The Non-Alcoholic Beverage Movement: Is It Helping or Hurting?
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Peace Valley Recovery is located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Our mission is to provide patient-centered care that focuses on healing and recovery from addiction. This blog provides information, news, and uplifting content to help people in their recovery journey.
Authored by Chris Schumacher, | Medically Reviewed by Peace Valley Recovery Editorial Staff,
Last Updated: June 14, 2024
Did you know that alcohol took more than 178,000 lives in the United States in 2021? Did you know that three million people die each year globally as a result of this legal substance? Alcohol accounts for 5.3 percent of all deaths across the globe and is a serious problem. It’s no secret that alcohol is dangerous, so why do we keep drinking it? Well, it has a lot to do with how society views the substance, but what are we doing to fix it? One such approach, known as the non-alcoholic beverage movement, or being “sober curious,” is sweeping the nation, but is it helping or hurting?
Below, we’ll delve into the relationship our society has with alcohol, look into this new movement, and see if it’s helping or hurting.
Why Is Alcohol Socially Acceptable?
If you’re in the United States or anywhere in the “Western” world, it’s nearly impossible to visit a restaurant or show up to a party without seeing someone drinking beer, wine, or liquor. People often use it to unwind after work or relax on the weekend. For many, it’s their go-to solution to self-medicate and manage their depression, anger, or grief. Unfortunately, this common substance is also considered one of the most addictive, but if it’s so dangerous, why is it so socially acceptable?
Just because alcohol is legal does not mean it’s safe – alcohol causes significant long-term physical damage, but what makes it so appealing? Let’s take a look.
Alcohol Is Portrayed as Fun
Have you ever seen an alcohol advertisement? It’s hard not to pick up a drink after seeing one. It makes it challenging for you to imagine going to a party or a backyard barbecue with friends without a drink in your hand. Alcohol and fun seem to go hand in hand, which has given rise to the term “social drinking.” Many people think it’s socially acceptable to drink every night of the week if they’re at a party with friends, especially if they can wake up normally, go to work, and be a “functioning addict.”
Alcohol Is Synonymous with Relaxation
Cigarettes? Those are dangerous. Benzodiazepines? You need a prescription and they’re bad for you. Alcohol? Oh, that’s totally fine! As a depressant, alcohol has always been viewed as a quick and efficient way to relieve anxiety in social situations. That doesn’t mean it’s right – it’s just how society views it. It’s common to drink before a stressful event to loosen up and enjoy themselves, or after a long and challenging day at work to unwind. While it may work in the short-term, it can eventually lead to tolerance and addiction, which is far from relaxing.
Alcohol Is Considered Glamorous
In the world of TV and movies, there’s something undeniably captivating about the way alcohol is portrayed – it’s like a silent character in every scene. Think about your favorite show or movie: chances are, there’s at least one moment where the characters pour themselves a drink. It’s woven into their stories, adding depth and complexity. Whether it’s a toast to success or a coping mechanism for heartache, these scenes feel real because they mirror our own experiences. They remind us that behind the glamor, there’s a human connection, a shared understanding of life’s highs and lows.
The Non-Alcoholic Beverage Movement: What Is It?
The non-alcoholic beverage movement refers to a cultural shift towards consuming beverages that do not contain alcohol. It’s driven by various factors including health consciousness, lifestyle choices, and a desire for diverse and sophisticated options.
This movement emphasizes the availability of enjoyable and socially acceptable alternatives to alcoholic drinks, catering to individuals who are abstaining from alcohol for reasons related to health, personal preference, or recovery from addiction. It promotes inclusivity, wellness, and mindful drinking, reshaping social norms around alcohol consumption and providing a range of flavorful options for those seeking alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages.
According to the most recent data, more people want to drink less, with 41 percent of Americans trying to drink less, and 39 percent feel that younger generations are drinking less than older generations. Many people Gen Z are spearheading the sober curious trend. So, what are the goals behind this movement?
