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Key Takeaways

Alcohol is commonly used as a remedy for social anxiety.

And after the holidayspossibly the busiest social seasonmany people begin the new year by reevaluating their relationship with it.

Everyone has their own reasons for cutting down on alcohol consumption.

two older people drinking water in a restaurant

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He argues that sobriety is a continuum.

If you learn to manage your anxiety, you no longer need to lubricate.

We can clink our glasses and toast with whatever it is were holding.

She’s found that more and more people are questioning whether alcohol really adds to their happiness.

So many other healthier alternatives can meet those needs though, without any negative side effects."

As humans, we need opportunities to connect, unwind and have funthese are crucial to our mental health.

But what happens if we eliminate alcohol as the social lubrication in these scenarios?

“If you need social lubrication, its likely because there is someuncomfortable anxiety.

If you learn to manage your anxiety, you no longer need to lubricate.

We can clink our glasses and toast with whatever it is were holding.

It can be just as fun and fulfilling.”

The sadder part of the equation, he says, could be that we’re glued to our screens.

In the digital age, we’re less dependent on party socialization.

Whatever the reason, more and more people areembracing sober curiosityfor its mental and physical health benefits.

And brands are taking note.

What This Means For You

Having a drink in hand can make socializing feel less intimidating.

But opting for an alcohol alternative allows you to unwind without the negative physical and mental after-effects.

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