Exploring Non-Alcoholic Beverage Trends
Episode Overview
Non-alcoholic beverages are gaining popularity across all age groups. Potential for these drinks to affect social dynamics in recovery communities. Concerns over accessibility and marketing to youth. Need for further research to understand health impacts. Collaborative research opportunities within the field.
If these drinks are helpful, making sure we're increasing access to underserved communities is going to be really important.
In this episode of the Addiction Psychologist podcast, hosts Dr. Noah Emery and Dr. Sam Acuff engage in a compelling conversation with Dr. Molly Bowdring, an esteemed instructor at Stanford University. Dr. Bowdring specializes in addiction medicine and provides valuable insights into the burgeoning trend of non-alcoholic beverages. These beverages, designed to mimic the taste and experience of alcoholic drinks without the alcohol content, have seen a significant rise in popularity over the past decade. Dr.
Bowdring shares her research findings, indicating that one in six people across various age groups reported using non-alcoholic beverages in the past year. This trend, while promising for those seeking to reduce alcohol consumption, presents unique challenges. Notably, the accessibility and marketing of these drinks to younger demographics raise concerns about their potential impact on youth drinking habits. As the discussion unfolds, Dr. Bowdring emphasizes the complex social dynamics associated with non-alcoholic beverages, particularly within recovery communities.
These drinks could provide a sense of inclusion and safe social environments, yet they also carry the risk of being a 'slippery slope' for some individuals in recovery. Looking ahead, Dr. Bowdring highlights the need for comprehensive research to determine the actual benefits and potential drawbacks of non-alcoholic beverages. She underscores the importance of ensuring equitable access, particularly for underserved communities, should these beverages prove beneficial in reducing alcohol-related health disparities. The episode concludes with Dr.
Bowdring offering advice to aspiring researchers, encouraging collaboration and the integration of clinical insights into research endeavors. Her passion for the field and commitment to advancing understanding in addiction psychology leave listeners with much to ponder about the future of non-alcoholic beverages and their place in public health policy.