LIVING ALCOHOL-FREE

The best advice, science, products, recipes and more for going alcohol-free.

FoodPerspective

Even with the alcohol removed, these new wines are actually good

These zero-proof, dealcoholized wines are not heavily doctored concoctions -- they start with a good product.

By Dave McIntyreJanuary 18, 2024

Already struggling with Dry January? A ‘damp’ January has benefits too.

A semi-dry ritual dubbed “Damp January” has become an annual event for people who want to cut back on alcohol without giving it up entirely.

By Anahad O’ConnorJanuary 13, 2024
FoodPerspective

Nonalcoholic White Claw is a dumb idea. As an alcoholic, I welcome it.

Beverage companies must understand: Sobriety isn’t a trend. It’s a lifestyle. This is a movement, not just a marketing opportunity.

By Allison RobicelliJanuary 10, 2024

Can giving up alcohol improve your sleep?

Alcohol may help some people fall asleep faster, but it can disrupt sleep patterns during the night, experts say.

By Lindsey BeverJanuary 5, 2024

7 nonalcoholic drink recipes for Dry January

These zero-proof cocktails may lack the booze, but brim with sophistication.

By Anna Luisa RodriguezJanuary 3, 2024

The best nonalcoholic gins, rums, whiskeys, tequilas and bitters

Zero-proof spirits have come a long way. These nonalcoholic bottles are worth trying during Dry January or any time of year.

By Allison RobicelliJanuary 3, 2024

7 nonalcoholic dark rums that deliver on spice and flavor

Reach for nonalcoholic dark rums with complex flavors that taste (almost) like the real thing.

By Allison RobicelliJanuary 2, 2024

Why nonalcoholic beer beats regular beer after exercise

For performance, recovery and overall health, nonalcoholic beer is a better choice than regular beer or even a sports drink.

By Gretchen ReynoldsJanuary 25, 2023

Still dry for January? Try these sober activities for non-alcoholic fun.

Sober living means breaking alcohol's grip on your social life. Here’s some advice for activities best enjoyed without alcohol.

By Nancy Stearns BercawJanuary 24, 2023

‘Dry January’ in France? The answer is still: Non.

Many French tend to view the Dry January health challenge as a puzzling foreign concept — or a threat to jobs and their cultural identity.

By Rick NoackJanuary 23, 2023

‘Drinking until I passed out’: Quit Lit targets women’s sobriety

Quit Lit, a new genre of storytelling, focuses on alcohol dependence and is helping some women curtail drinking or quit altogether.

By Lesley AldermanJanuary 19, 2023

Do mocktails really help you drink less alcohol?

Nonalcoholic drinks may help those taking part in Dry January, but could be a trigger for anyone with alcohol use disorder.

By Teddy AmenabarJanuary 17, 2023

How cutting back on alcohol can help depression and anxiety

People taking part in Dry January may notice they have an improved mood, clearer thinking and better sleep.

By Richard A. Friedman MDJanuary 12, 2023

Booze-free drinks and shops for Dry January – and the rest of the year

Whether you’re avoiding alcohol this month, you’re limiting your intake or you just want to enjoy happy hour without worrying about hangovers, there have never been more options.

By Fritz HahnJanuary 12, 2023

Navigating romance during Dry January? Here are tips for sober dating.

An alcohol-free date need not be complicated. There are ways to effectively communicate your choice and enjoy the experience.

By Lisa MulcahyJanuary 6, 2023

6 nonalcoholic cocktails for Dry January and beyond

Zero-proof drinks can be as delicious as their boozy cousins. These nonalcoholic drinks prove it.

By Anna Luisa RodriguezJanuary 4, 2023

Ask a Doctor: Will ‘Dry January’ trigger alcohol withdrawal symptoms?

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe. The risk is higher among those who drink daily or near daily.

By Tauheed Zaman, MDJanuary 2, 2023

Why do people like being tipsy? Here’s how alcohol affects the brain.

The buzz produced by alcohol comes from a cocktail of pharmacology and social ingredients, research shows.

By Richard SimaDecember 29, 2022

The benefits of ‘Dry January’ last longer than a month, studies show

People who participated in Dry January started drinking less the rest of the year and showed striking improvements in their health.

By Anahad O’ConnorDecember 27, 2022

Want to drink less in 2023? These habit-tracking apps can help.

Help Desk examined 11 popular habit tracking and sobriety apps for cost, privacy and how easy they are to use.

By Tatum HunterDecember 21, 2022