Explore a range of non-alcoholic beverages and engaging activities to enhance your social gatherings. From mocktails and infused waters to game nights and outdoor adventures, discover how to enjoy events without alcohol.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app today!
Social gatherings often revolve around alcohol, making it challenging for those looking to cut back or quit drinking. However, there are plenty of enjoyable non-alcoholic beverages and activities that can make these events fun and memorable without the need for alcohol. This article explores various suggestions for non-alcoholic beverages and activities to help you reframe your relationship with social drinking.
Mocktails are a fantastic alternative to alcoholic drinks, offering the same complexity and flavor without the alcohol. Here are a few popular options:
Mocktails not only provide a delicious alternative but also make you feel included in the social aspect of drinking. You can even host a mocktail contest at your next gathering, encouraging friends to create and share their favorite non-alcoholic concoctions.
Infused water is a simple yet elegant option. Add slices of fruits, vegetables, and herbs to water for a refreshing and flavorful drink. Popular combinations include:
These beverages are not only hydrating but also visually appealing, making them a great addition to any social event.
Herbal teas offer a calming and flavorful alternative to alcoholic beverages. Varieties such as chamomile, peppermint, and hibiscus can be served hot or iced, depending on the season and your preference. Herbal teas are also packed with beneficial nutrients, supporting overall health while providing a soothing experience.
Freshly squeezed juices are another excellent option. They are vibrant, full of flavor, and can be customized to suit any taste. Popular choices include:
These juices not only taste great but also offer a healthy alternative to sugary sodas and alcoholic beverages.
Game nights are a fantastic way to engage guests and create a fun atmosphere without alcohol. Consider classic board games, card games, or even interactive video games that encourage group participation and friendly competition.
A potluck dinner allows everyone to contribute a dish, making the meal diverse and exciting. Focus on the culinary aspect by encouraging guests to bring their favorite recipes, and perhaps include a few non-alcoholic drink recipes as well. This setup not only reduces the emphasis on drinking but also fosters a sense of community and shared experience.
Outdoor activities are a great way to enjoy social gatherings while promoting physical health. Consider organizing a hike, a picnic in the park, or a beach day. These activities naturally shift the focus away from alcohol and towards enjoying nature and each other's company.
Hosting a creative workshop can be an enriching experience. Whether it's a painting class, a cooking lesson, or a DIY craft session, engaging in creative activities provides a fun and productive way to socialize. These workshops can also be themed around the season or a particular interest, making them even more enjoyable.
A movie marathon is a relaxing way to spend time with friends without the need for alcohol. Choose a series of films or a specific genre, and create a cozy viewing area with plenty of snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. This setup encourages relaxation and shared enjoyment of the films.
Starting a book club is a great way to combine socializing with intellectual stimulation. Choose a book to read each month and host regular meetings to discuss it. This activity not only provides a structured way to socialize but also encourages personal growth and learning.
Reframing social drinking involves shifting the focus from alcohol to other enjoyable aspects of social gatherings. By introducing non-alcoholic beverages and engaging activities, you can create a fulfilling social experience that doesn't rely on alcohol. This approach not only supports healthier drinking habits but also enhances the overall quality of social interactions.
By exploring these suggestions for non-alcoholic beverages and activities, you can enjoy social gatherings in a healthier and more fulfilling way.
Social gatherings often revolve around alcohol, making it challenging for those looking to cut back or quit drinking. However, there are plenty of enjoyable non-alcoholic beverages and activities that can make these events fun and memorable without the need for alcohol. This article explores various suggestions for non-alcoholic beverages and activities to help you reframe your relationship with social drinking.
Mocktails are a fantastic alternative to alcoholic drinks, offering the same complexity and flavor without the alcohol. Here are a few popular options:
Mocktails not only provide a delicious alternative but also make you feel included in the social aspect of drinking. You can even host a mocktail contest at your next gathering, encouraging friends to create and share their favorite non-alcoholic concoctions.
Infused water is a simple yet elegant option. Add slices of fruits, vegetables, and herbs to water for a refreshing and flavorful drink. Popular combinations include:
These beverages are not only hydrating but also visually appealing, making them a great addition to any social event.
Herbal teas offer a calming and flavorful alternative to alcoholic beverages. Varieties such as chamomile, peppermint, and hibiscus can be served hot or iced, depending on the season and your preference. Herbal teas are also packed with beneficial nutrients, supporting overall health while providing a soothing experience.
Freshly squeezed juices are another excellent option. They are vibrant, full of flavor, and can be customized to suit any taste. Popular choices include:
These juices not only taste great but also offer a healthy alternative to sugary sodas and alcoholic beverages.
Game nights are a fantastic way to engage guests and create a fun atmosphere without alcohol. Consider classic board games, card games, or even interactive video games that encourage group participation and friendly competition.
A potluck dinner allows everyone to contribute a dish, making the meal diverse and exciting. Focus on the culinary aspect by encouraging guests to bring their favorite recipes, and perhaps include a few non-alcoholic drink recipes as well. This setup not only reduces the emphasis on drinking but also fosters a sense of community and shared experience.
Outdoor activities are a great way to enjoy social gatherings while promoting physical health. Consider organizing a hike, a picnic in the park, or a beach day. These activities naturally shift the focus away from alcohol and towards enjoying nature and each other's company.
Hosting a creative workshop can be an enriching experience. Whether it's a painting class, a cooking lesson, or a DIY craft session, engaging in creative activities provides a fun and productive way to socialize. These workshops can also be themed around the season or a particular interest, making them even more enjoyable.
A movie marathon is a relaxing way to spend time with friends without the need for alcohol. Choose a series of films or a specific genre, and create a cozy viewing area with plenty of snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. This setup encourages relaxation and shared enjoyment of the films.
Starting a book club is a great way to combine socializing with intellectual stimulation. Choose a book to read each month and host regular meetings to discuss it. This activity not only provides a structured way to socialize but also encourages personal growth and learning.
Reframing social drinking involves shifting the focus from alcohol to other enjoyable aspects of social gatherings. By introducing non-alcoholic beverages and engaging activities, you can create a fulfilling social experience that doesn't rely on alcohol. This approach not only supports healthier drinking habits but also enhances the overall quality of social interactions.
By exploring these suggestions for non-alcoholic beverages and activities, you can enjoy social gatherings in a healthier and more fulfilling way.
Explore mindful drinking techniques to enjoy social events responsibly. Learn to set intentions, choose quality over quantity, and engage more meaningfully without compromising health or well-being.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app today!
In today's fast-paced world, social events often come hand-in-hand with alcohol consumption. Whether it's a casual get-together, a wedding, or a festive holiday party, alcohol is frequently a central component. However, the rise of mindful drinking techniques offers a healthier, more intentional approach to consuming alcohol. This article explores various mindful drinking techniques that can help you enjoy social events without compromising your health or well-being.
Mindful drinking is a practice that involves being fully present and conscious of your alcohol consumption. It is about making intentional choices about when and how much you drink, rather than falling into habitual or social patterns. By adopting mindful drinking techniques, you can develop a healthier relationship with alcohol, reduce your intake, and enhance your overall social experience.
Before attending a social event, set clear intentions about your alcohol consumption. Decide in advance how many drinks you will have and stick to that limit. Having a plan helps you stay in control and prevents impulsive drinking.
When you do choose to drink, opt for high-quality beverages that you genuinely enjoy. Savor each sip and appreciate the flavors and aromas. This approach encourages you to drink more slowly and mindfully.
To pace yourself, alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic alternatives. This not only reduces your overall alcohol intake but also keeps you hydrated. Try refreshing options like sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice, herbal teas, or mocktails.
Instead of gulping down your drink, practice mindful sipping. Take small sips and savor the taste. Pay attention to the sensations in your mouth and the way the drink makes you feel. This technique helps you stay present and enjoy the experience without overindulging.
Shift your focus from drinking to engaging in meaningful conversations with others. Social events are an opportunity to connect with friends and family, so make the most of it. By staying engaged in conversations, you are less likely to drink out of boredom or habit.
Develop a non-alcoholic ritual that you can enjoy at social events. For example, you can create a signature mocktail or enjoy a special herbal tea. Having a go-to non-alcoholic option can make it easier to resist the temptation to drink alcohol.
Identify the situations or emotions that trigger your desire to drink. Understanding your triggers can help you develop strategies to cope with them without resorting to alcohol. For instance, if you tend to drink when feeling anxious, practice deep breathing or mindfulness meditation to calm your nerves.
If you find yourself in a situation where you are tempted to drink more than planned, have an escape route. It could be as simple as stepping outside for some fresh air or leaving the event early. Having a plan in place can help you stay in control.
While it's important to have a plan, it's also essential to allow for flexibility. If you slip up and have more drinks than intended, don't be too hard on yourself. Acknowledge the slip-up, learn from it, and move forward with renewed commitment.
After the event, take some time to reflect on your experience. Consider how you felt, what worked well, and what you could improve next time. This reflection can help you continuously refine your mindful drinking practice.
By incorporating these mindful drinking techniques into your social events, you can enjoy the moment, connect with others, and maintain a healthier relationship with alcohol. Remember, the goal is not to eliminate alcohol completely but to consume it in a way that aligns with your values and well-being. Cheers to mindful drinking!
In today's fast-paced world, social events often come hand-in-hand with alcohol consumption. Whether it's a casual get-together, a wedding, or a festive holiday party, alcohol is frequently a central component. However, the rise of mindful drinking techniques offers a healthier, more intentional approach to consuming alcohol. This article explores various mindful drinking techniques that can help you enjoy social events without compromising your health or well-being.
Mindful drinking is a practice that involves being fully present and conscious of your alcohol consumption. It is about making intentional choices about when and how much you drink, rather than falling into habitual or social patterns. By adopting mindful drinking techniques, you can develop a healthier relationship with alcohol, reduce your intake, and enhance your overall social experience.
Before attending a social event, set clear intentions about your alcohol consumption. Decide in advance how many drinks you will have and stick to that limit. Having a plan helps you stay in control and prevents impulsive drinking.
When you do choose to drink, opt for high-quality beverages that you genuinely enjoy. Savor each sip and appreciate the flavors and aromas. This approach encourages you to drink more slowly and mindfully.
To pace yourself, alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic alternatives. This not only reduces your overall alcohol intake but also keeps you hydrated. Try refreshing options like sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice, herbal teas, or mocktails.
Instead of gulping down your drink, practice mindful sipping. Take small sips and savor the taste. Pay attention to the sensations in your mouth and the way the drink makes you feel. This technique helps you stay present and enjoy the experience without overindulging.
Shift your focus from drinking to engaging in meaningful conversations with others. Social events are an opportunity to connect with friends and family, so make the most of it. By staying engaged in conversations, you are less likely to drink out of boredom or habit.
Develop a non-alcoholic ritual that you can enjoy at social events. For example, you can create a signature mocktail or enjoy a special herbal tea. Having a go-to non-alcoholic option can make it easier to resist the temptation to drink alcohol.
Identify the situations or emotions that trigger your desire to drink. Understanding your triggers can help you develop strategies to cope with them without resorting to alcohol. For instance, if you tend to drink when feeling anxious, practice deep breathing or mindfulness meditation to calm your nerves.
If you find yourself in a situation where you are tempted to drink more than planned, have an escape route. It could be as simple as stepping outside for some fresh air or leaving the event early. Having a plan in place can help you stay in control.
While it's important to have a plan, it's also essential to allow for flexibility. If you slip up and have more drinks than intended, don't be too hard on yourself. Acknowledge the slip-up, learn from it, and move forward with renewed commitment.
After the event, take some time to reflect on your experience. Consider how you felt, what worked well, and what you could improve next time. This reflection can help you continuously refine your mindful drinking practice.
