Question about O'Douls

[degadar]

Good for you Fiat - if you can drink n/a beer and enjoy it without it leading to a problem, that's great news.

Personally I'd find it a step in the wrong direction. Both slippery and slopey.

Deg.

[Tazman53]

near beer for an alcoholic is kind of like sprinkling little drops of gasoline on a fire, one day there may be a flash fire!

[Debaucher]

Lets cut to the chase...

It is the same issue (for me at least) as me going to bars... they say you shouldn't go into bars... the big books says it is ok to go if you have a good reason... or business there (forget the exact quote but I am sure someone could quote it if you need it)...

I see NA beer as the same... the science says it is no different than a whole host of things that most folks wouldn't consider a slip... like drinking a big glass of O.J. etc.. etc... I probably get more alcohol from rinsing my mouth with mouthwash... but I digress...

You have to ask yourself if you are drinking NA beer as a replacement for beer... if it is a substitute then it is getting you one step closer to another REAL bear <--... nice spelling of BEER ... was going to fix it but i thought it was funny.. so I left it!

Same thing... I go to bars once a week to throw darts... My sponsor tells me over and over not to go... he says if you stay in the barber shop long enough you are going to get a hair cut... BUT he also says that if I am going there JUST to throw darts then it is ok... but if I am going to a bar for the atmosphere or because I like being in bars then... I am on the slippery slope again...

The point is the NA beer is a grey area... and for many they choose not to even take the chance... it is impossible for others to know if it is ok for this person or that person to have NA beer. It is impossible because only the person can know his TRUE intensions... on that person knows if they are engaging in justification.

So... if you ask then the answer is easy...

if I answer it is ok to drink NA beer then I will assist the person enguaged in justification in convincing themselves that NA is ok into believing a personal lie... and yet for some I will be right... so in that case 1 outcome the person relapses and becomes drunk again... in the other outcome all is well...

If I answer NO... then I could be wrong and I could be right BUT NA beer will not cause the person to relapse...


THE easy answer is no...

[Debaucher]

I should also add to what I wrote... that just because your intentions are good with respect to NA beer today... doesn't mean that 2 weeks from now you won't be enjoying that NA beer reminising about all the REAL beers you had before... !!!

[Steve58]

Someone here once likened it to holding hands with a hooker.
S

[ghostgirl]

reminds of a woman who was giving a lead at a meeting a few weeks ago. she shared how one time she went to a bar and had 42 odouls... love that effect that alcohol has!

[parentrecovers]

i used to drink it some - please keeping in mind that i am not an alcoholic.

then i realized that when i drank it, i just had to pee more often.

not worth it!

diet coke with lime please..

k

[Ten Chips Down]

Originally Posted by fiat

hi,
I am sober for 4yrs 3months and have been drinking O'doul's for 2 1/2 years. I love the taste of beer and usually only drink one every week or so. There's more alchohol in one swish of mouthwash than in this beer and I'm not trying to get drunk on mouthwash. Very Comfortably Sober with no desire to return to drunkeness.

LOL Hi Fiat,

That is why I stay farrr away from any alcohol-based rinses! Personal preference, obviously but I agree with Peter!! -->

Originally Posted by Peter

O'douls and its likeness may have infinitesimally minute traces of alcohol (as may many of the other foods we consume on a daily basis, sometimes without even knowing it,) but drinking so called "non alcoholic" beers is too close to the real deal for my alcoholic brain to be comfortable with it......

It helps a lot that I NEVER, EVER, EVER liked the taste of friggin' ANYTHING I "had" to suffer to get the alcohol in my system... lol ...lol But damn you know?? I cannot see going back to a thing so close to the thing that liked to killed me.

Hehe. Oh - welcome aboard too, Fiat.

Ten

[RedFox]

Originally Posted by Debaucher

You have to ask yourself if you are drinking NA beer as a replacement for beer... if it is a substitute then it is getting you one step closer to another REAL bear <--... nice spelling of BEER ... was going to fix it but i thought it was funny.. so I left it!

The point is the NA beer is a grey area... and for many they choose not to even take the chance... it is impossible for others to know if it is ok for this person or that person to have NA beer. It is impossible because only the person can know his TRUE intensions... on that person knows if they are engaging in justification.

Since drinking is a habit that I'm trying to break, I feel like drinking near beer would put me back in my old ways and just eventually lead me to drinking the heavy stuff again. I'm too scared of that and I never liked the taste of beer anyway, so I have no reason to try NA beer. I'm just speaking for myself. Some people can do it without it causing problems, but I'm not one them.

[St_Kurt]

Originally Posted by fritolay

It's similar to opening up a candy bar, shaving off a tiny sliver with an xacto knife, and expecting yourself to be satisified.

LOL!

This totally reminds me of a conversation I had with a friend the other day. I'd never realized how many gas stations and convenience stores sold little half pint bottles of alcohol in my town (it's a college town with a big drinking culture). He thought it was hilarious that I'd only just discovered this (figuring I'd know all the places to buy liquor within a 100 foot radius of my home I guess).

