In recent years, a new trend has been gaining momentum: the sober curious movement. This growing trend has seen individuals taking breaks from drinking, reevaluating their relationship with alcohol, and embracing a more mindful approach to their consumption. The sober curious movement is all about questioning the role alcohol plays in our lives. Americans drink to relax, have fun, enhance intimacy, celebrate, as a social lubricant… and for countless other reasons. But with any crutch, there is a hidden cost. Relying on a crutch inherently prevents you from leveling up and building the skills to thrive without it.

Curious about where to begin?  I often recommend my clients try to take a solid break from drinking – at least 30 days – to help them fully experience what life can be like without drinking. Learning to experience celebrations, holidays, date nights, or how to manage your work stress naturally can help change your relationship with alcohol for the better.

Taking a month off from drinking can have countless benefits – but here are ten that I think are some of the best:

1. Improved physical health: Giving up alcohol for a month can have positive effects on various aspects of physical health. It may help lower blood pressure, improve liver function, and enhance hydration levels by preventing dehydration. Additionally, abstaining from alcohol can contribute to better sleep quality and increased energy levels. Moreover, being hungover is a common reason people skip workouts (and their therapy appointments.)
2. Reduced alcohol consumption in the long term: Research suggests that taking a month off alcohol can lead to a decrease in overall alcohol consumption even after the month is over. After learning how to cope effectively without it for a month, one study found people reported drinking less and having an extra dry day per week.
3. Enhanced mental well-being: Alcohol can significantly impact mood and emotions well beyond the time you’ve been drinking. Hangover symptoms are more than nausea and headaches. They include cloudy thinking, increased anxiety, as well as feeling depressed or irritable. Taking a break from drinking can lead to a more level mood, reduced anxiety, and improved emotional stability. This can create a positive impact not only on an individual’s mental health but also on the people around them.
4. Weight management: Alcohol is calorie-dense and can contribute to weight gain. By abstaining from alcohol for a month, individuals may experience weight loss or better weight management as they reduce their calorie intake. They are also less likely to make impulsive dining decisions (think no more late-night NYC hot dogs or insomnia cookies.)
5. Clarity and productivity: Alcohol can impair cognitive function and affect productivity. When recovering from a hangover, you’re less likely to engage in productive activities like listening to audiobooks, working out, or working on that side hustle. Going alcohol-free for a month can improve mental clarity, focus, and productivity levels across the board. These benefits are incremental and create a snowball of benefits over weeks, months, and years.
6. Financial savings: Drinking can be an expensive habit that also leads to impulsive spending. Several clients have told me they saved upwards of $1000 a month on bar tabs alone. Instead of spending money on alcohol, individuals can use that money towards more purposeful goals or objectives (like investing or saving for a home.)
7. Improved skin: Alcohol can dehydrate the body, leading to dull and tired-looking skin. Abstaining from alcohol for a month can lead to improved skin texture and appearance, including a reduction in puffiness and skin inflammation – necessitating fewer pricey spa visits.
8. Improved sleep quality: Alcohol disrupts the quality of sleep, leading to poor sleep patterns and feeling less rested in the morning. Taking a break from drinking can help improve the quality of sleep, leading to more restful nights and increased energy levels during the day.
9. Benefits to personal relationships: We all know alcohol is often a common factor in strained personal relationships. Saying something you didn’t mean, cheating, and acting like an ass – are all more likely to happen after one too many drinks. Taking a break from alcohol can give an individual more opportunities to engage in healthier, more productive communication with friends and family,
10. Greater self-awareness: Choosing to take a break from alcohol can help individuals gain a deeper understanding of their relationship with alcohol and themselves. It may lead to greater self-awareness around the triggers and motivations for drinking, enabling individuals to make more informed decisions in the future.

The Bottom Line

Taking a month off from alcohol can have numerous short-term and long-term benefits that can promote physical and emotional well-being as well as productivity gains. I have never had a single client or friend try a month off alcohol regret it. Although it can be challenging for most people, it is well worth the effort. Along with the numerous benefits, taking a break cultivates discipline and reduces dependency on alcohol. If you’re sober curious or simply interested in improving your relationship with alcohol, a 30-day break is worth a try. There’s no need to wait for sober October or dry January – any day is a good day to start. Start by coming up with your own reasons – and write them down. Develop a game plan: what will you drink or do instead? Share your goal with friends and family proactively so they know not to offer – or pressure you – to drink.

Whether one chooses to abstain from alcohol entirely or adopt a more conscious drinking habit, it’s important to note that the benefits experienced may vary from person to person as each individual’s relationship with alcohol is unique. Some people might bounce back to heavy drinking, in which case, they may need professional support. Either way, Taking a month off is a personal decision that may provide an opportunity for self-reflection, improved well-being, and a healthier relationship with alcohol. Cheers to a new way of thinking about your next