The Alcohol-Free Movement

Many people have had one glass of champagne too many on New Year's Eve, dreaded going to a party the night before work, or even regretted how much their alcohol habits have changed since the onset of the pandemic.

If your drinking habits changed over the last two to three years, you're not alone. Between 2000 and 2016, the Journal of the American Medical Association reported a rise in alcohol-related deaths among middle-aged, white Americans. And during the onset of the pandemic, alcohol sales spiked even higher (one study found online sales were up 262% compared to 2019).

However, the tide may be turning as more people seem to be returning to their pre-pandemic habits.

Part of this can be attributed to a new "sober curious" trend.

The movement stemmed from a desire to keep the party going and drink less without people assuming that you're pregnant, have religious objections or have an addiction to alcohol should you choose to abstain. Another aspect of the movement is the pursuit of better health.

Long-term overuse of alcohol can damage brain function and mood response as well as lead to liver disease, heart disease, depression, stroke and several types of cancer. Overindulging also can pose a greater risk of injuries, anxiety, memory problems and behaviors you might regret.

According to the BMJ journal, cirrhosis-related deaths were up 65% in 2016 compared to 1999. Increases were exceptionally high among 25 to 34-year-olds. However, abstinence improves insulin resistance, weight, blood pressure and cognitive function.

You might have heard about this movement in the form of "Dry January" or "Sober October," which means that you don't necessarily have to quit cold turkey—you just have to make better choices where you can. The CDC advises that alcohol limits be two drinks or less for men and one drink or less for women per day.

If you have an occasion that requires you to be social, but you want to abstain, try having a mocktail. These concoctions still have some of cocktail lovers' favorite ingredients, such as fresh fruit juice, herbs, sparkling water, orange peel and simple syrup. There are also alcohol-free beers, wines, champagnes and distilled spirits.

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