After you have successfully completed rehabilitation for your alcoholism, you will probably be concerned about how you can spend time at parties and other special events, places where you rampantly drank booze in the past. Needless to say, alcohol will always be trigger for you and will always been thrown in your face, no matter where you go. On that note, you may begin to ask, “What about nonalcoholic drinks that mimic alcohol? Wouldn’t those be safe?” On the surface, you can see why, but should you really be consuming drinks that mimic or slightly taste like intoxicating beverages you once enjoyed? Let’s determine whether or not nonalcoholic drinks are safe for recovering alcoholics.
Little to No Booze
Before we begin, the most important fact for you to remember is that nonalcoholic drinks are not necessarily 100% devoid of booze. Overall, these beverages include two types of drinks: those that do not have a trace of alcohol (no-alcohol) and those with a hint of alcohol (low-alcohol). As a result, you have to be careful about which ones you choose, as even the slightest tang of booze can send you back down the hill.
Benefits of Nonalcoholic Beverages
According to Dr. Elizabeth Hartney (an addiction psychologist), alcohol-free drinks are always the best option for people who are recovering from alcoholism and gradually transitioning from booze. For people who engaged in moderate consumption, these beverages provide a healthier alternative to vodka or Manhattans and have fewer calories. From the basic perspective, these drinks seem like great solutions to the problem.
Hidden Triggers
Keep in mind that many nonalcoholic drinks have been created for people who want to drink without fear of a hangover or sickness. For recovering alcoholics, though, these beverages can serve as placebos for their former alcoholic drinks and can even trigger the same rush of dopamine that regular booze can ignite. Let’s also not forget that alcoholics are programmed to expect intoxication, so a nonalcoholic beverage could possibly trigger addictive behavior all over again.
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Abuse or Alcoholism
Alcohol withdrawal can easily be one of the most frightening aspects of healing. During the course of the recovery process, you will suffer from minor to severe symptoms that may include night sweats, hallucinations, fevers, anxiety, and sadness, but always remember that you can find the strength to overcome these problems. However, you must always seek medical attention when you have decided to cut ties with alcohol, as the withdrawal process can be notoriously dangerous. Never attempt to do this without the supervision of a trained specialist.
If you are suffering from a severe case of alcoholism or alcohol abuse or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of alcohol withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
