Alcohol Free Alternatives For Recovering Alcoholics

Alcoholics generally aren't too fussy about what they drink; so long as it contains alcohol. One of the biggest obstacles newly sober people face is deciding what to drink when they go out for a meal or at a work function that isn't alcohol. What are some of the non-alcoholic alternatives available to people in these situations?

Non Alcoholic Beers and Wines

There are a large range of beers and wines which are now marketed as alcohol free. These are increasingly being stocked in bars and restaurants as people become more aware of their alcohol consumption. These often come in bottles which look extremely similar to their alcoholic counterparts so often people will not be able to tell that you are not drinking an alcohol. If you do decided to try these alcohol free products you need to be aware that sometimes they still contain a small amount of alcohol, around 0.5%, which occurs during the brewing process. While these drinks can still legally be advertised as alcohol free this miniscule quantity of alcohol would often be enough to cause a reaction for someone taking Antabuse. Therefore, if you really need to remain totally abstinent from alcohol you are perhaps better trying something else.

Water

Water is essential for all human life. It is scientifically proven that humans on average will use around 2 liters of water and that this needs to be replace so as to prevent the body dehydrating. What is not so widely known is that you do not just need to drink water to consume it; water can also be consumed through the food we eat. Tomatoes, for example, are made up of around 90% water and therefore a great source of liquid.

Not only is water one of the healthiest drinks available it is often the cheapest. Water generally costs nothing from the tap so in most bars and restaurant they are quite happy to serve this to you for free. This is a great incentive to drink it if you are wanting to save money.

Soft Drinks

When most people think of soft drinks their mind immediately springs towards colas and lemonades. While these are two of the most popular soft drinks many people find them too sweet and are unable to drink more than one or two of them. There are however a great many other soft drinks which are suitable for all palettes. Bitter lemon is a great alternative to your regular lemonade; it's slightly less sweet but is equally as refreshing. Another more sophisticate soft drink is sparkling elderflower with mint. This drink is great on a hot summer's day but also works surprisingly well as an accompaniment to food.

Tea and Coffee

As the popularity of cafe culture continues to expand, more and more frequently people are choosing to meet friends at tea houses or coffee shops instead of in bars and pubs. In these relaxed environments it doesn't seem that alcohol is at all necessary to lubricate conversation. Groups of people can often be found here, drinking hot beverages, talking loudly and having as much fun as they would have done in a pub. And often they seem to talk a lot more sense!