Many of us occasionally drink alcohol to get a buzz. Whether it’s for the taste, the social aspect of drinking with friends, or to take the edge off after a long day at work, we all have different reasons for drinking alcohol. Some people drink only every now and then, and some folks can’t seem to stop themselves from drinking.
But what if you want to cut back on your alcohol intake?
Or even quit altogether?
There are many natural alternatives to alcohol buzz that will give you an enjoyable high without any negative repercussions — like hangovers and tiredness.
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Many of us drink alcohol for the same reason: it makes us feel good. Alcohol is a drug that contains ethanol, which stimulates brain receptors to release dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for feelings of pleasure and euphoria. When we drink alcohol, it causes the release of dopamine, which is why we feel happy, relaxed, and carefree after a few drinks.
It’s important to note that we do not necessarily have to drink alcohol to experience these feelings. Dopamine can be released in other ways, such as through exercise, sex, and even eating certain foods. If you’re looking to reduce your alcohol intake, there are plenty of other natural alternatives to an alcohol buzz.
Natural Alternatives to Alcohol’s Buzz
If you are looking to quit drinking or just cut back on your alcohol consumption, there are plenty of natural alternatives to alcohol’s buzz:
Exercise
Working out releases endorphins, which create feelings of happiness and euphoria.1 This surprises many people, as sometimes exercising has a stigma of being a boring or laborious activity. However, the fact is that exercise releases endorphins that are responsible for feelings of euphoria and happiness, just like alcohol. In fact, many people refer to a good workout as a “runner’s high.” Exercise’s physical and mental effects can actually mimic that feeling you get when drinking alcohol.
If you’re new to the whole exercise thing, you don’t have to go running or lift weights to get the endorphin release. Maybe try taking a dance class or going for a nature walk. Anything that gets you moving and raises your heart rate will work. Just be sure to find something you enjoy, so you’ll be more likely to stick with it in the long run.
Matcha Tea
Matcha is a type of green tea that is made from ground-up tea leaves. It is high in antioxidants and has been shown to have many health benefits.2 These include improved digestion, clearer skin, weight loss, and even lower blood sugar levels (great for diabetics).
Forms of matcha tea are great alternative drinks that give you a buzz without alcohol because they contain L-theanine, an amino acid that has a calming effect on the mind.2 A cup of matcha tea is the perfect way to start your morning. It will wake you up, give you an energy boost and help clear your head. Plus, it tastes great! Matcha teas are great alternative beverages to alcohol if you’re looking to achieve a natural buzz.
Guarana and Ginseng
Natural stimulants like guarana and ginseng have been used for thousands of years by people from every culture and country. These ingredients are known to increase energy, alertness, concentration, and overall focus and can be found in a variety of drinks and other products. They also can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented tea that is high in probiotics and B vitamins. This beverage has numerous health benefits , including improving digestion, boosting energy levels, and even helping with depression and anxiety.3
Kombucha tea is a great alternative to alcohol if yo are looking for an energy boost and some good old-fashioned fun. It’s essentially like drinking a carbonated, probiotic-rich soda.
Kombucha is available at most health food stores and even some grocery stores. Be sure to look for brands that are low in sugar because sometimes kombucha can be highly sweetened, which is something to be aware of if you’re trying to avoid sugar. Kombucha is also a great alternative if you are looking for drinks that give you a buzz without alcohol’s side effects but still have some mood-altering properties.
Caffeine
As we get older, it’s easy to sense that we require a caffeine buzz more than an alcoholic drink after an exhausting day. Caffeine is a natural stimulant that can help improve energy, focus, and concentration. It’s also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and can help reduce the risk of diseases, such as cancer when consumed in moderation.4
There are many different caffeine drinks that give you a buzz without alcohol available, from coffee and tea to energy drinks and even chocolate. It is recommended to choose caffeine sources that are natural and healthy. This includes coffee, green tea, matcha, cocoa (dark chocolate), yerba mate, and black tea. Avoid energy drinks that are high in sugar and artificial ingredients.
