Do Non-Alcoholic Drinks Actually Help You Stay Sober? – Nautilus | Science Connected

Report on the Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beverages and Their Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

The increasing popularity of non-alcoholic beverages, particularly during Dry January, reflects a growing trend towards sober living in the United Kingdom and the United States. This shift is especially notable among younger generations, with zero-proof spirits, near beers, and de-alcoholized wines becoming widely available in supermarkets and bars. The rise of these products aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Current Trends in Non-Alcoholic Beverage Consumption

1. Non-alcoholic drinks, often called NoLos, are designed to mimic the taste and appearance of alcoholic beverages, sometimes containing trace amounts of alcohol.
2. These beverages enable individuals to participate in social settings where alcohol is prevalent without consuming alcohol themselves, supporting social inclusion and mental well-being (SDG 3).
3. Online recipes for mocktails and the prominence of these drinks on bar menus highlight a cultural shift towards healthier lifestyle choices.

Challenges and Concerns Related to Non-Alcoholic Beverages

• Risk of Relapse: For individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD), non-alcoholic beverages may trigger cravings and physiological responses similar to alcohol consumption, potentially leading to relapse. This raises concerns under SDG 3 regarding the promotion of health and well-being.
• Marketing and Accessibility: The packaging of some non-alcoholic beers closely resembles alcoholic products, which may increase cravings. Their availability in places where alcohol is banned complicates efforts to create inclusive recovery environments.
• Social Inclusion and Isolation: Exposure to alcohol branding in non-alcoholic products may force some recovering individuals to avoid certain social spaces, exacerbating isolation and mental health challenges.

Potential Benefits of Non-Alcoholic Alternatives

Despite concerns, non-alcoholic beverages may facilitate recovery for some individuals by offering a moderation-based approach rather than strict abstinence. This approach supports SDG 3 by promoting mental health and reducing harmful substance use.

• Many patients struggle to achieve full abstinence; thus, alternatives that allow controlled consumption may encourage more people to seek help.
• Non-alcoholic drinks can serve as a practical tool for developing a healthier relationship with alcohol.

Regulatory and Clinical Considerations

1. There is a need for clear clinical guidelines and regulations regarding the use, sale, and marketing of non-alcoholic beverages, considering their varying alcohol content and effects on different individuals.
2. Questions remain about the impact of easy access to these drinks in non-licensed venues on people with AUD.
3. Guidance must account for individuals who cannot consume even trace amounts of alcohol due to legal or employment restrictions.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Promoting responsible consumption and supporting recovery from alcohol dependence aligns with improving health outcomes.
• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Addressing the needs of individuals with AUD by creating inclusive environments and tailored treatment approaches helps reduce health disparities.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Encouraging the production and consumption of low- or no-alcohol beverages contributes to more sustainable consumption patterns.

Conclusion

Non-alcoholic beverages occupy a complex position as both a potential aid and a risk factor in alcohol use disorder recovery. The current scientific ambiguity necessitates further research to develop evidence-based guidelines that support diverse individual needs. Integrating these considerations within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals can enhance public health strategies and promote inclusive, responsible consumption.

Author Information

Zoe Cunniffe
Health writer specializing in chronic illness and medical anthropology.
Published works include contributions to the Ethics Press collection Institutionalized Madness: The Interplay of Psychiatry and Society’s Institutions and the Substack newsletter Reality Tunnels.
Posted on January 26, 2026.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses alcohol use disorder (AUD), recovery, and the health implications of non-alcoholic beverages.
   • Focus on mental health, addiction, and recovery aligns with SDG 3’s aim to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The article highlights the rise of non-alcoholic drinks as alternatives to alcoholic beverages, touching on consumption patterns and marketing practices.
   • Issues related to product labeling, advertising, and consumer behavior relate to sustainable consumption.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article mentions the social challenges faced by people recovering from AUD, including exclusion from social spaces and the risk of relapse due to product availability.
   • This relates to reducing inequalities in health access and social inclusion.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
   • Target 3.4: Reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.8: Ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.
   • Target 12.6: Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators Related to SDG 3 Targets:
   • Prevalence of alcohol use disorder (AUD) in populations.
   • Rates of relapse among people recovering from AUD.
   • Access to treatment and recovery programs for substance abuse.
   • Physiological and subjective measures of alcohol cravings as indicators of relapse risk.
2. Indicators Related to SDG 12 Targets:
   • Availability and marketing practices of non-alcoholic beverages in retail and social settings.
   • Consumer awareness and behavior regarding non-alcoholic alternatives.
   • Regulatory compliance of product labeling and advertising.
3. Indicators Related to SDG 10 Targets:
   • Social inclusion metrics for people recovering from AUD, such as participation in alcohol-free social spaces.
   • Measures of stigma or exclusion related to alcohol use disorder recovery.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: nautil.us