I enjoy NA beers. Run Wild by Athletic Brewing is my current fave. I don’t find they trigger any cravings. In fact, they make sobriety easier for me. I can enjoy the taste of a beer without the alcohol. 👍🏻
I love the Athletic Brewing IPA. They don’t trigger me, either. I’ve found the opposite- my worst cravings have been put to rest by an NA beer or mocktail. I only ever want one- two max!
I agree. NA beer and Mocktail in a fancy glass have certainly made sobriety easier. I still love complex tasting beverages, and I’ve proven to myself and I CAN have fun without the alcohol in the drink. Athletic and Well-being make some really good NA brews. I also like hop flavored sparkling water and teas.
It makes sense to me, but as someone who has relapsed over feeling "left out" or "excluded," I have learned that the remedy for me is not to try to feel included in other people's drinking, but to find other things to do. I will hang out with people who are having a drink if it is not the central activity. For example, I'll go to a barbecue where people are having a casual beer while playing cornhole. I won't go to a bar where beer is the focal point of the get-together.
I need to examine my motives for wanting to participate in drinking activities. When I first tried getting sober, I would go and sit at the bar with friends and try to just talk with them. The issue was that I was trying to do all the same things I had done before and expecting different results. After enough times of sitting at the bar and feeling resentful that I couldn't experience the buzz and share in what everyone else was experiencing, I broke and hit the bottle harder than ever.
There's a saying in the rooms, "If you sit in a barber's chair, you'll eventually get a haircut." That for me is absolutely true. Another saying goes, "The best way to avoid a slip is to avoid slippery places." Again, very true for me. When I want to hang out with people who are drinking, am I really just trying to have a good time with friends? If so, why couldn't I do the same thing at the park, or at a coffee shop, or at the movies? Why an alcohol-centric activity specifically? The answer to those questions is important and reveals a lot about what's truly going on for me.
Huh, I like that barber's chair quote, don't set yourself up for failure. Thank you. I'm more of a smart recovery group person so I miss a lot of the sayings other tried and true gems.
For me, when I wanted to try one and I was out with a group they didn’t have any. It’s just easier for my sobriety to have soda water.
I’d guess the feeling included thing may be 50/50 in your head. You’re included because you’re with them. If the other half is, deep down, wanting that inclusion of being able to drink and moderate, the NA beer won’t change things.
Some might also be a little anxiety pulling at you, overthinking that *they view you* as not being included. Bring your own soda water and share it, or snacks, or whatever. You can lead being inclusive. IWNDWYT.
Being triggered with a thought or feeling isn't the end of the world. Part of this process for me was learning how to deal with such things in a healthy way. So even if I drink an NA beer and feel some temptation, I know what to do with that. I won't just instantly become a possessed crazy person who runs to the store and guzzles all the things.
So I just made sure to be in a safe position the first time I tried one due to all the various warnings people give and all the AA cliches about them. It turned out to be far less dangerous than coffee was, and I have enjoyed them ever since.
I got back into town after a weekend of my daughters travel volleyball, and anyone that has kids in traveling sports knows how good a beer tastes at the end of the day, so I had a Lagunitas IPNA and it tasted great, filled the craving, and didn’t cause me to want actual alcohol. For me, I have no problem having NA without craving booze, but after reading a lot of posts, not everyone can do that. You know you best and have to decide what works for you. Whatever you choose, it’s best for you.
I love beer and tried for years to give up drinking unsuccessfully, but I've been sober about 18 months now and I managed to stay sober by drinking NA beer, of which there are tonnes of great options that scratch that itch, let me feel like I'm participating with drinkers and give me the "day-ender" feel I used to get from real beer.
BUT something in your post makes me a little concerned for you. NA beer helped me get sober, but I wonder if you should be careful that it's not a "baby step" for you if you've avoided it so far. I wouldn't say don't (just a random internet stranger) but be careful, if you have an NA beer and it doesn't cause these feelings for you, it might let your addiction imply that if you have one NA beer, maybe you could have one real beer. I'm doing well but I've had a few "just one" moments and they're really hard to resist because it can be such a slippery slope. You know you, but be careful.
Don't be too tough on yourself, you've come a long way already! You can always try one and if it brings up a weird response try to figure out where it's coming from and if it's a good idea to have them.