But then I said something like, "why would anyone want to buy a bottle of vodka that small anyway? That's ridiculous."

Which he thought was even funnier.

And then when I was trying to explain that a half pint of vodka would just make me think "well, where's the rest of it?", he just laughed at me some more.

This is how our friendship works.

He drinks NA Beer though so... draw your own conclusions. ;-)

-e

[Lost Sailor]

Anyone have any thoughts on vanilla extract? My bottle I have in my pantry is 35% alcohol. I don't think many people realize it has it in there, but I thought it was interesting when I went to visit my father, who's an alcoholic, a few months ago. He doesn't drink (intentionally) anymore, but I noticed he had a GIANT bottle of vanilla on his counter. Like commercial sized. He said he puts it in his milk. I know he had no idea, and was completely innocent and likes vanilla, but I just thought that was interesting.
I'm not saying someone could get wasted by drinking vanilla, but subconsciously I wonder if he developed a liking for it or felt something and didn't realize it.

[Creekryder]

I found several years back, I was attempting quitting alcohol. I went to non-alc beer and after several sittings, I was guzzling the stuff. I was going through the actions but not getting the buzz. I compensated by drinking greater amounts, unconsciously. Not a good choice for me. Set the stage, to which I began drinking shortly after. This time, nothing that even resembles an alcoholic drink. (Except OJ)

[Peter]

Yes vanilla does contain a certain amount of alcohol. But even though I wont buy vanilla I still enjoy the flavour in ice cream and some pastry.

I think there may be a difference between vanilla extract and vanilla flavouring.

[laurie6781]

Just my .02 here.

Most of you know that I have many many ODAATs now. And yes, periodically I have an O'Douls.

Of course, I was never a beer drinker, would only indulge in one on a hot day, for the taste and the carbonation, never ever used beer to get drunk or stay drunk (took too damn long, rofl).

Neither my sponsor nor her husband ever had a problem with me having one now and then either. My roommate and dear dear friend Lora who has even more years than me, enjoys one also now and then.

We just opened our 2nd 12-pack of this year, roflmao and now have 4 cans chilled in the refrig.

As has been said above, there is as much or more alcohol in some foods naturally ie orange juice as O'Douls.

This is definitely an INDIVIDUAL DECISION. I would no more tell someone they could not drink it, than I would tell someone they can.

J M H O

Love and hugs,

[came2believe]

Originally Posted by Lost Sailor

Anyone have any thoughts on vanilla extract? My bottle I have in my pantry is 35% alcohol. I don't think many people realize it has it in there, but I thought it was interesting when I went to visit my father, who's an alcoholic, a few months ago. He doesn't drink (intentionally) anymore, but I noticed he had a GIANT bottle of vanilla on his counter. Like commercial sized. He said he puts it in his milk. I know he had no idea, and was completely innocent and likes vanilla, but I just thought that was interesting.
I'm not saying someone could get wasted by drinking vanilla, but subconsciously I wonder if he developed a liking for it or felt something and didn't realize it.

You can buy alcohol free vanilla extract at whole foods. It is a bit expensive but how much vanilla do you use at once anyway? Unless you are trying to get wasted... lolol

I keep very careful tabs on alcohol based products in my home now. This is what I have to do to preserve my sobriety so I am not telling anyone else what to do. I use alcohol free mouthwash, alcohol free fragrances, etc etc. Even Purell bothers me.

I do not want to be the girl who relapsed on Listerine! Or on vanilla extract, or, saints preserve us, PURELL for that matter!

[CarolD]

The only sober time I am responsible for is......
my own.

If I decide to drink alcohol again....
I would re start my sober time.

[Mongo]

Carol!!!

Really glad you're back.


We missed you.

Ron

[concolor1]

It was a situation where I permit myself one (I've never been able to finish a second). I'm out for dinner late at night, usually Mexican, and while I love iced tea, a couple of them and I'll be up all night (I never drink coffee after four or five in the afternoon, either).

I would've finished it, but the frickin' restaurant served it almost warm . . . I managed to let go of the resentment, though, although I probably won't go back there . . .

I'll let you folks know when I have another one (no plans one way or another) . . . As Laurie6781 notes, this in an individual decision, and I've posted here that what's going on in the rest of one's life is more indicative of relapse (which is a process that doesn't end with the first drink; that's the end of the process, and by living a reasonable program and having taken dozens of responsible inventories over the years, I can tell when I'm on the beam and when I'm off it).

If you're hanging out in a bar a lot, JMHO, you're on shakey ground whether you're drinking coffee, coke, or plain tonic with a squeeze of lime. I actually spent a bit of time in two bars a couple of months ago on two different evenings; I don't remember how long it had been the last time I spent any time in one . . . I stuck to Virgin Marys, and there wasn't any "stinking thinking" or "trying to grasp some vicarious pleasure," but I was struck afterwards by how weird I felt. In both cases it was get-togethers with dear friends (one AA member was in one group; we had that extra closeness of course), and I had good reasons . . . I have no plans to go back there, either, and I'm hopeful the next time these friends are in town, the reunion will be at someone's home.

I've also got a bottle of vanilla in the cupboard that I'm not adverse to sprinkling a few drops in some warm milk--along with a tsp. of sugar--on a cold morning when I need to get back to sleep (I work shifts, and sleep is an important part of my recovery and mental health. When the weather's warm, I just have cold milk).

The pint bottle is about an eighth gone, and I promise if you check my cupboard next year at this time, more than half of it will be left . . .

The scotch I used to drink was 86 proof (43% alcohol), and a pint bottle usually wasn't enough for an evening . . .

Honest, for me, if I wanted to get drunk, I wouldn't bother with half measures . . . BTW, while I sometimes have booze in my house for visitors (none at the moment), I don't keep scotch around . . .

As my sponsor's sponsor (who drank an occasional near beer in the days before N/A's) used to say, "If you're going back out, I recommend cheap, fortified wine. That way you won't have to worry about going downhill."

That strikes me as the right idea . . . Maybe cheap sherry or Paul Masson white port . . . Genuine rotgut . . .

If you're new in sobriety, it's probably something you might want to avoid, particularly if beer was your beverage of choice, but for those of us old farts, listening to stuff like this from the podium just reminds us of how so many "bleeding deacons" need an "Authorities Anonymous" program . . .

[lostmdboy]

For me who's drink of choice was beer, I feel it would lead me back to drinking. In my mind the only ones that really worry if there is alcohol in things are alkies. During my many atempts at quitting drinking I would try drinking near beer, but then the stinking thinking would begin. I would tell my self that if I mixxed a couple real beers in it would be ok. I quess you can see what direction I wold head off to then. Any way I feel everyone is different, but for me I will stick to sweety tea.

[nogard]

Dancing with the devil is likely to get me burned.
".. total abstinence.."

I always worry when I see teh usual listy of reasons to drink/use coming up.

Kevin

[CarolD]

When did we change our AA recovery program to one of
almost
abstinence?

I missed the memo!

[nogard]

lol Carol

[Debaucher]

As someone who was undecided on this topic... let me give you and update...

I was drinking Kaliber and other NA beer on my weekly dart night (on a team)... everyone else was drinking real beer but my alcoholic friend on the team who was also drinking NA... My brother switched to NA as well (I think as a show of support for which I am grateful)...

After the season ended I had a 6 pack of st. pauli NA in my "beer fridge"... poor fridge has been so neglected over the last 3 months... ;-(

Well I went through a stretch where I was coveting real beer. I have since asked the wife to not purchase NA beer. It hasn't been in my house now in the last 2 weeks... and my craving of real beer is passing.

Are the 2 related... I'm not sure... It could be that I went to lunch with some coworkers at a brewery and they drank some amazing new brews... then a few days later went to dinner with my running club after a 4 mile run at another local brewery... again same situation...

I find I am able to deal with the immediate situation of tempation... but then afterwards it is followed by coveting and craving.

Perhaps I am seeing the light... perhaps I am only see the reality of MY situation. I cannot tell another alcoholic right from wrong in THIS situation but I feel I need to share this.

I still firmly believe that NA beer is not in itself harmful to the alcoholic as long as he/she is honest with themselves about their intentions... and in this case I think my intentions were good MOST of the time but a few times I think I used it as a substitute for the real thing... BAD...

Honestly I see this as a lesser temption... on par with going to bars... the big book says you can go if you have a good reason...

For me... I am going to look at it the same way... and I can't think of a "GOOD REASON" for me to drink NA beer anymore... I like it ok... but not enough to endure the cravings again and again... my whole life...

[Pick-a-name]

Originally Posted by Rob B

There is a reason it is called non-alcoholic beer. It is for nonalcoholics.

haha.....except that none of us would drink it, either! (Why would we need to when only one glass of the "real stuff" is plenty for most of us!)

My son and I have talked about this before and I believe he is correct when he says that "non-alcoholic beer" is only something an alcoholic would come up with and/or drink. The only people I have ever known who bought it,drank it were alcoholics (ok;maybe a young kid inamoured with the idea of drinking alcohol would,too) who were trying to moderate their drinking or "prove" to themselves and/or others that they "didn't have a drinking problem,they just liked the taste". Always was short-lived. It was a hope to cut back drinking without stopping.

Kinda like me drinking decaf coffee in the morning (and that actually tastes better although not quite as good)....might taste the same but I'm not "satisfied" because it is missing what I am craving. JMHO

[St_Kurt]

Originally Posted by Tazman53

Hey how many people would drink near Vodka?

LOL! I didn't see this before, but I've said on many occasions that if they ever figure out a way to make a high quality (tasting like Stoli or Ketel One or better) non-alcoholic vodka, I will be the first in line to buy some.

I happen to really like the taste of straight vodka and since nothing non-alcoholic even approximates the taste, I really miss it.



~SK~