‘Dry January’ has come to an end, leaving many of us with a difficult decision to make. For those of us who took part, and found themselves enjoying the sober-curious lifestyle, the idea of extending their alcohol-free streak into the rest of the semester might sound appealing. In fact, more students than you might expect are choosing to skip the booze, swapping pints for zero percent Coronas or opting for low-key hangouts instead of pre-drinks. As someone who loves a Spoon’s pitcher as much as the next person, I’ll admit that cutting back on alcohol can be a challenge, but is ultimately a rewarding choice. For many sober students, the decision to cut out alcohol from their lives isn’t just about self-discipline; there are also several practical reasons behind it.
The average age to start drinking alcohol in Ireland is 15.5 years old, so by the time we reach fresher’s week, there’s usually at least a year and a half of heavy drinking on our resumes. As a result, Ireland is possessed by a strong drinking culture with a grip difficult to break free from. However, the devastating impact alcohol has on our long-term health is enough to be a major factor playing into students’ decision to quit alcohol. For some, suffering a deathly hangover in a stuffy seminar at 9 am the morning after a night out is enough to question whether heavy drinking is the activity for them (throwing up in a TBSI toilet is not a pretty scene). The headaches and nausea that accompany a hangover are an enemy to education, and not usually worthwhile. Mental health is also affected by drinking, especially in university, where we are inevitably surrounded by pressure and stress. Large and regular alcohol intake can lead to concentration difficulties and memory problems, as well as anxiety and depression. Good grades, a priority for students, and detrimental drinking habits just simply don’t go hand in hand. The benefits of cutting down on alcohol intake include weight loss, better sleep, an improvement of skin conditions and lower blood pressure. Additionally, students today have grown up exposed to online health influencers, and are of a generation that prioritises a healthy body and future. If alcohol has to be cut out of the mix to achieve a healthy body and mindset, so be it. As the old Irish saying goes, “a man takes a drink, the drink takes a drink, the drink takes the man.”
Another contributing factor to the decision of many to stay sober is the outrageous cost of alcohol in the city. Long gone are the days where we could casually go into a bar and order a pint for a few pennies. Today, the reality is far different; in fact, the HSE found that a third of Irish people spend between €30 to €75 a week on alcohol, a figure which quickly adds up and can determine whether a sweet treat is a possible purchase. With the cost of living in Dublin rapidly rising, the financial strain is proving harder to ignore, making each of us think twice before handing over €10 for a vodka-coke. Pair this with the cost of a club ticket, and suddenly a night out on the town turns into a luxurious indulgence. What was once a spontaneous way to catch up with friends might now require careful planning and budgeting. Due to this, many people are rethinking their social habits; in particular, students who are already on a tight budget.
With this in mind, perhaps it’s time to swap the chaos of the club for something a little more chill. However, whether you’re sober-curious or still upholding your confirmation promise to never consume alcohol, navigating an alcohol-free night in Dublin can be tricky. Dublin is famous for its vibrant pub scene and deep-rooted drinking culture, and sometimes it can feel like alcohol will always be at the centre of a night out. Luckily, Dublin is beginning to offer a variety of venues where a sober night out is being encouraged, with plenty of fun still guaranteed. One popular establishment is Board in Harold’s Cross, Dublin 8. Board blends the lively atmosphere of your local pub with a vast selection of non-alcoholic drinks, delicious pizza and a lengthy list of puzzles and board games to get the night going. Another recommendation is the Back Page, a brilliant bar in Phibsborough that provides its customers with ping-pong and pool alongside a mean mojito mocktail, as well as other alcohol-free drinks. In general, most non-alcoholic options are becoming more and more accessible throughout the city. With mocktail menus becoming the norm in most venues, you can be sure that a successful sober night out is completely possible.
Overall, the decision to go sober as a student is well justified. Since 2001, the average amount of alcohol consumed per adult has decreased by 31%. Whether this decrease is due to the health benefits or that the cost of a drink is beyond our means, it is safe to say that the decision to go sober is not uncommon among students. Is the tradition of drinking in Dublin declining, or is this decrease simply a trademark of this generation?
