Why Recovering Alcoholics Should Avoid Non-alcoholic Beer

Some newly-recovered alcoholics wonder if it is alright for them to drink non-alcoholic beer. While ultimately it is a very personal decision, there are some definite downfalls to partaking in what may seem like a harmless drink. If you find yourself back in your old habits, it could cause a relapse — and you might need to check into one of the alcohol rehab centers from Fresno, California or elsewhere. Below are some more reasons recovering alcoholics may want to abstain from non-alcoholic beer.

The name non-alcoholic beer can be misleading. Some non-alcoholic beers, especially outside of the United States, contain enough alcohol that they could still get you inebriated. So while a non-alcoholic beer in Fresno might have very little alcohol, if you drink one abroad it might contain enough alcohol to lead to a relapse — and land you back in one of many alcohol rehab centers across the nation. Even if the drink contains a very low amount of alcohol, the placebo effect alone can be enough to lead to a relapse.

Drinking non-alcoholic beers can also put the recovering addict in a bad mindset. If the recovering alcoholic is ambivalent about his or her recovery, it may mean that he or she is not completely ready to turn a new page in life. Drinking these kind of beverages can be too close to old behaviors, and can lead right back to where you started, and then back to one of the rehab centers in Fresno or across the country.

“Romancing the drink” is a term that refers to when people in recovery remember the times when alcohol appeared to help them. They may think back and remember a nice summer day drinking beers with their buddies, but forget that they were actually hung over and miserable the next day. Non-alcoholic beers can lead to romancing the drink and can end up leading to a relapse and a stint in one of the many alcohol rehab centers from Fresno to the Midwest.

Some may argue that drinking non-alcoholic beers is a way for them to still fit in socially while hanging out at the bar with their friends. However, there are several other options that might be better for a recovering alcoholic. You could order a soda or other carbonated drink to sip on throughout the night. You could also try a different non-alcoholic cocktail to keep from getting bored, but stay away from your old bad habits. Or you could avoid the bar altogether and seek different options for entertainment.

Whatever your choice, it is worth really thinking about before you find yourself in a bad situation. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcoholism or a relapse, it is important to research good alcohol rehab centers in your area, whether you live in Fresno or on the East Coast.

Ryan Muir is a health writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Miramar Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers. Follow on Twitter.