A growing trend among younger Canadians shows a move toward reduced alcohol consumption, with many embracing the “sober curious” lifestyle. According to Statistics Canada’s Canadian Community Health Survey, 67% of Canadians aged 18 to 22 reported not having consumed alcohol in the past week, compared to 54% of Canadians overall. Additionally, only 8% of younger Canadians engaged in high-risk drinking (seven or more drinks per week), nearly half the national average of 15%.
The trend extends to Gen Z and Millennials, with a Leger survey revealing that 29% of participants in these age groups are cutting back on alcohol consumption. The concept of “sober curiosity” encourages individuals to reconsider their drinking habits, even if they haven’t faced severe consequences from alcohol.
Lindsay Sutherland Boal, founder of She Walks Canada, describes “sober curiosity” as a growing movement among people seeking to explore life with less or no alcohol. Her platform supports “grey-area drinkers” — those who haven’t hit rock bottom but are rethinking their relationship with alcohol.
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) highlights health risks associated with alcohol consumption, warning that even small amounts increase the risk of cancer, heart disease, and stroke. With the “sober curious” movement gaining momentum, more people are finding support to reduce their alcohol intake or quit entirely.