It’s commonly known that recovering alcoholics often rely on coffee to maintain their sobriety. While this is an acceptable practice to many, the question remains: why do recovering alcoholics drink so much coffee? This can be explained by the effects of substitute addictions, the nutrition components of coffee, and the emotional regulation it offers.
Substitute Addiction and Caffeine
The American Psychological Association defines addiction as “a complex but treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior”. As such, addiction should be understood in terms of its ability to hinder the addict’s ability to function without it. In a comprehensive study conducted in 2017 by research professor James Dunkeld, he found out that coffee serves as a substitute addiction to recovering alcoholics. “The thought process behind coffee as a substitute addiction is that coffee provides the same mind-altering effects that alcohol does, but in a much less serious manner,” says Dunkeld. This is because drinking coffee is not considered to be a form of relapse, and therefore, it is an accepted practice for many recovering alcoholics who are looking for a way to sustain their sobriety. To further that sentiment, caffeine is known to act as a stimulant, providing a short-term sense of alertness, energy and euphoria. Therefore, substitute addictions, including coffee, offer recovered alcoholics their desired rewards.
The Nutrition Components of Coffee
An additional incentive for recovering alcoholics to drink coffee is that it provides considerable health benefits. According to a study conducted by Harvard University in 2021, “coffee is loaded with antioxidants and other active substances that can help improve physical performance, mental alertness and overall health of recovering alcoholics.” Drinking coffee aids in the reduction of acquiring an array of physical illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and liver cirrhosis. Additionally, research suggests that coffee consumption supports weight loss, which is a desirable outcome for recovering alcoholics. Given that the main goal of recovery is to achieve and sustain sobriety, replenishing the body with the nutrients it requires is necessary for success. Therefore, given its abundance of health benefits, it is easy to see why many recovering alcoholics drink coffee.
Emotional Regulation
Coffee also serves as a form of emotional regulation for recovering alcoholics. By engaging in a behavior that offers short-term happiness, the individual can escape from their current state of mind with minimal risks. Dr. Jason Carlisle, an addiction specialist at the University of Pretoria in South Africa states that, “coffee helps recovering alcoholics to cope with anxieties that comes with the territory of recovery.” This is because coffee provides a sense of control, leading to an outlook of feeling in charge of their lives. In addition, having a daily routine of drinking coffee also provides a sense of familiarity and consistency, which is often a challenge to achieve through alternative activities. Therefore, coffee helps recovering alcoholics to manage their emotions, which is very important to their recovery process.
The Social Effects of Coffee Consumption
The social aspect of coffee consumption is also a contributing factor to why many recovering alcoholics drink it. This is because coffee is considered to be a socially accepted beverage and is not perceived to be an activity that would interfere with someone’s efforts to stay sober. This works to the advantage of recovering alcoholics because it offers them an activity that is rewarding in the short-term, with negligible risks.
Moreover, coffee shops are familiar social spaces that are conducive to conversation, making it an activity that encourages socialization and engagement. As a result, recovering alcoholics can channel their energy towards a sober activity that still offers them the same sense of enjoyment that alcohol used to provide. Therefore, it is understandable why coffee is a preferred drink by recovering alcoholics.
Potential Risks of Coffee Consumption
It should also be noted that, while coffee is considered an acceptable practice for many recovering alcoholics, there are potential risks associated with its consumption. For example, coffee can become a form of addiction, as overconsumption leads to coffee dependence. Coffee should also be avoided by those who suffer from sleep deprivation or depression, as coffee can worsen those conditions. Moreover, coffee can cause physical discomfort such as palpitations, diarrhea and headache. Therefore, the general consensus is that coffee, like alcohol, should be consumed in moderation.
The Role of Support Systems
Finally, it is crucial for recovering alcoholics to have a strong network of support. John Spezze, a professor of rehabilitation and mental health counselling, believes that, “Support systems are key to the success of recovery, and a strong support system can aid the individual in managing their urges to drink coffee or alcohol.” Friends, family and/or support groups can provide advice on how to manage these urges, offer emotional support, and provide companionship. Having a support system can educate the individual on how to resume activities that replace their desire to drink, proving that help from the outside is invaluable to a successful recovery.
Replacing Unhealthy Habits with Healthy Alternatives
For many recovering alcoholics, changing their lifestyle and habits can be a challenge. This is because old habits tend to die hard, and many recovering alcoholics find it difficult to replace their unhealthy habits with healthy alternatives. However, life coaching psychologists such as John Laszlo from the Manchester University Psychology Club have outlined a few steps that could help recovering alcoholics cope with their addictions and substitute them with activities that allow them to practice mindfulness. For example, engaging in hobbies such as jogging, yoga, or meditation can help to reduce the anxiety and tension that often comes with recovery. In addition, attending support groups and engaging in activities that are both calming and fun, such as reading and writing, can provide long-term satisfaction and peace of mind.
Alternative Ways of Regulating Emotions
In addition to finding healthy alternatives, practicing certain emotions-based management techniques is also essential to succeeding in recovery. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been proven to be beneficial for those in recovery, as it teaches individuals how to challenge the thoughts and beliefs that sustain their behaviour. This can aid in reducing the amount of time spent drinking coffee by helping to identify, understand and reframe troubling emotions. Additionally, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) has been proven to improve the mental health of recovering alcoholics by teaching them skills that promote self-acceptance, tolerance and self-improvement. Practicing these techniques can offer legitimate solutions to the challenges of anxiety and stress that come with recovery.
Creating Positive Behavioural Strategies
Finally, creating positive behavioural strategies is essential to successful recovery. These strategies are aimed at helping recovering alcoholics to become more mindful of their actions, and to reconsider their thoughts and motivations before engaging in self-destructive behaviour. These strategies can be motivated through a variety of activities, such as attending support groups, practicing cognitive reframing techniques, and engaging in hobbies and activities that don’t involve coffee or alcohol. These strategies can act as a form of proactive self-regulation, which can help to reduce the risk of beverage addictions.
