With millennials leading the way, recent years have shown an increase in the “sober curious”—people who are interested in finding out what life is like without alcohol. Wise investors have begun to fund companies that are supporting this lifestyle, such as the creators of sober bars and non-alcoholic beverage companies. This financial momentum suggests that the current sobriety wave may have a long-term impact on our culture, and as increasingly more people focus on their physical and mental health, it seems likely that sobriety will eventually become the norm. Startups and tech companies are on the front line of the evolution towards sobriety. Tech companies have a history of creating boozy workplace environments to attract young and social people. Unfortunately, this “perk” has proven to come with a lot of risks, adding to sexual harassment and injuries in the workplace. These businesses have recently begun to pull back on the availability of alcohol to create a safer work environment and to accommodate their workers that may not be interested in drinking every day. While regular alcohol was previous considered trendy and often encouraged in professional circles, it seems companies are beginning to catch on to their worker’s shift towards sobriety. New companies that make alcohol-free beverages, along with existing companies that previously only made alcoholic drinks, have started offering a wide range of options and exploring new ways for people to sip and socialize, without the alcohol. Some of these new beverages claim to offer health benefits and improve focus and are being marketed as a drink that can be mixed with juice, soda, and fruit to create fun and delicious mocktails. In an age of easily accessible information regarding the risks of alcohol use, it seems natural that we would begin to lean away from alcohol use as a culture. Investors are banking on this change having a permanent effect on how we think about drinking, and what we choose to pour into our glasses to unwind at the end of the day.
Alcohol is a highly addictive substance, and many people have developed addictions by participating in the normalized drinking culture. If you or someone you love are struggling with addiction, now is the time to reach out for help. At Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms. The Arbor uses an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, and at The Arbor, you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan. We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 844-413-2690.