Navigating Sobriety: A Comprehensive Guide to Resources and Support for Your Sobriety (Or Sober Curious) Journey
A growing number of people are now experimenting with a substance-free lifestyle, without fully abstaining.
Embarking on a journey of sobriety can be both daunting and rewarding. Whether you're considering a sober lifestyle for health reasons, personal growth, or simply out of curiosity, taking the first steps can lead to profound changes in your life. In this blog post, we'll explore the concept of “sober curiosity,” its rules, and how it differs from traditional sobriety.
Whether you're curious about sobriety or committed to a sober lifestyle, the journey is deeply personal and empowering. By starting with self-reflection, setting clear intentions, and embracing curiosity, you can embark on a path of growth, self-discovery, and holistic wellness. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to sobriety, so trust yourself and honor your unique journey.
People often feel trapped by the rigidity of the addiction recovery community, but at Third Nature therapy, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all model.
The goal of adopting a sober curious lifestyle is that it works for you by finding a relationship with substances that makes you feel empowered, grounded, and in control.
What's the difference between sober and sober curious?
The main difference between sober and sober curious lies in intention and mindset:
Sobriety typically refers to abstaining from alcohol or drugs completely, often due to addiction, health concerns, or personal beliefs.
Sober curiosity, on the other hand, involves exploring one's relationship with alcohol without committing to complete abstinence. It's about questioning societal norms around drinking and making conscious choices about when and how to consume alcohol.
How do I start a sober curious lifestyle?
Starting a sober curious lifestyle begins with self-reflection and intention. Just jumping into it without a clear answer to your “why” will not result in lasting, long-term benefits or build up the coping strategies needed to truly change your life.
Here are some steps to get started:
Reflect on your reasons for wanting to explore sobriety. Are you seeking better health, mental clarity, or simply a new perspective on life?
Are there people in your life who have a healthy relationship with substances? Can you talk with them and learn more about how they got there?
Set clear goals and boundaries for yourself. Decide what changes you want to make and how you plan to achieve them. What do you want your life to look like in 6 months? In 1 year? In 10 years?
Experiment with alcohol-free activities and social situations. Try attending events where alcohol is not the focus or explore alternative beverages.
Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist who understands your goals and can offer encouragement along the way.
What are the rules for sober curiosity?
Unlike traditional sobriety, sober curiosity does not have strict rules or guidelines. Instead, it's about exploring your relationship with substances and making conscious choices that align with your values and goals. It’s a person-centered approach, meaning YOU are in charge of your sobriety. If you need additional support seeing what that looks like for you, we offer 1-1 counseling sessions for people to gain more support with their sobriety.
Here are some principles that can guide your journey:
Practice mindfulness and self-awareness.
Pay attention to how alcohol affects your body, mind, and emotions. Get curious and stay open. Track what you feel like after 1 drink, 2 drinks, 3 drinks, etc. It’s all information.
Embrace experimentation and curiosity.
Try new activities, hobbies, and social experiences without relying on alcohol. Fill up your schedule with things that don’t involve substances so the opportunity to consume is limited.
Prioritize self-care and holistic wellness.
Focus on nourishing your body, mind, and spirit through healthy habits and practices.
Be compassionate with yourself.
Remember that sobriety is a journey, and it's okay to have setbacks along the way. These are helpful moments to learn more about your triggers and gain additional coping skills.
Sober Curious Resources
When starting out with a sober curious lifestyle, it can feel isolating and overwhelming to gain access to the right support. Oftentimes, the go-to recommendation is Alcoholics Anonymous or other recovery support groups, but for people wanting to build a more intentional, conscious relationship with alcohol, these are often not the right referrals.
Below, you will find a comprehensive resource list of sobriety support pages, tools, and communities developed by our licensed therapist, Eliot Hagerty. Part of building a sober-curious lifestyle is that curiosity. This is not a one-size-fits-all model, and part of building a better relationship with substances is discovering what works best for you.
Test out the resources and approach them all with the spirit of curiosity.
Sober Curious Instagram Pages:
Social media platforms like Instagram can be a powerful source of inspiration and support on your sobriety journey.
Here are some accounts that offer encouragement, community, and helpful insights:
@noboozebabes - This account focuses on celebrating sobriety and living a vibrant, alcohol-free lifestyle.
@holly - This account may showcase Holly’s (author of Quit Like A Woman) journey of sobriety, offering glimpses into the ups and downs of living alcohol-free. She provides candid reflections, raw emotions, and moments of triumph. It’s real, authentic, relatable, and deeply personal.
@sober_otter - A fun, quirky, and refreshing account that incorporates humor, whimsical illustrations, and witty captions to tackle serious topics with a touch of levity.
@amandakuda - Focuses on Amanda’s individual journey to sobriety, sharing personal experiences, insights, and lessons learned along the way.
@wearesober - This page creates a sense of community and solidarity among individuals embracing sobriety. Features diverse voices, stories of recovery, and resources for living alcohol-free.
@tawnymlara - A blend of personal storytelling, wellness tips, and advocacy for sobriety.
Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Options:
Exploring non-alcoholic beverages can be a refreshing and enjoyable way to maintain sobriety while still participating in social activities. Websites like Better Rhodes and Boisson offer a variety of non-alcoholic drink options to suit every taste and occasion.
Sober Curious Books:
Reading books about sobriety can provide valuable insights, motivation, and strategies for maintaining a sober lifestyle. Some recommended titles include:
Not Drinking Tonight
Quit Like a Woman
Dry Humping: A Guide to Dating, Relating, and Hooking Up Without the Booze.
Sober Curious Podcasts:
Podcasts offer a convenient way to access valuable information and personal stories related to sobriety. Here are a few podcasts worth checking out:
Treatment/Support Options:
For those seeking more structured support or treatment options but don’t feel like AA or a treatment facility is the right choice for them, there are various programs available:
Sober Curious Apps:
Mobile apps can be a convenient tool for tracking progress, accessing resources, and connecting with others on a similar journey. Consider trying out the following apps:
Reframe
Loosid
Next Steps In Your Sober Curious Journey
Embarking on a journey to sobriety requires courage, determination, and support. By utilizing the resources mentioned above, you can equip yourself with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the challenges and embrace the rewards of a sober lifestyle. Remember, you are not alone, and there is a community of individuals ready to support you every step of the way.
If you’d like additional support in building a better relationship with drugs or alcohol, Eliot Hagerty, a therapist at Third Nature Therapy, offers individual therapy sessions that take a harm-reduction approach to treatment. Don’t hesitate to reach out today to set up a free consult call. You can learn more about our approach and services here.
Eliot Hagerty is a licensed therapist at Third Nature Therapy. She specializes is supporting women in any stage of recovery who are interested in a perspective outside of the traditional, abstinence only, AA model.