Alcohol Alternatives: Exploring Safety in the Booming Industry

Understanding the Shift Towards Alcohol Alternatives

Imagine you’re at a dimly lit venue, and when asked by the bartender if you’d like another round, you order an Athletic brew on tap. Your friend, meanwhile, switches to an adaptogen-infused Negroni. Subsequently, you both step outside to enjoy your vapes. Sounds unconventional, right? However, this scenario is becoming increasingly commonplace as millennials and Gen Z are increasingly opting for alcohol alternatives, catalyzing an explosion in the market for such options.

The Rise of Alcohol Alternatives

Recent data suggests that today’s 20-somethings are drinking less than ever before. In fact, a Gallup survey conducted in July 2025 showed that the percentage of adults who consume alcohol has dipped to 54%. Alongside this, the global functional beverage market, which consists of non-alcoholic drinks with purported health benefits, is estimated to reach over $208 billion in 2024, growing at a rate of 7.5% up to 2027 according to a 2023 study. While this figure is still dwarfed by the global alcohol market, the rise of alternatives to alcohol has brought the safety of these substances into the spotlight.

Probing the Safety of Alcohol Alternatives

With the significant number of options available on the market, experts like Johannes Thrul, associate professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, believe it could take years to fully understand the safety implications of these alternatives. Notably, the popularity of a product does not always correlate with its safety. Hence, if you’re looking at the fancy drinks aisle in a boutique grocery store, wondering if an elegantly packaged can could offer a buzz without any health risks, there are a few important considerations.

The Reasons Behind Lower Drinking Rates

One key aspect of the shift towards alcohol alternatives is the increased awareness of alcohol’s effects, with most Americans acknowledging that even moderate daily drinking can adversely affect health. This shift is largely driven by younger generations. Even though alcohol still tops the list of popular substances among adults aged 19-30, there has been a significant drop in consumption, as suggested by a national poll. This indicates that the potential harm associated with alcohol consumption is now more widely understood.

Exploring the Various Alcohol Alternative Options

The selection of alcohol alternatives expands beyond drinks, with products such as gummies and powder mixes offering similar purported benefits. These products often contain ingredients like nootropics, designed to enhance brain function, adaptogens for stress relief, CBD for social relaxation, and even substances like kratom for mood elevation. However, the safety parameters and efficacy of these ingredients are still largely under research.

Active Ingredients in Alcohol Alternative Products

The main categories of active ingredients in alcohol alternative products include Nootropics, Adaptogens, Cannabidiol or CBD, THC, and Kratom. Each of these ingredients offer a unique set of potential benefits, but they come with their own risks and side effects, which vary depending on individual factors and pre-existing conditions. It’s always advisable to consult a healthcare provider before trying any of these substances.

The Safety of Alcohol Alternatives: A Complex Question

While there’s a general consensus that alternative alcohol products, such as functional beverages, gummies, and powders, don’t carry the same health risks as traditional alcohol, the lack of comprehensive research and regulation surrounding these products can pose potential risks. For example, certain adaptogens and nootropics carry higher risks than others, and they can also interact with other medications and supplements. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider before incorporating these products into your routine.

The Regulatory Landscape of THC and CBD

Both THC and CBD are compounds found in cannabis. While CBD doesn’t cause a high, THC is psychoactive and can alter senses and mood. The legality and regulation of these substances vary by state, which can lead to inconsistent product quality and potency. Therefore, it’s crucial to use these products responsibly and with proper knowledge of their potential effects.

Alcohol Alternatives: A Long Way to Go

Shifting from traditional alcohol to alternative substances may open up a different set of risks due to the lack of comprehensive research on the safety of these alternatives. Clear labeling, improved manufacturing standards, accurate dosage information, and enforcement against misleading health claims are all areas that need addressing as the alcohol alternative market continues to mature. For individuals considering these alternatives due to concerns about their alcohol dependence, it’s important to consult health professionals, as there are evidence-based treatments available for alcohol misuse.