If a compromise with dry January or sober October seems too extreme, you might like the idea of a “wet” lifestyle, aka the much more indulgent drinking trend taking off on TikTok. Instead of going completely dry, which means you don’t consume any alcohol, a wet lifestyle is all about cutting back and drinking in moderation. And it comes with a lot of advantages.
A big reason people are drawn to the wet lifestyle is that it’s not an “all or nothing” approach, which can seem very restrictive and difficult, says licensed psychotherapist Dr. Teralyn Sell, Ph.D. . Going “dry” is pretty much black and white, while going “wet” gives you some leeway. Essentially, the latter lifestyle allows you to consume alcohol in moderation, so you can choose whether you want to have a drink with dinner, go out with friends, or order a fancy drink while on vacation.
A humid lifestyle can also include drinking beverages that have a lower alcohol content, according to Sell. If she usually goes for a drink of vodka or tequila, two types of alcohol with a high ABV (alcohol by volume) content, a wet girl could pour herself a glass of wine, have a soda, or drink a cider. Read on to learn more about the famous TikTok lifestyle so you can live your best wet life.
What is a “wet” lifestyle?
If you normally only have a few drinks a week or drink alcohol on special occasions, then you’re already wet, Sell says. You’re not dry and sober, but you’re not drinking to excess either. Moderation is what “moisture” is all about.
Of course, part of the wet journey is deciding what moderation means to you. As you re-evaluate your relationship with alcohol, you may find that you like to have a late-night drink or two when you’re out with friends. The lifestyle asks you to be more aware of why and when you drink.
According to Abby Wilson, LCSW, a psychotherapist with experience treating addictions, the process of finding out can be very empowering. “It’s healthy to take a step back and be curious about what behaviors support you rather than hinder your growth as a person,” Wilson tells Bustle. If you find that your drinking habits often lead to a hangover, an empty bank account, or you’re tired of your social life revolving around happy hour, then the wet lifestyle could be calling your name. .
As you cut back, you may start to notice how alcohol has been affecting your life and how much better off you feel. “You may also feel less anxious after drinking and are more likely to stick to certain commitments,” says Wilson. “This can be a confidence boost – you are showing yourself that you don’t really need alcohol to be social, relax, get through the week, etc.”
How to try a wet lifestyle
TikToker @hana.elson, who talks a lot about her journey with the wet lifestyle, has some tips for drinking in moderation. When she goes out to a bar with friends, she says that she often starts with mocktails to prove to herself that she “doesn’t need to buy seven drinks at once”.
Elson also drinks glasses of water between alcoholic drinks, says no to drinks when offered, and tries to think of his “future self” when he drinks. If she starts feeling tipsy, she takes it as a sign that a hangover is imminent and it’s time to go home.
“To maintain a humid lifestyle, I would also recommend considering the ‘why,’” says Wilson. “Remind yourself why you are drinking in moderation. This could be that you want to feel more productive in the morning, focus on alternative coping skills that feel healthy, or strengthen your social skills without using alcohol as a crutch.”
All of that said, the wet lifestyle isn’t a good choice if you’re trying to stay sober or have issues with binge drinking, as having “just one” can be a slippery slope. And according to Sell, living wet can also be a way of denying a more serious drinking problem, so it’s important to be aware of that.
The bottom line
The wet lifestyle is a good choice if you want to cut back on alcohol, assess your drinking patterns, or continue to drink on special occasions. “Many people want to become more mindful and healthy with their lifestyle,” says Wilson. “Limiting alcohol consumption is one way to do this, and it allows people to feel more in control of their physical and mental health.” Cheers to that, with any drink you fancy, of course.
If you or someone you know is seeking help for substance use, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Sources:
Dr. Teralyn Sell, Ph.D., licensed psychologist
Abby Wilson, LCSW, psychotherapist
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