By incorporating these mindful drinking techniques into your social events, you can enjoy the moment, connect with others, and maintain a healthier relationship with alcohol. Remember, the goal is not to eliminate alcohol completely but to consume it in a way that aligns with your values and well-being. Cheers to mindful drinking!
Discover the significance of monitoring your alcohol consumption for better health and well-being. Learn about various tools, including apps and wearables, that can assist in tracking and managing your intake effectively.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app today!
Maintaining a healthy relationship with alcohol is crucial for overall well-being. One effective way to achieve this is by tracking your alcohol intake. Monitoring your consumption can provide valuable insights into your drinking habits, help you make informed decisions, and promote healthier drinking practices. In this article, we'll explore the importance of tracking your alcohol intake and introduce tools that can assist you in this endeavor.
Tracking your alcohol intake fosters awareness and accountability. It’s easy to lose track of how much you’ve consumed, especially during social events or stressful times. By keeping a record, you become more conscious of your drinking habits, making it easier to identify patterns and triggers.
Different alcoholic beverages contain varying amounts of alcohol. Knowing the alcohol content of your drinks is essential for managing your intake. For example, a standard 355 ml (12 oz) bottle of beer with 4.5% ABV contains approximately 1.5 alcohol units, whereas a 148 ml (5 oz) glass of wine with 13% ABV contains around 2 alcohol units. Understanding these differences can help you make more informed choices. For more detailed information on how to calculate the alcohol content in different drinks, check out How Much Alcohol Is In Beer, Wine, Cocktails?.
Monitoring your alcohol intake can lead to numerous health benefits, such as improved sleep, weight loss, and reduced stress levels. By tracking your consumption, you can set goals to reduce your intake and gradually work towards a healthier lifestyle.
In today’s tech-savvy world, several apps are designed to help you track your alcohol consumption. These apps often come with features that allow you to set personal goals, view your drinking history over time, and receive feedback on your progress.
One highly recommended app is the Reframe app. It offers a comprehensive solution for tracking alcohol consumption and provides personalized support to help you reduce your intake. The app includes customized content tailored to your goals, making it easier than ever to drink responsibly and maintain a healthier relationship with alcohol. Learn more about how this app can assist you in How To Track Your Drinking With the Reframe App.
Wearable devices that track your steps, heart rate, and other health metrics can also be used to monitor your alcohol intake. Some advanced wearables come with features that allow you to log your drinks and receive notifications if you exceed your set limits.
If you prefer a more traditional approach, keeping a journal to log your daily alcohol consumption can be just as effective. Write down every drink you consume, noting the type, amount, and context (e.g., social event, stressful day). This method can help you become more mindful of your drinking habits.
Several online tools and websites offer resources to help you track your alcohol intake. These platforms often provide calculators to determine the alcohol content of different drinks and offer tips for reducing your consumption.
Regularly tracking your alcohol intake can lead to significant health improvements. Reducing your alcohol consumption can lower your risk of developing chronic diseases, improve your mental health, and enhance your overall quality of life.
By understanding your drinking patterns, you can make more informed decisions about when and how much to drink. This awareness can help you avoid situations where you might be tempted to overconsume and encourage you to choose lower-alcohol beverages or non-alcoholic alternatives.
Tracking your alcohol intake helps you become more self-aware. You’ll gain insights into the reasons behind your drinking habits, whether they are social, emotional, or situational. This self-awareness is a powerful tool for making positive changes in your relationship with alcohol.
Using tools like the Reframe app can provide you with the support and motivation you need to achieve your goals. The app offers daily readings, a comprehensive suite of courses, and a 24/7 forum for connecting with others who are on a similar journey. For more details on the benefits of tracking your drinking, see Tracking Your Drinking: Benefits and How To Get Started.
Tracking your alcohol intake is a crucial step towards building healthier drinking habits. By becoming more aware of your consumption patterns, understanding the alcohol content of different beverages, and utilizing tools designed to help you monitor your intake, you can make informed decisions and improve your overall well-being. Whether you choose to use a drink tracking app, a wearable device, or a traditional journal, the key is consistency and commitment to your goals. Start tracking today and take the first step towards a healthier relationship with alcohol.
Maintaining a healthy relationship with alcohol is crucial for overall well-being. One effective way to achieve this is by tracking your alcohol intake. Monitoring your consumption can provide valuable insights into your drinking habits, help you make informed decisions, and promote healthier drinking practices. In this article, we'll explore the importance of tracking your alcohol intake and introduce tools that can assist you in this endeavor.
Tracking your alcohol intake fosters awareness and accountability. It’s easy to lose track of how much you’ve consumed, especially during social events or stressful times. By keeping a record, you become more conscious of your drinking habits, making it easier to identify patterns and triggers.
Different alcoholic beverages contain varying amounts of alcohol. Knowing the alcohol content of your drinks is essential for managing your intake. For example, a standard 355 ml (12 oz) bottle of beer with 4.5% ABV contains approximately 1.5 alcohol units, whereas a 148 ml (5 oz) glass of wine with 13% ABV contains around 2 alcohol units. Understanding these differences can help you make more informed choices. For more detailed information on how to calculate the alcohol content in different drinks, check out How Much Alcohol Is In Beer, Wine, Cocktails?.
Monitoring your alcohol intake can lead to numerous health benefits, such as improved sleep, weight loss, and reduced stress levels. By tracking your consumption, you can set goals to reduce your intake and gradually work towards a healthier lifestyle.
In today’s tech-savvy world, several apps are designed to help you track your alcohol consumption. These apps often come with features that allow you to set personal goals, view your drinking history over time, and receive feedback on your progress.
One highly recommended app is the Reframe app. It offers a comprehensive solution for tracking alcohol consumption and provides personalized support to help you reduce your intake. The app includes customized content tailored to your goals, making it easier than ever to drink responsibly and maintain a healthier relationship with alcohol. Learn more about how this app can assist you in How To Track Your Drinking With the Reframe App.
Wearable devices that track your steps, heart rate, and other health metrics can also be used to monitor your alcohol intake. Some advanced wearables come with features that allow you to log your drinks and receive notifications if you exceed your set limits.
If you prefer a more traditional approach, keeping a journal to log your daily alcohol consumption can be just as effective. Write down every drink you consume, noting the type, amount, and context (e.g., social event, stressful day). This method can help you become more mindful of your drinking habits.
Several online tools and websites offer resources to help you track your alcohol intake. These platforms often provide calculators to determine the alcohol content of different drinks and offer tips for reducing your consumption.
Regularly tracking your alcohol intake can lead to significant health improvements. Reducing your alcohol consumption can lower your risk of developing chronic diseases, improve your mental health, and enhance your overall quality of life.
By understanding your drinking patterns, you can make more informed decisions about when and how much to drink. This awareness can help you avoid situations where you might be tempted to overconsume and encourage you to choose lower-alcohol beverages or non-alcoholic alternatives.
Tracking your alcohol intake helps you become more self-aware. You’ll gain insights into the reasons behind your drinking habits, whether they are social, emotional, or situational. This self-awareness is a powerful tool for making positive changes in your relationship with alcohol.
Using tools like the Reframe app can provide you with the support and motivation you need to achieve your goals. The app offers daily readings, a comprehensive suite of courses, and a 24/7 forum for connecting with others who are on a similar journey. For more details on the benefits of tracking your drinking, see Tracking Your Drinking: Benefits and How To Get Started.
Tracking your alcohol intake is a crucial step towards building healthier drinking habits. By becoming more aware of your consumption patterns, understanding the alcohol content of different beverages, and utilizing tools designed to help you monitor your intake, you can make informed decisions and improve your overall well-being. Whether you choose to use a drink tracking app, a wearable device, or a traditional journal, the key is consistency and commitment to your goals. Start tracking today and take the first step towards a healthier relationship with alcohol.
Wondering about vodka alcohol percentage or tequila alcohol content? Check out our blog about alcohol percentage in many common drinks!
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app today!
How many drinks do you consume on a typical weekend? “Just a glass of wine with dinner,” you might say. But is that glass really one drink? And what happens if instead of your usual glass of white you have a Sherry or a Madeira? You might be surprised at the difference.
It’s important to be aware of the alcohol percentage content of our drinks, especially when we’re trying to be more mindful about our intake or are on a journey to cut back. With jumbo glasses and “free” refills clouding the picture, those drinks can add up more quickly than we realize. Plus, some are less “innocent” than they might seem. Let’s dig deeper!
As we know, all alcohol is not created equal. The amount of ethanol in different drinks is measured as “alcohol by volume,” or ABV. It’s listed as a percentage on the container (sometimes you have to look closely, but it’s there!). The ABV, meaning the amount of booze inside, determines how strong a particular drink is. The higher the ABV, the more potent the alcohol.
Both high and low ABVs spell trouble. The more potent drinks will get us intoxicated faster, potentially leading to alcohol poisoning. However, ones with a lower ABV percentage can launch a sneak attack: we might be lulled into thinking we’re sober until it hits us all at once. Talk about a trainwreck!
How much is too much? Here’s where the concept of “alcohol units” and “standard drinks” comes into play.
According to NIAAA, one "standard" drink (or unit) has around 14 grams of pure alcohol. What does this look like in real life?
Want to take a deep dive? Check out “Alcohol Units.”
As a planet, we drink a lot of beer. In 2021 alone, we collectively chugged around 185.60 million kiloliters — enough to fill the Tokyo Dome around 150 times. (Yikes!) China has been the uncontested top consumer for the last 19 years, but the U.S. isn’t too far behind in second place. The numbers shot up after the COVID-19 pandemic, with an increase of about 7.13 million kl compared to the previous year. That’s quite a few extra “bottles of beer on the wall” (11.3 billion, to be exact).
That said, interest in beer is declining these days! Partially fueled by the rising prices of craft beer and partially by the sober-curious movement that’s driving folks away from booze altogether, sales in beer have dropped in recent years. In fact, in 2023 shipments of beer were at their lowest in 25 years!
How much alcohol is in beer? Typically, beer has an alcohol content of about 4% to 6%. However, the numbers vary, ranging from 0.5% for low-alcohol versions to over 12% for stronger craft brews.
Why the difference? It comes down to the brewing process, when yeast gobbles up fermentable sugars, creating alcohol as a byproduct. The strain of yeast that’s used accounts for the difference: some have a higher output than others. (If you’re wondering just how high those numbers can go, it’s probably higher than you think — a whopping 57.8%!)
Note of caution: While beer generally has a lower alcohol content, consuming large quantities can lead to alcohol poisoning and contribute to long-term issues like liver disease and alcohol dependency. (For a closer look, check out “What Happens If You Drink 6 Beers a Day?”)
Hard cider is similar to beer when it comes to alcohol content and production process. It’s fermented from sugary fruits (usually apples). The type of apples that are used and the length of the fermentation process can create a range of ABV values, but they usually fall within the 4% to 8% range.
Note of caution: Cider has a sweet flavor and often comes in those bright green bottles featuring an orchard or bright Granny Smith apples on the label. But beware! This is no health drink. It’s easy to drink too much because the sugars mask the flavor of alcohol, and overconsumption can easily lead to intoxication and a host of long-term health issues if it becomes a habit. Short-term effects include dizziness and severe hangovers.
A relative newcomer on the scene, hard seltzers have skyrocketed in popularity, mostly thanks to marketing that promotes them as “healthier” takes on the traditional beers and malt beverages. Made by fermenting sugar cane or mixing carbonated water, alcohol, and flavoring, they look and fizzle like, well, seltzer. In the last year alone, the market expanded from $12.45 billion to $14.65 billion, and it’s still on the rise.
As for the alcohol percentage, hard seltzer is similar to beer, falling in the 4% to 6% range.
