The Sober Curiosity movement and FASD prevention – How might they align?

The sober curiosity movement  encourages mindful consumption of alcohol and exploration of alternatives to alcohol use. It offers a fresh perspective on health promotion and drinking, that frames alcohol moderation or ‘semi-sober’ lifestyles as a choice, to promote one’s health and well-being. Sober curiosity can involve reflection on how societal expectations for drinking influence our alcohol use.

Sober Curiosity and Women’s Health

Sober curiosity  emphasises agency and choice, avoids stigmatizing one’s alcohol use, and promotes understanding of health concerns associated with the physical effects of alcohol. As such, it can be particularly relevant for women because it creates a safe context for learning about the greater physical health risks of drinking for females relative to males, as described in Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health. Sober curiosity has the potential to increase awareness of the risks of alcohol use when pregnant or planning a pregnancy, in a way that is inviting and respectful of self-determination.

Sober curiosity may be particularly helpful for women in the preconception period, when there is an increased focus on well-being. It can also prepare individuals and couples for what it may mean to not drink during pregnancy.

Sober Curiosity as a Social Movement

Sober curiosity, as a movement, is predominately online. This means there is opportunity for those working on FASD prevention to work with online influencers to bring attention to reducing/stopping alcohol use in pregnancy, within the context of this movement.

In many regions, the sober curiosity movement has prompted increased availability of low alcohol and/or alcohol-free beverages (also known as mocktails) in restaurants and bars. There are also an increasing number of ‘dry’ venues and clubs that offer ways for people to connect socially without alcohol. Promotion of such spaces is another opportunity for those working on FASD prevention to align with the movement, online and offline.

Future Directions

This emerging discourse about:

• becoming more aware (mindful) of drinking habits and patterns,

• recognizing the health benefits of reducing or abstaining from alcohol use, and

• exploring ways to develop a healthier relationship with alcohol

is indeed welcome as a society wide approach, that also has the potential to positively influence decisions about drinking in the preconception and perinatal periods.

Moving forward, research is needed on how sober curiosity approaches may appeal, and be helpful, to diverse women/gender diverse individuals in the perinatal period, and how this movement could influence overall cultures of consumption and drinking norms for women/gender diverse individuals who are planning a pregnancy. Further, connecting with those embedded in the sober curious movement can bring greater visibility to and discussions about its role in the preconception and perinatal periods.