Nonalcoholic Drinks Can Be Triggers.
Some drinks may be a trigger; others might not be. Mindfulness is a great tool to explore whatever arises.
The ice cubes cracked when the whiskey poured over them: the beginnings of a simple potion. The other ingredients soon followed— a splash of diet 7-up, a squeeze of fresh lime.
The concoction was almost enchanting. It bubbled and foamed as I stirred it. I peered into its amber depths. I breathed in the familiar smell. Finally, I took a drink and waited…
This witch’s brew hit me in a way that I hadn’t felt in a long time. My face got flush. My head felt lighter. My heart rate increased. I sensed some dormant part of me begin to roust from sleep. I opened myself to the experience and observed.
This was last year’s Christmas Holidays; twelve days shy of two years alcohol-free. The ‘whiskey’ in question was zero-proof, a non-alcoholic ‘whiskey alternative.’ However, it seemed that I had just experienced a sort of placebo high. The booze was fake, but my reaction to it was real.
I have come across many articles stating that mocktails can be a trigger. It is a much-debated topic in recovery communities. I had drunk other non-alcoholic versions of wines, beers, and different mocktails without any triggering effect before. So, my initial reaction to these claims was comically egoic. Something to the effect of “Yeah, yeah. I’ve done this before; I’ll be fine.”
Run your own experiments, test your hypothesis, record your results. Be your own scientist.
In almost the same instance, another part of me thought it prudent to heed this advice. So, I decided to approach the Christmas mocktail party as an experiment. I would observe my reactions to this drink with curious and detached mindfulness.
As both the scientist and the subject, I took note of each step in the process with hyper-awareness. I focused on the smallest details: the festive atmosphere, how I felt before I opened the bottle, the glass I chose, how I felt mixing the drink.
The experiment mindset allowed me to observe my thoughts and feelings from a detached perspective. I was surrounded by family and holiday cheer, yet I focused inward. I noticed the reaction of my body and mind. I tapped into what was happening below the surface at the subconscious level.
I hypothesized that this particular potion— my ‘go-to’ drink— would reopen old neural pathways in my mind. When I drank the nonalcohol version of that potion, my body reacted the way it always had: flushed, anxious, excited. The experience showed me that these deeply rutted neural pathways may have grown over, but they were still there. I could still twist my ankle on them if I weren’t paying attention.
Many thoughts, emotions, memories, and actions were enmeshed with this drink deep in the neural pathways of my mind.
I inferred that my reaction was ‘drink-specific.’ I had coupled the alcoholic version of this drink with many other activities, emotions, and feelings a thousand or more times in my life. So, the habituation and neural imprinting ran deep.
I learned that mental and emotional preparation before imbibing was useful. Would I have rushed to the nearest liquor store if I hadn’t been in this mindful state? No, that never crossed my mind. I never thought that I was missing out by not drinking. But, I am glad that I was mentally open to the possibilities that could have come up.
This was a successful and well-run experiment for me, and I am glad I went through it. By sharing my experience, I hope that I can point out what might lay ahead on your path. In situations like this, my advice— if you are looking for it— is to simply be aware of your thoughts and emotions. You can take each step with a mindful intention in this hyper-aware state.
I wasn’t going to throw away this wonderful life and return to the misery I was in just because of a couple of mocktails. And maybe you won’t either, but we are all different. We have different triggers different mental/emotional patterns.
I am not telling you to avoid nonalcoholic mocktails or even to give up alcohol for good. I am proposing that we just be aware of our body and mind’s reaction when we drink.
P.S.
You deserve to break free from the substances that hold you back. You deserve to be the best version of yourself, and all that entails. If you would like 1:1 coaching around any issues you may have with alcohol, I have spots available and am honored to listen and lend help. Always feel free to reach out to me or anyone if you have questions or concerns.
