A sober lifestyle is on the rise as more people are beginning to swap cocktails for mocktails, and a pint for a 0% beer.
A recent survey reveals a significant shift, with 18-24 year-olds being the most sober age group. According to a survey by trade body Portman Group and YouGov, 39% of the younger generation don’t drink at all.
The biggest consumers of low and no-alcohol alternatives is also the younger generation. In the survey, 44% of 18-24 year-olds considered themselves either an occasional or regular drinker of an alcohol alternative. This figure has risen by 13% since 2022 (31%).
Matt Lambert, CEO of the Portman Group, said: “It is welcome to see a further rise in the popularity of low and no alcohol alternatives as well as further evidence of how they are an important tool to help UK drinkers, particularly younger adults, to drink responsibly.”
Experts have said that the trend reflects a broader movement towards health awareness, as people are choosing to cut alcohol for the physical and mental benefits, such as improved sleep, better mental clarity, and stronger relationships. Campaigns like Dry January, Sober October and Alcohol Awareness Week have further normalised periods of abstinence, encouraging people to rethink their drinking habits.
Workshops and theatrical plays have also led to people to consider their relationship with alcohol.
Sober Scribbles is a writing workshop aimed at those who are sober, sober-curious, or want to reframe their mindset with drinking. The program was founded by Helen Jeffery, a poet, writer and performer from the Wirral.
The 50-year-old began the workshop after conversations arose from a play she had written on alcohol addiction. Helen discovered that many people were questioning what sobriety life is all about, so she started Sober Scribbles for people to put pen to paper and explore whatever’s in their mind.
Helen said: “We have perceptions about what alcohol dependency looks like in society and it’s very negative. You know, when we think of the word alcoholic, we think of somebody drinking all day or sat on a park bench with a brown paper bag and it’s so far from the truth.”
“It’s very stigmatising to call somebody an alcoholic. It’s demonising them.”
You can listen to Helen Jeffery talk about her own experience with alcohol here:
The next Sober Scribbles event takes place on the Wednesday 4th December at Liverpool Central Library. You can buy tickets here.
Their message is that sobriety is no longer viewed as a sacrifice, but as an empowering lifestyle choice – the growing trend in cutting alcohol slightly or entirely is paving the way for a healthier society.
@merseynewslive Gen-Z are turning sober! This comes after research revealed one in four, 18-24 year-olds, are choosing sobriety. Instead of a night on the town, young people are deciding to focus on their “sober hobbies” such as fitness, music, the arts, and their careers. Experts say increase of concern for wellbeing, social media trends and the desire for mental clarity all have a part to play in this pivotal decision. @Kay | Music Journalist spoke to the founder of ‘Sober Scribbles’, a 2 hour writing workshop for those who are sober, sober-curious, or want a healthier relationship with alcohol. Helen Jeffery, 50, Wirral said: “When I started it, I think people were really questioning their own relationship with alcohol. We don’t write about alcohol. People are invited to share their experiences, but there’s no obligation. It’s just a nice, open, warm and welcoming space to put pen to paper and explore whatever’s going on inside us.” The poet & writer turned to sobriety in January 2021, when she found Dry January a challenge. “I found (Dry January) much harder than I thought I would and I thought, the fact that I’ve found it this difficult tells me there’s a bigger issue,” she said. However, with less people drink and the hospitality already taking an economical hit, will pubs & bars struggle this festive season? You can read the article on Mersey News Live. #liverpool #jmunewsday #merseynewslive #sober #sobriety #healthawareness #medical #health #alcohol
POLL: Will UK pubs & bars suffer this festive season as more people turn sober?
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Featured Image (C) Kayleigh Cantrell
