Dry January: five women on why they gave up booze —and the surprising benefits
There are, of course, many reasons to take a break or cut down on booze. Alcohol abuse is linked to a range of diseases and mental health issues — and some 20 people in the UK die every day as a result of it. Aside from the obvious health benefits from cutting down, many say they notice sharper focus, better sleep and greater energy levels.
The “sober curious” movement is gaining traction among celebs, too. Reformed party animals Kate Moss and Lily Allen are now famously teetotal, and model Bella Hadid has spoken of how not drinking helps her to combat anxiety, brain fog and burnout.
Another clear benefit is that the low and no-alcohol drinks offering is ever growing, so sacrificing that post-work G&T has got that bit easier (and tastier).
Below, we spoke to five women choosing to have a sober curious relationship with alcohol — having either cut down their drinking significantly or quit completely — and they share how they did it and why.
‘Despite everything that’s happened, I’ve been able to remain steady and optimistic’
New-York-based British writer Ruby Warrington, 44, is credited with coining the term "sober curious" and her 2018 of the same name has inspired many around the world (including a number featured in this article) to, Warrington shares a 100-day process of radically rethinking your drinking.
