Why the Trend Against Alcohol is Catching On—and What Real Sobriety Looks Like

Lately, it feels like everyone is jumping on an alcohol cleanse—what’s going on? AP News reports that only about 54% of adults in the U.S. now drink alcohol, the lowest number in decades. (AP News) Health concerns, wellness trends, and movements like sober curious or Dry January are all over social media, encouraging people to ask themselves: do I really need this drink? The younger generation is leading the charge—about two-thirds of 18–34-year-olds believe even moderate drinking is unhealthy.

And the alcohol-free world just keeps getting tastier. Non-alcoholic cocktails now look and taste just as fancy as their boozy counterparts, and there’s no shortage of recipes, articles, and products to explore. Many of these drinks even promise that relaxed, cozy feeling you’re used to—without the alcohol. Sarah Kate of Some Good Clean Fun Some Good Clean Fun shares some of her favorites, proving that skipping the booze doesn’t mean skipping the fun.

This trend is a really good thing. More people exploring alcohol-free options means less stigma, more awareness, and more choices for anyone who wants to step back or step away from drinking. But let’s be real: there’s a difference between skipping a cocktail for fun and committing to full-on sobriety. True recovery, especially when alcohol has been a problem, takes courage, persistence, and a willingness to face past trauma. It’s about reclaiming your health, your relationships, and sometimes even your identity.

That’s why stories like Emily Redondo’s are so inspiring. In her memoir Wife Mother Drunk, Emily shares her decades-long journey through alcoholism, parenting, and breaking cycles of generational trauma. She shows what it really takes to choose sobriety—not just for herself, but for the well-being of her kids and her future. Her story is raw, honest, and a powerful reminder that while society may be moving toward mindful drinking and zero-proof trends, real recovery is about courage, presence, and showing up every single day. For anyone curious about what sobriety truly looks like, Emily’s story is a must-hear.