Why Non-Alcoholic Beer is Still Dangerous For Recovery

In early recovery, it can be tempting to look for alternatives to drugs or alcohol. Some people may begin using tobacco more frequently, drinking more caffeine, or looking for supplements that might give a slight buzz or “pick-me-up.” This is because addiction is also a habit of just “doing” something frequently, leading to people looking for replacements for one’s old habit of using drugs or alcohol. Many people in early recovery ask about non-alcoholic beer and many people even assume non-alcoholic beer is made for people in recovery. This is not true and can even put one’s recovery at risk. Another reason people want to try non-alcoholic beer is because they want to feel more involved at events that serve alcohol. Parties, new year’s, family reunions: these can all be tempting times to drink, so non-alcoholic beer seems like a good option. It is a better idea to find a different alternative for these events. There are several reasons that make non-alcoholic beer dangerous for a recovering alcoholic or addict. Though it is true that it is virtually impossible to get drunk from non-alcoholic beer, the drink itself can be an immense trigger, leading to strong cravings and relapse. Every person reacts differently, but for someone in recovery, the risk is just too great. There are plenty of healthier and safer alternatives for someone to feel “a part” of a gathering or party. These are some major reasons non-alcoholic beer is risky: There is still a small alcohol content To some people’s surprise, non-alcoholic beer still contains small amounts of alcohol. The ABV is around .5% on average, while a...

6 Alternatives to 12-Step Programs

Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and other 12-step programs have nearly become synonymous with recovery and can be found all over the world. 12 steps have even been integrated into many addiction treatment centers but is there anything else out there? Though 12 steps are very popular, they are not a sure-cure for addiction nor do that have overwhelming evidence of being truly effective. Recovery is different for every person, so luckily there is a program out there that would fit your style and taste. There are actually many alternatives to 12-step programs available. Every program has suggestions and ideas that can help promote growth, self-help, and camaraderie. Many people do not exactly fall in-line with the idea of a “higher power” or the idea of “helplessness,” which is why so many other groups have sprouted over the last few decades. Some people prefer to fully rely on faith and religion, so there are groups out there for those people as well. Many groups have become very popular and can be found almost as commonly as AA or NA. So what are some specific groups that are alternatives to 12-step programs? SMART Recovery SMART is one of the most popular alternatives to 12-step programs in the world. It began specifically to challenge the ideas of AA, in particular, the idea of “helplessness.” SMART promotes self-help and the “power of choice” opposed to helplessness over addiction or alcoholism. It is a nonprofit organization that promotes self-empowerment and camaraderie among its members. They offer face-to-face meetings, 24-hour chat rooms, and an online message board. SMART Recovery promotes research and science based ideas and...

8 Ways To Practice Mindfulness in Sobriety

Mindfulness can be a confusing idea for someone who is new to the practice. Most people spend most of their mental capacity thinking about the future or dwelling on the past. Focusing on the present moment can be the most difficult but is also the most rewarding. Present moment awareness is a valuable skill to learn and it can reduce stress, increase gratitude, and open one’s eyes to new perspectives. Practicing mindfulness in sobriety is even more crucial because it is a great tool to reduce triggers and boredom and greatly increase appreciation for life and one’s surroundings. Essentially, mindfulness is the practice or focusing on and observing the present moment. It can start out very simple, like being mindful the breath. The ultimate goal is to reach a level where one can be mindful at every moment - while eating, walking, conversing with friends, and even while experiencing intense emotions. It can be especially difficult to practice mindfulness in sobriety because those newly sober often have racing thoughts and find it hard to sit still. Learning simple techniques and ideas can help slow one’s mind and learn to appreciate life “right now.” Life is never experienced in the future or in the past, which is why it so important to appreciate the present in order to become content with life. Here are some tips to start being mindful of the present moment: Meditation Meditation is the first step to begin practicing mindfulness in sobriety. Sitting still and simply focusing on the breath is all it takes. It can seem difficult at first but this is normal. Your brain is...

5 Types of People to Avoid in Rehab

If it’s your first time going to addiction treatment, it’s important to learn that not everybody in rehab wants to be there, wants to get sober, or wants you to do well. Some people are forced into rehab by a court, while others were given an ultimatum to attend treatment or else they could lose their source for financial support or living arrangement. Some people simply do not quite yet have the willingness and dedication necessary to remain sober and recover from their addiction. This doesn’t necessarily mean that people forced into addiction treatment will not recover but, rather, it’s important to recognize the people who are taking the program seriously and want to get better. In rehab, it is likely you will make connections and friendships that could last a lifetime, which is why it is important to choose friends carefully. It’s also important to understand that in early recovery it can be easy for a person to become vulnerable to triggers, manipulation, or rationalizations of bad ideas their friends suggest. Early recovery is a fragile time in a person’s life, so it is extremely important to surround one’s self with positive influences and people who will support their journey to recovery. If you are about to attend treatment, these are the type of people you should avoid: The “Know-it-all” In rehab, there are going to be people who are completely unwilling to consider perspectives other than their own. People might suggest that therapists or doctors “just don’t understand.” They might easily become angered by advice given to them. They also might refuse to even try simple suggestions. The...