Alcohol is deeply ingrained in our culture, making it difficult for those in recovery to remain on the path to sobriety. While non-alcoholic beer is a popular alternative to alcohol, there is still the question of whether consuming it is considered breaking sobriety.
While opinions vary, it’s important to understand:
- The science behind non-alcoholic beer
- What it means to be sober
- Whether it’s a good idea for those in recovery to drink it
What is non-alcoholic beer?
According to the Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, non-alcoholic beer is beer or malt beverages containing less than 0.5% ABV.1 Each manufacturer of non-alcoholic beer has their own method of production and alcohol removal process. The four basic methods are simulated fermentation, dealcoholization, dilution and controlled fermentation.
Does drinking non-alcoholic beer break sobriety?
Sobriety means completely abstaining from alcohol. There are conflicting opinions on whether drinking non-alcoholic beer will break your sobriety. Non-alcoholic beer can have an impact on your emotional and mental state and can trigger a “placebo effect.”
In medicine, the “placebo effect” occurs when someone experiences physical improvement of an ailment even though they have only been given the placebo. So, with non-alcoholic beer, the placebo effect means having the physical and emotional sensations of consuming alcohol even when you haven’t had any.2
This psychological effect is powerful, and consuming a non-alcoholic beer can help you feel more comfortable in social situations like parties where the main activity is drinking alcohol.
Understanding the impact of alcohol-free beer on sobriety
Non-alcoholic beer has only a small trace of alcohol in it. However, drinking it can heighten your desire for alcohol. Consuming non-alcoholic beer (especially in social situations) may be extremely triggering for those in recovery and make it challenging to stay sober. Some specific triggers may include:
- Mental associations – The very act of consuming non-alcoholic beer may reignite your cravings and previous habits.
- Parties and social situations – Being around people who are consuming alcohol can make it very tempting to make the switch to alcoholic drinks instead of sticking with non-alcoholic alternatives.
- Aroma and taste – Non-alcoholic beer smells and tastes very similar to alcoholic beer, which may bring back memories of consuming alcohol.
Being aware of your specific triggers around drinking is vital when in recovery. To be successful, you must learn how to avoid these triggers and find new and healthy ways to cope to avoid slipping back into alcohol use again.
Guidance for recovering alcoholics on non-alcoholic beer consumption
A very common question for those in recovery from alcohol use disorder is: “Is it safe to consume non-alcoholic beer?”
The answer? Possibly not. In addition to the psychological implications of drinking these beverages, there are also physical consequences that could impact your health.
Even if the non-alcoholic beer you consume contains just 0.5% alcohol or below, these trace amounts can trigger a relapse in those in recovery. While 0.5% alcohol may seem negligible, it may still negatively affect your body.
Those with a history of alcohol use disorder may also have organ damage (such as liver or brain damage). During recovery, your body undergoes numerous significant changes as it heals. By introducing even minute amounts of alcohol into your system, you not only compromise your sobriety but your health, too. These effects can include:
- Interruptions to liver recovery
- Problems with blood sugar regulation
- Disrupting your gut health and absorption of nutrients
- Interfering with sleep patterns
- Impacting your brain chemistry
These physical implications may derail your progress during recovery and even set back the healing process your body has undergone to repair the damage caused by alcohol abuse.
Weighing the pros and cons of consuming non-alcoholic beer in recovery
For those in recovery from an alcohol use disorder, deciding whether or not to partake in non-alcoholic beer is a personal choice. And understanding the potential impacts can help you choose whether or not to consume it.
The case for consuming non-alcoholic beer
Non-alcoholic beer may help you feel more included during gatherings and minimize your sense of isolation. Because social drinking is a part of many cultures across the world, consuming non-alcoholic beer can help you feel more comfortable socializing with friends who are drinking alcohol without drinking excessively.3
If you aren’t in recovery but want to consume less alcohol, non-alcoholic beer can help you stick to your goals without compromising your progress. If you’re “sober-curious” and want to transition to an alcohol-free lifestyle, non-alcoholic beer can be a step in the right direction. Because non-alcoholic beer closely mimics the experiences of drinking alcohol, you can gradually adjust to sober living.
Reasons to abstain from consuming non-alcoholic beer
While some may choose to drink non-alcoholic beer, there are several reasons why you may want to take a pause before reaching for a can.
Because it tastes so similar to the real deal, you may find that a non-alcoholic brew can reignite your desire for alcohol. This can potentially trigger a relapse, setting your recovery efforts back.
By resorting to non-alcoholic beer instead of completely abstaining, you may also avoid addressing the roots of your addiction. It’s vital to explore and resolve these issues so you can maintain an alcohol-free lifestyle.
Finally, by viewing non-alcoholic beer as a completely safe alternative to the real thing, you may ignore the potential risks consuming it carries for you. It’s important to be honest with yourself and acknowledge that it could potentially harm your efforts to maintain a mindful approach to sobriety.
Helpful tips for someone new to sobriety
If you’re in recovery from alcohol use disorder, there are several things you can do to set yourself up for success.
First, create a strong support system you can count on. Your support system can include family members, friends and people you meet at group meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous. Don’t be afraid to turn to others for support, especially if you become tempted to pick up a drink.
Try to avoid triggers as much as possible. By avoiding places, people and things associated with your old lifestyle, you won’t have to worry so much about temptations leading you away from your goals. If additional support is needed, consider entering into a substance abuse treatment program.
Also, incorporate healthier coping mechanisms to turn to during times of stress. Exercise, journaling and meditation are positive ways to deal with life’s difficulties without resorting to alcohol. Counseling and medication may also be helpful ways to treat alcohol use disorder.
Finally, whether you choose to drink non-alcoholic beer or not, it’s critical to hold yourself accountable to your sobriety goals. Using tools like BACtrack View, you can not only reach and maintain your goals for an alcohol-free lifestyle, but also reestablish trust with your loved ones.
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