‘Sober’ drinks have become more popular
Experts say products aren’t a substitute
for seeking help with addiction
From Dry January to Sober October, ditching alcohol continues to climb in popularity. With the trend not stopping anytime soon, products are hitting shelves marketed specifically to alcoholic drink ditchers.
But with ingredients like CBD, THC, nootropics and descriptions that boast mood-altering effects without alcohol, are these options really sobriety-friendly? Experts say there are a few things to consider.
“It really just depends on somebody’s definition of what sobriety means to them and how much they feel comfortable depending on the effects of these on their bodies and brains,” said Hilary Sheinbaum, author of “The Dry Challenge: How to Lose the Booze for Dry January, Sober October, and Any Other AlcoholFree Month.”
For example, if someone is sober from alcohol, Sheinbaum counts all these ingredients as qualifying.
If someone’s definition also includes cutting out marijuana, some of these options wouldn’t be a fit. It also depends on what’s in the product itself to determine if these are true “sober alternatives.”
“Products containing cannabis such as CBD typically don’t produce intoxication, however, they are psychoactive, so it is important to understand your personal reaction to these ingredients,” said Dana Amaya, a registered dietitian at Lenox Hill Hospital. “Cannabis ingredients containing THC are intoxicating, can interact with medications and medical conditions and one should speak with a health care professional if concerned.”
In addition to an increase in nonalcoholic versions of beer, wine and cocktails, a new category of alcohol alternative drinks like Cann, which describes itself as a lightly carbonated “social tonic” infused with CBD and THC, is gaining popularity.
Amaya increasingly sees consumers choosing alcohol alternative drinks over alcoholic beverages due to “mounting health and wellness concerns.”
“Consumers are also interested in avoiding the empty calories in alcohol, as well as ‘nextday regrets’ often associated with alcoholic beverage consumption, resulting in reduced inhibition,” she said.
Though adaptogens and nootropics can boost calmness or elevate mood and thinking, they have not been shown to cause dependency like alcohol, Sheinbaum said.
In terms of CBD, Dr. Jessica Shepherd, chief medical officer of online health information platform Verywell Health, said it has demonstrated some efficacy in various physical and mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, neurological disorders, such as seizures and chronic pain issues.
Though popular, these drink options may not be a solution for everyone.
If you’re someone curious about sobriety to boost health or skip out on hangovers, Sheinbaum said, this type of swap makes sense. If you’re someone who struggles with alcohol use disorder or struggles with mental health challenges like severe anxiety, these options are not a replacement for professional help.
“Anybody who wants to try these beverages instead of alcohol, it’s definitely a plus, but it’s certainly also not a replacement for seeking help if that is something that somebody is struggling with,” Sheinbaum said.
People should also be cautious if they’re already on medication for something that’s been clinically diagnosed, Shepherd said.