Can Recovering Alcoholics Drink Mocktails?

Drinking alcohol has become a part of American culture. You can find someone having an alcoholic beverage in almost every setting, from work events to sports games and celebrations like birthday parties. According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), nearly 80% of people in the United States have consumed alcohol at least once in their lifetime.[1]

So what do you do during social events where alcohol is served when you are sober?

People in recovery from alcoholism might have a hard time going out with their friends who drink. You might feel like the odd one out or begin to think you cannot have fun anymore. These thoughts and feelings might lead you to wonder if having a mocktail is okay.

Mocktails are beverages made to taste like a cocktail without containing alcohol. There is no liquor, beer, or wine in mocktails. They are advertised as an alternative to alcoholic beverages.

There is no rule against drinking mocktails as a person in recovery from alcohol addiction. That said, there might be risks involved. You might enjoy the taste of a mocktail so much that it triggers you to order a real one.

Proceed with caution when consuming mocktails. Ask your sponsor, be aware of your triggers, and have an exit plan when you are going out with others who are drinking.

In this article, you will learn:

• What are the benefits of drinking mocktails?
• What are the risks of consuming mocktails?
• What should you consider when drinking mocktails in recovery from alcoholism?

What are the Benefits and Risks of Drinking Mocktails?

The main benefit of drinking mocktails in recovery is feeling included during social situations. If you are out with friends who are not in recovery, they might have a few drinks. Ordering a mocktail could prevent you from feeling singled out and allow you to feel connected with your friends.

Feelings of isolation and fears of being seen as different can contribute to relapse. That said, being able to have mocktails with your friends could keep you on the straight and narrow.

Despite this, there are some risks to consider. Mocktails taste a lot like alcoholic beverages. Drinking one might cause you to experience urges and cravings for the real thing.

Additionally, non-alcoholic beer can contain up to 0.5% ABV. This means there are small amounts of alcohol in alcohol-free beer. While this amount will not cause mind-altering effects, it could increase the risk of relapse if you aren’t careful.

Things to Consider When Drinking Mocktails in Recovery

Whether drinking mocktails in recovery is okay varies from person to person. What might trigger one person may not necessarily bother you. As a result, you should consider a few things before you begin consuming mocktails.

Ask for Advice

The first thing you should do is ask a trusted individual for advice. If you are in a 12-step program, you should talk to your sponsor. You should have a conversation with whoever is closest to you and knows the most about your alcohol use disorder.

Ask your sponsor or your confidant whether they think mocktails are a good idea. Keep them informed of your decision and in the loop. If you do decide to drink mocktails, update them about how it made you feel.

Having someone there to help you break down the facts about your relationship with mocktails can help you stay sober and avoid a relapse. For some people, mocktails are a great alternative for social events like dinner parties or birthdays.

Notice Your Triggers

Drinking mocktails could be a trigger for you. When you drink one, take note of how it makes you feel.

Does it make you miss the life that came with excessive drinking? Maybe you enjoy the taste of the mocktail but wish it was providing you with the effects of real alcohol.

If so, consuming mocktails might offer more risk than benefit. Always make sure to take notice of your triggers so you can make a healthy choice.

Avoid High-Risk Situations

Sometimes it can be beneficial to go out with friends who are not in recovery. It can help you feel normal and allow you to continue connections with long-term friends. However, there are some situations you just shouldn’t put yourself in.

For example, certain types of parties or nightclubs might not be good for your sobriety. When you are planning to go out and drink mocktails, make sure it will be in the right type of environment for your recovery.

Have an Exit Plan

Lastly, you always want to make sure you have an exit plan. If you are with people who begin to get a little too drunk or rowdy, that could trigger you to experience cravings. You want to have a plan in place to get out of that situation as soon as possible.

You could use an excuse to leave early, like:

• “I have an early morning tomorrow”
• “I need to get home to care for my dog or cat”
• “I have plans with someone else after this”

It is also okay to be honest with your friends. If you simply aren’t feeling it, you could just tell them it’s time for you to go home. Always remember to put your sobriety first in these types of situations.

Find Help for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

If you or a loved one suffers from alcoholism, it’s time to seek professional help. Alcohol use disorder can be difficult to overcome, especially on your own. Thankfully, drug rehab programs like the Mandala Healing Center are here to help.

We offer a combination of medical detox, evidence-based behavioral therapy, and relapse prevention. Instead of simply treating the physical aspects of alcoholism, we help you recover from the root causes.

Contact us today for more information on our alcohol rehab program.

References:

1. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Alcohol Use in the United States: Age Groups and Demographic Characteristics