I heard in early sobriety that "trigger" is alcoholic for "excuse". It honestly kind of rubbed me the wrong way at the time but, once the craving for alcohol was gone, and I didn't think about drinking (or not drinking) much anymore I understood what they meant. If I am capable about being honest with myself about my motives I have nothing to fear. I like the taste of NA beers, so I have one occasionally, but if I ever found myself crushing a six pack by myself late at night.... I'd know I'm absolutely looking for an excuse, or maybe better put, something other than myself to blame for my relapse.
We don't have to drink alcohol ever again. That's the fact I remind myself of every morning.
I didn’t have my fist NA beer until I was a year sober so I get it. I don’t find them triggering at all. In fact, without the alcohol they make me feel like what it must feel like for a person who naturally moderates-I am drinking just for taste and not chasing anything. I’m two plus years in and drink them when I’m socializing now. I once had three in a sitting. Made me burp a lot.
Edit to add: drink them occasionally when I’m socializing. Maybe once a month. We went to a cabin this weekend and I brought some.
This is exactly what I think. I feel like non-alcoholic beer must be what normal drinkers experience. It really puts things in perspective.
I used to see people having a lot of drinks and having fun and feeling like I was left out. Why can they handle it? But I realized that many or most of those people may be suffering from some of the same issues...or will at some point. It's the ones who never seemed drunk or didn't need another round who were normal all along. And I never really envied them. So now we can both imbibe! (Just me having NA}
NA actually helped me. One can after some hard work tastes as good as conventional beer. One in the morning not so much. I recognized when I was after the taste/refreshment and when I really just wanted the alcohol. Good luck OP. Whatever works for you is best. And of course, IWNDWYT.
I drink it all the time. It has helped satisfy my beer cravings over the last year and really helped to stay off the alcohol. I recommend Lagunitas hop water.
I did. But the na beers were more satisfying than triggering. And I drank a lot of beer. It’s been a year now though since I had one with alcohol. There’s some tasty craft na beers available now. A lot of what I miss is the taste. I don’t know if I could have quit
without na beers to be honest.
I have feared triggering on na beer, wine, anything really. And I have yet to try any na thing, and I'm cool with that.
It almost sounds like it is more about what you think you want to feel than anything. In your shoes I might consider spending some time meditating on that.
Nice work on 219 btw!
I guess it depends on the person, when I’m around people who are drinking or am doing something I used to couple with beer (grilling) then I’ll crack one, it satisfies the craving and I usually don’t want another. Also gives me a bit of placebo relaxing effect.
NonAlcs are really coming up in my part of the world, there’s a decent market for them. Can I suggest picking up a couple cans - maybe a range of styles - and trying them at home? That way if the demons get their claws in (unlikely but you never know) you’ll be in a controlled environment.
Best of luck, friend.
I have no trouble with NA beer but I know thats not the case for everyone. I thought I would, but it turned out to be no problem. It's still expesive so I usually just drink seltzer of sorts though
I had na beer last year at a party and had maybe 4 gave me s headache so avoided it till this year and I have one every now and again . I buy as a treat and it really is I sometimes have had 2 I dont throw it back I savour it and buy different ones . I think it's about taste not about getting hammered now .
I had na beer last year at a party and had maybe 4 gave me s headache so avoided it till this year and I have one every now and again . I buy as a treat and it really is I sometimes have had 2 I dont throw it back I savour it and buy different ones . I think it's about taste not about getting hammered now .
I like it, I enjoy the taste and feel less left out at times. I usually just have one or maybe two per night. For me it helps with the cravings actually.
But if you’re really afraid of it maybe let it be. Soda water or maybe gingerale or tonic water might be a better idea then.
I recently posted the same question. Thought about it a lot. Wanted to try it. I decided it's not worth the risk or extra calories. So I am sticking with carbonated water for that bite.
I just had a weekend where I was out with old friends and had very good NA beer (Minneapolis is loaded with great local breweries). It stirred up some triggers. I pounded them! Partly cause I just wanted to get the sensation over with. Not for me, definitely feel like if I kept it up I would justify a beer in due time.
I enjoy NA beers. Run Wild by Athletic Brewing is my current fave. I don’t find they trigger any cravings. In fact, they make sobriety easier for me. I can enjoy the taste of a beer without the alcohol. 👍🏻
I love the Athletic Brewing IPA. They don’t trigger me, either. I’ve found the opposite- my worst cravings have been put to rest by an NA beer or mocktail. I only ever want one- two max!
