THE CLIMB

Sarah* was a picture of success. She had a thriving career, a loving relationship with her spouse, and two kids who adored her. By all outward appearances, Sarah had it all together. But when she sat down with her therapist, she admitted she felt “off.” She couldn’t quite put her finger on it—she wasn’t unhappy, but something wasn’t right. After some gentle probing, Sarah began to notice a common thread: alcohol. Today we are going to explore the topic of “Sober Curious”.

In her Sober Curious sessions, Sarah shared that alcohol seemed to be woven into the fabric of her life. It was at every baseball game she attended, every restaurant she dined at, and every time she cooked dinner. She couldn’t recall the last time she prepared a meal without a glass of wine on the counter. Even at work lunches and dinners, ordering a drink felt second nature. Though she didn’t consider herself a heavy drinker, Sarah began to wonder: How much was alcohol influencing her life, her mood, and her health?

This question sparked Sarah’s exploration of the “Sober Curious” movement, an increasingly popular approach to rethinking one’s relationship with alcohol. The term doesn’t necessarily imply committing to lifelong sobriety. Instead, it’s about cultivating curiosity and awareness around why and how alcohol fits into your life—and whether it’s serving you.

The Subtle Effects of Alcohol

Sarah’s Sober Curious journey led her to uncover some surprising insights about how alcohol was impacting her body and mind. While she wasn’t drinking in excess, even moderate alcohol use can subtly affect well-being. Here are a few key areas she explored:

1. Anxiety: Alcohol is often seen as a way to relax, but it’s a double-edged sword. While it may initially lower inhibitions, it can lead to heightened anxiety later as the body processes it. This phenomenon, sometimes called “alcohol-induced anxiety,” can contribute to feeling on edge or unsettled.
2. Sleep: Although a nightcap might help you fall asleep faster, alcohol disrupts the quality of your sleep. It interferes with REM cycles, leaving you feeling groggy and unrefreshed.
3. Mood and Frustration: Alcohol can lower your threshold for frustration. Sarah noticed she had a shorter fuse with her kids after nights when she drank, which contributed to feelings of guilt and unease.
4. Physical Health: Over time, even small amounts of alcohol can take a toll on your liver, digestive system, and cardiovascular health. Sarah didn’t have any obvious physical symptoms yet, but she realized that her habits weren’t setting her up for long-term well-being.

10 Questions to Understand Your Relationship with Alcohol

If Sarah’s story resonates with you, it might be time to get curious about your own relationship with alcohol and the Sober Curious movement. Here are 10 questions to consider:

1. How often do I include alcohol in my daily or weekly routine?
2. Do I feel like I need a drink to relax or enjoy certain activities?
3. Am I using alcohol as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or difficult emotions?
4. How do I feel physically and emotionally the morning after drinking?
5. Have I ever felt uneasy about how much or how often I drink?
6. Do I associate certain social activities or environments with a need to drink?
7. Have I noticed any changes in my sleep, energy, or mood that could be linked to alcohol?
8. Do I find it hard to imagine certain activities—like cooking, dining out, or socializing—without alcohol?
9. How does alcohol impact my relationships, including with my family, friends, or colleagues?
10. If I took a break from drinking, what do I think I might gain or lose?

A Journey of Sober Curious and Change

Sarah didn’t stop drinking entirely, but she decided to take a break to see how she felt. Over time, she noticed remarkable changes: her sleep improved, her mood stabilized, and she felt more present with her family. Without the haze of alcohol, she became more attuned to what she truly enjoyed and needed to feel fulfilled.

For many, being Sober Curious isn’t about labeling yourself or adhering to rigid rules. It’s about exploring, experimenting, and finding out what works best for you. Whether that means cutting back, taking a temporary break, or embracing complete sobriety, the journey is deeply personal.

Ready to Explore? We’re Here to Help

If you’ve ever wondered about your relationship with alcohol, you’re not alone. At The Pursuit Counseling, we provide a supportive space to explore being Sober Curious and we ask these questions without judgment. Whether you’re ready to take a break, cut back, or simply get curious, our therapists can help you navigate this journey with insight and compassion.

Schedule an appointment with us today to take the first step in understanding how alcohol fits into your life—and how you can create a healthier, more fulfilling relationship with it. Together, we’ll help you pursue a life that feels balanced and aligned with your goals. Let’s embrace the Sober Curious movement.

*Name and details have been changed to protect client confidentiality.