Curious about exploring your relationship with alcohol or another substance? You’re not alone! Below, you’ll find resources to assist you in your journey. Everyone is different and may find different things helpful (or triggering), so if you would like help or guidance getting started, please reach out to one of our pastors or check out an online or in-person support group. If you just want to dip your toe in, check out this article by Sarah Bessey: “Why I Gave Up Drinking.” We’re rooting for you and so is Jesus!
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Books like these are commonly known as “Quit Lit” and they are helpful for understanding the social, physical, emotional, and relational reasons we drink - and help us reframe how we approach drinking. Here are some favorites from ABC members - while we love so much in these books, we can’t endorse every idea in every book. Read with discretion!
Sober Spirituality: The Joy of a Sober Spirituality: The Joy of a Mindful Relationship with Alcohol Relationship with Alcohol by Erin Jean Warde
This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life by Annie Grace
Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol by Holly Whitaker
The Sober Lush: A Hedonist's Guide to Living a Decadent, Adventurous, Soulful Life--Alcohol Free by Amanda Eyre Ward, Jardine Libaire
Sober Curious: The Blissful Sleep, Greater Focus, and Deep Connection Awaiting Us All on the Other Side of Alcohol by Ruby Warrington
We Are the Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life by Laura McKowan
The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Grey
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Below are some of Pastor Brynn’s favorite alcohol-free drinks, beyond the classic options of water, coffee, tea, soda, and juice (which are also great if you love them!)
Keep in mind that some people do better staying away from any "mocktail" options while trying to avoid alcohol because mocktails can make them want alcohol - so do what feels best for you in your journey!
What to order in a bar if you aren’t drinking - Here are some common alcohol-free beverages that most bartenders won’t bat an eye at. More and more restaurants are catching onto the alcohol-free trend and offering craft mocktail menus too!
Kombucha - A great store-bought brand is GT Synergy (available in most grocery stores). Kombucha is great for gut-health! Note that Kombucha does contain trace amounts of alcohol and caffeine.
Recess Mood - Recess drinks contain adaptogens that help our bodies cope with stress.
Surely Wines - A little pricy, but you really feel like you've had a glass of wine after you have one of these - it's like a trick to your brain.
Athletic Beers - Possibly the best alcohol-free beers on the market (although there are lots of good options!) And WIN - it's easy to find them in restaurants and bars (and Whole Foods!) as an alternative to regular beer.
Shrubs - Vinegar-based drinks that have been around for 2,000 years! These also have loads of health benefits and taste amazing. Skip the booze and put a couple tablespoons in seltzer water for a refreshing evening mocktail. Wozz! is a good brand or you can make your own.
Ritual Zero-Proof - These are delicious alcohol-free spirits that can stand-in any regular cocktail recipes!
Golden Milk - Pastor Brynn’s favorite evening ritual is a Golden Milk and a book! Golden Milk is a sweet turmeric drink that helps with sleep and immunity.
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Everyone is different, and based on your life situation, personality, gender, or background, you may find some methods more helpful than others. Reach out to a pastor if you’d like guidance figuring out which method is best for you!
Reframe App - a revolutionary alcohol-related habit change app
Sunnyside App - a simple but structured approach to help you drink more mindfully
Support Groups - visit our page for a list of online and in-person support groups in our area