Note of caution: Don’t be fooled by appearances — in spite of the marketing, hard seltzer is neither “light” nor “refreshing” when compared to non-alcoholic alternatives. It will still dehydrate you and leave an unpleasant reminder of itself the next morning, especially if you end up throwing back more cans (or bottles) than you planned to.
Wine can be one of the trickiest beverages to navigate when it comes to watching ABV content. The typical red and white varieties fall within the 12% to 15% range.
The exact alcohol content generally depends on the amount of sugar in the grapes, with the stronger varieties reaching an ABV higher than 15%. However, some zinfandels climb up to 17% or higher. Moreover, some fortified wines — such as port or sherry — can reach up to 20%.
Note of caution: Wine might seem “predictable” enough, as far as ABV is concerned. The problem? It’s super easy to lose track of how much we’re drinking. A “standard” drink is one 5 oz glass, with a typical bottle having about 5. In reality, though, many “wine glasses” hold much more than that, with restaurants often pouring double that amount as a “serving.” And with long-term excessive consumption, we’re looking at complications such as heart disease and alcohol dependence. (Want to learn more? Take a look at “What Happens If You Drink a Bottle of Wine a Day?”)
With their characteristic dark caramel colors, brandy and cognac bottles have that “classy and sophisticated” look. The beverage inside looks a bit like wine, and in some ways it is. Both are produced by distilling wine — a process that jacks up the ABV to about 35-60%.
Note of caution: Brandy and cognac might be close relatives of wine, but they’re in a league of their own. With an alcohol percentage that inches up toward distilled spirits, it’s crucial to take it slow and opt out altogether if we find we’re likely to overdo it or are sensitive to drinks with a higher alcohol percentage.
We’re now in the land of distilled spirits, made through the process of fermentation and distillation. After grains, fruits, vegetables, or other sources of sugars go through fermentation, they are distilled through a process that concentrates the liquid to increase its alcohol content.
Tequila is made from the blue agave plant and can only be produced in certain parts of Mexico (unsurprisingly, around the city of Tequila). Tequila alcohol content is highly regulated and has to be at least 35% (though most varieties are around 40%).
Gin, made from juniper berries, is right on par with tequila as far as its ABV is concerned: while the minimum is 35%, most varieties hover around 40%.
Note of caution: Tequila is a strong drink, and the custom of taking multiple shots can quickly land us in dangerous waters. As a typical “party drink,” it also lends itself to some impulsive and possibly risky behaviors. (To dig deeper, check out “What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Tequila?”)
Gin, on the other hand, poses a different danger. The juniper berries and medicinal smell give it the reputation of a “tonic” (and the tradition of adding tonic water to the mix only strengthens this belief). However, don’t be fooled — it’s a strong liquor and the manufacturing process wipes out the health benefits those juniper berries do, indeed, have in their raw form. (Want to learn more? Check out “Drinking Gin: What Are the Risks?”)
Another high-proof spirit, rum is made from sugarcane byproducts, such as molasses, or directly from sugarcane juice. Similar to tequila, rum is produced through the process of fermentation and distillation. (Fun fact: it was used as a currency by the British army in the colonial period. It also has a long history with pirates, who would mix it with water to create a not-too-appetizing cocktail aptly referred to as “grog.”)
As for rum alcohol content, it typically hovers around 40% but can vary, especially with overproof rums reaching up to 75% ABV.
Note of caution: Overproof rum is particularly hazardous due to its extremely high alcohol content, and even moderate amounts can rapidly lead to alcohol poisoning. Long-term abuse can cause serious health issues, including brain damage and liver disease. (To learn more about the potential dangers of rum, check out “How Much Alcohol Is in Rum?”)
Whiskey, on the other hand, is distilled from a fermented grain mix that includes barley, corn, rye, and wheat. It spends a long time (sometimes as long as 70 years!) maturing in a cask before being bottled. As far as whiskey alcohol content is concerned, it generally lands in the 40% to 50% range.
Note of caution: Like other hard liquors, whiskey leads to quick intoxication if we’re not careful. Plus, its high levels of congeners can intensify hangover symptoms (especially headaches) in those who are sensitive. (To find out more about whiskey and the risks associated with it, take a look at “Is Whiskey Good for You? Side Effects To Be Aware Of.”)
Finally, vodka is usually distilled from any starch- or sugar-rich plant matter. Most gets produced from grains, which range from sorghum to corn, rye, or wheat. However, potatoes and fruits are occasionally used as the base.
As for vodka alcohol percentage, it hovers around around 40%, but can go as high as 95%! (Yikes! That’s one strong shot, indeed.)
Note of caution: Vodka can be tricky — with its high potency, crystal-clear appearance, and general lack of flavor, it’s way too easy to overdo it. If we do, we’re risking rapid intoxication and the possibility of alcohol poisoning and organ damage. (For a deeper look, check out “What Are the Effects of Drinking Vodka Every Day?”)
All in all, alcohol content drinks can easily sneak up on us if we’re not careful. Let’s remember what’s in our glass and stay vigilant! Better yet, why not shake things up and try a mocktail for some fun new flavors (and no headache in the morning?) And remember, if you’re ready to change your relationship with booze for good, Reframe is here to help!
How many drinks do you consume on a typical weekend? “Just a glass of wine with dinner,” you might say. But is that glass really one drink? And what happens if instead of your usual glass of white you have a Sherry or a Madeira? You might be surprised at the difference.
It’s important to be aware of the alcohol percentage content of our drinks, especially when we’re trying to be more mindful about our intake or are on a journey to cut back. With jumbo glasses and “free” refills clouding the picture, those drinks can add up more quickly than we realize. Plus, some are less “innocent” than they might seem. Let’s dig deeper!
As we know, all alcohol is not created equal. The amount of ethanol in different drinks is measured as “alcohol by volume,” or ABV. It’s listed as a percentage on the container (sometimes you have to look closely, but it’s there!). The ABV, meaning the amount of booze inside, determines how strong a particular drink is. The higher the ABV, the more potent the alcohol.
Both high and low ABVs spell trouble. The more potent drinks will get us intoxicated faster, potentially leading to alcohol poisoning. However, ones with a lower ABV percentage can launch a sneak attack: we might be lulled into thinking we’re sober until it hits us all at once. Talk about a trainwreck!
How much is too much? Here’s where the concept of “alcohol units” and “standard drinks” comes into play.
According to NIAAA, one "standard" drink (or unit) has around 14 grams of pure alcohol. What does this look like in real life?
Want to take a deep dive? Check out “Alcohol Units.”
As a planet, we drink a lot of beer. In 2021 alone, we collectively chugged around 185.60 million kiloliters — enough to fill the Tokyo Dome around 150 times. (Yikes!) China has been the uncontested top consumer for the last 19 years, but the U.S. isn’t too far behind in second place. The numbers shot up after the COVID-19 pandemic, with an increase of about 7.13 million kl compared to the previous year. That’s quite a few extra “bottles of beer on the wall” (11.3 billion, to be exact).
That said, interest in beer is declining these days! Partially fueled by the rising prices of craft beer and partially by the sober-curious movement that’s driving folks away from booze altogether, sales in beer have dropped in recent years. In fact, in 2023 shipments of beer were at their lowest in 25 years!
How much alcohol is in beer? Typically, beer has an alcohol content of about 4% to 6%. However, the numbers vary, ranging from 0.5% for low-alcohol versions to over 12% for stronger craft brews.
Why the difference? It comes down to the brewing process, when yeast gobbles up fermentable sugars, creating alcohol as a byproduct. The strain of yeast that’s used accounts for the difference: some have a higher output than others. (If you’re wondering just how high those numbers can go, it’s probably higher than you think — a whopping 57.8%!)
Note of caution: While beer generally has a lower alcohol content, consuming large quantities can lead to alcohol poisoning and contribute to long-term issues like liver disease and alcohol dependency. (For a closer look, check out “What Happens If You Drink 6 Beers a Day?”)
Hard cider is similar to beer when it comes to alcohol content and production process. It’s fermented from sugary fruits (usually apples). The type of apples that are used and the length of the fermentation process can create a range of ABV values, but they usually fall within the 4% to 8% range.
Note of caution: Cider has a sweet flavor and often comes in those bright green bottles featuring an orchard or bright Granny Smith apples on the label. But beware! This is no health drink. It’s easy to drink too much because the sugars mask the flavor of alcohol, and overconsumption can easily lead to intoxication and a host of long-term health issues if it becomes a habit. Short-term effects include dizziness and severe hangovers.
A relative newcomer on the scene, hard seltzers have skyrocketed in popularity, mostly thanks to marketing that promotes them as “healthier” takes on the traditional beers and malt beverages. Made by fermenting sugar cane or mixing carbonated water, alcohol, and flavoring, they look and fizzle like, well, seltzer. In the last year alone, the market expanded from $12.45 billion to $14.65 billion, and it’s still on the rise.
As for the alcohol percentage, hard seltzer is similar to beer, falling in the 4% to 6% range.
Note of caution: Don’t be fooled by appearances — in spite of the marketing, hard seltzer is neither “light” nor “refreshing” when compared to non-alcoholic alternatives. It will still dehydrate you and leave an unpleasant reminder of itself the next morning, especially if you end up throwing back more cans (or bottles) than you planned to.
Wine can be one of the trickiest beverages to navigate when it comes to watching ABV content. The typical red and white varieties fall within the 12% to 15% range.
The exact alcohol content generally depends on the amount of sugar in the grapes, with the stronger varieties reaching an ABV higher than 15%. However, some zinfandels climb up to 17% or higher. Moreover, some fortified wines — such as port or sherry — can reach up to 20%.
Note of caution: Wine might seem “predictable” enough, as far as ABV is concerned. The problem? It’s super easy to lose track of how much we’re drinking. A “standard” drink is one 5 oz glass, with a typical bottle having about 5. In reality, though, many “wine glasses” hold much more than that, with restaurants often pouring double that amount as a “serving.” And with long-term excessive consumption, we’re looking at complications such as heart disease and alcohol dependence. (Want to learn more? Take a look at “What Happens If You Drink a Bottle of Wine a Day?”)
With their characteristic dark caramel colors, brandy and cognac bottles have that “classy and sophisticated” look. The beverage inside looks a bit like wine, and in some ways it is. Both are produced by distilling wine — a process that jacks up the ABV to about 35-60%.
Note of caution: Brandy and cognac might be close relatives of wine, but they’re in a league of their own. With an alcohol percentage that inches up toward distilled spirits, it’s crucial to take it slow and opt out altogether if we find we’re likely to overdo it or are sensitive to drinks with a higher alcohol percentage.
We’re now in the land of distilled spirits, made through the process of fermentation and distillation. After grains, fruits, vegetables, or other sources of sugars go through fermentation, they are distilled through a process that concentrates the liquid to increase its alcohol content.
Tequila is made from the blue agave plant and can only be produced in certain parts of Mexico (unsurprisingly, around the city of Tequila). Tequila alcohol content is highly regulated and has to be at least 35% (though most varieties are around 40%).
Gin, made from juniper berries, is right on par with tequila as far as its ABV is concerned: while the minimum is 35%, most varieties hover around 40%.
Note of caution: Tequila is a strong drink, and the custom of taking multiple shots can quickly land us in dangerous waters. As a typical “party drink,” it also lends itself to some impulsive and possibly risky behaviors. (To dig deeper, check out “What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Tequila?”)
Gin, on the other hand, poses a different danger. The juniper berries and medicinal smell give it the reputation of a “tonic” (and the tradition of adding tonic water to the mix only strengthens this belief). However, don’t be fooled — it’s a strong liquor and the manufacturing process wipes out the health benefits those juniper berries do, indeed, have in their raw form. (Want to learn more? Check out “Drinking Gin: What Are the Risks?”)