Beetroot Juice
Beetroot juice is a natural source of nitrates, which are converted into nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide helps to widen blood vessels and improve circulation, which improves oxygen delivery to muscles.5 This results in better endurance for athletes and greater vasodilation (widening of the blood vessels) and is beneficial for people with circulatory problems.
Beetroot juice has also been shown to improve cognitive function, which greatly benefits students, businesspeople, and other professionals. It has been shown to improve concentration, memory retention, and focus.
CBD Oil and Other Forms of CBD
CBD oil is often used as a natural remedy for many conditions.6 It has been shown to help with anxiety and depression, improve sleep quality, relieve pain, fight inflammation, and improve cardiovascular health. CBD oil is a safe alternative to alcohol’s buzz that has very few negative side effects. It will help improve your mood while reducing anxiety and stress, which is great for people who struggle with these issues.
CBD oil can be taken by applying it to your skin, taking as a tincture (liquid form), or taking in capsule form. When purchasing CBD oil, be sure that you purchase a high-quality product from a reputable company. There are many low-quality CBD oils on the market, so it’s important to do your research before purchasing.
If you are looking for a healthy, natural alternative to alcohol’s buzz, CBD oil is a great choice. It has many benefits for your mental and physical health and comes in a variety of different forms to ensure that you can consume it in the way that works best for you.
Coconut Water
Alcohol is dehydrating, which can lead to a hangover. Many people choose alcohol because they think it helps them hydrate, but this may be doing more harm than good. Coconut water is a great alternative to alcohol’s buzz because it helps you rehydrate without the negative side effects of alcohol. It’s a natural, healthy beverage that contains electrolytes and other nutrients that are beneficial for your health.7
Alcohol is dehydrating, which can lead to a hangover. Many people choose alcohol because they think it helps them hydrate, but this may be doing more harm than good. Coconut water is a great alternative to alcohol’s buzz because it helps you rehydrate without the negative side effects of alcohol. It’s a natural, healthy beverage that contains electrolytes and other nutrients that are beneficial for your health.7
Massage
Getting a massage is a great way to relax and de-stress.8 It’s also a great way to reduce muscle tension and pain. Massages are a great way to unwind in a similar fashion to having a drink, without the negative side effects of alcohol. The best part is, massages are available at most spas and massage clinics, making them a readily accessible choice. By making massages a regular habit, you can create an alternative to alcohol’s buzz that is both healthy and relaxing.
Meditation
Meditation is a great way to relax and de-stress. It can also help you to focus and improve your cognitive function. Meditation is a great alternative to alcohol’s buzz because it can improve your mental and physical health. It will help you relax, reduce stress and anxiety, focus better, and improve your overall quality of life.9
It can be difficult for some to be still, but as you practice, it becomes easier. You will feel the benefits of meditation immediately, and those benefits will continue to improve with regular practice. The art of meditation is one that you can learn and use for the rest of your life, as many are already doing. Next time you’re considering having an alcoholic beverage to get a buzz, consider taking up the practice of meditation. You will be amazed at how much it can improve your life and health.
Laughing
Laughter is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. It also has many other benefits, including improving your mood, reducing pain, and helping you to live longer.10 Sometimes when we reach for alcohol, it’s because we’re looking for an escape from the stressors of life. Drinking helps to distract us from what’s bothering us.
However, finding ways to incorporate humor into your life can also distract you from stressors and provide the same benefits as drinking, but without the negative side effects. Watch a funny movie, spend time with a friend who has a great sense of humor, or read a funny book. There are many different ways to laugh, so find what works best for you and make it a part of your life to replace the buzz you get from alcohol with a genuine laugh.
