly moving towards sobriety. Previously, I always assumed sobriety as a response to addiction, but with the growing wellness culture and the increasing expense of alcohol, can it instead be more representative of a shift towards prioritising control and stability in our lives?
Last week I picked up the latest issue of The Saint Newspaper and found an article chastising sobriety, calling the choice a “soulless and sober misery”. Although the article fought for upholding British culture, I found it distasteful. It chastises the people who choose to go sober and pushes on this binge-drinking culture by labelling it as British. So, I thought I would throw in my two cents.
I am half Qatari and half Irish, but immigrated to the UK over 16 years ago. I grew up here and became engrossed in the culture, identifying myself as British, and undeniably part of that culture is drinking. The pub is respectably a second-home to many Brits, but to me, that doesn’t equate to drinking . Yes, having an alcoholic beverage is typical, but that’s not what makes it culturally important to Britain. The community that comes from social drinking is something which becomes very important to us at University.
The Sobriety Pipeline
Last year I decided to stop drinking, what began as a health choice quickly turned into a lifestyle I enjoyed. I abstained for six months until my 21st birthday where I indulged in a glass of champagne and the following week I had two glasses of wine. The decision to drink wasn’t made lightly, I chose to because of the value it added to the moment.
Of course, there are no physical benefits to drinking alcohol. In fact, it has the opposite long-term effects, and this was a major factor in my decision to stop drinking; I didn’t want to consume something I knew was solely detrimental.
After my dip back into alcohol I spent a few weeks drinking again but then decided to stop. I went back to teetotal, excusing three beers and a glass of wine at Christmas because “it’s the holidays”. I spent January and February sober too but have recently decided to bring drinking back into my life.
I still believe that alcohol is damaging, and that moderation is key, but drinking has benefits outside of the physical. Going out for a drink, especially at Uni, is a great way to socialise. It can reduce stress-levels, help improve mood, self-confidence, and overall improve your mental wellbeing. I’m not saying that an alcoholic drink is mandatory in order to participate in social activities, but for me at least it helps to improve the experience. You also can’t throw a stone in St Andrews without hitting a pub, so going out for a drink is a predominant part of this small town’s social life. I’ve had the soda water and the spritz, and both are a perfect partner for a night out, but ultimately it depends on what I want. If I want to have the spritz, I have it, enjoy it, and revel in the experience.
Like many thing, sobriety is becoming a trend, and there are some incredible benefits, but it is not the be-all and end-all. So, if you are sober-curious, don’t feel defeated when you fail to go cold turkey, and if you do stop drinking, don’t be deflated by those who label these choices ‘disturbing’. Drinking is and always will be a personal choice, so whatever makes you comfortable and happiest, go for it, and don’t let the binge-drinkers or the wellness-wallies interfere.