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<\/a><\/p>\nNon-Alcoholic Beverages<\/h3>\n
Non-alcoholic beverages, also called alcohol-free drinks, have different types. There are usually used as a substitute for beer and other alcoholic beverages such as cocktails. There are also some that have low alcohol content.<\/p>\n
The types of non-alcoholic drinks are:<\/p>\n
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- virgin cocktails or mocktails<\/li>\n
- virgin drinks<\/li>\n
- near-beers<\/li>\n
- small beers<\/li>\n
- low-alcohol beers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
For a non-alcoholic drink to be labeled as such it must have less than 0.5 percent alcohol content. Because of this, many people who wants to quit or cut down on alcohol use non-alcoholic drinks as a substitute.<\/p>\n
So are Non-Alcoholic Drinks Safe for Those in Recovery?<\/h3>\n
It’s easy to believe that since non-alcoholic drinks have very little to no alcohol that it’s okay for recovering alcoholics to drink them. However, according to scientific and psychological studies, drinking non-alcoholic beverages can be a huge trigger as you are only reliving the taste of your “former poison.”<\/p>\n
Some of the dangerous effects of these non-alcoholic or low-alcohol drinks are:<\/p>\n
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- These drink still have significant alcohol in them<\/li>\n
- You may be tempted to drink a lot in your subconscious search for that buzz, which is actually a relapse behavior<\/li>\n
- Drinking a lot to get some buzz or effect can also cause bloating and nausea<\/li>\n
- Thinking or imagining that you are drinking a real alcohol drink and get the same effect as the “real” think is potentially a relapse trigger<\/li>\n
- Trying to recapture the “old days” while thinking that it is a safe option shows that you are ambivalent about your recovery<\/li>\n
- Drinking non-alcoholic beer or mocktails in public may also open you to mistakenly grab someone else’s real beer or cocktail<\/li>\n
- There are also studies that say even the smell of beer can trigger cravings in alcoholics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Justifications by Recovering Alcoholics<\/h3>\n
For some people who are fresh off recovery, they may still think from time to time that they need the taste of beer to enjoy a party or socialize. That’s why they turn to non-alcoholic beer or low-alcohol drinks. However, this weakens your discipline and makes you at higher risk for relapse.<\/p>\n
Here are other justifications by recovering alcoholics for drinking non-alcoholic beverages:<\/p>\n
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- I still like the taste of beer and non-alcoholic beer is safe<\/li>\n
- I will feel less out-of-place if I have a mocktail or non-alcoholic drink in my hand<\/li>\n
- At least I don’t have to repeatedly explain to people why I don’t drink anymore<\/li>\n
- I don’t have any other choice; I don’t want soda.<\/li>\n
- The taste is comforting<\/li>\n
- I will get the feeling that I have been craving without relapsing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
These justifications are dangerous as it shows a kink in your commitment to sobriety and recovery. Also, the feeling and taste of the drink brings back old memories, therefore making you crave even more for the real thing.<\/p>\n
Healthier Options<\/h3>\n
While there are those who are in recovery and are able to drink non-alcoholic beverages without any problems, it can be a different case for you. So why would you risk it? Is it really worth the risk?<\/p>\n
With the right frame of mind and a stronger commitment to your sobriety, you can find that there are still many ways to enjoy yourself or unwind without consuming anything remotely related to alcohol.<\/p>\n
Here are many other safer and healthier options:<\/p>\n
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- Water<\/li>\n
- Tea<\/li>\n
- Juice<\/li>\n
- Non-alcoholic cocktails\/mocktails. (These can be prepared without totally no alcohol)<\/li>\n
- Soda<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
As with anything, these substitutes must still be consumed in moderation.<\/p>\n
While non-alcoholic beverages are not technically considered as alcoholic drinks, it is still safer to entirely avoid something that may ultimately lead you back to addiction. It is also important to change the habit of feeling like you have to have a buzz to have fun. You also have to get rid of the feeling like you need to always have a drink in your hand.<\/p>\n
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If you are struggling with alcohol dependence or addiction, or are thinking about quitting alcohol, then feel free to call us via our confidential helpline: 09175098826. We are here for you.<\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"