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This past week, I was blessed to be on Jon Seidl’s podcast, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic. We talked about eating disorders, modern-day addictions, and Gen Z sobriety. While this generation is drinking less and sobriety is trending, I’m not sure we should celebrate just yet.
According to Barna, nearly 50% of all mental illness symptoms appear by age 14, but 75% appear by age 25. Gen Z may be drinking less or currently choosing sobriety, and this is great and hopeful! But, they’re still overwhelmed, anxious, and searching for ways to cope. Sobriety alone doesn’t solve the deeper issues driving people to escape in the first place.
If Sobriety is trending, how should we as Christians respond? More importantly, what does this say about society?
Why Sobriety is Trending in America
Because of “fitspiration,” “skinnytok,” and other leading trends, this generation is obsessed with health and wellness. More than any other generation, Gen Z is becoming increasingly aware of mental health—and this is good! They desire clarity, emotional regulation, and processing rather than numbing or getting drunk to avoid their emotions. With less of an interest in hangover culture, they’re pursuing things like meditation, mindfulness, and yoga.
Coined as the “Sober Curious” Movement, people are beginning to question alcohol’s role in their lives. According to author and podcaster Meade Holland Shirely, this movement is fueled by 3 core questions: Why do I drink? Do I like how it affects me? And what might life look like without it?
“For many Christians, the decision to stop drinking—or to take a break from it—isn’t about following a rule. It’s about opening up space to hear from God more clearly. Alcohol may not be a sin, but it can become a spiritual distraction, numbing our ability to feel, respond, and grow.”
Beyond seeking spiritual clarity or direction, Gen Z’s decision to be sober curious is also heavily influenced by social media. Media like TikTok and Instagram trend around sober lifestyles, making it appealing and popular. From mocktails to wellness routines or fitness practices, for many young adults, sobriety is less about morality and more about mental and emotional health.
Meade explains this phenomenon well: “Many people use alcohol to “take the edge off,” especially in seasons of stress or anxiety. But more and more research—and real-life experience—shows that alcohol often amplifies anxiety, disrupts sleep, and dulls emotional resilience over time. Christians who are sober curious are recognizing that stewardship of their mental health is part of their spiritual responsibility. As we’re called to love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30), that also means taking honest stock of what helps us thrive—and what might be quietly holding us back.”