sober

Sober is a term used to describe a state of abstaining from intoxication, most commonly from alcohol, though it can apply to other drugs. In everyday use, a person is described as sober if they are not under the influence at a given time; in medical or recovery contexts, sobriety refers to ongoing abstinence over a period of time, sometimes lifelong. The term can also describe a person who has never engaged in heavy drinking or drug use, though this is less common in casual usage.

Sober derives from the Latin sobrius via Old French sobre, through Middle English. The related noun sobriety denotes the quality of temperance and self-control.

Historically, sobriety has been a central aim of temperance movements and prohibition policies in various countries. In modern contexts, many people pursue sobriety through treatment programs such as peer-support groups (for example, Alcoholics Anonymous) or evidence-based therapies focusing on relapse prevention and coping skills. The term "sober" is also used in the "sober curious" movement, describing people who choose to reduce or abstain from alcohol without a full commitment to lifelong sobriety.

Definitions vary: some frameworks require complete abstinence from all intoxicants; others permit controlled or reduced use. Sober status can be temporary, as in a moment of sobriety, or long-term. Medical considerations include withdrawal, safety during detox, and risk of relapse; treatment aims to support health, functioning, and well-being rather than moral judgments.

See also: sobriety, abstinence, temperance, Alcoholics Anonymous, addiction recovery.