Another high-proof spirit, rum is made from sugarcane byproducts, such as molasses, or directly from sugarcane juice. Similar to tequila, rum is produced through the process of fermentation and distillation. (Fun fact: it was used as a currency by the British army in the colonial period. It also has a long history with pirates, who would mix it with water to create a not-too-appetizing cocktail aptly referred to as “grog.”)
As for rum alcohol content, it typically hovers around 40% but can vary, especially with overproof rums reaching up to 75% ABV.
Note of caution: Overproof rum is particularly hazardous due to its extremely high alcohol content, and even moderate amounts can rapidly lead to alcohol poisoning. Long-term abuse can cause serious health issues, including brain damage and liver disease. (To learn more about the potential dangers of rum, check out “How Much Alcohol Is in Rum?”)
Whiskey, on the other hand, is distilled from a fermented grain mix that includes barley, corn, rye, and wheat. It spends a long time (sometimes as long as 70 years!) maturing in a cask before being bottled. As far as whiskey alcohol content is concerned, it generally lands in the 40% to 50% range.
Note of caution: Like other hard liquors, whiskey leads to quick intoxication if we’re not careful. Plus, its high levels of congeners can intensify hangover symptoms (especially headaches) in those who are sensitive. (To find out more about whiskey and the risks associated with it, take a look at “Is Whiskey Good for You? Side Effects To Be Aware Of.”)
Finally, vodka is usually distilled from any starch- or sugar-rich plant matter. Most gets produced from grains, which range from sorghum to corn, rye, or wheat. However, potatoes and fruits are occasionally used as the base.
As for vodka alcohol percentage, it hovers around around 40%, but can go as high as 95%! (Yikes! That’s one strong shot, indeed.)
Note of caution: Vodka can be tricky — with its high potency, crystal-clear appearance, and general lack of flavor, it’s way too easy to overdo it. If we do, we’re risking rapid intoxication and the possibility of alcohol poisoning and organ damage. (For a deeper look, check out “What Are the Effects of Drinking Vodka Every Day?”)
All in all, alcohol content drinks can easily sneak up on us if we’re not careful. Let’s remember what’s in our glass and stay vigilant! Better yet, why not shake things up and try a mocktail for some fun new flavors (and no headache in the morning?) And remember, if you’re ready to change your relationship with booze for good, Reframe is here to help!
Heard about the craft beer decline? Between the rising prices and health concerns, it looks like these days Americans buy less beer. Breweries, bars, and restaurants are noticing the trend — and so are we! Learn more in our latest blog.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
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Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app today!
"What's the story, Norm?" Ted Danson’s iconic Cheers character, bartender Sam, asks his most loyal customer. "Boy meets beer. Boy drinks beer. Boy meets another beer."
In the world of Cheers, the beer is flowing from Season 1 to 11, and Norm gulps it down by the pitcher, episode after episode. It’s fiction, of course. Still, there’s no denying that beer has been a staple in bars around the country (and, for that matter, the globe). But things are changing, and Cheers — charming as it always will be — is starting to look a bit dated.
These days, Americans buy less beer. Breweries, bars, and restaurants are feeling the trend firsthand. But what’s behind it? Let’s find out!
"How's it going, Mr. Peterson?"
"Poor."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
"No, I mean pour."
One of the main reasons for the downward trend? Craft beer decline.
As the name suggests, the world of “craft beers” sees the brewing process as an art. These beers are usually produced by smaller breweries. With creative names such as “Arrogant Bastard Ale” and “Hoppy Ending Pale Ale,” their colorful containers make the shelves in the beer aisle of Whole Foods look like a toy store.
This also means that they’re pricier than their mass-market counterparts. For example, a 6-pack of Dogfish Head sets us back around $13, while the same amount of regular old Budwiser is likely to run under $10. And that’s just the beginning. Similar to wine, the more rare a certain beer is, the more expensive it will be. The winner? A bottle of Nail Brewing’s Antarctic Nail Ale went for a whopping $800 at the Sea Shepherd’s auction in Fremantle. This one-of-a-kind brew has an activist twist: it was brewed with Antarctic ice brought back by the Sea Shepherd on a mission to save the whales.
At the turn of the 21st century, craft beer was on the rise, with the number of microbreweries that produce them shooting up from 205 to 420 between 1995 and 2000. But, according to Forbes, 2020 marked the end of an era, as far as craft beer is concerned. Sales started to decline and were down by 2% by the middle of 2023.
As it turns out, craft beer has gotten, well, too crafty for its own good. Consumers have gotten over the magenta monsters and cartoon cats on the packaging and want affordable options. Or, perhaps, they just want something else to drink. Craft beer may have been a novelty at one point, but now there are other “kids on the (boozy) block.”
For example, studies show that other drinks — such as alcoholic seltzers — have been on the rise. The projected growth rate for hard seltzer from 2018 to 2021 has been a whopping 66%, with consumption rates growing from 14 million to 72 million cases.
"How's a beer sound, Norm?"
"I dunno. I usually finish them before they get a word in."
The epitome of “mindless” drinking, Norm downs one after another without a second thought.
But things are changing.
The sober-curious movement is stronger than ever as more and more people are trading in alcohol-fueled brain fog, health concerns, and next-day hangovers for clarity, creativity, and authentic connection. Millennials and Gen Z consumers in particular are driving the change, opting for non-alcoholic drinks and making mocktails instead of cocktails.
This change contributes to craft beer decline, as well as the dwindling interest in beer in general these days. It also makes it unlikely that a new contender will reach the heights of popularity that craft beer once did.
But what exactly are the downsides of alcohol (and beer in particular) that are driving the shift? Let’s take a closer look.
What are the downsides of drinking beer, as far as health is concerned? For an in-depth look, check out “What Happens If You Drink 6 Beers a Day?” For now, here’s the gist.
"What's shaking, Norm?"
"All four cheeks & a couple of chins.”
It’s no secret that alcohol — including beer — is chock-full of empty calories. And although the typical 150-200 per can might not seem like that much, those cans quickly add up, especially after a few hours at a bar or at a sports game. (Just ask Norm. Although he might be too busy looking for a refill to answer you.)
That said, not all beer is created equal. Three old-time favorites — Samuel Adams Boston Lager, Guinness Extra Stout, and Sierra Nevada Pale Ale — average in the high 170s, while Anheuser-Busch Light Pale Lager, Miller Light, and other “light” varieties clock in a little under 100. Still, chugging several puts us on the track to that double chin Norm is talking about.
"Whatcha up to, Norm?"
"My ideal weight if I were eleven feet tall."
The term "beer belly" isn't a myth. Those calories that come with beer tend to go to one of the worst destinations — the abdomen.
This abdominal fat isn’t just a matter of looks — it comes with serious health risks, including cardiovascular diseases. Abdominal fat is metabolically active, churning out potentially harmful molecules behind the scenes. Specifically, it contributes to the production of hormones that can have negative effects on our health. (Want to learn more? Check out “The Causes of a Beer Belly (and How To Get Rid of It).”
We hear about cholesterol all the time. There’s “good” cholesterol that clears our blood of gunk (such as triglycerides) that leads to heart disease. There’s also the “bad” kind that does the opposite, binding to fats that clog up our arteries.
And alcohol? Here’s where things get confusing. The media loves to repeat the popular refrain that moderate drinking (including an occasional beer) “helps” our cholesterol levels. But is it true?
Not really. While alcohol does tend to raise the levels of both “good” and “bad” cholesterol alike, any positive change is offset by the negative shift that comes with it. Beer in particular is loaded with carbs, which (along with the alcohol itself) raise triglyceride levels. (For an in-depth look, check out “How Does Drinking Beer Affect Cholesterol?”)
"Hey Mr. Peterson, Jack Frost nipping at your nose?"
"Yep. Now let's get Joe Beer nipping at my liver, huh?"
Alcohol overwhelms the liver, and beer is no exception. The body sees booze as a poison and prioritizes its speedy exit. The liver is at the front lines of the process, and over time this can take a toll. Alcohol metabolism produces acetaldehyde — a compound more toxic than alcohol itself.
If the liver, which takes about an hour to metabolize one drink, can’t keep up, the toxin builds up in the body. The result? Headaches, nausea, and fatigue the next day and a rising risk of serious health problems (such as certain cancers) over time. (For more information, check out “How Much Alcohol Causes Liver Damage?”)
"What's going on, Mr. Peterson?"
"A flashing sign in my gut that says, 'Insert beer here.'"
One reason Norm is constantly thirsty? Beer! While his attempts to quench his thirst by gulping down another pint might make some sense at first glance, he’s missing an important point: beer dehydrates us.
That’s right, although alcohol is a liquid, it works against our hydration efforts. Alcohol suppresses the hormone vasopressin, which tells the kidneys to hold on to water. The fallout? We spend a good part of the evening in line for the bathroom, losing excessive amounts of water while continuing the counterproductive efforts to replenish it by drinking more. In fact, the next-day hangover is largely the result of dehydration from the day before.
"What's new, Norm?"
"Terrorists, Sam. They've taken over my stomach. And they're demanding beer."
Last but certainly not least, there’s the risk of dependence to consider. Over time, alcohol — including beer — creates neurotransmitter shifts in the brain that make it difficult to slow down (let alone stop) our alcohol consumption. Booze floods the brain with the reward neurotransmitter dopamine while boosting GABA (an inhibitory neurotransmitter) and decreasing glutamate, its excitatory counterpart).
The result? Our brain adjusts to the “new normal” — a shift that can eventually lead us to experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if we stop. Activities that used to bring us joy no longer cut it, and we keep going back to that bar stool (or fridge) for our “happiness fix.” (Check out “Alcohol Misuse vs. Dependence: What's the Difference?” for a deeper look.)
Finally, here are some tips for navigating the changing landscape of beer, bars, and beyond.
Remember, just because beer has been a staple at bars, picnics, college parties, and sports games, doesn’t mean things can’t change!
All in all, while the decline of interest in beer these days is an interesting trend, why not take it further? We can take this opportunity to reexamine our relationship with alcohol in general.
It all starts with curiosity. If you look at your drinking patterns more closely and ask yourself, “Is beer really delivering on the promises of fun and relaxation? What if there’s a more fulfilling and exciting option out there — one that doesn’t leave you with a hangover or predispose you to a number of health complications?” Who knows, you might discover booze-free alternatives that are actually more satisfying, since they “keep on giving” long after the night out is over.
"What's the story, Norm?" Ted Danson’s iconic Cheers character, bartender Sam, asks his most loyal customer. "Boy meets beer. Boy drinks beer. Boy meets another beer."
In the world of Cheers, the beer is flowing from Season 1 to 11, and Norm gulps it down by the pitcher, episode after episode. It’s fiction, of course. Still, there’s no denying that beer has been a staple in bars around the country (and, for that matter, the globe). But things are changing, and Cheers — charming as it always will be — is starting to look a bit dated.
These days, Americans buy less beer. Breweries, bars, and restaurants are feeling the trend firsthand. But what’s behind it? Let’s find out!
"How's it going, Mr. Peterson?"
"Poor."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
"No, I mean pour."
One of the main reasons for the downward trend? Craft beer decline.
As the name suggests, the world of “craft beers” sees the brewing process as an art. These beers are usually produced by smaller breweries. With creative names such as “Arrogant Bastard Ale” and “Hoppy Ending Pale Ale,” their colorful containers make the shelves in the beer aisle of Whole Foods look like a toy store.
