ACCORDING to the World Health Organisation, South Africans are some of the heaviest drinkers in the world, however there are signs that things may gradually be changing and that we may see a shift towards sobriety during this new decade.
One of the key signs of this societal change is the rise of the Sober Curious Movement. To be “sober curious” is to challenge the normalisation of alcohol, it’s about having a choice, it’s about asking ourselves ‘what would my life look like if I removed the alcohol?’
The rise of the Sober Curious Movement is prompting people to examine their relationship with alcohol, particularly the younger generation.
In October, South Africa hosted its first ever Mindful Drinking Festival in Cape Town where 40 alcohol free drinks were on display. The older generation’s attitude towards alcohol is also shifting, and if they aren’t giving it up, they are definitely trying to drink less.
Janet Gourand founded World Without Wine in 2015. World Without Wine enables people to change their relationship with alcohol and has been experiencing increased demand for their services as people make the shift towards an alcohol free lifestyle.
“More than 600 people have been through our workshops and we are confident that they produce long lasting results. We surveyed people who attended and were thrilled with the results. Forty-four per cent of people who attend the workshops stop drinking and a further 31 per cent have reduced the amount they drink. We are building communities of people on the same path – people who support each other in their common goal,” she said.
World Without Wine have been running their New Beginnings workshop in Cape Town, Joburg and London UK since 2015. Due to increasing demand they are extending their reach to Durban.
On 29 February they will run their first workshop in Durban at the Benjamin Hotel from 10am to 4pm. For tickets, visit: www.worldwithoutwine.com.
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