Why Gen Z Is Embracing the Sober Curious Movement
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Think back to your college days. If you’re a millennial or Gen Xer, you likely remember tailgate parties, overcrowded bars, sweaty frat parties with people doing keg stands and playing beer pong using red plastic cups, and late-night beer at a local pizza joint. Walk onto a college campus today, and things are a bit different. Sure, groups of students still roam the streets for Friday-night fun, and there’s still dancing and pizza. But there’s also a lot less booze.
What’s changed? Why is Gen Z drinking less? As it turns out, many Gen Zers — people born between 1997 and 2012 — are increasingly leaning towards the sober curious movement. Why is this shift happening, and what factors are contributing to it? Let’s dive into Gen Z alcohol trends, explore Gen Z drinking habits, and answer the question: “Is sobriety trending?”
Now, why are our Gen Z friends increasingly hopping onto the sober curious bandwagon? Before we dive deep into the reasons, let's take a quick detour to understand what the movement is based on.
In short, the sober curious movement is all about exploring a lifestyle with less alcohol or none at all. However, the emphasis is on curiosity about going booze-free — not a promotion of abstinence. It’s about making a choice to not drink alcohol out of habit or social pressure, but instead intentionally deciding when and how much to consume, if at all.
Why is Gen Z not drinking as much as their predecessors? Gen Z is not just hopping on this sober trend for trendiness’ sake. If simply following the crowd is not the reason, what are the deeper reasons behind the Gen Z alcohol trends? There are significant sociological reasons behind their drive towards the sober curious lifestyle.
So, does Gen Z drink less? It certainly looks like it! Let’s take a closer look at the sober trend’s deeper benefits.
Why is Gen Z drinking less? It's not just about following trends or saving money. The sober curious movement can have tangible, science-backed benefits for your brain and body.
Alcohol inhibits the brain's communication pathways, affecting the way the brain works, which can lead to mood changes, difficulty thinking, and coordination issues. By reducing or eliminating alcohol, individuals can avoid these potential pitfalls.
For anyone interested in joining Gen Z in the sober curious movement, here are some specific steps you can take:
Like a new fitness regimen or a shift to healthier eating, the sober curious movement is another step towards wellness. Gen Z seems to have caught on to this trend, and it's never too late for others to join in! So why not explore this lifestyle? You might find that a life with less alcohol is just as bubbly and bright, if not more so.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Reframe supports you in reducing alcohol consumption and enhancing your well-being.