This also means that they’re pricier than their mass-market counterparts. For example, a 6-pack of Dogfish Head sets us back around $13, while the same amount of regular old Budwiser is likely to run under $10. And that’s just the beginning. Similar to wine, the more rare a certain beer is, the more expensive it will be. The winner? A bottle of Nail Brewing’s Antarctic Nail Ale went for a whopping $800 at the Sea Shepherd’s auction in Fremantle. This one-of-a-kind brew has an activist twist: it was brewed with Antarctic ice brought back by the Sea Shepherd on a mission to save the whales.
At the turn of the 21st century, craft beer was on the rise, with the number of microbreweries that produce them shooting up from 205 to 420 between 1995 and 2000. But, according to Forbes, 2020 marked the end of an era, as far as craft beer is concerned. Sales started to decline and were down by 2% by the middle of 2023.
As it turns out, craft beer has gotten, well, too crafty for its own good. Consumers have gotten over the magenta monsters and cartoon cats on the packaging and want affordable options. Or, perhaps, they just want something else to drink. Craft beer may have been a novelty at one point, but now there are other “kids on the (boozy) block.”
For example, studies show that other drinks — such as alcoholic seltzers — have been on the rise. The projected growth rate for hard seltzer from 2018 to 2021 has been a whopping 66%, with consumption rates growing from 14 million to 72 million cases.
"How's a beer sound, Norm?"
"I dunno. I usually finish them before they get a word in."
The epitome of “mindless” drinking, Norm downs one after another without a second thought.
But things are changing.
The sober-curious movement is stronger than ever as more and more people are trading in alcohol-fueled brain fog, health concerns, and next-day hangovers for clarity, creativity, and authentic connection. Millennials and Gen Z consumers in particular are driving the change, opting for non-alcoholic drinks and making mocktails instead of cocktails.
This change contributes to craft beer decline, as well as the dwindling interest in beer in general these days. It also makes it unlikely that a new contender will reach the heights of popularity that craft beer once did.
But what exactly are the downsides of alcohol (and beer in particular) that are driving the shift? Let’s take a closer look.
What are the downsides of drinking beer, as far as health is concerned? For an in-depth look, check out “What Happens If You Drink 6 Beers a Day?” For now, here’s the gist.
"What's shaking, Norm?"
"All four cheeks & a couple of chins.”
It’s no secret that alcohol — including beer — is chock-full of empty calories. And although the typical 150-200 per can might not seem like that much, those cans quickly add up, especially after a few hours at a bar or at a sports game. (Just ask Norm. Although he might be too busy looking for a refill to answer you.)
That said, not all beer is created equal. Three old-time favorites — Samuel Adams Boston Lager, Guinness Extra Stout, and Sierra Nevada Pale Ale — average in the high 170s, while Anheuser-Busch Light Pale Lager, Miller Light, and other “light” varieties clock in a little under 100. Still, chugging several puts us on the track to that double chin Norm is talking about.
"Whatcha up to, Norm?"
"My ideal weight if I were eleven feet tall."
The term "beer belly" isn't a myth. Those calories that come with beer tend to go to one of the worst destinations — the abdomen.
This abdominal fat isn’t just a matter of looks — it comes with serious health risks, including cardiovascular diseases. Abdominal fat is metabolically active, churning out potentially harmful molecules behind the scenes. Specifically, it contributes to the production of hormones that can have negative effects on our health. (Want to learn more? Check out “The Causes of a Beer Belly (and How To Get Rid of It).”
We hear about cholesterol all the time. There’s “good” cholesterol that clears our blood of gunk (such as triglycerides) that leads to heart disease. There’s also the “bad” kind that does the opposite, binding to fats that clog up our arteries.
And alcohol? Here’s where things get confusing. The media loves to repeat the popular refrain that moderate drinking (including an occasional beer) “helps” our cholesterol levels. But is it true?
Not really. While alcohol does tend to raise the levels of both “good” and “bad” cholesterol alike, any positive change is offset by the negative shift that comes with it. Beer in particular is loaded with carbs, which (along with the alcohol itself) raise triglyceride levels. (For an in-depth look, check out “How Does Drinking Beer Affect Cholesterol?”)
"Hey Mr. Peterson, Jack Frost nipping at your nose?"
"Yep. Now let's get Joe Beer nipping at my liver, huh?"
Alcohol overwhelms the liver, and beer is no exception. The body sees booze as a poison and prioritizes its speedy exit. The liver is at the front lines of the process, and over time this can take a toll. Alcohol metabolism produces acetaldehyde — a compound more toxic than alcohol itself.
If the liver, which takes about an hour to metabolize one drink, can’t keep up, the toxin builds up in the body. The result? Headaches, nausea, and fatigue the next day and a rising risk of serious health problems (such as certain cancers) over time. (For more information, check out “How Much Alcohol Causes Liver Damage?”)
"What's going on, Mr. Peterson?"
"A flashing sign in my gut that says, 'Insert beer here.'"
One reason Norm is constantly thirsty? Beer! While his attempts to quench his thirst by gulping down another pint might make some sense at first glance, he’s missing an important point: beer dehydrates us.
That’s right, although alcohol is a liquid, it works against our hydration efforts. Alcohol suppresses the hormone vasopressin, which tells the kidneys to hold on to water. The fallout? We spend a good part of the evening in line for the bathroom, losing excessive amounts of water while continuing the counterproductive efforts to replenish it by drinking more. In fact, the next-day hangover is largely the result of dehydration from the day before.
"What's new, Norm?"
"Terrorists, Sam. They've taken over my stomach. And they're demanding beer."
Last but certainly not least, there’s the risk of dependence to consider. Over time, alcohol — including beer — creates neurotransmitter shifts in the brain that make it difficult to slow down (let alone stop) our alcohol consumption. Booze floods the brain with the reward neurotransmitter dopamine while boosting GABA (an inhibitory neurotransmitter) and decreasing glutamate, its excitatory counterpart).
The result? Our brain adjusts to the “new normal” — a shift that can eventually lead us to experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if we stop. Activities that used to bring us joy no longer cut it, and we keep going back to that bar stool (or fridge) for our “happiness fix.” (Check out “Alcohol Misuse vs. Dependence: What's the Difference?” for a deeper look.)
Finally, here are some tips for navigating the changing landscape of beer, bars, and beyond.
Remember, just because beer has been a staple at bars, picnics, college parties, and sports games, doesn’t mean things can’t change!
All in all, while the decline of interest in beer these days is an interesting trend, why not take it further? We can take this opportunity to reexamine our relationship with alcohol in general.
It all starts with curiosity. If you look at your drinking patterns more closely and ask yourself, “Is beer really delivering on the promises of fun and relaxation? What if there’s a more fulfilling and exciting option out there — one that doesn’t leave you with a hangover or predispose you to a number of health complications?” Who knows, you might discover booze-free alternatives that are actually more satisfying, since they “keep on giving” long after the night out is over.
Alcohol and stimulants are commonly mixed but their opposing mechanisms can be dangerous. Check out our latest blog for more info on how they negatively interact.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app today!
Caffeinated alcohol drinks are on the rise. From hard energy drinks to coffee cocktails, the combination of alcohol and stimulants is highly normalized. Is this safe? We’ll learn in a bit that it’s not. The opposing mechanisms can send mixed signals to our brain — leading to adverse effects.
Prescription or illicit stimulants are more potent than caffeine, and mixing them with alcohol is even more dangerous. To help us practice safe alcohol consumption, let’s first learn about how stimulants and depressants affect us and interact with each other.
Alcohol is categorized as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. This means that it slows down messaging within our brain and to different parts of our body. Alcohol does this by acting on the neurotransmitters or chemical messengers in our brain. Specifically, alcohol enhances the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), dopamine, and serotonin — producing a calming feeling. It also inhibits glutamate, which is an excitatory neurotransmitter that aids in different cognitive functions. Stimulants, on the other hand, have the opposite effect.
Stimulants speed up the body’s systems and act on both the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. Different types of stimulants include prescription drugs such as amphetamines and methylphenidate (Ritalin), illicit drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine, and other drugs such as caffeine and nicotine. In general, stimulants work by increasing levels of catecholamine (chemicals that send signals to other cells) and stimulating adrenergic receptors. When these receptors are stimulated, they mimic the function of the sympathetic nervous system, increasing our heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.
By looking at the way stimulants and depressants (specifically alcohol) work, we can see that they have opposite effects on the body. However, they can both impact our CNS. What exactly do they do?
Our CNS is our brain’s processing system. It reads and sends signals that regulate how we feel, think, and move. Both alcohol and stimulants can affect our CNS, impacting our thoughts, movement, and actions.
CNS depressants like alcohol suppress our excitatory nerve pathway activity. This interferes with communication between our nerve cells and slows down signaling. Depressing our CNS leads to a variety of symptoms.
CNS stimulants increase neural activity in our brain, which speeds up mental and physical processes. They can lead to a range of side effects.
Since depressants and stimulants have opposite mechanisms of action, they also produce opposite effects. Since they’re opposites, do they interact?
Alcohol and stimulants have opposing effects and both affect our CNS. This causes many direct and indirect interactions between alcohol and different types of stimulants. Let’s further examine how alcohol clashes with certain stimulants.
Prescription stimulants are controlled medications that enhance brain activity. They are commonly used to treat conditions such as ADHD, narcolepsy. Sometimes they serve as a short-term treatment for obesity. Prescription stimulants are associated with risks such as misuse and overdose.
Two main categories of prescription stimulants include amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates such as Ritalin and Focalin. Alcohol and all prescription stimulants have direct interactions. This means that alcohol can impact the way the drug works in our body.
Alcohol can cause abnormal levels of the medication in our body and affect the way some extended-release forms of the medication work. For example, mixing the delayed-release form of Focalin and alcohol together can promote faster release of the medication, leading to dangerously high levels of the drug in our body. Stimulants can also counteract some of the depressant effects of alcohol, making us feel less intoxicated. This can indirectly cause us to drink more and increase the risk of alcohol poisoning.
Common illicit stimulants include cocaine, ecstasy, and methamphetamine. These illegal drugs are strong and frequently misused for their “upper” effects. Illicit stimulants can create a temporary feeling of euphoria, increased energy, and alertness.
Mixing alcohol and illicit stimulants is extremely dangerous. They can decrease each other’s effects and increase the risk of alcohol poisoning and drug overdose. The duo can also heighten the risk of dependence on either substance. While alcohol is a depressant, it has some stimulant effects. Specifically, alcohol and stimulants both promote the release of dopamine and serotonin, the body’s “feel-good” hormones. This extra boost in mood and pleasure increases the chances of dependence.
Other stimulants, such as nicotine, caffeine, and herbal supplements, may be less potent than prescription and illicit stimulants. However, these legal stimulants still have many of the same effects as other stimulants and can negatively interact with alcohol.
Since they are less potent than prescription and illicit stimulants, these other stimulant drugs may cause less severe effects when combined with alcohol. However, they can still block some of the depressant effects of alcohol. But don’t be fooled: This isn’t the perfect solution it may sound like. While we may be able to get through a night of drinking without feeling extremely drowsy or disoriented, this can lead us to drink more and more without noticing and increase our likelihood of drinking excessively.
We know that excessive drinking can be detrimental to our health, but what exactly are the risks of combining alcohol with stimulants?
Alcohol and stimulants can each result in dangerous consequences for our body. Individually, they artificially prompt our brain to speed up or slow down. Imagine this: Let’s say we’re not flexible enough to do the splits. However, by taking a magic pill, we won’t feel the pain and can force ourselves into them. We may be able to do it at that moment, but our muscles, joints, and bones may suffer as a result.
The consequences of consuming alcohol and stimulants together are similar in that they can open the door to many potential consequences. Mixing the two, known as polysubstance use, can cause even greater harm. Let’s take a closer look.
