Last Updated on May 20, 2025
If you’ve ever decided to skip alcohol during the week or join a dry challenge like “Sober October,” you’ve already practiced intermittent sobriety. Even if you didn’t call it that.
Intermittent sobriety is the mindful practice of choosing when, where, and how often you drink. Its focus is building a flexible, balanced relationship with alcohol that aligns with your goals. It’s a middle ground between “all” and “nothing,” but it’s also part of a bigger cultural shift around how we think about our relationships with alcohol.
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The Rise of Drinking with Intention
More people are reevaluating their relationship with drinking, but not necessarily because they hit rock bottom. They’re just looking to feel their best.
According to research from YouGov, over 30% of adults cut back on alcohol in 2024. Their reasons vary, but among them are mental health, clarity, and a general desire for balance in their lives. People are drinking less, not because they have to, but because they want to.
Culturally, this is a significant turning point. Alcohol has been seen as a social “necessity” for decades (ever heard the phrase “social lubricant”?), but many people are starting to see it as simply an option.
Intermittent Sobriety: Why Now?
There are a few key reasons why intermittent sobriety is moving from a quiet habit to a recognized lifestyle:
1. Wellness is Winning
The wellness movement has evolved beyond green smoothies and supplements. People are realizing that moderation is about gaining more of what matters: energy, focus, sleep, etc.
2. The Market is Booming
The non-alcoholic beverage industry is growing fast, with brands like Athletic Brewing Co. and Ritual Zero Proof leading the charge. These aren’t just drinks for abstainers; they’re designed for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious beverage without the hangover.
3. Social Norms are Evolving
From booze-free bars to alcohol-free events, the way we socialize is changing. Choosing a zero-proof cocktail is way more normalized now, as it should be, and folks who opt not to drink at social events face fewer social barriers. We have a long way to go yet, but the idea that moderation is cool is certainly in the air. And that’s right: Moderation is cool!
Why Intermittent Sobriety Matters
The beauty of intermittent sobriety is that it meets you where you are. It doesn’t demand perfection. Instead, it invites you to pause and ask: Is alcohol serving me today?
This approach helps you:
- Build self-trust by making conscious choices
- Strengthen social confidence without relying on a drink
- Improve mental and physical health without extreme rules
- Celebrate control, not deprivation
And you’re not alone. At Sunnyside, nearly 400,000 members are exploring mindful drinking, most of whom have never identified as having a “problem” with alcohol. They just wanted to feel more aligned with their values and more responsible for their choices.
Getting Started with Intermittent Sobriety
Curious to try it for yourself? Here are a few ways to dip your toes in:
- Schedule alcohol-free days during the week
- Track your drinks to raise awareness of your habits
- Try a 30-day challenge like Dry-ish January or a “Soberish” October
- Experiment with non-alcoholic alternatives
- Plan your drinks ahead of time so they align with your goals
- Lean on support from friends, online communities, or platforms like Sunnyside
Intermittent sobriety isn’t a trend. It reflects a more profound shift in how we relate to alcohol.
So if you’ve ever felt like you wanted more balance without going all-in on sobriety, this is your path. You’re part of a movement redefining what drinking with intention really means.
Get started on your journey to mindful drinking success with a 15-day free trial of Sunnyside.
What is Sunnyside?
Sunnyside is a mindful drinking and alcohol moderation app that can help change your habits around alcohol using a proven, science-backed method. Whether you want to become a more mindful drinker, drink less, or eventually quit drinking, Sunnyside can help you reach your goals. We take a positive, friendly approach to habit change, so you never feel judged or pressured to quit.
When you join Sunnyside, you’ll start by completing a 3-minute private assessment so we can learn a bit about you. Once that’s done, you’ll get a 15-day free trial to test out everything, including our daily habit change tools, tracking and analytics, community and coaching, and education and resources. It’s a full package designed specifically to adapt to your goals, and help you reach them gradually, so you can make a huge impact on your health and wellbeing.
Sunnyside is a digital habit and behavior-change program that is incredibly effective on its own, but can also be the perfect complement to other work you’re doing to cut down on drinking, whether that includes talk therapy or medication such as Naltrexone.
Get your 15-day free trial of Sunnyside today, and start living your healthiest life.