Replace Alcohol With a Natural Solution Today
As you can see, there are many different ways to make your night out (or in) healthier and more enjoyable. These activities can help you avoid a hangover the next day, or they can simply provide you with a healthy and enjoyable buzz without alcohol consumption. Our Sedona and Flagstaff Alcohol Treatment Center provides long-term treatment for lifelong recovery.
1. Anderson, E., & Shivakumar, G. (2013). Effects of exercise and physical activity on anxiety. Frontiers in psychiatry, 4, 27. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2013.00027
2. Unno, K., Furushima, D., Hamamoto, S., Iguchi, K., Yamada, H., Morita, A., Horie, H., & Nakamura, Y. (2018). Stress-Reducing Function of Matcha Green Tea in Animal Experiments and Clinical Trials. Nutrients, 10(10), 1468. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10101468
3. Mousavi, S. M., Hashemi, S. A., Zarei, M., Gholami, A., Lai, C. W., Chiang, W. H., Omidifar, N., Bahrani, S., & Mazraedoost, S. (2020). Recent Progress in Chemical Composition, Production, and Pharmaceutical Effects of Kombucha Beverage: A Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2020, 4397543. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/4397543
4. Cappelletti, S., Piacentino, D., Sani, G., & Aromatario, M. (2015). Caffeine: cognitive and physical performance enhancer or psychoactive drug?. Current neuropharmacology, 13(1), 71–88. https://doi.org/10.2174/1570159X13666141210215655
5. Wong, T. H., Sim, A., & Burns, S. F. (2021). The Effect of Beetroot Ingestion on High-Intensity Interval Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients, 13(11), 3674. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13113674
6. Spinella, T. C., Stewart, S. H., Naugler, J., Yakovenko, I., & Barrett, S. P. (2021). Evaluating cannabidiol (CBD) expectancy effects on acute stress and anxiety in healthy adults: a randomized crossover study. Psychopharmacology, 238(7), 1965–1977. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-021-05823-w
7. Stookey J. J. (2016). Negative, Null and Beneficial Effects of Drinking Water on Energy Intake, Energy Expenditure, Fat Oxidation and Weight Change in Randomized Trials: A Qualitative Review. Nutrients, 8(1), 19. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8010019
9. Heeter, C., Allbritton, M., Lehto, R., Miller, P., McDaniel, P., & Paletta, M. (2021). Feasibility, Acceptability, and Outcomes of a Yoga-Based Meditation Intervention for Hospice Professionals to Combat Burnout. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(5), 2515. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052515
10. Morishima, T., Miyashiro, I., Inoue, N., Kitasaka, M., Akazawa, T., Higeno, A., Idota, A., Sato, A., Ohira, T., Sakon, M., & Matsuura, N. (2019). Effects of laughter therapy on quality of life in patients with cancer: An open-label, randomized controlled trial. PloS one, 14(6), e0219065. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0219065
This content has been reviewed and approved by a licensed physician.
Dr. Michael Loes, M.D.
Dr. Michael Loes is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pain Management and Addiction Medicine. He holds a dual license in Homeopathic and Integrative Medicine. He obtained his medical doctorate at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 1978. Dr. Loes performed an externship at the National Institute of Health for Psychopharmacology. Additionally, he is a well-published author including Arthritis: The Doctor’s Cure, The Aspirin Alternative, The Healing Response, and Spirit Driven Health: The Psalmist’s Guide for Recovery. He has been awarded the Minnesota Medical Foundation’s “Excellence in Research” Award.
Lyle Murphy is the founder of the Alternative to Meds Center, a licensed residential program that helps people overcome dependence on psychiatric medication and addiction issues using holistic and psychotherapeutic methods.
Medical Disclaimer: Nothing on this Website is intended to be taken as medical advice. The information provided on the website is intended to encourage, not replace, direct patient-health professional relationships. Always consult with your doctor before altering your medications. Adding nutritional supplements may alter the effect of medication. Any medication changes should be done only after proper evaluation and under medical supervision.
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