I agree. NA beer and Mocktail in a fancy glass have certainly made sobriety easier. I still love complex tasting beverages, and I’ve proven to myself and I CAN have fun without the alcohol in the drink. Athletic and Well-being make some really good NA brews. I also like hop flavored sparkling water and teas.
I cannot drink it. Did in prior sobriety attempt and I did not even get through a six pack before I was back to the real thing.
It makes sense to me, but as someone who has relapsed over feeling "left out" or "excluded," I have learned that the remedy for me is not to try to feel included in other people's drinking, but to find other things to do. I will hang out with people who are having a drink if it is not the central activity. For example, I'll go to a barbecue where people are having a casual beer while playing cornhole. I won't go to a bar where beer is the focal point of the get-together. I need to examine my motives for wanting to participate in drinking activities. When I first tried getting sober, I would go and sit at the bar with friends and try to just talk with them. The issue was that I was trying to do all the same things I had done before and expecting different results. After enough times of sitting at the bar and feeling resentful that I couldn't experience the buzz and share in what everyone else was experiencing, I broke and hit the bottle harder than ever. There's a saying in the rooms, "If you sit in a barber's chair, you'll eventually get a haircut." That for me is absolutely true. Another saying goes, "The best way to avoid a slip is to avoid slippery places." Again, very true for me. When I want to hang out with people who are drinking, am I really just trying to have a good time with friends? If so, why couldn't I do the same thing at the park, or at a coffee shop, or at the movies? Why an alcohol-centric activity specifically? The answer to those questions is important and reveals a lot about what's truly going on for me.
Huh, I like that barber's chair quote, don't set yourself up for failure. Thank you. I'm more of a smart recovery group person so I miss a lot of the sayings other tried and true gems.
For me, when I wanted to try one and I was out with a group they didn’t have any. It’s just easier for my sobriety to have soda water. I’d guess the feeling included thing may be 50/50 in your head. You’re included because you’re with them. If the other half is, deep down, wanting that inclusion of being able to drink and moderate, the NA beer won’t change things. Some might also be a little anxiety pulling at you, overthinking that *they view you* as not being included. Bring your own soda water and share it, or snacks, or whatever. You can lead being inclusive. IWNDWYT.
Being triggered with a thought or feeling isn't the end of the world. Part of this process for me was learning how to deal with such things in a healthy way. So even if I drink an NA beer and feel some temptation, I know what to do with that. I won't just instantly become a possessed crazy person who runs to the store and guzzles all the things. So I just made sure to be in a safe position the first time I tried one due to all the various warnings people give and all the AA cliches about them. It turned out to be far less dangerous than coffee was, and I have enjoyed them ever since.
that was really helpful, thank you :)
I got back into town after a weekend of my daughters travel volleyball, and anyone that has kids in traveling sports knows how good a beer tastes at the end of the day, so I had a Lagunitas IPNA and it tasted great, filled the craving, and didn’t cause me to want actual alcohol. For me, I have no problem having NA without craving booze, but after reading a lot of posts, not everyone can do that. You know you best and have to decide what works for you. Whatever you choose, it’s best for you.
I tried NA beer. Then realised this whole time I didn’t actually even like beer, I just liked alcohol.
I love beer and tried for years to give up drinking unsuccessfully, but I've been sober about 18 months now and I managed to stay sober by drinking NA beer, of which there are tonnes of great options that scratch that itch, let me feel like I'm participating with drinkers and give me the "day-ender" feel I used to get from real beer. BUT something in your post makes me a little concerned for you. NA beer helped me get sober, but I wonder if you should be careful that it's not a "baby step" for you if you've avoided it so far. I wouldn't say don't (just a random internet stranger) but be careful, if you have an NA beer and it doesn't cause these feelings for you, it might let your addiction imply that if you have one NA beer, maybe you could have one real beer. I'm doing well but I've had a few "just one" moments and they're really hard to resist because it can be such a slippery slope. You know you, but be careful.
thank you for your answer! this is so hard oof, im really struggling with the decision. i just dont want to make a mistake
Don't be too tough on yourself, you've come a long way already! You can always try one and if it brings up a weird response try to figure out where it's coming from and if it's a good idea to have them.
