Can Recovering Alcoholics Drink Kombucha?

Can Recovering Alcoholics Drink Kombucha?
 

You recently finished treatment at a partial hospitalization program in Chicago and are now sober.

You found a job, you are back in a healthy routine, and your life is finally back on track since you first became an alcoholic. When you meet up with a friend, they offer you some kombucha, but is kombucha for alcoholics safe? Should you try it?

At Banyan Chicago, we understand that there are many obstacles on your road to long-term sobriety, and it can be hard to always know how to navigate them. While you may have gone over the biggies like telling people you are in recovery or avoiding drug triggers, something like whether kombucha for recovering alcoholics is okay is uncharted territory. Do not worry; our Chicago drug rehab is here to help.

What Is Kombucha?

Kombucha is a beverage made of sweetened black or green tea. It is fermented and slightly alcoholic. Many people drink kombucha for its various health benefits including reduced risk of cancer, reduced risk of heart disease, and abundance of antioxidants.

Is Kombucha Safe for Alcoholics?

Because kombucha contains such a miniscule amount of alcohol, it can sometimes fall into a gray area for recovering alcoholics. Bottled kombucha that is marked as nonalcoholic is supposed to contain less than .5 percent alcohol, and home brews are typically anywhere between .5 and 1.5 percent. Some who swear by kombucha’s great health properties are not ready to give it up. While others are not willing to risk their sobriety for a bottle of tea.

For many alcoholics and professional treatment programs, complete abstinence from alcohol is a key component to a successful recovery. If you want to be safe, then kombucha should not be an exception to that rule. Kombucha for alcoholics is risky. Although it may seem like a longshot, kombucha could be a gateway back to that bad drinking habit that was so hard to give up in the first place. The alcohol content may seem low. However, as a recovering alcoholic, you could push your limits too far, thinking you’d be able to handle this amount. If you can handle kombucha, you can handle one drink… and the slippery slope begins. Why risk it? There are plenty of other teas with great health benefits that do not have any alcohol.

Whether you have recently relapsed or your loved one is taking that first step of getting help, our alcohol treatment center in Chicago is designed to help you every step of the way.



For help with an addiction, do not be afraid to reach out to us. When you call 888-280-4763, we will walk you through the process and help you determine what the next best step is for you or your loved one.


Sources:

  1. Vice – Recovering Alcoholics Shouldn’t Drink Kombucha
 
Alyssa
Alyssa
Alyssa who is the National Director of Digital Marketing, joined the Banyan team in 2016, bringing her five-plus years of experience. She has produced a multitude of integrated campaigns and events in the behavioral health and addictions field. Through strategic marketing campaign concepts, Alyssa has established Banyan as an industry leader and a national household name.