3 Natural Alcohol Alternatives to Help Relieve Stress and Social Anxiety

Many people drink alcohol as a means to relieve stress, relax and ease social anxiety. But we all hear that even one glass of wine per day can wreak havoc on our health overtime. Due to this people are increasingly seeking healthier lifestyles and the interest in natural alcohol alternatives has grown immensely. Many individuals are looking for ways to experience euphoria, relieve stress, and manage social anxiety without the negative effects associated with alcohol. In this article, we will explore three top natural alternatives. Each offers unique benefits that can help eliminate alcohol from your life while promoting well-being.

3 Natural Alcohol Free Alternatives 

1. 

What is Hard Ketone?

Hard Ketone is a beverage made from exogenous ketones, which are compounds that mimic the metabolic effects of fasting or a ketogenic diet. 

These ketones can provide an alternative energy source for the body, particularly for the brain, and can induce a state of mild ketosis without the need to follow a strict low-carb diet.

Benefits:

- **Euphoria and Mental Clarity:** Hard Ketone can enhance cognitive function and provide a sense of mental clarity and mild euphoria. This is due to the brain’s efficient use of ketones as an energy source.

- **Stress Relief:** By stabilizing blood sugar levels and reducing inflammation, ketones can help alleviate stress and anxiety.

- **Social Anxiety:** The calming effects of ketones can make social interactions more comfortable, helping to reduce the need for alcohol in social settings.

- **Alcohol Replacement:** Hard Ketone provides a non-alcoholic option for those who enjoy the ritual of having a drink but want to avoid the negative effects of alcohol.

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Hard Ketone can be consumed similarly to alcoholic beverages. 

It is available in various flavors and forms, including ready-to-drink cans and mixers, making it a versatile option for social gatherings or personal relaxation. 

My personal experience with it is that the effects are decidedly relaxing, a little “buzzy” in a nice, happy way, sleep was improved without adversely messing with my blood sugar or REM sleep. 

Many who enjoy these regularly find that their taste or cravings for conventional alcohol tends to kind of wane and/or go away with regular Hard Ketone use. 

The taste to me was ok (some mention bitterness) I did add a little supplemental fresh lime. There seems to be no major downside except for the cost. It is a bit pricey for one individual can (but hey, a martini can cost you $17 bucks right?) T

The only 2 minor downsides I can think of is the fact that as of right now there are only limited flavor choices: there is a piña colada version, a Ginger Mule version and a realistic Gin & Tonic version that is best enjoyed over ice with a squeeze of lime. The G&T is also twice as potent as the more tropical flavored version.

 2. (Sceletium tortuosum)

What is Kanna?

Kanna is a succulent plant native to South Africa, traditionally used by indigenous people for its mood-enhancing properties. 

Today, the plant has gained strong global attraction and reputation due to its capabilities to promote a sense of well-being by relieving stress with calming effects.  

Historically, the plant was used by native San hunter-gatherers and Khoi people to quench their thirst, fight fatigue and for healing, social, and spiritual purposes.

The plant contains alkaloids that interact with the brain’s serotonin system, promoting feelings of well-being and relaxation. 

Benefits:

- **Euphoria:** Kanna can induce a mild state of euphoria and increase feelings of happiness. This effect is due to its ability to enhance serotonin levels in the brain.

- **Stress Relief:** The calming properties of Kanna make it effective for reducing stress and anxiety. It can help to soothe the mind and body without the sedative effects of alcohol.

- **Social Anxiety:** By promoting relaxation and a sense of well-being, Kanna can help individuals feel more at ease in social situations.

- **Alcohol Replacement:** Kanna can be a natural alternative to alcohol, providing similar relaxing effects without the risks associated with alcohol consumption.

Usage:

Kanna can be consumed in various forms, including gummies, tablets, capsules, teas, tinctures, and even chewed directly as dried plant material. 

The dosage and method of consumption can be adjusted based on individual preferences and desired effects.

"If you suffer from high stress levels and as a result insomnia and anxiety occurs, this can be a source of relief. The effects of the extract were a dramatic stress release, I felt more grounded when I took it daily."

What are Microdosing Mushrooms?

Microdosing involves taking sub-perceptual doses of psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin mushrooms. 

These small doses do not produce a full psychedelic experience but can enhance mood, creativity, and overall well-being.

Moms are Microdosing to Ease the Stress of Parenthood

Benefits:

- **Euphoria:** Microdosing can lead to a subtle enhancement of mood and an overall sense of well-being, often described as a gentle euphoria.

- **Stress Relief:** By promoting neuroplasticity and enhancing emotional resilience, microdosing can help reduce stress and anxiety.

- **Social Anxiety:** Microdosing can improve social interactions by reducing anxiety and enhancing empathy and communication skills.

- **Alcohol Replacement:** Microdosing mushrooms offer an alternative way to achieve mood enhancement and relaxation without the negative effects of alcohol. It can also reduce cravings for alcohol and other substances.

Usage:

Microdosing typically involves taking a small amount of psilocybin mushrooms (usually around 0.1 to 0.3 grams) every few days. 

The key is to take a dose that is low enough to avoid noticeable psychedelic effects but still provides the desired mood and cognitive benefits. It's important to follow a regimen and track the effects to find the optimal dosage.

One study found that people who self-medicated with small dosages of psilocybin were able to relieve cluster headaches while avoiding any psychoactive effects of the drug.

It should be noted that researchers tend to advise against self-medicating with psilocybin for a few important reasons:

• Outside of a clinical setting, it may be harder to manage your anxiety and other unpleasant or unexpected experiences while under the influence (potentially leading to a bad trip)
• You may take too high of a dosage
• It's hard to know the purity of the drug if you're purchasing it from an unregulated source. 

Conclusion

So, if you're looking to lead a more sober lifestyle there are choices out there! Hard Ketone, Kanna, and microdosing mushrooms are three promising natural alternatives to alcohol that offer a range of benefits from euphoria and stress relief to managing social anxiety. These substances provide healthier options for those looking to eliminate alcohol from their lives while still enjoying similar positive effects. 

As with any substance, it's important to approach these alternatives with caution, do thorough research, and consult with healthcare professionals to ensure safe and effective use. Embracing these natural options can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle without the downsides of alcohol.