GABA Drinks Are Trending—But Are They Safe for Everyone?
In the final clip of this series with Justin Wolfe, LCPC, we explore how the evolving culture around alcohol makes self-work more important than ever.
There’s a new wave of alcohol alternatives beyond NA beers and mocktails—drinks that promise relaxation without the booze. But what happens when they start hitting the same part of the brain as alcohol itself?
Some GABA-based “spirits” popping up on the market are doing exactly that. They’re not just mimicking the taste of alcohol; they’re mimicking the effect. These drinks contain ingredients designed to activate the same neurotransmitters as alcohol, with the goal of producing a similar sense of relaxation or altered state.
For most people, this might not pose a problem. But for those with a history of alcohol use disorder or addictive patterns, it can become a dangerous neurochemical trigger.
Justin didn’t mince words:
“This is terrifying.”
🎧 Listen to the first full clip:
"If that part of my brain is activated... that's a part of my brain that can very much take control and become very obsessive and fixated.”
For people in recovery, this isn’t a harmless swap. It’s a neurochemical trigger. Justin has seen it firsthand: people who worked hard to rebuild their self-worth, their stability, their peace, only to have it disrupted by something that felt too good to be true.
Because it is too good to be true.
There is no free ride. No magic drink that offers the feel-good without the fallout.
Even non-alcoholic beer can be a slippery slope. For some, it serves as a harm-reduction tool. For others, it’s a reactivation of the addiction loop. The brain remembers. It wants more.
So, where does this leave us? Justin's advice for those with a history of alcohol use disorder is clear: it's about the deep, internal work.
“ If you're using something to try and get away from you or to try and fix something or cover it up, it might work in that moment, but you're always gonna come back to you.
And it's always going to be there until you do the work.”
Sobriety isn't just about removing alcohol. It's about learning to show up as yourself, without needing to escape.
Justing advocates for self-assessment: "Have I really gotten myself in a position with my supports, and am I mentally in a place where I feel like I can navigate this in a different way than I historically have?"
So, for those who have embraced sobriety and rebalanced their brain chemistry and built peace, clarity, and self-trust, the question becomes:
Is it worth the risk just to feel that fleeting buzz again?
For many, the answer is clear:
“I’d rather just let it go.”
There’s no doubt our relationship to alcohol is evolving—from Gen Z’s shifting interests to wellness and self-exploration to the rise of non-alcoholic options.
These changes are positive for many, promoting inclusion and healthier choices.
But Justin's insights serve as a crucial reminder: for some, the quest for "consequence-free" enjoyment might inadvertently lead them back to familiar struggles if they bypass the essential work of self-discovery and internal healing.
Choose wisely.
Did you enjoy this series? Please let me know in the comments!
🔜Coming Tuesday: I explore toxic heavy metals in our food supply with a former FDA researcher, and what it means for future generations.
📖 Want to dig in now? Read the article behind the interview:
Micronutrient Deficiencies May Increase Your Risk of Heavy Metal Toxicity