Alternative To Alcohol For Abstainers?

[Ricardo]

I wonder if there's an appropriate yet more enjoyable alternative to alcoholic drinks for someone who's trying to abstain?

I mean something more interesting than basic soft drinks, and not another drug like pot, obviously.

I wonder if a heavily spiced drink like tomato juice with tobasco sauce or horse radish would be more satisfying than soda, assuming the person liked hot spices?

[shinningstar]

Spiced drink like tomato juice with tobasco sauce or horse radish? I haven't encountered doing such thing. Do you think it taste good? I guess I'll prefer energy drink that has a high level of cocaine as an alternative.

[aima123]

I didn't hear that kind of drinks Ricardo. Anyway I am not into hard liqour drinks.

[schatzi]

I know Kava is one of the alternative to alcohol. This is a greeny-shrub with a large heart form leaves. It´s roots is grounded and is made up for cold beverages which is used nowadays as alternative for alcohol.
In short, this is a herbal medicine for alcoholic.

[shinningstar]

Good to hear that schatzi. Where can I possibly find the plantation of Kava?

[schatzi]

Actually there is a big plantation in Hawaii. And they had a long-term contract with a German company who made this Kawa into a medicinal product. From that, Kawa is being distributed to the whole world.

[Ricardo]

The tomato juice drink I mentioned above would basically be a Bloody Mary without the vodka. I thought maybe with the spices it would be enjoyable for people who like hot foods.

[the-glyphon]

There are non-alcoholic versions of almost every brewed product. But the most certain way to abstain is to abstain. If you replace alcohol with some other subtance then what is being acheived? If you just want to have a glass in your hand then any fruit juice or soda will do.

[QuietLunatic]

I suppose if you really like the taste of beer, you could substitute the alcohol-free kind. I have no idea if its flavour is comparable, not having tried it, but the drink you mentioned (called a "Virgin Mary", by the way, being without alcohol) is fairly common as are other "virgin" versions of similar drinks.

[ozzie]

I've ordered non-alcoholic versions of mixed drinks such as daiquiries and pina coladas which I have really enjoyed. Most people who are nearby don't even notice that it's not the "real thing" unless they overheard you ordering. :)

[schatzi]

There are many alternatives for those people who really wanted to stop drinking alcohol. But I agree that only ourselves can help us. and this is to abstain and this requires discipline.

[britjojo]

You really cannot substitute another substance for alcohol in the way that most drinkers wish it; there is nothing else that will give you that high without getting you in trouble....

But there is a virgin variety of every drink. Cocktails in particular you often will find are very pleasant in their virgin forms, and non alcoholic beers have come a long, long way since their chemical water tasting starts in life.

[Ricardo]

I agree. I think in social situations where others are drinking cocktails or beer, it's good to have an enjoyable alternative to an alcoholic drink, and I realize that it doesn't provide a substitute for the effect of alcohol.

[britjojo]

However a substitute may not be needed if you go to a place with the right atmosphere. If you get dancing, having a good time with your friends, you can feel good enough without the risk of the hangover.

I used to have fun just watching my friends make fools of themselves.....