Substance abuse is something that people all over the globe struggle with. Luckily this battle has not gone unnoticed. All kinds of products designed to help struggling addicts wane off of their substance of choice are beginning to fill the shelves. Nicotine patches and e-cigarettes have become popular methods of helping smokers quit smoking, and it is theorized that non-alcoholic beer works the same way. By providing a close substitute, drinkers can still enjoy their favorite beverage without the side effects of consuming alcohol. That being said, not everyone agrees that non-alcoholic beer is the best option for a recovering alcoholic. This is what you need to know about the dangers of non-alcoholic beer.
Is Beer Alcohol If it is Non-Alcoholic?
The term non-alcoholic beer is misleading. According to labeling regulations, non-alcoholic does not have to mean completely alcohol-free. The alcohol content of a regular beer varies but is typically around 5%. Low-alcohol beer must stay under 1.2% and non-alcoholic beer must be .5% or lower. Even if a beer does claim to be .5% or less, this is not always the case. Most non-alcoholic beers will contain a small amount of alcohol, so it may not be a good option for someone that is trying to abstain from alcohol completely.
What does beer do to the body?
We all know drinking alcohol can be dangerous but is .5% alcohol volume enough to cause problems? For some maybe not, but there are others that should do their best to abstain entirely. Alcohol consumption has been linked to severe birth defects that can be harmful to both the mother and child. Even though non-alcoholic beer can contain less than 1% alcohol, a safe level of consumption has never been determined for pregnant mothers.
Is Non-Alcoholic Beer Safe for Alcoholics?
Though non-alcoholic beer may seem like a great compromise for recovering addicts, this is not always the case. Even though the lowered alcohol content may prevent drinkers from getting drunk while allowing them to get the fix that they are craving, it can also serve as a trigger. Triggers are social, environmental, or emotional circumstances that remind recovering addicts of their former substance abuse. These triggers can cause intense cravings that often result in relapse. The smell of beer, the way the bottle pops open, or just the idea of being able to have a beer can serve as a trigger for alcoholics.
Find Alcohol Addiction Recovery in Dover, DE
Facing addiction on your own can feel like an uphill battle. Here at American Treatment Network, we offer treatment services that are derived from evidence-based practices. Our treatment locations in Havertown, PA, Dover, DE, and Newark, DE, provide a variety of treatment options so you can get the treatment that works best for you. If you would like to learn more or schedule an appointment, contact us today!
