What didn’t feel good was being alcohol-free in a culture that embraces alcohol as essential to bonding, celebrating and socializing, Shannon said. Friday nights were lonely because many of her friends were out drinking. But then, inspired by the sober community on Instagram, she decided to start the Meetup she was looking for: one for sober curious women in their 20s and early 30s. About eight people came to the first meeting, and a core group of eight to 10 people emerged over time.