The Sober Curious Scene is WAAAY More Than Mocktails!

A local mental health counselor puts a refreshing twist on sober living.

Succulent garden building event.

Early in her career as an addiction recovery therapist, Tracy Carmody noticed that every patient had a personal story. One woman might be worried that drinking was interfering with her work, while another might be tired of hangovers. Carmody realized that just as each story was unique, every treatment plan needed to be unique too.

Carmody, a licensed mental health counselor, started a private practice in 2011 and wanted to give clients more options beyond traditional recovery programs. At that time, the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step program was widely recognized, but it was not always a good fit. Movies portrayed it as a rigid, unwelcoming place, making some of her patients reluctant to go. So, she offered additional options like Smart Recovery and Women For Sobriety.

Not everyone agreed with her multiple path approach, though, and she received criticism from some of her peers.

“I was told, ‘You are going to fail. We live in a 12-step world. This is going against the grain. This is dangerous. This is unethical,’” Carmody said.

Paint in the park event.

She remained committed to her mission of providing options, and she decided to proclaim it by eventually naming her practice “Paths to Recovery Mental Health Counseling.”

Now, society has shifted and we live in a “sober curious” world that’s much more aligned with the approach that Carmody had used all along. It has become a clinical best practice to give people choices as they explore their relationship with addictive substances.

Carmody’s newest path to recovery is a women’s group called “Sober Curious CNY.” She formed the program to provide a comfortable, welcoming space for those who are sober, questioning, or just curious about their relationship with alcohol or other substances. The goal is to meet women where they are.

“I think the term ‘sober’ is highly associated with problematic drinking, but those that never drank are sober as well,” Carmody said. “If you’re sober, it doesn’t mean it was a problem. It can be a lifestyle choice.”

Each time the group meets, there’s a hands-on component like crafting or exercise that serves as a platform for discussion.

When people give up alcohol, they can easily feel lost on what to do. If alcohol was their entertainment, the void needs to be filled with something. The event series explores creative replacement activities while encouraging self-care and personal discovery.

Carmody’s program was inspired by a global movement focused on making more mindful drinking choices. It started with Ruby Warrington’s book “Sober Curious,” and it gained momentum from trends like Dry January and a constant stream of research that tied alcohol to cancer and other life-threatening diseases. As more people hopped on board, mocktails and dry bars proliferated, and now nearly half of Americans plan to drink less this year.

Pumpkin-themed event.

Carmody chooses Sober Curious CNY activities that will prompt discussion around different triggers and habits. For instance, last fall she ran a pumpkin-themed event that tapped into people’s love of autumn while simultaneously raising awareness of seasonal triggers for alcohol use like the smell of pumpkin spice beer. Carmody shared insight on how to reframe the season with healthier associations like crafty decor and warm nights by a crackling fire.

Other gatherings have included painting in the park, a flower bouquet bar, self-defense training, yoga classes, building succulent gardens, and spa treatments. Since each session is centered on an activity, participants can socialize as much or as little as they want.

Amanda Silino, who has attended every session, finds the events flexible.

“You can participate quietly or engage in conversation with others,” she said. “There’s no set format or pressure to be in the spotlight; you’re free to enjoy the experience in whatever way feels right for you.”

As word has spread about the group, Carmody has received requests for a men’s series, which she intends to add in the near future. She’s also in the process of acquiring a new location for her practice with space for events and therapeutic activities like gardening. Her vision is for a beautiful facility with sights, smells, and sounds that would reduce stress and promote personal growth.

“Wellness needs to appeal to all of the senses,”