Okay so I’m 18 days sober tomorrow from alcohol and pills last night my boyfriend stressed me out he was playing a gig and it was my first time being around alcohol I was focused on the drama between me and him so luckily it didn’t bother me however towards the end of the night I decided what the hell I’ll have a non-alcoholic beer just so you know I could loosen up well I’ve been feeling really guilty about it I don’t know if this is considered a relapse or not I’ve Googled a lot of information about it and it says that it is a relapse just wondering what all of you out there think I don’t plan to continue this behavior and to only do it maybe once in a blue moon but I’m just feeling bad. So I know okay it was a mistake but I want so badly to still count my sobriety am I allowed to count to 17 days I still been clean ??)
I wouldn’t consider it a relapse personally, but I don’t drink them.
Since it was non-alcoholic it should be fine. I imagine that non-alcoholic beers exist largely so people that don’t drink alcohol can feel as though they’re not excluded from bar activities. But if you’re feeling concerned about it in the future perhaps try ordering a soda water with a splash of cranberry juice and a lime. That way you still get to enjoy the carbonation and the cranberry and lime give it a nice touch of flavor without loading on calories.
I’m at 90 days sitting here with a glass of NA wine…you do what you gotta do to stay sober sometimes.
It may be that drinking NA beer is not really dealing with what caused us to drink in the first place but I would never consider it a relapse.
If it’s NA, then it’s not a relapse. The reason I won’t drink the NA versions of beer and wine is that when I used to drink them, they just made me want the real stuff more. Right before I quit this time, was on vacation in the keys. Thought I’d try to stay NA. Yeah…pummeled the NA 6-pack like a Norwegian on a Harp Seal, and was walking to the convenience store to get a 12 pack of real stuff 30 minutes later. The taste had just fired up the engine.
Wish I could remember who wrote it here, to give them full credit, but they wrote “Non-alcoholic beers and wines are for non-alcoholic people”.
So true, as it applies to me. I’ll stick with water, seltzer, Pomegranate juice, and full-fat cokes.
It may not be a physical relapse but it is def a mental relapse… your playing with fire. I wouldnt even be going around alcohol with 18 days sober… you have to make serious life changes to get and stay sober. The reality is not many of us finish the race. Make the changes in your life to set yourself up for success.
Well there is alcohol in NA beer negligible as it may be. To me, drinking NA beer is trying to live vicariously, and it’s a dangerous path.
I just don’t see the point, I’m moving away from that life.
I agree with most people here, it’s not a relapse, but it can definitely lead to one. I know for me it would. As soon as I got the taste of beer in me I’d be running out to get the real stuff.
Side note: isn’t NA wine just grape juice?
Thank you! Always appreciate your advice on numerous topics on chat here. Appreciate so much you getting back to me! This chat forum has been a true blessing. I’ve decided I am not to drink NA beer because you’re right, it’ll just rev the engine. 18 days sober today and excited to hit 30 days which will be a first ever for me in my career of drinking. Thank you again for the moral support.
It is all a process of learning and growing and educating yourself on what works and what doesn’t for you. I would call this a great learning experience. Add it to your sober toolbox. Congrats on your 18…now 19?
Haven’t had much wine? During the fementation process, the sugar is. converted to alcohol. A wine’s sweetness and level of fermentation is measured by how much “residual sugar” remains. NA wine starts life as regular wine, and then most (but not all) alcohol is removed. Very little sugar remains, so it tastes almost nothing like grape juice.
I can drink grape juice all day long and it doesn’t make me want a glass of wine. Same with apple cider and pomegranate juice. If I drink NA wine, it makes me want A wine.
I used to be a bartender. Most "NA " beverages actually still have a tiny bit of alcohol in them(typically below .5%) For future reference. Not enough to get you drunk, but enough for me to consider them not to be alcohol free. Be careful with slippery slopes. Way to go on 18 days. Keep it up. 
Good to know. I guess I just never really considered the possibility that NA anything existed. I was to busy drinking Franzia from a box lol.
I was also being a wee bit sarcastic lol
Hey, I wasn’t above (or below) wine-in-a-box, or the cheap stuff from the Great-Wal-of-China Mart. I used it as an excuse to keep drinking. “It’s cheap. I’m being frugal, dontcha know”.
Great topic! I wouldn’t consider it a relapse, I would consider it genious if it stopped you from drinking. Though I can totally see where this would be a potentially slippery slope. I have friends that are drink pushers, this could be a great alternative if I ever feel the need to attend a party and be social where there will be booze and I can sip on my NA wine and pretend without having to explain myself to people. I’m not talking evening drinking parties, with my people it’s a nice back up to my water for regular social events like, ya know, kids birthday parties…
In my opinion, you already know the answer to your question because you’re feeling guilty about it. You won’t feel guilty about things that aren’t wrong in your own eyes. If you choose to reset your days to 0, you haven’t lost your sobriety and everything you’ve learned so far. If it were me, I would reset my days to clear my own conscience and go on with my day. This program is working for you! These guilty feelings are actually GOOD things! Keep up the good work and push on.
Thank you!! It def was a learning experience. To understand now my limits. And yes day 19 tomorrow. Start therapy today and AA meetings all week…