It’s no secret that consuming alcohol isn’t good for you. For one thing, it’s addictive: In 2021, some 28.6 million U.S. adults had an alcohol use disorder. Excessive drinking is associated with a host of long- and short-term health concerns, including brain damage, sleep impairment, and an increased risk of developing cancer. Even moderate drinking carries some risks.
The CDC estimates that one in six U.S. adults binge drinks regularly. Although men are more likely to drink excessively, women tend to metabolize alcohol more slowly. This makes them more vulnerable to the long-term health effects of heavy drinking.
But it’s one thing to know all this, and it’s another thing to actually stop drinking altogether. From open-bar weddings to after-work happy hours, booze is woven into the fabric of our social lives. Drinking is normalized that we forget alcohol is an addictive substance. These cultural norms make quitting much easier said than done, especially for people who are curious about sobriety but aren’t necessarily struggling with an alcohol use disorder.
The good news? There’s plenty of insightful literature on this complex topic. Below, we’ve compiled a list of 12 books about alcohol and sobriety — including feminist cultural commentary, fact-filled guidebooks, and stirring memoirs — that will challenge the way you think about drinking. Whether you’re sober curious yourself or simply want to learn more about how alcohol affects your mind and body, you’ll find something of value on this list.