Many military spouses are rethinking their relationship with alcohol, saying farewell to their nightly drink of choice. While everyone has their reasons for consuming alcoholic beverages—from the taste to the feeling it provides—many Americans, including military spouses, find comfort in drinking while cooking dinner, socializing at events, or dealing with stressful times. However, some are discovering it’s a slippery slope.
One pour easily leads to another, you know?
This one-isn’t-good-enough feeling is prompting a lot of spouses to embrace the growing “sober-curious” movement, which is making its way into the suburbs and onto our military bases.
Some spouses are ditching the drinks to achieve self-care and empowerment, inspired by Instagram influencers like No Booze Babes, who glamorize sobriety. Others are embracing this trend to better support their partners, manage stress more effectively, and set positive examples for their children.
Either way, here are seven common motivators pushing military spouses to reduce or eliminate alcohol in their lives:
1. My “one glass” was a lie
2. Yoga is cheaper than wine
3. I’ve got 99 to-do’s, and boozin’ ain’t one
4. We’ve spent enough money on alcohol to fund a family vacation
5. My toddler’s make-believe restaurant offers chardonnay
6. I want to sleep (through the night)
7. I like doing more than just going to the bar
Seriously, though, adjusting to a culture steeped in alcohol when you’re no longer engaging can be challenging, especially since drinking has been a part of military traditions since medieval times. Yet, many folks planning functions on installations and within military and veteran support organizations realize that socializing doesn’t have to revolve around drinks and are embracing the trend. Plus, booze alternatives like alcohol-free wine, beer, liquor, and hop water are on the rise and are making their way into our military culture, too.
So, if you don’t drink or are cutting back, say sayonara to feeling left out or like club soda is your only option—we’ve got you.