From Abstinence to Empowerment: The Evolution of Sobriety and Its Impact on Society
The history of drinking culture is a long and complex one, but the rise of sobriety represents a significant shift in the way we think about alcohol.
Drinking has been a part of human culture for centuries, but in recent years, sobriety has become more acceptable and even considered trendy.
The history of drinking culture is a long and complex one, but the rise of sobriety represents a significant shift in the way we think about alcohol.
Here’s the timeline of what role alcohol played in society:
ANCIENT TIMES
ANCIENT TIMES
In ancient times, drinking alcohol was often seen as a way to connect with the gods. The ancient Egyptians believed that beer was a gift from the gods, while the Greeks and Romans saw wine as a symbol of wealth and status. During the Middle Ages, alcohol was often used to celebrate important events, and alehouses and taverns provided a place for people to gather and socialize while enjoying a drink.
18TH CENTURY
18TH CENTURY
The 18th century saw the rise of the Industrial Revolution, which brought about significant changes in drinking culture. With the rise of factories and urbanization, alcohol became more widely available and affordable. Gin became popular among the working classes in England, leading to a rise in alcohol-related problems such as crime and poverty.
1920’s
Make it stand out
1920’s
The 19th century saw the rise of the temperance movement, which sought to curb excessive drinking and promote sobriety. The movement culminated in the passage of the Prohibition Act in the United States in 1920, which banned the production and sale of alcoholic beverages. Once prohibition was repealed in 1933, society started to implement drinking into an art form of sorts. Cocktails became popular, as did wine and beer from different regions of the world. Drinking was seen as a way to relax and socialize with friends, rather than a symbol of religious or social status.
2020’s
2020s
In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the way we think about alcohol. Sobriety has become more acceptable, even seen as trendy. People seek to live healthier and more balanced lifestyles and have made the pivot away from making unhealthy, chic.
THE SHIFTS THAT GOT US HERE
So many factors and hurdles have been overcome in order to get sobriety and an alcohol-free lifestyle to be more normalized . One examples is the rise of the "sober curious" movement, which encourages people to rethink their relationship with alcohol. It began in the 2010s and has gained traction in recent years, with more and more people choosing to abstain from alcohol altogether or to drink less frequently.
Another example is the increasing popularity of non-alcoholic beverages. In the past, non-alcoholic options were often limited to soda or water, but now there are a wide variety of options available, from pre mixed alcohol cocktails to zero-proof spirit replacements. Along with the incredible options (our current favorites are Hiyo & Aplòs) the rise in alcohol - free bottle shops has been foundational in the rise of sober - curiosity. Gone are the days of sticking to one section in Bevmo. Places like Boisson (started in NYC) and The New Bar
(started in Venice, CA) have championed the way alcohol-free options are presented to us.
We couldn’t forget social media. Online platforms have made it easier for people to connect with others who are also choosing sobriety. There are tons of online communities (A Sober Girls Guide) sober coaches (Beth Bowen, HOL + WELL) as well as sober events and gatherings(Absence of Proof, Zero-Proofed ).
Overall, the rise of sobriety represents a significant shift in the way we think about alcohol and its place in society. While drinking will always be a part of human culture, it is becoming increasingly acceptable to choose sobriety and to seek out non-alcoholic options. As we continue to evolve and adapt to new cultural and social norms, it will be interesting to see how the balance between drinking culture and sobriety continues to shift in the years to come.