The Rise of Sober Sex ...Middle East

For as long as I can remember, drunk sex has been marketed to me as the cheat code to better sex. Thanks to movies, TV shows, and music (see: every country song that mentions a cold beer), I thought if I wanted to lower my inhibitions or feel confident enough to make a move, it would start with a couple of margaritas at happy hour or a bottle of wine before bed.

But lately, there's been a shift. More people are realizing that the best sex - the kind that's bold, fun, and genuinely pleasurable - may not be fueled by tequila shots or beers at all. It's happening when we're completely sober.

As the sober-curious movement continues to grow, it's clear people's relationship with alcohol is evolving: Gallup reported that only 62 percent of Americans under 35 drink alcohol, which is down from 72 percent two decades ago. With fewer people relying on alcohol in their daily life, there may be fewer using it as a crutch for sex, too.

Experts Featured in This Article

Tawny Lara is a sober sex expert and the author of "Dry Humping: A Guide to Dating, Relating, and Hooking Up Without the Booze."

Amanda Chatel, 43, still considers herself a social drinker, but she says she prefers to be sober during intimacy. This realization came after she noticed how much alcohol had played a role in her sexual experiences. "Whether it was a one-night stand, something casual, or sex I had with partners, alcohol was usually involved to some degree - especially with the first two scenarios," she says. "I started to wonder if I'd ever had great sex or if I simply thought I did because my judgement was clouded by alcohol."

For Jessica*, 25, sober sex became more common once she entered a relationship. Wanting to prioritize sober intimacy and connection with her partner, she says she's now having even better sex than before. "We are both confident, communicate, and are able to have great intimate moments and fun without counting on something in our system to motivate us to do it."

While everyone's reasons for choosing sober sex look different, one of the biggest benefits may be the simplest: it feels better. According to sober sex expert Tawny Lara, alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, which means that while many people use it to numb anxiety, it can also numb physical sensation. "This means that you're not feeling as much pleasure as you could be feeling," she says. In some cases, alcohol can also lead to erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, and dry mouth, which are all things you likely don't want to experience during sex, Lara adds.

This is true for Chatel, who says her body feels more pleasure without alcohol. "When things aren't numb or watered down by alcohol, sensations are heightened," she says. "I'm not saying that it guarantees I'm going to climax every time during sober partnered sex, but I'm much more aware of how my body experiences pleasure, and that's allowed me to get more creative with partners and explore new things."

Outside of the physical sensations, Jessica says she appreciates the mental effects, too. "I feel good after the fact because I know the experience was me in a non-influenced state. It's almost a sense of like, 'Wow I did that!' while feeling more connected with what I like and need."

Despite the belief that liquid courage is necessary to try a new sex position or feel more confident asking for what you want, sobriety can also help unlock a sexier state of mind. This is because being sober doesn't make sex less fun, it makes it more intentional. It creates space to explore kinks without dissociating, to advocate for yourself without second-guessing, and to feel genuinely confident naked.

While Chatel says alcohol once helped mask her insecurities, sober sex has given her the tools to address them. "With sober sex, I can communicate my needs and insecurities better instead of trying to hide from them with alcohol," she says.

In Lara's personal experience, sobriety also clarified what she actually wanted from sex. "[Before I got sober], I tried more adventurous things in the bedroom because I was trying to be a cool girl. I was trying to be that kinky, sexy, adventurous person because I thought that's what sexual partners wanted from me instead of figuring out what I want."

At the end of the day, sober sex isn't about making pleasure something clinical or serious. Instead, it's about being fully present in your body, your desire, and your curiosity. When you're not under the influence, orgasms hit harder, boundaries feel clearer, and saying "actually, can we try this instead?" feels easier.

Of course, alcohol can make sex feel less anxiety-inducing. But the people having the best sex - the ones who are empowered, confident, and hot - are finding the value in sober sex, too.

Hence then, the article about the rise of sober sex was published today ( Tuesday 13/01/2026 - 01:00 AM ) and is available on popsugar ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.

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