When taking stimulants, no amount of alcohol is considered safe. Since alcohol and stimulants have direct interactions, even minimal amounts of alcohol can have a negative impact. While certain stimulants such as prescription and illicit drugs may cause greater harm when mixed with alcohol, any stimulant drug opens the door to potential risks and consequences.
Any amount of alcohol with stimulants can lead to negative consequences. The truth is, however, they’re commonly combined. Cocktails like Vodka Red Bull and espresso martinis are popular drinks that mix caffeine with alcohol. If we’ve already consumed alcohol and stimulants together, what should we do?
We’ve learned that drinking while taking stimulants can be extremely dangerous. Since they’re commonly combined, we might have already consumed them together without knowing it. We can utilize the following three steps to prioritize our health and safety.
Alcohol and stimulants together can be a hazardous combination, but is there a safe way to navigate them together?
In many cultures, avoiding alcohol and stimulants can sometimes be difficult. Social drinking and hustle culture are both deeply ingrained in American society, for example, which has led to the normalization of drinking alcohol and consuming stimulants. To navigate them both safely, we can implement the following practices:
Although stimulants and alcohol are frequently combined, they are a dangerous duo. Sometimes the effects are immediate, and sometimes the harm comes later down the road. Practicing mindful consumption is beneficial not only for avoiding the adverse effects of mixing alcohol and stimulants, but for our overall health as well.
Mixing alcohol and stimulants can be tempting. The direct opposing mechanism of stimulants can combat the less-desired effects of alcohol on our body. While we may feel less intoxicated at the moment, this can actually lead us to drink more and more alcohol — leading to an unpleasant aftermath and opening the door to a host of health issues. Alcohol and stimulants have direct interactions that can be dangerous when mixed in any amount. Avoid alcohol while taking stimulants to prevent adverse effects and risk of dependence. Stay vigilant and avoid mixing alcohol and stimulants!
Caffeinated alcohol drinks are on the rise. From hard energy drinks to coffee cocktails, the combination of alcohol and stimulants is highly normalized. Is this safe? We’ll learn in a bit that it’s not. The opposing mechanisms can send mixed signals to our brain — leading to adverse effects.
Prescription or illicit stimulants are more potent than caffeine, and mixing them with alcohol is even more dangerous. To help us practice safe alcohol consumption, let’s first learn about how stimulants and depressants affect us and interact with each other.
Alcohol is categorized as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. This means that it slows down messaging within our brain and to different parts of our body. Alcohol does this by acting on the neurotransmitters or chemical messengers in our brain. Specifically, alcohol enhances the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), dopamine, and serotonin — producing a calming feeling. It also inhibits glutamate, which is an excitatory neurotransmitter that aids in different cognitive functions. Stimulants, on the other hand, have the opposite effect.
Stimulants speed up the body’s systems and act on both the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. Different types of stimulants include prescription drugs such as amphetamines and methylphenidate (Ritalin), illicit drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine, and other drugs such as caffeine and nicotine. In general, stimulants work by increasing levels of catecholamine (chemicals that send signals to other cells) and stimulating adrenergic receptors. When these receptors are stimulated, they mimic the function of the sympathetic nervous system, increasing our heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.
By looking at the way stimulants and depressants (specifically alcohol) work, we can see that they have opposite effects on the body. However, they can both impact our CNS. What exactly do they do?
Our CNS is our brain’s processing system. It reads and sends signals that regulate how we feel, think, and move. Both alcohol and stimulants can affect our CNS, impacting our thoughts, movement, and actions.
CNS depressants like alcohol suppress our excitatory nerve pathway activity. This interferes with communication between our nerve cells and slows down signaling. Depressing our CNS leads to a variety of symptoms.
CNS stimulants increase neural activity in our brain, which speeds up mental and physical processes. They can lead to a range of side effects.
Since depressants and stimulants have opposite mechanisms of action, they also produce opposite effects. Since they’re opposites, do they interact?
Alcohol and stimulants have opposing effects and both affect our CNS. This causes many direct and indirect interactions between alcohol and different types of stimulants. Let’s further examine how alcohol clashes with certain stimulants.
Prescription stimulants are controlled medications that enhance brain activity. They are commonly used to treat conditions such as ADHD, narcolepsy. Sometimes they serve as a short-term treatment for obesity. Prescription stimulants are associated with risks such as misuse and overdose.
Two main categories of prescription stimulants include amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates such as Ritalin and Focalin. Alcohol and all prescription stimulants have direct interactions. This means that alcohol can impact the way the drug works in our body.
Alcohol can cause abnormal levels of the medication in our body and affect the way some extended-release forms of the medication work. For example, mixing the delayed-release form of Focalin and alcohol together can promote faster release of the medication, leading to dangerously high levels of the drug in our body. Stimulants can also counteract some of the depressant effects of alcohol, making us feel less intoxicated. This can indirectly cause us to drink more and increase the risk of alcohol poisoning.
Common illicit stimulants include cocaine, ecstasy, and methamphetamine. These illegal drugs are strong and frequently misused for their “upper” effects. Illicit stimulants can create a temporary feeling of euphoria, increased energy, and alertness.
Mixing alcohol and illicit stimulants is extremely dangerous. They can decrease each other’s effects and increase the risk of alcohol poisoning and drug overdose. The duo can also heighten the risk of dependence on either substance. While alcohol is a depressant, it has some stimulant effects. Specifically, alcohol and stimulants both promote the release of dopamine and serotonin, the body’s “feel-good” hormones. This extra boost in mood and pleasure increases the chances of dependence.
Other stimulants, such as nicotine, caffeine, and herbal supplements, may be less potent than prescription and illicit stimulants. However, these legal stimulants still have many of the same effects as other stimulants and can negatively interact with alcohol.
Since they are less potent than prescription and illicit stimulants, these other stimulant drugs may cause less severe effects when combined with alcohol. However, they can still block some of the depressant effects of alcohol. But don’t be fooled: This isn’t the perfect solution it may sound like. While we may be able to get through a night of drinking without feeling extremely drowsy or disoriented, this can lead us to drink more and more without noticing and increase our likelihood of drinking excessively.
We know that excessive drinking can be detrimental to our health, but what exactly are the risks of combining alcohol with stimulants?
Alcohol and stimulants can each result in dangerous consequences for our body. Individually, they artificially prompt our brain to speed up or slow down. Imagine this: Let’s say we’re not flexible enough to do the splits. However, by taking a magic pill, we won’t feel the pain and can force ourselves into them. We may be able to do it at that moment, but our muscles, joints, and bones may suffer as a result.
The consequences of consuming alcohol and stimulants together are similar in that they can open the door to many potential consequences. Mixing the two, known as polysubstance use, can cause even greater harm. Let’s take a closer look.
When taking stimulants, no amount of alcohol is considered safe. Since alcohol and stimulants have direct interactions, even minimal amounts of alcohol can have a negative impact. While certain stimulants such as prescription and illicit drugs may cause greater harm when mixed with alcohol, any stimulant drug opens the door to potential risks and consequences.
Any amount of alcohol with stimulants can lead to negative consequences. The truth is, however, they’re commonly combined. Cocktails like Vodka Red Bull and espresso martinis are popular drinks that mix caffeine with alcohol. If we’ve already consumed alcohol and stimulants together, what should we do?
We’ve learned that drinking while taking stimulants can be extremely dangerous. Since they’re commonly combined, we might have already consumed them together without knowing it. We can utilize the following three steps to prioritize our health and safety.
Alcohol and stimulants together can be a hazardous combination, but is there a safe way to navigate them together?
In many cultures, avoiding alcohol and stimulants can sometimes be difficult. Social drinking and hustle culture are both deeply ingrained in American society, for example, which has led to the normalization of drinking alcohol and consuming stimulants. To navigate them both safely, we can implement the following practices:
Although stimulants and alcohol are frequently combined, they are a dangerous duo. Sometimes the effects are immediate, and sometimes the harm comes later down the road. Practicing mindful consumption is beneficial not only for avoiding the adverse effects of mixing alcohol and stimulants, but for our overall health as well.
Mixing alcohol and stimulants can be tempting. The direct opposing mechanism of stimulants can combat the less-desired effects of alcohol on our body. While we may feel less intoxicated at the moment, this can actually lead us to drink more and more alcohol — leading to an unpleasant aftermath and opening the door to a host of health issues. Alcohol and stimulants have direct interactions that can be dangerous when mixed in any amount. Avoid alcohol while taking stimulants to prevent adverse effects and risk of dependence. Stay vigilant and avoid mixing alcohol and stimulants!
Discover how to moderate your drinking with a structured plan. Understand your motivations, identify triggers, set goals, and implement practical steps to manage alcohol intake and improve well-being.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Building a healthier relationship with alcohol can be a transformative journey. Whether you're looking to cut back on your drinking or just want to ensure you maintain a moderate intake, having a structured plan can make all the difference. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you develop a plan to moderate your drinking and stick to it.
Before diving into the mechanics of moderation, it’s crucial to understand why you want to change your drinking habits. Reflect on the reasons that drive you. Is it for better health, improved relationships, or perhaps to enhance your overall well-being? Knowing your motivation can provide the necessary fuel to stay committed to your plan.
Identify Your Triggers: Reflect on the situations, emotions, or people that prompt you to drink more than intended. It might be social settings, stress, or even boredom. Recognizing these triggers can help you develop strategies to manage them effectively.
Set Clear Goals: Establish specific, achievable goals for your drinking habits. For instance, you might decide to limit drinking to weekends, or set a maximum number of drinks per week. By having clear targets, it's easier to track your progress and stay accountable.
Implementing small, consistent habits can significantly impact your drinking behavior over time. According to The Role of Habits in Drinking Less or Quitting Alcohol, starting with manageable changes, like drinking water between alcoholic beverages or opting for alcohol-free days, can gradually lead to substantial improvements.
Social settings can be challenging when trying to moderate drinking. Here are some strategies to help you navigate these situations:
Stress is a common trigger for drinking. Developing healthier coping mechanisms is essential for moderating your alcohol intake. Explore activities that help you relax and unwind without relying on alcohol:
Regularly reviewing your progress can help you stay on track and make necessary adjustments to your plan. Reflect on the following:
Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or professional resources. Joining a support group or talking to a counselor can provide additional motivation and accountability.
Developing a plan to moderate your drinking is a positive step towards healthier living. By understanding your motivations, setting clear goals, and implementing practical strategies, you can successfully manage your alcohol intake and improve your overall well-being. Remember, small changes can lead to significant results over time. Stay committed, be patient with yourself, and celebrate your progress along the way.
Building a healthier relationship with alcohol can be a transformative journey. Whether you're looking to cut back on your drinking or just want to ensure you maintain a moderate intake, having a structured plan can make all the difference. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you develop a plan to moderate your drinking and stick to it.
Before diving into the mechanics of moderation, it’s crucial to understand why you want to change your drinking habits. Reflect on the reasons that drive you. Is it for better health, improved relationships, or perhaps to enhance your overall well-being? Knowing your motivation can provide the necessary fuel to stay committed to your plan.
Identify Your Triggers: Reflect on the situations, emotions, or people that prompt you to drink more than intended. It might be social settings, stress, or even boredom. Recognizing these triggers can help you develop strategies to manage them effectively.
Set Clear Goals: Establish specific, achievable goals for your drinking habits. For instance, you might decide to limit drinking to weekends, or set a maximum number of drinks per week. By having clear targets, it's easier to track your progress and stay accountable.
Implementing small, consistent habits can significantly impact your drinking behavior over time. According to The Role of Habits in Drinking Less or Quitting Alcohol, starting with manageable changes, like drinking water between alcoholic beverages or opting for alcohol-free days, can gradually lead to substantial improvements.
