In recent years, there has been an increase in the production of non-alcohol beer. Even brand name beers such as Heineken, Corona, and Becks have non-alcohol formulations. Given the high levels of alcohol consumption in the United States and steep rise in the prevalence of alcohol use disorder we saw during and after the pandemic, it is tempting to think that this non-alcoholic beer trend is a positive development. In many respects, it probably is. As of 2022, “17.1 million men ages 18 and older (13.6% in this age group), and 11.7 million women ages 18 and older (8.9% in this age group) have some level of alcohol use disorder” (NSDUH, 2022).
Michael Prichard M.S., LAADC, ICAADC, currently serves as Vice Chair and Legislative Chair for the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP). He holds a master’s of science in addiction counseling, is a Staff Analyst in SUD Prevention for Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health, and is contracted trainer for Central California Training Academy through California State University, Fresno Foundation.