More young adults becoming ‘sober curious’
“It didn’t serve my mental health. It didn’t serve my physical health.”
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - There’s a growing lifestyle change that for some, started as a New Year’s resolution, often dubbed ‘Dry January.’
The habit is extending past the first month of the year and for some young adults they said it’s improving their lives.
Danielle Dyer is a personal trainer and spends her days helping others focus on their health goals. It’s why she said she stopped drinking two years ago.
“It didn’t serve my mental health. It didn’t serve my physical health.”
She is just one of many young people becoming ‘sober curious.’
The idea is to drink less or stop drinking alcohol.
A recent Gallup poll shows 62% of adults under the age of 35 said they drink. The number is down from 72% two decades ago.
The trend brings a smile to Dr. Mariann Piano’s face. Piano is the senior associate dean for research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
She’s studied the adverse effects of unhealthy alcohol drinking consumption.
“Based on some very recent data, pretty much any level of alcohol drinking is associated with increases in blood pressure. Increases in blood pressure and hypertension are leading causes of stroke,” said Dr. Piano.
The movement is popping up on social media with thousands of videos on platforms like TikTok.
You may notice more Nashville bars and restaurants offering mocktail menus. Dyer said she is feeling the best she ever has.
“Life just started getting clearer and I just started having more energy.”
Dr. Piano recommends to anyone who is ‘sober curious’ to monitor how they feel after four weeks of not drinking.
She said there have been studies that show there are decreases in blood pressure, better sleep, and better mood.
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