Social settings can be challenging when trying to moderate drinking. Here are some strategies to help you navigate these situations:
Stress is a common trigger for drinking. Developing healthier coping mechanisms is essential for moderating your alcohol intake. Explore activities that help you relax and unwind without relying on alcohol:
Regularly reviewing your progress can help you stay on track and make necessary adjustments to your plan. Reflect on the following:
Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or professional resources. Joining a support group or talking to a counselor can provide additional motivation and accountability.
Developing a plan to moderate your drinking is a positive step towards healthier living. By understanding your motivations, setting clear goals, and implementing practical strategies, you can successfully manage your alcohol intake and improve your overall well-being. Remember, small changes can lead to significant results over time. Stay committed, be patient with yourself, and celebrate your progress along the way.
Those of us with AUD often crave milk, but why? Check out our latest blog to explore the connection between alcohol and milk cravings and how to approach it.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app today!
We often hear of cravings for decadent foods like chocolate, chips, or even mac ‘n’ cheese. But what about milk? Many people report craving milk after drinking alcohol, especially those who regularly drink alcohol excessively.
With changing health trends turning us into cow’s milk criticizers one day and soy milk slanderers the next, it can be difficult to determine if giving into our milk cravings after drinking alcohol is a good idea. To help us develop strategies to address those cravings, let’s first understand why we them in the first place.
While our cravings for chocolate are often just that — we’re craving chocolate! — milk cravings after drinking can be due to our biology. Many people report that after drinking alcohol they often find themselves craving milk, which means that the way alcohol affects our body could be driving our milk cravings. Several biological conditions point to explanations for these cravings.
After drinking, our dopamine and serotonin levels may plummet, creating drastic fluctuations. Imbalances in our neurotransmitters can influence our cravings. In conjunction with the reasons mentioned earlier, fluctuations in our neurotransmitters can lead to milk cravings after drinking.
Alcohol can influence milk cravings biologically, but they’re often difficult to confirm, as they can’t always be measured tangibly or seen externally (we’re not able to see our B vitamins being depleted, for example!). The good news is, there are also physiological cues that can explain milk cravings after drinking.
A physiological reaction is a bodily response to a stimulus. Two main physiological responses that help explain milk cravings after drinking include dehydration and gastric irritation.
Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases fluid excretion from our body. This causes increased thirst and other symptoms of dehydration. While water can do the job, according to a Harvard University analysis of different studies on the hydration of milk, additional components of milk may keep us hydrated for longer. This conclusion is based on the idea that the sugar, lactose, fat, and protein in milk help slow the emptying of fluid from our stomach. Although minimal studies exist to confirm that milk is more hydrating than water, it can explain our milk cravings after dehydration from drinking.
Another common side effect of consuming alcohol is gastric irritation. Alcohol can increase the amount of stomach acid we produce — irritating our stomach lining. Drinking also increases inflammation, which affects our stomach lining and can promote gastric irritation. Milk, specifically nonfat milk, can provide a temporary buffer between our stomach lining and our acidic stomach contents. That can help soothe gastrointestinal discomfort caused by alcohol consumption.
As we can see, there are biological and physiological reasons to explain milk cravings after drinking, but there are also psychological factors. Let's explore some of those.
Individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD), commonly referred to as “alcoholics” (although the former is the preferred term), have an impaired ability to stop or limit alcohol consumption despite negative consequences. AUD is also characterized by a physical and neurological dependence — which helps explain the psychological factors that contribute to milk cravings. Three psychological factors can drive milk consumption for those with AUD.
Not only do psychological factors influence milk consumption for those of us with AUD, but cultural and social factors can play roles, too.
Cultural and social influences play major roles in our daily life even though it may not seem like it. Actions such as taking off our shoes before entering the house or offering alcohol at funerals may seem completely normal to some of us and foreign to others.
Those of us who grew up in Western culture where milk is commonly consumed may find ourselves craving milk after drinking alcohol more frequently than other cultures where milk is less popular. Cultural practices that associate milk consumption with wellness or recovery also can influence our consumption habits. For example, in Indian culture where milk is seen as a gift from the gods, people may more frequently use milk for its purifying qualities after drinking alcohol.
Social context also impacts our actions and habits. We may not have grown up with a particular habit, but peer influence and social cues can shape drinking and dietary behaviors. For example, someone who moved to the U.S. from a country that consumes less dairy may find themselves starting to incorporate more dairy into their diet due to social influence.
With all the different factors that influence the connection between alcohol and milk consumption, you may be wondering, is drinking milk even good for us? Should we be drinking it after consuming alcohol?
Although drinking milk won't cancel out the adverse effects of alcohol, it could be beneficial for some of us. There are many different types of milk (which we’ll get into in more detail later) but despite the variations, generally milk has two main benefits: nutrition and hydration.
Milk has a rich nutrient profile and can replenish our body with essential vitamins and minerals that are good for our overall health. Specifically, milk is high in calcium and vitamin D, which support bone health and recovery from alcohol-induced deficiencies. Sometimes we may feel nauseous or experience a loss of appetite after drinking. Although eating a balanced meal is the usual recommendation, sometimes a glass of milk is easier to get down in the interim to help us replenish lost nutrients.
Drinking milk is also a great way to replenish fluids that are depleted through alcohol consumption. Milk has a high water content, which aids in restoring hydration and electrolyte balance. This can help our cells and organs return to optimal functioning and combat symptoms of alcohol hangovers that are exacerbated by dehydration.
Milk consumption can have general benefits following alcohol consumption, but what about during recovery from AUD?
Milk may not be harmful for those of us who are in recovery from AUD unless we’re lactose intolerant or are consuming milk in an unhealthy manner (physically or emotionally). Excess milk consumption, like any substance, can have adverse health effects such as excessive caloric intake or digestive issues. Using milk as a replacement behavior for alcohol consumption can also be dangerous, as the root cause of our habit isn’t being addressed.
Drinking milk, although common, isn’t necessary for recovery. It’s not a solution for alcohol dependence, and other foods that contain similar nutrients also can help our body heal during recovery. However, if we enjoy drinking milk, it can be incorporated into a healthy, balanced diet during recovery.
For those of us who may not like the taste of cow’s milk or are lactose intolerant, do milk alternatives have the same effect?
It depends. As we’ve discussed, milk consumption and cravings can be influenced by a number of different factors. Depending on what benefits we’re looking for after consuming alcohol, the type of milk we drink may or may not matter.
Different kinds of milk contain different nutrient profiles. This means that if we’re looking to replenish certain nutrients after drinking, milk alternatives may not always contain the same vitamins and minerals. For example, natural almond milk that isn’t fortified doesn’t contain calcium or vitamin D. Some milk alternatives are fortified with the same vitamins and nutrients, however, so it’s important to check the label.
Alternatives can be a replacement for milk in some cases. If we’re drinking milk after consuming alcohol to help restore hydration, milk alternatives also have a high water content that is similar to cow’s milk. Additionally, if we’re drinking milk for comfort or familiarity, milk alternatives can have the same effect as milk.
Whether it’s alcohol or milk, cravings can be common for those of us with AUD. So, how can we manage them?
Recognizing triggers for our cravings helps us prevent transfer addiction and relapses in recovery. Some ways we can address our cravings include the following:
Cravings are a common part of recovery from AUD. However, learning to navigate and overcome them is what will help us recover.
Craving milk after drinking alcohol or in recovery from AUD may seem strange at first. However, the way alcohol physiologically and emotionally affects us explains why milk cravings are common. While milk has some nutritional and hydration benefits, it's not a magic cure for alcohol dependence. It may not hurt to drink milk after drinking alcohol if we're not lactose intolerant, but it's important to address the root cause of our alcohol cravings. Quit or cut back on booze, and don't wait until it's too “lait”!
We often hear of cravings for decadent foods like chocolate, chips, or even mac ‘n’ cheese. But what about milk? Many people report craving milk after drinking alcohol, especially those who regularly drink alcohol excessively.
With changing health trends turning us into cow’s milk criticizers one day and soy milk slanderers the next, it can be difficult to determine if giving into our milk cravings after drinking alcohol is a good idea. To help us develop strategies to address those cravings, let’s first understand why we them in the first place.
While our cravings for chocolate are often just that — we’re craving chocolate! — milk cravings after drinking can be due to our biology. Many people report that after drinking alcohol they often find themselves craving milk, which means that the way alcohol affects our body could be driving our milk cravings. Several biological conditions point to explanations for these cravings.
After drinking, our dopamine and serotonin levels may plummet, creating drastic fluctuations. Imbalances in our neurotransmitters can influence our cravings. In conjunction with the reasons mentioned earlier, fluctuations in our neurotransmitters can lead to milk cravings after drinking.
Alcohol can influence milk cravings biologically, but they’re often difficult to confirm, as they can’t always be measured tangibly or seen externally (we’re not able to see our B vitamins being depleted, for example!). The good news is, there are also physiological cues that can explain milk cravings after drinking.
A physiological reaction is a bodily response to a stimulus. Two main physiological responses that help explain milk cravings after drinking include dehydration and gastric irritation.
Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases fluid excretion from our body. This causes increased thirst and other symptoms of dehydration. While water can do the job, according to a Harvard University analysis of different studies on the hydration of milk, additional components of milk may keep us hydrated for longer. This conclusion is based on the idea that the sugar, lactose, fat, and protein in milk help slow the emptying of fluid from our stomach. Although minimal studies exist to confirm that milk is more hydrating than water, it can explain our milk cravings after dehydration from drinking.
Another common side effect of consuming alcohol is gastric irritation. Alcohol can increase the amount of stomach acid we produce — irritating our stomach lining. Drinking also increases inflammation, which affects our stomach lining and can promote gastric irritation. Milk, specifically nonfat milk, can provide a temporary buffer between our stomach lining and our acidic stomach contents. That can help soothe gastrointestinal discomfort caused by alcohol consumption.
As we can see, there are biological and physiological reasons to explain milk cravings after drinking, but there are also psychological factors. Let's explore some of those.
Individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD), commonly referred to as “alcoholics” (although the former is the preferred term), have an impaired ability to stop or limit alcohol consumption despite negative consequences. AUD is also characterized by a physical and neurological dependence — which helps explain the psychological factors that contribute to milk cravings. Three psychological factors can drive milk consumption for those with AUD.
Not only do psychological factors influence milk consumption for those of us with AUD, but cultural and social factors can play roles, too.
Cultural and social influences play major roles in our daily life even though it may not seem like it. Actions such as taking off our shoes before entering the house or offering alcohol at funerals may seem completely normal to some of us and foreign to others.
Those of us who grew up in Western culture where milk is commonly consumed may find ourselves craving milk after drinking alcohol more frequently than other cultures where milk is less popular. Cultural practices that associate milk consumption with wellness or recovery also can influence our consumption habits. For example, in Indian culture where milk is seen as a gift from the gods, people may more frequently use milk for its purifying qualities after drinking alcohol.
Social context also impacts our actions and habits. We may not have grown up with a particular habit, but peer influence and social cues can shape drinking and dietary behaviors. For example, someone who moved to the U.S. from a country that consumes less dairy may find themselves starting to incorporate more dairy into their diet due to social influence.
With all the different factors that influence the connection between alcohol and milk consumption, you may be wondering, is drinking milk even good for us? Should we be drinking it after consuming alcohol?
Although drinking milk won't cancel out the adverse effects of alcohol, it could be beneficial for some of us. There are many different types of milk (which we’ll get into in more detail later) but despite the variations, generally milk has two main benefits: nutrition and hydration.
Milk has a rich nutrient profile and can replenish our body with essential vitamins and minerals that are good for our overall health. Specifically, milk is high in calcium and vitamin D, which support bone health and recovery from alcohol-induced deficiencies. Sometimes we may feel nauseous or experience a loss of appetite after drinking. Although eating a balanced meal is the usual recommendation, sometimes a glass of milk is easier to get down in the interim to help us replenish lost nutrients.
