Understanding the Rise of Alcohol Alternatives
What Are Alcohol Alternatives?
Alcohol alternatives include non-alcoholic (NA) beer, wine, and spirits that do not contain alcohol or contain alcohol at a percentage below the legal threshold for an alcoholic drink.
Some people use NA drinks to replace alcoholic drinks during social situations or if someone would like to cut down on how much alcohol they consume.
People recovering from alcohol use disorder (AUD) or other forms of substance use disorder (SUD) may use alcohol alternatives to reduce the risk of relapse.
Why Are Alcohol Alternatives Gaining Popularity?
In recent years, NA drinks have become more popular due to multiple factors, including Dry January, the sober curious movement, modern wellness culture, and an overall reduction in alcohol consumption.
If you want to try healthy lifestyle changes, you can use alcohol alternatives to minimize or eliminate the unwanted side effects of alcoholic beverages.
Younger people frequently choose to drink less alcohol overall. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), “[T]he 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 16.6 million young adults ages 18 to 25 (47.5% in this age group) reported that they drank alcohol in the past month.”
Researchers have observed that the number has decreased since 2020, suggesting a shift in social expectations about drinking.
Who Is Choosing Alcohol-Free Drinks?
Social drinkers, sober curious individuals, people in recovery, and wellness-focused consumers may choose alcohol-free drink options.
People who want to make healthy changes or try something new may replace beer, wine, and other drinks with non-alcoholic alternatives. For example, family members of people recovering from alcohol addiction may remove all forms of alcohol from their homes and use non-alcoholic drinks instead to support their loved one’s sobriety.
Types of Alcohol Alternatives You May See Everywhere
What Are Mocktails and Non-Alcoholic Cocktails?
Non-alcoholic beverages, including mocktails, mojitos, margaritas, negronis, spritz, and other mocktail recipes, allow people to safely drink socially while avoiding alcohol.
Mocktails use seltzer water or soda water and added sweeteners to recreate familiar cocktail flavors, making them ideal for people trying to cut down on alcohol consumption.
People drink mocktails during events that may involve alcohol, such as work dinners, community events, and family get-togethers.
What Are Non-Alcoholic Beer, Wine, and Spirits?
NA beer, wine, and spirits contain less than .5% of alcohol by volume (ABV).
People use various distillation and dealcholization processes to ensure the alcohol removed meets accepted standards. Some examples of popular drinks include non-alcoholic beer, such as ginger beer, and non-alcoholic wine made from sparkling wine, rosé, or red wine.
What Are Functional and Botanical Alcohol Alternatives?
Alcohol alternatives, including adaptogens, botanicals, non-alcoholic spirits, aperitif alternatives, kombucha, and drinks with nootropics, have different effects compared to non-alcoholic beer and wine.
Functional and botanical alcohol alternatives promote relaxation, focus, and mood regulation. Herbs, spices, fruits, and teas enhance flavor and mimic the taste of cocktails and other alcoholic beverages.
Inside Alcohol Alternatives
What Are Adaptogens and Botanicals?
Adaptogens and botanicals include ashwagandha, reishi mushroom, lion’s mane, lemon balm, and elderflower.
Each has different uses according to holistic practitioners, including:
- Ashwagandha regulates cortisol levels
- Lion’s mane boosts cognitive function and focus
- Lemon balm reduces anxiety
- Reishi mushrooms boost the immune system
Everyone reacts differently to these substances depending on their overall health and the presence of any co-occurring conditions. Botanical alcohol alternatives have a higher risk of causing an allergic reaction and should be taken with caution after consulting with a medical professional.
What Are Nootropics and Mood-Enhancing Ingredients?
Some people use L-theanine, GABA, magnesium, and nootropics to cause a social buzz and relaxation without introducing alcohol, making them ideal for NA beverages.
The ingredients reduce stress, promote calmness, and improve focus, allowing you to enjoy social events without the negative effects of alcohol. Mood-enhancing ingredients boost brain function, and you can use them to enhance mocktails, beers, and non-alcoholic spirits.
Do Alcohol Alternatives Contain Cannabis or Herbal Additions?
Alcohol alternatives may use cannabis (e.g., CBD, THC, etc.) or other drink additives such as kava to provide a non-alcoholic “buzz” and sense of relaxation.
Kava is a pepper plant found in the Pacific Islands that has psychoactive properties that have a sedative effect without the mental clouding caused by alcohol.
Cannabis ingredients used in alcohol alternatives should be avoided by people recovering from substance use disorder (SUD). Always consult with a medical professional before changing your diet to include cannabis or herbal products.
