The sober curious movement aims to help validate these questions and create a community for those curious about mindful drinking. “If [sobriety] turns into a trend where people are more sober than not, our health costs in this country will also go down dramatically, so that will be a good thing,” she adds. For many people who don’t have healthy relationships with themselves, substance misuse can be a way to mask that discomfort.

It is estimated that up to 80% of those who find long-term sobriety had at least one relapse along the way. Some people experience many setbacks before they find lasting recovery. Your intentions may be good, but it takes more than willpower to avoid having a relapse.

The 100 Best U.S. Cities for Living Sober

Sober Living Homes are often located in single-family residences and are a cooperative living arrangement for people recovering from alcohol and/or drug addiction supporting one another in their sobriety. The City is limited in its ability to regulate or restrict this type of use due to a complex set of State and Federal laws. The City is committed to maintaining the high quality of life our residents enjoy and have come to expect. Below you will find more information about group homes and meeting updates..

Because of the dangerous side effects of kicking the habit, it is recommended that you do this in a hospital or professional facility where you can be medicated or otherwise treated if necessary. It was a seltzer with lime instead of Bordeaux with a Michelin-starred meal; a trip to the gym on Friday evenings sober house while everyone else hit happy hour. For those with a serious alcohol problem, it was a worthy decision, maybe even a lifesaving one. It could even be fun, when it wasn’t all amends and affirmations. You will truly start to live your life to its fullest, and remember the precious moments along the way.

Staying Sober

Living a sober lifestyle can open the door to many things, including improved relationships, better memory and health; more time, money, and energy; and a longer, meaningful life. It’s been over six years since I first started seriously questioning my relationship with alcohol and considered a life without it. That’s six hard, beautiful, glorious years during which I not only stopped drinking, but also finally moved on from all recreational drugs as well as a history of bulimia. Though she single-handedly spearheaded the vibrant, layered smoothie trend, Alison Wu has shifted her focus to include design, mindfulness, and sober curious content. She’s an inspiring example of what it looks like to embrace life’s ups and downs without seeking something outside of yourself to make the journey easier. Watch her reflect on her experience of living four months alcohol-free above.

• If you’re worried about detoxing on your own, there are many resources available to help you through the process.
• To ensure that your second chance at life doesn’t go to waste, focus on self-improvement.

I recharge when I’m by myself, and I deplete when I’m with others—especially big groups. It’s seen as normal to drink, and quitting that drug can feel like breaking a social pact. So your bold, life-improving decision to not drink will mean changes almost everywhere you look. Here are some surprising (and not-so-surprising) occurrences that will inevitably happen to your relationships, your identity, even your free time, and how I’ve learned to deal with each one.