Questions posted in the The Addiction Forum have been answered by Steven Adelman, M.D. and by Richard C. Bozian M.D. F.A.C.P. of Harvard Vanguard Medical Group.

Question Title: non-alcohol brew

Forum: The Addiction Forum
Topic: Alcoholism


I recently stopped drinking beer after many years of overindulgence. I stopped cold turkey for 10 days. I started drinking non-alcohol brew & find it a good replacement. Is there anything in the non-alcohol brews that is harmful? I drink them like I use to drink beer. 6-9 per day.


You have asked a question many people wonder about when they give up alcohol. You would probably be better off to switch to a
completely different beverage. In my experience, the risks of non-alcoholic brews outweigh the benefits. Many people I have
treated over the years report that drinking thse substitutes eventually lead them back to the "real thing". It is to your credit
that you were able to stop. It wouild be a shame to undo all that effort by jeopardizing your sobriety with non-alcoholic brews.
Better to be safe than sorry. I understand it is difficult to see what could be the harm in something so benign, but you can learn
from others who have traveled the same steps.

The information provided here is for general medical education only. Please consult you physician for specific diagnoses and treatment
options.

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