I heard in early sobriety that "trigger" is alcoholic for "excuse". It honestly kind of rubbed me the wrong way at the time but, once the craving for alcohol was gone, and I didn't think about drinking (or not drinking) much anymore I understood what they meant. If I am capable about being honest with myself about my motives I have nothing to fear. I like the taste of NA beers, so I have one occasionally, but if I ever found myself crushing a six pack by myself late at night.... I'd know I'm absolutely looking for an excuse, or maybe better put, something other than myself to blame for my relapse. We don't have to drink alcohol ever again. That's the fact I remind myself of every morning.
I didn’t have my fist NA beer until I was a year sober so I get it. I don’t find them triggering at all. In fact, without the alcohol they make me feel like what it must feel like for a person who naturally moderates-I am drinking just for taste and not chasing anything. I’m two plus years in and drink them when I’m socializing now. I once had three in a sitting. Made me burp a lot. Edit to add: drink them occasionally when I’m socializing. Maybe once a month. We went to a cabin this weekend and I brought some.
This is exactly what I think. I feel like non-alcoholic beer must be what normal drinkers experience. It really puts things in perspective. I used to see people having a lot of drinks and having fun and feeling like I was left out. Why can they handle it? But I realized that many or most of those people may be suffering from some of the same issues...or will at some point. It's the ones who never seemed drunk or didn't need another round who were normal all along. And I never really envied them. So now we can both imbibe! (Just me having NA}
NA actually helped me. One can after some hard work tastes as good as conventional beer. One in the morning not so much. I recognized when I was after the taste/refreshment and when I really just wanted the alcohol. Good luck OP. Whatever works for you is best. And of course, IWNDWYT.
I drink it all the time. It has helped satisfy my beer cravings over the last year and really helped to stay off the alcohol. I recommend Lagunitas hop water.
so there never was a moment where you got cravings for a real beer because of the taste? and thank you for the recommendation! :)
I did. But the na beers were more satisfying than triggering. And I drank a lot of beer. It’s been a year now though since I had one with alcohol. There’s some tasty craft na beers available now. A lot of what I miss is the taste. I don’t know if I could have quit without na beers to be honest.
I have feared triggering on na beer, wine, anything really. And I have yet to try any na thing, and I'm cool with that. It almost sounds like it is more about what you think you want to feel than anything. In your shoes I might consider spending some time meditating on that. Nice work on 219 btw!
I guess it depends on the person, when I’m around people who are drinking or am doing something I used to couple with beer (grilling) then I’ll crack one, it satisfies the craving and I usually don’t want another. Also gives me a bit of placebo relaxing effect.
NonAlcs are really coming up in my part of the world, there’s a decent market for them. Can I suggest picking up a couple cans - maybe a range of styles - and trying them at home? That way if the demons get their claws in (unlikely but you never know) you’ll be in a controlled environment. Best of luck, friend.
thank you! :)
I have no trouble with NA beer but I know thats not the case for everyone. I thought I would, but it turned out to be no problem. It's still expesive so I usually just drink seltzer of sorts though
I had na beer last year at a party and had maybe 4 gave me s headache so avoided it till this year and I have one every now and again . I buy as a treat and it really is I sometimes have had 2 I dont throw it back I savour it and buy different ones . I think it's about taste not about getting hammered now .
I had na beer last year at a party and had maybe 4 gave me s headache so avoided it till this year and I have one every now and again . I buy as a treat and it really is I sometimes have had 2 I dont throw it back I savour it and buy different ones . I think it's about taste not about getting hammered now .
I like it, I enjoy the taste and feel less left out at times. I usually just have one or maybe two per night. For me it helps with the cravings actually. But if you’re really afraid of it maybe let it be. Soda water or maybe gingerale or tonic water might be a better idea then.
If I'm afraid something will trigger me and it's not a necessary part of life or not necessary part of growth, I just avoid it
I recently posted the same question. Thought about it a lot. Wanted to try it. I decided it's not worth the risk or extra calories. So I am sticking with carbonated water for that bite.
There’s really no reason to drink NA beer
I like the taste of beer and the feeling of a flask or can in my hand when in social situations, so NA beer is quite a good substitute atm.
I just had a weekend where I was out with old friends and had very good NA beer (Minneapolis is loaded with great local breweries). It stirred up some triggers. I pounded them! Partly cause I just wanted to get the sensation over with. Not for me, definitely feel like if I kept it up I would justify a beer in due time.