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
18TH CENTURY
1920’s
2020’s
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.