Bethenny Frankel, the 54-year-old entrepreneur and media personality, recently shared her perspective on the changing landscape of sobriety. In a candid conversation on her podcast, Just B, Frankel discussed her own reduced alcohol consumption and observed a trend where individuals claiming sobriety often substitute alcohol with other substances.
Frankel expressed concern about the “California sober” movement, where people abstain from alcohol but use marijuana and edibles. She argued that this approach often extends beyond marijuana, with some individuals replacing alcohol with harder drugs. “I know people who, like, do crazy s—t. It’s like, ‘Let’s do heroin and get a facial mask and drink water.’ And I’m not even kidding,” Frankel stated, emphasizing the need for holistic sobriety that addresses underlying issues rather than simple substitution.
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Frankel also revealed her personal journey with reducing alcohol intake, citing health concerns related to postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). This condition causes severe dehydration, making alcohol consumption potentially dangerous for her. “One to two out of every 20 times I’ll drink, it’ll hit really very dangerous,” she explained. She acknowledged the evolving understanding of alcohol’s health risks, referencing Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy’s recent call for cancer warning labels on alcoholic beverages.
Frankel highlighted the positive impacts of abstaining from alcohol, including improved physical well-being, better sleep, and avoiding regrettable behaviors. “You start to really start feeling healthier and lighter and your eyes whiter and sleeping better after a certain period of time … You’re not staying out late doing stupid things,” she shared.
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However, Frankel acknowledged the social challenges of sobriety, particularly in navigating dating and social events. She criticized the taste of non-alcoholic wines and described the difficulties of finding suitable alternatives for social gatherings. Dating while sober presents unique challenges, as alcohol often plays a role in social lubrication. Frankel shared her experience of a sober New Year’s Eve date, calling it “a feat.” Despite these challenges, Frankel’s reflections offer a candid perspective on the complexities of sobriety in contemporary society and highlight the importance of prioritizing individual health and well-being.
