Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused substances in the world. It is legal and widely available throughout the United States, and most adults in the country report drinking from time to time.

It can be challenging to know when alcohol consumption has crossed the line into dangerous territory. Long periods of alcohol abuse can spiral into a life-threatening addiction that requires treatment and ongoing support.

Meaningful recovery from alcohol addiction requires an ongoing commitment to sobriety. Overcoming alcohol abuse and addiction takes treatment, patience, and a lot of support. It also requires significant lifestyle changes.

Some people in recovery wonder if it is OK to drink “mocktails” in recovery. This article will explore what mocktails are and if they can be part of a person’s recovery journey.

If you or someone you love lives with alcohol abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Find the treatment and support you need at the Carolina Center for Recovery. Contact our intake team to learn more about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

What are Mocktails?

Research shows that more people are choosing to experiment with sobriety, even if they do not have a history of alcohol use disorder (AUD) or problematic drinking. As a result, many bars, restaurants, and other places are offering alcohol-free mixed drinks–sometimes called “mocktails.”

Serving alcohol-free drinks at social events where alcohol is served may benefit people who are choosing sobriety. Many people see mocktails as a great alternative for those in recovery or those trying to stay sober for any reason.

Mocktail recipes usually contain ingredients that create interesting flavor combinations. They may include common ingredients, like ginger ale or lemon-lime soda served over ice, or sophisticated ingredients, like herbs, fruit, or other flavorings.

Mocktails often resemble alcoholic beverages. People may not be able to identify that a mocktail is not an alcoholic drink. For this reason, some people in recovery may choose to drink mocktails in social situations.

Can You Drink Mocktails When You’re Sober?

Some people may wonder if it’s safe to drink mocktails when you’re sober. On the surface, the answer seems simple. Mocktails don’t contain alcohol, so it should be safe to drink them.

While this idea makes sense, it’s important to consider the potential risks of drinking mocktails when you are sober.

First, many people drink mocktails in social situations where alcohol is served. For some recovering alcoholics, being around alcohol or people who are drinking may be triggering.

Spending time in bars or restaurants–especially those where you used to drink–may increase the risk of relapse. This may be especially true for people in the early days of their recovery journey. Many people in recovery are better off avoiding situations that may trigger cravings or temptation.

Second, many people in recovery discover that they need to let go of old relationships. If you are drinking mocktails so you can still hang out with the same drinking buddies, it may be something to pay attention to. Staying socially active is essential for your mental health in recovery–but only if the people you spend time with respect and support your recovery.

Finally, people who enjoy the taste of alcoholic drinks may not be satisfied with a mocktail. They may turn to low-alcohol drinks or “NA” beer to get closer to the real thing.  It is important to understand that non-alcoholic beer or wine may contain small amounts of alcohol.

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Why Drinking Mocktails May Be Helpful

For some, the occasional mocktail may help people manage social situations where alcohol is served. Enjoying a mocktail may help someone in recovery enjoy being with others without calling attention to the fact they aren’t drinking. Mocktails can also be delicious, letting people avoid alcohol without sacrificing enjoyment.

So, is it safe to drink mocktails in addiction recovery? Mocktails can be a good alternative to alcoholic beverages when you are at an event where others are drinking. It is crucial to think carefully about where you are in your recovery journey and make the best choices for your unique situation.

Recognizing the Stages of Relapse

Recognizing the early stages of relapse can help you identify a problem and seek treatment before it occurs. Some early warning signs of a relapse include:

• Neglecting your self-care
• Skipping meetings, therapy sessions, or appointments
• Experiencing intense feelings
• Isolating
• Sleeping too much or not enough
• Eating poorly, skipping meals, or binge eating

Thinking about having “just one” or trying to justify why it would be OK to drink again are also signs of an impending relapse. Seek treatment or support as soon as you recognize these early warning signs of relapse.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love needs support or treatment during recovery, you are not alone. Contact the Carolina Center for Recovery specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an appointment.

References:

1. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Sober-curious young Americans may be changing the conversation around alcohol
2. National Institute of Health (NIH): Abstinence Not Required: Expanding the Definition of Recovery from Alcohol Use Disorder