The non-alcoholic beverage movement is a lifestyle for those who have concerns about their drinking but aren’t currently plagued by dependence or addiction. The primary objective for these individuals includes:
- Questioning your alcohol intake
- Thinking about your decision to drink on each occasion
- Increasing awareness of drinking habits
- Taking periodic breaks from alcohol
- Doing more sober activities
- Spending time with others without drinking
There are many benefits of the non-alcoholic movement, especially when you consider the dangers of alcohol. Let’s take a look at how it’s helping.
How the Non-Alcoholic Movement Is Helping
The non-alcoholic beverage movement is making a significant impact by providing individuals with healthier and more inclusive alternatives to traditional alcoholic drinks. Firstly, it promotes physical and mental well-being by offering beverages that are often lower in sugar, calories, and harmful additives compared to their alcoholic counterparts.
This is particularly beneficial for those who are mindful of their health and are looking to reduce their alcohol intake or abstain from it altogether. By providing flavorful and satisfying options that mimic the experience of drinking alcohol without the adverse effects, the movement supports individuals in maintaining a balanced lifestyle and making healthier choices for their bodies.
The non-alcoholic beverage movement fosters a more inclusive and supportive social environment. It reduces the stigma associated with not drinking alcohol, creating spaces where individuals in recovery or those who choose not to drink feel comfortable and accepted. This inclusivity is essential for building strong communities and relationships, as it allows people to connect over shared experiences and values rather than the presence or absence of alcohol.
By offering a wide variety of non-alcoholic options, from alcohol-free beers and wines to artisanal mocktails and botanical-infused waters, the movement ensures that everyone can participate in social gatherings and celebrations without feeling excluded or pressured to drink alcohol.
How Is the Non-Alcoholic Movement Hurting?
Many people in the non-alcoholic movement are opting for mocktails, which is a non-alcoholic cocktail. It’s great that many people are choosing this option and ditching alcohol, but what many fail to realize is that someone early in recovery is when the habits of sobriety begin.
The addicted mind is always searching for loopholes in the sobriety rules, which is something to keep in mind. For a person who recently left recovery because of a full-blown addiction, mocktails may not be the safest option because of the association of these beverages with alcohol use.
The recovery process has been referred to as tiptoeing through landlines. While it might seem like consuming alcohol-free drinks is the best option, it could lead to drinking in recovery and a turn into a barrier to recovery from addiction.
Some of the most common dangers associated with the mocktail movement include the following:
- Triggers: Those in recovery who get exposed to environments where alcohol is present will be triggered. The smell, sight, and social context of alcohol can evoke temptations and cravings that lead to relapse. Mocktails have the power to trigger memories and associations with past drinking experiences, which can potentially disrupt the recovery process and reignite cravings. It’s vital for someone in early recovery or who recently stopped drinking to be mindful of how mocktails affect them.
- Psychological and Emotional Impact: The psychological and emotional impact of consuming mocktails for someone in recovery may vary. On the one hand, someone who drinks mocktails might find a sense of inclusion and normalcy in a social setting where alcohol is consumed. They can enjoy the taste, ritual, and appearance without the adverse consequences of alcohol. However, recovering alcoholics will likely have trouble separating the experience of drinking a mocktail from their past drinking habit. Holding a cocktail-like glass and drinking something from a straw that resembles alcohol will trigger memories, and can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction or frustration.
It’s important to note that anything like this movement that promotes positivity through sobriety should be lauded. However, we must also remember it’s not for everyone, especially someone in recovery. It’s a slippery slope, and we’d suggest building new habits and making new friends who want to go hiking or participate in activities that aren’t centered around “drinking,” even if it’s a mocktail.
Peace Valley Recovery Is Here to Help
Are you ready to take back control of your life from alcohol’s grip? At Peace Valley Recovery, we understand the challenges of addiction and offer a path to sobriety filled with support and guidance. Our tailored programs cater to your individual needs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to recovery. Take the first step towards a brighter, sober future. Call us at 215-780-1953 when you’re ready to reclaim your life.