The Safety of Alcohol Alternatives
What Safety Considerations Apply to Alcohol-Free and Zero-Proof Drinks?
Ingredient transparency is essential for zero-proof and alcohol-free drinks to reduce the risk of unexpected health complications or side effects.
You should always keep in mind how the ingredients of NA beverages will interfere with any current prescription medications, supplements, or over-the-counter drugs you take.
Consult with your primary care doctor or another medical professional to ensure non-alcoholic drinks will not adversely affect your health. Always check the label or ask for the ingredients of freshly mixed mocktails to ensure the drinks you consume are safe.
What Side Effects or Interactions Can Alcohol Alternatives Cause?
Some potential side effects and interactions you may experience after mixing alcohol alternatives with supplements or medications include:
- Excessive drowsiness
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Lack of coordination
- Low blood pressure
- Increased risk of accident or injury
Never mix medications or supplements with non-alcoholic drinks before confirming they will not cause an adverse reaction.
New Found Life educates clients and their loved ones on the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle to reduce the risk of relapse during ongoing recovery.
Why Doesn’t “Alcohol-Free” Always Mean Risk-Free?
NA drinks should be treated with the same caution as alcoholic drinks if you have concerns about how they may interact with supplements and prescription medication.
The dosage will affect your tolerance and how your body reacts to the drink.
Some people may consider it safe to use NA beverages as a nightly use as a nightcap; however, that is not always the case. Taking a supplement or medication before or after drinking an alcohol-free beverage may cause you to experience unexpected side effects that may put yourself or others in danger.
Alcohol Alternatives and Recovery
Can Alcohol Alternatives Be Triggering for People in Recovery?
Non-alcoholic beverages may help some people recover from alcohol abuse. Other people may find it helpful for coping with stress.
Everyone has a unique recovery journey, and you should always work with your care team and a medical professional to determine if NA drinks may benefit you or trigger maladaptive behaviors.
Some people in recovery use alcohol alternatives as a ritual replacement of the alcoholic drinks they used to consume on a regular basis. Reacting to sensory cues, environmental triggers, and emotional associations by switching to non-alcoholic drinks can reduce the risk of relapse for some people.
How Should Alcohol-Free Drinks Be Approached in Early Recovery?
Some people in recovery choose to avoid alcohol alternatives, while others drink in moderation.
Every person must work with their care team and doctor to create goals, act with intention, and practice individualized decision-making.
New Found Life can help you understand your relapse risk and develop a healthy habit substitution that does not involve any form of mock alcoholic drink, if that may be to your detriment. Treatment programs use the 12-Step perspective, psychotherapy, peer support, and other tools to help clients heal and remain sober.
Popular Alcohol Alternative Brands People Ask About
Where Do People Buy Alcohol Alternatives?
People buy alcohol alternatives from Amazon, specialty wellness shops, bars, and grocery stores.
A few of the most common brands and types of NA beverages people buy include:
- Wellness-focused seltzers like HIYO, carbonated drinks, sparkling water, and mocktails with citrusy profiles
- Kin Euphorics, Curious Elixirs, De Soi, and other botanicals or adaptogens
Non-alcoholic brands of wine, beer, and spirits sell their products by positioning themselves as a healthier alternative to alcohol. However, you should always be mindful of the ingredients and how they may interact with prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and mental health issues.
New Found Life helps people understand the potential dangers and benefits of non-alcoholic drinks.
Health, Wellness, and the “Better Than Alcohol” Question
Do Alcohol Alternatives Actually Improve Wellness?
In some ways, alcohol alternatives can improve wellness; however, this is not always the case.
Trying to understand the gap between marketing and reality can sometimes feel difficult. Wellness claims should be grounded in reality. If they sound too good to be true, then you should be skeptical.
In some cases, alcohol alternatives can provide positive effects that may improve mood.
Compared to traditional alcohol consumption, drinking alcohol alternatives may support the following:
- Hangover avoidance
- Better quality sleep and healthy nightly rituals
- Reduced emotional impact and emotional reliance on unhealthy coping mechanisms
Substitution patterns may become a positive coping tool that can help some people stay sober and improve their health.
However, not everyone has a positive experience with non-alcoholic beverages. If you have significant mental health issues or AUD, these drinks may trigger behavioral responses that endanger your sobriety or mental health.
How to Decide If Alcohol Alternatives Are Right for You
What Questions Should You Ask Yourself Before Drinking Alcohol Alternatives?
Before drinking alcohol alternatives, determine your intent, be mindful of the frequency that you rely on NA drinks, and be sure you do not have an emotional reliance motivating your actions.
