SOBER POP CULTURE

The Sober Revolution: How DNA, Pop Culture and a New Generation Are Rewriting America’s Relationship With Alcohol 

The numbers tell a story that Hollywood couldn’t script better: Only 54% of Americans now drink alcohol — the lowest figure since Gallup began tracking in 1939 [1]. For the first time in history, a majority of Americans (53%) believe that even moderate drinking is bad for your health [1]. This isn’t just a statistical blip; it’s a cultural earthquake that’s reshaping everything from TikTok feeds to boardroom conversations, from celebrity Instagram stories to the very DNA tests sitting in our medicine cabinets.

Welcome to the sober revolution, where Spider-Man’s Tom Holland (Founder of Bero) announces his sobriety journey to millions of followers, where #sobertok garners 46.8 million posts [2], and where the mocktail industry is projected to explode to $30 billion [3]. But here’s what makes this moment different from every other wellness trend: We’re not just changing what we drink. We’re discovering why our bodies respond the way they do, written in the very code of our existence.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Dementia, Death and Sobriety — Reflections on Grief, Gratitude and Love 

On the Morning of July 14, 2025, my father called to tell me that my mother had died. My mother died the day after her 85th birthday. In reality, she went to sleep the night of her 85th birthday and went wherever you go when you die. It was also one day shy of a year since she moved into a memory care facility, as her needs had become more than my dad was able to safely manage. 

CLASSY PROBLEMS

Classy Problems: What We Learned in the Last Year 

I used to think learning was measured in breakthroughs. It’s measured in discipline. This last year, we committed to creating one artifact every day. Nothing epic. Nothing perfect. Just one thing.  

SOBER POP CULTURE

Sober Celebrities Who Opened Up on The Drew Barrymore Show

Drew Barrymore isn’t just Hollywood royalty — she’s also one of the most relatable sober voices in the spotlight. She’s been open about her recovery for years, and on her daytime talk show, she’s made it her mission to create conversations that are equal parts candid, heartfelt and sometimes laugh-out-loud awkward (in the best way).

SOBER TRAVEL

Sober Travel to Sydney, Australia: A Riveting Experience

You know how sobriety doesn’t come with fireworks or a killer ’80s soundtrack like in “Ferris Bueller’s” Day Off? It starts with one small decision. One. And then, like an old-school LEGO set, it keeps building — piece by piece — until you’ve got this badass structure that’s strong enough to carry your life through places you never imagined. 

SPIRITUAL GANGSTER

Three Timeless Roadmaps for Recovery: How the 12 Steps, 10 Commandments and the Beatitudes Lead Us Toward Being Happy, Joyous and Free 

When I got sober, I wasn’t looking for religion — I was looking for relief.

You see, I grew up in a religious home. Both of my grandfathers were Nazarene pastors. I spent my elementary and junior high years in private Christian school. I had a belief system deep in my DNA, but once I started drinking alcoholically and introduced drugs into my system, I could no longer access the spiritual connections that I had with my higher power, whom I choose to call God, the big Guy or the Boss. The strong connections I experienced as a child and young adult simply evaporated.

#WEDORECOVER

Sober Celeb of the Week: Gary Oldman

Gary Oldman has been sober since 1997, celebrating 28 years of sobriety as of August 2025. Once a self-described “functioning alcoholic,” he admitted he couldn’t imagine going “28 seconds without a drink.” Sobriety, he says, saved his life: “Going at the rate I was going, I wouldn't be sitting here now. I'd either be dead or institutionalized.” Rehab and Alcoholics Anonymous gave him clarity, and today he credits recovery with improving his personal life and sharpening his craft, enabling him to keep delivering powerful performances.

For anyone struggling, know that help is available: 📞 1-800-662-HELP (SAMHSA Helpline).

THE MINDFUL BINGE

“We Were Liars” — A Sober Lens on Family Secrets, Dysfunction and Recovery

In this episode, host Alysse Bryson and co-host Tamar Routly join Sober Curator contributors Amy Liz Harrison and Dr. Sarah Michaud for a thoughtful, spoiler-free review of the Amazon Prime adaptation of the young adult novel “We Were Liars.”

But this conversation is more than a show breakdown. It’s an insightful discussion about addiction, family patterns, the illusions of wealth and the excitement and meaning behind living a sober lifestyle. Whether you’re considering recovery, searching for community or looking for perspectives on intergenerational healing, you’ll find valuable takeaways here.

SOBER POP CULTURE + DNA

Worklife After Sobriety: How to Find a Job and Keep It

Now that you’ve achieved sobriety, you might be looking for a new start in the workplace. Whether you’re easing yourself back into the workforce or seeking a change, the following tips can help you land the job you want.

After that, we’ll frankly discuss some lingering habits that might make your work life harder. But don’t worry — we’ve got tips on how to conquer them!