Sobriety Advice from Unexpected Sources Resonates with Man Trying to Cut Back on Drinking

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The author, a 41-year-old coastal liberal, tried to cut back on drinking in January, a trend known as 'Damp January.' Instead of relying on willpower alone, he turned to YouTube for inspiration and was surprised to find videos from figures like neuroscientist Andrew Huberman and podcaster Joe Rogan promoting sobriety in a 'manosphere' style that resonated with him. While the author was initially put off by the political leanings of some of these personalities, he found their message of sobriety as a path to self-improvement compelling. The experience led him to reflect on the messy politics surrounding sobriety and the importance of finding support from unexpected sources.

Why it matters

This story highlights how the online world, particularly social media algorithms, can shape and influence people's personal health journeys in unexpected ways. It also touches on the complex and sometimes divisive politics surrounding sobriety, as well as the importance of finding non-judgmental support networks when trying to make lifestyle changes.

The details

The author, who was attempting to cut back on drinking in January, found that simply relying on willpower was not enough. He turned to YouTube, where the platform's algorithm quickly picked up on his interest in sobriety and began recommending videos from figures like neuroscientist Andrew Huberman and podcaster Joe Rogan. These videos framed sobriety not as a surrender, but as a path to self-improvement and optimization, which resonated with the author despite his initial discomfort with the political leanings of some of the personalities involved. The author found himself drawn into a 'testosterone-fueled rabbit hole' of content promoting sobriety in a 'manosphere' style, but ultimately found the message compelling enough to stick with his efforts to cut back on drinking.

• The author attempted to limit his drinking over the course of January 2026, a trend known as 'Damp January'.
• The author started watching YouTube videos about sobriety just before January 2026 began.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The author plans to continue reducing his alcohol consumption, but is wary of aligning too closely with some of the figures and communities that have influenced his sobriety journey so far.