Drinking milk is also a great way to replenish fluids that are depleted through alcohol consumption. Milk has a high water content, which aids in restoring hydration and electrolyte balance. This can help our cells and organs return to optimal functioning and combat symptoms of alcohol hangovers that are exacerbated by dehydration.
Milk consumption can have general benefits following alcohol consumption, but what about during recovery from AUD?
Milk may not be harmful for those of us who are in recovery from AUD unless we’re lactose intolerant or are consuming milk in an unhealthy manner (physically or emotionally). Excess milk consumption, like any substance, can have adverse health effects such as excessive caloric intake or digestive issues. Using milk as a replacement behavior for alcohol consumption can also be dangerous, as the root cause of our habit isn’t being addressed.
Drinking milk, although common, isn’t necessary for recovery. It’s not a solution for alcohol dependence, and other foods that contain similar nutrients also can help our body heal during recovery. However, if we enjoy drinking milk, it can be incorporated into a healthy, balanced diet during recovery.
For those of us who may not like the taste of cow’s milk or are lactose intolerant, do milk alternatives have the same effect?
It depends. As we’ve discussed, milk consumption and cravings can be influenced by a number of different factors. Depending on what benefits we’re looking for after consuming alcohol, the type of milk we drink may or may not matter.
Different kinds of milk contain different nutrient profiles. This means that if we’re looking to replenish certain nutrients after drinking, milk alternatives may not always contain the same vitamins and minerals. For example, natural almond milk that isn’t fortified doesn’t contain calcium or vitamin D. Some milk alternatives are fortified with the same vitamins and nutrients, however, so it’s important to check the label.
Alternatives can be a replacement for milk in some cases. If we’re drinking milk after consuming alcohol to help restore hydration, milk alternatives also have a high water content that is similar to cow’s milk. Additionally, if we’re drinking milk for comfort or familiarity, milk alternatives can have the same effect as milk.
Whether it’s alcohol or milk, cravings can be common for those of us with AUD. So, how can we manage them?
Recognizing triggers for our cravings helps us prevent transfer addiction and relapses in recovery. Some ways we can address our cravings include the following:
Cravings are a common part of recovery from AUD. However, learning to navigate and overcome them is what will help us recover.
Craving milk after drinking alcohol or in recovery from AUD may seem strange at first. However, the way alcohol physiologically and emotionally affects us explains why milk cravings are common. While milk has some nutritional and hydration benefits, it's not a magic cure for alcohol dependence. It may not hurt to drink milk after drinking alcohol if we're not lactose intolerant, but it's important to address the root cause of our alcohol cravings. Quit or cut back on booze, and don't wait until it's too “lait”!
Tommy Lee used to drink two gallons of vodka per day and has since gone sober. Check out our latest blog for more info on the lessons we can apply to our own journey.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
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The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app today!
Anyone who grew up with heavy metal and the Mötley Crüe knows of famed drummer Tommy Lee. With his long hair, myriad tattoos, and very hearty partying, he embodied the lifestyle of the hard rock musician — until he realized the toll it was taking on his life. While many celebrities have since opened up about their struggles with alcohol, Tommy Lee’s recounting of his days drinking “two gallons of vodka a day” just might top the charts. To follow his journey to sobriety, let’s first take a trip down memory lane back to the ‘80s and the rise of Tommy Lee’s star. While we may not be Tommy Lee, we can learn from his sobriety and maybe become rock stars of our own journey!
Tommy Lee rose to stardom as a founding member of the heavy metal band Mötley Crüe, formed in 1981. In 1983, their album Shout at the Devil was released and became the band’s breakthrough to stardom. Mötley Crüe is may be best known, however, for their wild lifestyle. In their autobiography titled The Dirt, the band shared their infamous partying ways and recalled popping handfuls of pills and pounding bottles of booze. Lee also described his habit of downing two gallons of vodka every day.
Tragically, one night in 1984, some of the band members went for a liquor run that ended up in a fatal accident. One of the members, Nicholas “Razzle” Dingley, died and another, Vince Neil, was sent to jail. Tensions mounted within the band, and a third member, Nikki Sixx, suffered a heroin overdose that almost took his life. In 1990, Lee and other band members noted, “Someone’s going to not wake up one morning. Like, this is getting f–ing ridiculous, right?” They decided to abandon their raucous and risky ways.
After the band cleaned up their act, their music continued to gain popularity, and they formed their own label. In 1995, Lee married Pamela Anderson after meeting her just 96 hours earlier. Three years later, Lee served a suspended prison sentence due to a domestic altercation with his wife. They divorced, and Lee quit Mötley Crüe to pursue his solo career. He formed Methods of Mayhem and also starred in several TV shows. The band reunited in 2004 and announced their final tour in 2015. In 2019, Lee married actress Brittany Furlan, to whom he’s still married. Although Tommy Lee reports that he’s sober today, he recalls battling with alcohol misuse for the majority of his adulthood. Let's get a clearer picture.
“Alcoholism,” or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is characterized by an impaired ability to quit or cut back on alcohol despite the adverse effects it has on our life. Many factors contribute to the risk of developing AUD. For Tommy Lee, the presence of alcohol and other drugs that played such a large part in his hard rock lifestyle simply added to the normalization of his excessive drinking. Other major life events, including the death of a fellow band member and multiple divorces, may have contributed to his drinking habits.
Lee’s struggles with AUD both improved and worsened over the years. He later recalled in a podcast that “It’s easy to fall in love with the way it [alcohol] makes you feel, where it makes you relax, and then all of a sudden you’re like [...] ‘I’m drinking two gallons of vodka a day’?” Lee reports that he became immune to his excessive drinking, as it became so normal for him and his bandmates. His experience points up the way alcohol is often used as a coping mechanism or “escape”, which can quickly turn into misuse.
During the band’s final tour, Lee shares that he was mostly “drinking out of boredom” — highlighting how excessive drinking can become habitual. All of the consequences of Lee’s long stint of heavy alcohol consumption are not known, but he admits to feeling like his liver was “on crutches.”
Let’s explore other negative effects of excessive drinking, and see what was going on in Tommy Lee’s body.
Drinking vodka every day, especially excessively (like Tommy Lee’s two gallons a day), is detrimental to multiple aspects of life. Negative effects of drinking vodka every day include the following:
Like Tommy Lee, we open the door to many potential consequences by drinking excessively. Tommy Lee is now sober: how did he go from drinking two gallons of vodka a day to sobriety?
The journey to sobriety consists of many different stages and experiences. However, there are three major components in the journey to sobriety.
As we can see, the journey to sobriety can be rocky. However, highs and lows teach us a lot about it. What can we take away from Tommy Lee’s story?
Tommy Lee, among many other celebrities, has opened up about his alcohol misuse in order to bring awareness of AUD to a wide audience.
Lee’s story can inspire us to start our own journey to sobriety. What lessons can we take with us?
Lee went from drinking two gallons of vodka a day to sobriety. The journey and practices he shares can help us navigate our own commitment to a better relationship with alcohol.
Among the takeaways from Tommy Lee’s story are these: It’s never too late to commit to sobriety and a healthier life and, like Lee, no matter what our current relationship with alcohol is, we can recover by committing to change. We can become the rock stars of our own journey!
Anyone who grew up with heavy metal and the Mötley Crüe knows of famed drummer Tommy Lee. With his long hair, myriad tattoos, and very hearty partying, he embodied the lifestyle of the hard rock musician — until he realized the toll it was taking on his life. While many celebrities have since opened up about their struggles with alcohol, Tommy Lee’s recounting of his days drinking “two gallons of vodka a day” just might top the charts. To follow his journey to sobriety, let’s first take a trip down memory lane back to the ‘80s and the rise of Tommy Lee’s star. While we may not be Tommy Lee, we can learn from his sobriety and maybe become rock stars of our own journey!
Tommy Lee rose to stardom as a founding member of the heavy metal band Mötley Crüe, formed in 1981. In 1983, their album Shout at the Devil was released and became the band’s breakthrough to stardom. Mötley Crüe is may be best known, however, for their wild lifestyle. In their autobiography titled The Dirt, the band shared their infamous partying ways and recalled popping handfuls of pills and pounding bottles of booze. Lee also described his habit of downing two gallons of vodka every day.
Tragically, one night in 1984, some of the band members went for a liquor run that ended up in a fatal accident. One of the members, Nicholas “Razzle” Dingley, died and another, Vince Neil, was sent to jail. Tensions mounted within the band, and a third member, Nikki Sixx, suffered a heroin overdose that almost took his life. In 1990, Lee and other band members noted, “Someone’s going to not wake up one morning. Like, this is getting f–ing ridiculous, right?” They decided to abandon their raucous and risky ways.
After the band cleaned up their act, their music continued to gain popularity, and they formed their own label. In 1995, Lee married Pamela Anderson after meeting her just 96 hours earlier. Three years later, Lee served a suspended prison sentence due to a domestic altercation with his wife. They divorced, and Lee quit Mötley Crüe to pursue his solo career. He formed Methods of Mayhem and also starred in several TV shows. The band reunited in 2004 and announced their final tour in 2015. In 2019, Lee married actress Brittany Furlan, to whom he’s still married. Although Tommy Lee reports that he’s sober today, he recalls battling with alcohol misuse for the majority of his adulthood. Let's get a clearer picture.
“Alcoholism,” or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is characterized by an impaired ability to quit or cut back on alcohol despite the adverse effects it has on our life. Many factors contribute to the risk of developing AUD. For Tommy Lee, the presence of alcohol and other drugs that played such a large part in his hard rock lifestyle simply added to the normalization of his excessive drinking. Other major life events, including the death of a fellow band member and multiple divorces, may have contributed to his drinking habits.
Lee’s struggles with AUD both improved and worsened over the years. He later recalled in a podcast that “It’s easy to fall in love with the way it [alcohol] makes you feel, where it makes you relax, and then all of a sudden you’re like [...] ‘I’m drinking two gallons of vodka a day’?” Lee reports that he became immune to his excessive drinking, as it became so normal for him and his bandmates. His experience points up the way alcohol is often used as a coping mechanism or “escape”, which can quickly turn into misuse.
During the band’s final tour, Lee shares that he was mostly “drinking out of boredom” — highlighting how excessive drinking can become habitual. All of the consequences of Lee’s long stint of heavy alcohol consumption are not known, but he admits to feeling like his liver was “on crutches.”
Let’s explore other negative effects of excessive drinking, and see what was going on in Tommy Lee’s body.
Drinking vodka every day, especially excessively (like Tommy Lee’s two gallons a day), is detrimental to multiple aspects of life. Negative effects of drinking vodka every day include the following:
Like Tommy Lee, we open the door to many potential consequences by drinking excessively. Tommy Lee is now sober: how did he go from drinking two gallons of vodka a day to sobriety?
The journey to sobriety consists of many different stages and experiences. However, there are three major components in the journey to sobriety.
As we can see, the journey to sobriety can be rocky. However, highs and lows teach us a lot about it. What can we take away from Tommy Lee’s story?
Tommy Lee, among many other celebrities, has opened up about his alcohol misuse in order to bring awareness of AUD to a wide audience.
Lee’s story can inspire us to start our own journey to sobriety. What lessons can we take with us?
Lee went from drinking two gallons of vodka a day to sobriety. The journey and practices he shares can help us navigate our own commitment to a better relationship with alcohol.
Among the takeaways from Tommy Lee’s story are these: It’s never too late to commit to sobriety and a healthier life and, like Lee, no matter what our current relationship with alcohol is, we can recover by committing to change. We can become the rock stars of our own journey!
