With more people than ever opting for a low or alcohol-free lifestyle, we explore how ditching the drink could work for you
WORDS: ANNA BAILEY PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES
Thanks to social media, the “sober curious” movement has gained momentum in recent years. In contrast to the binge-drinking culture of old, Gen Z and Millennials are increasingly rejecting alcohol. According to research by consumer insights agency Canvas8, just 27% of UK Gen-Zers say they drink alcohol, compared to 47% of Boomers.
But that’s not the whole story. Social media is awash with newly sober women in their forties and fifties, too. So what’s driving them to banish the wine o’clock lifestyle?
This midlife stage comes with countless challenges, such as perimenopause, empty nest syndrome, career pressure, caring for elderly parents – none of which are helped by a wine-induced bout of hangxiety.
For those who have entered perimenopause, common symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats are known to be worsened by alcohol. There’s also the impact on mental health to consider. Many women will experience anxiety and insomnia, which alcohol can exacerbate.
Paula Briggs, a consultant at Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust, points out there could be other health implications during perimenopause. “If your liver function is affected, that could affect how you metabolise everything [including alcohol]. It might affect cholesterol levels as well. And alcohol can affect these levels,” she says.
More generally, women are more likely than men to be adversely affected by alcohol. Drink for drink, women absorb more alcohol than men – even more so as we age – and we’re more likely to develop conditions such as liver disease as well as suffer from cognitive decline.
In the immediate term, there’s the hangover – and for most, they’re far harder to deal with in your latter years.
For those who want to go teetotal, it’s never been easier to try. With more and more alcohol-free bars emerging and 0% beers in every supermarket, there’s a cultural shift away from the stigma once associated with sobriety.
Thinking about cutting back? Read our expert tips…
1 HAVE A CONVERSATION
“An important part of understanding your own relationship with alcohol is being able to talk about it,” says Annabelle Bonus, Drinkaware’s director of research, policy and strategy.
Annabelle suggests confiding in loved ones if you think your drinking has changed.
