Sober-curious? Why your friends (and maybe you) are going dry.

According to Pew – 79% of New Year’s resolutions are about one thing: health. It’s Been a Minute is kicking off 2025 with a little series called “new year, new me.” We’re getting into some of the big questions and cultural confusion around our health and wellness.

This week – many Americans are starting out the year by cutting out alcohol and going “dry.” But overall, alcohol is getting less popular in general: according to Gallup, the amount of Americans that drink is down to 58% – the lowest number since 1996. And 41% of Americans who do drink say they want to drink less. Is alcohol on its way out? And what would it mean to live in a more sober culture? Brittany Luse is joined by writer and journalist Ana Marie Cox to get into how people are disentangling alcohol from their lives, and the lessons she’s learned as a recovering alcoholic.

Interested in trying out dry January? Our friends at NPR’s Life Kit have a newsletter just for the sober-curious. Sign up here.

Support public media and receive ad-free listening & bonus content by joining NPR+ today.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy