Sobriety and Listerine
Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 151
I use Listerine every day and have no issues, but it really depends on you. For me it is simply part of brushing my teeth - I don't associate it with alcohol, and you spit it out, so no big deal. But do whatever keeps you from a relapse 
A Day at a Time
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Grand Rapids MI
Posts: 6,435
I avoid anything with alcohol in it. I choose to nurture my sobriety not challenge it. If there is a .01% that something is moving me towards that first drink I don't do it especially if there is a viable alternative
You can have reasons, or you can have results, but you can't have both.
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Syracuse, NY
Posts: 1,232
Normal use of normal products has not bothered me at all. Not even NyQuil when I had a cold.
But for context: I never drank anything like these products in order to catch a buzz. I'd definitely avoid them if I had.
But for context: I never drank anything like these products in order to catch a buzz. I'd definitely avoid them if I had.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,183
Early on, the taste and especially the smell can be very triggering. Later on, it probably won't be. If you find it triggering in any way, use a non-alcoholic mouthwash instead. I've used non-alcohol ACT since I quit drinking, I like it better anyways and it's better for your mouth, you can google some of the benefits.
I've used non-alcohol ACT since I quit drinking, I like it better anyways and it's better for your mouth, you can google some of the benefits.
Behold the power of NO
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: WA
Posts: 7,764
I tried to use non alcoholic mouth washes as much as possible but none of them feel as good and cleansing until I found Listerine Total Care Zero. It's purplish in color with no alcohol and it leaves the same fresh clean feeling in your mouth.
I ve been ok using regular listerine but now that I have an option, I'd rather buy the non alcoholic version.
I ve been ok using regular listerine but now that I have an option, I'd rather buy the non alcoholic version.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 729
I once got into an argument with another forum poster who was adamant that my statement "alcohol does nothing and takes all" was all to encompassing and not true.
Instead of being offended(the statement is the cornerstone of my sobriety) I ended up agreeing with the poster.
Alcohol does nothing and takes all when consumed.
I've been using Listerine for 15 years and still do.
Instead of being offended(the statement is the cornerstone of my sobriety) I ended up agreeing with the poster.
Alcohol does nothing and takes all when consumed.
I've been using Listerine for 15 years and still do.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: northern michigan. not the U.P.
Posts: 15,281
Originally Posted by flavinho 
Are there any risk of relapse if I use Listerine? This product contains about 54% proof of alcohol.
wanna play russian roullette? if so use it.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Poconos PA
Posts: 1,544
These are certainly all going to be very personal decisions only each person can make. I found out a long while back that what triggered me for so long was the mental obsession. It was not actually alcohol related after about 30 days with me, it was the mental impulses and cravings that kept driving me back to beer. Just the sheer habit ingrained in my head like any bad habit, I just had to retrain my mind to not think about doing it anymore.
As a result, I have never had a problem with using Listerine or even cooking with small amounts because the trace amount I might get was never what triggered me. It was the mental habit of enjoying a beer and the buzz that came with it. Not an obsession to get my head clobbered. Now that's not to say that I didn't like getting drunk because I did and would sometimes look to just get plastered. When it came time to quit though, abusing alcohol had nothing to do with my relapses. The habit to enjoy beer did, getting over that hump was all I needed.
It's up to you if you think it will bother you or not. If it worries you then I would say steer clear of it, it's just not worth the risk if you think it will trigger you.
As a result, I have never had a problem with using Listerine or even cooking with small amounts because the trace amount I might get was never what triggered me. It was the mental habit of enjoying a beer and the buzz that came with it. Not an obsession to get my head clobbered. Now that's not to say that I didn't like getting drunk because I did and would sometimes look to just get plastered. When it came time to quit though, abusing alcohol had nothing to do with my relapses. The habit to enjoy beer did, getting over that hump was all I needed.
It's up to you if you think it will bother you or not. If it worries you then I would say steer clear of it, it's just not worth the risk if you think it will trigger you.
Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Maine
Posts: 245
I am on antabuse, so even a small amount of alcohol will affect me, such as face washes and ant-aging products. I definitely need alcohol free products. I can take Nyquil capsules, but not Nyquil liquid, if I have a cold and flu.
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