Some safer ways to enjoy alcohol-free drinks include:
- Occasional use for special events
- Practicing ingredient awareness
- Setting clear boundaries
You might benefit from skipping alcohol alternatives altogether if you are in early recovery, have mental health concerns, or struggle with substance use disorders.
Hope, Help, and Happiness Beyond Alcohol
How Can You Find Connection Without Alcohol?
You can find happiness, personal fulfillment, and social connections without alcohol by engaging with your community, taking part in shared experiences, and practicing sober socializing.
People seeking healthy social connections volunteer in their communities, attend 12-Step meetings, and spend quality time with loved ones.
The clinical team at New Found Life collaborates with each person to create recovery goals and to help them reintegrate into the community.
How Can You Redefine Relaxation Without a Drink?
You do not need to have a drink to relax before bed or after work.
Instead of pouring a drink of a zero alcohol brand, you can create nightcap alternatives that include rituals without substances. For example, reading a relaxing book, listening to a podcast, taking a walk, or watching calming content may help you prepare for bed and lower stress. You do not need any type of drink to relax and feel more comfortable.
Alcohol and drug treatment centers use therapy, peer support, skill development, and aftercare planning to prepare you for lasting sobriety. You will have the opportunity to work with a care team to create healthy substitutes for nightcaps and other rituals.
What Does Building a Life Without Substitutes Look Like?
Building a sober life without alcohol substitutes may foster a greater sense of fulfillment and emotional health during recovery.
Embrace sobriety by avoiding all forms of alcohol or alcohol alternatives during your healing journey. New Found Life teaches effective coping skills and relapse prevention to help you stay sober long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol Alternatives
Are alcohol alternatives safe to drink every day?
Technically, you can safely drink a moderate amount of alcoholic alternatives every day; however, you should consult with a medical professional before making it a part of your daily routine.
Non-alcoholic beers, wines, or spirits generally have fewer calories and do not cause health issues if drunk in moderation, depending on the type of drink.
However, NA beverages may make it harder to balance blood sugar levels, among other potential problems. You may need to avoid drinking every day if you take certain medications, struggle with addiction triggers, have diabetes, or prefer drinks with unregulated ingredients.
Can non-alcoholic drinks cause a relapse?
Yes. Some people with SUD may experience a relapse after being triggered by a non-alcoholic drink.
Sensory cues, environmental factors, and emotional triggers may contribute to a relapse during treatment for alcohol addiction or ongoing recovery. Prioritize your sobriety and health by only drinking non-alcoholic alternatives if you feel confident they will not adversely impact your recovery.
New Found Life helps clients create crisis management strategies for avoiding relapse and coping with triggers.
Do alcohol alternatives affect mental health?
In some cases, alcohol alternatives reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.
Many people report feeling calmer, less exhausted throughout the day, and generally in a better mood when they use alternatives to alcohol. The sedative and “feel good” effects of many NA drinks promote positive mental health when consumed in moderation.
Are adaptogens and nootropics regulated?
No. Adaptogens and nootropics are sold as supplements and not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), making it impossible to know what quality of product you are consuming.
The lack of regulation may cause some “zero alcohol” drinks to contain additional sugars and a higher level of trace alcohol. If you choose to drink alcohol alternatives containing adaptogens or nootropics, try to buy from transparent sellers who provide specific details about their ingredients and products.
Is non-alcoholic wine or beer truly alcohol-free?
Non-alcoholic beer and wine may contain a negligible amount of alcohol, .5% or less.
The minimal amount of alcohol in non-alcoholic beer and wine does not cause any noticeable effects and filters out of your system quickly.
Non-alcoholic drinks can be fermented or not fermented. According to Nutrients, “In the fermentative type, alcohol is either avoided or later removed from the liquid using physical techniques such as heating (distillation), dialysis, reverse osmosis, or biological methods.”
Can alcohol alternatives help with Dry January?
Yes, some people may find it helpful to temporarily reduce or avoid alcohol consumption by switching to NA alternatives during Dry January.
Alcohol alternatives allow you to continue engaging in social drinking without the negative side effects of alcohol. The temporary change may motivate you to adopt an alcohol-free lifestyle to improve your overall wellness. Sometimes, a few weeks of trial sobriety is all you need to accept the benefits of an alcohol-free life.
New Found Life can help you take the next steps in your recovery journey.
Non-alcoholic drinks support sobriety by replacing alcoholic beverages with alternatives. New Found Life educates clients and their families in the value of non-alcoholic beverages and other dietary changes that reduce the risk of relapse. To learn more about our programs and how we can help you maintain lasting sobriety, call us today at (562) 434-4060.