“What should I drink when I’m not drinking?”

It’s one of the most common questions asked by Oar Health members starting their journeys to drink less or not at all. Some are seeking an alternative to the old habit of reaching for a beer. Others want to avoid standing empty handed at a party. Yet others are excited to explore the world of delicious, inventive beverages that don’t include alcohol.

Whatever the reason for the question, we are excited to offer more answers in this newsletter.

To get things started, you can find below award-winning bartender Derek Brown’s recipe for The Snake — a non-alcoholic twist on the dirty martini.

Going forward, we’ll be featuring more content from Derek, who’s not just a pioneer in crafting no- and low-alcohol beverages, but also an author, NASM-certified wellness coach, and founder of Positive Damage, Inc. You can get to know him by reading his story about becoming a mindful drinker.

We’ll also connect you with non-ABV products from The Zero Proof, a leading online retailer of non-alcoholic spirits, cocktail kits, wines, and ready-to-drink options. The Zero Proof is a great place to start for anyone who is new to the non-alcoholic drinks space, struggling to find non-alcoholic drinks that taste great, or unsure of the options available.

Read on to learn how to make The Snake!

(We recognize that non-alcoholic spirits and wines are not part of everyone's journey to a better relationship with alcohol and that some find it more helpful to avoid any beverage that reminds them of alcohol. If that's you, we support your choice 100%.)

The Snake is an alcohol-free nod to the Dirty Martini from the opening menu of STAY Zero Proof — one of Bon Appétit’s 11 Best New Bars in the US.

‍Makes one serving

Serve in a 4.5-5.5 oz. Nick & Nora glass
2 oz. Eleven Madison Park Home Vermouth
1 oz. Ish-Botanical Spirit.25 oz. Brine Mix*
.25 oz. Tomato Water**
Barspoon Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
“Bleu Cheese”-Stuffed Olive
Lemon Peel

‍Combine ingredients with ice and stir until chilled. Strain liquid into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a lemon peel and “bleu cheese”-stuffed olive.

‍*How to make brine mix: Combine brine, equal parts, from Castelvetrano olives and capers.

**How to make tomato water: “To make tomato water, line a large colander with cheesecloth and set it over a bowl. Chop super-ripe tomatoes, toss them with a little salt, then set them in the cloth-lined colander. Cover the colander with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. What's left in the bowl is the sweetest concentration of tomatoey deliciousness you'll ever taste.” — from Food & Wine

"For well over 10 years I felt that I had no control over alcohol. I would drink to black out, then pass out, only to wake up at 3am, promising myself that I would never drink again. By 5pm the next day, however, I was already obsessing over when and how I could get my next drink.

I was 'functioning' because I was still working but it definitely affected my relationships. I tried to quit drinking over and over. It left me feeling so bad about myself.

In just a few days on naltrexone, I significantly decreased my drinking, with many alcohol free days. I am not obsessing and I don’t feel like I am missing out.

I appreciate Oar getting the drug to me so quickly. I always take my medication an hour before a situation where I might have a drink. I plan on taking this medication for the rest of my life. I feel like I am finally free. I never want to go back to the way that I was drinking before."
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‍‍— M , Oar Health Member

Why Is Problem Drinking Hitting Women So Hard? | Psychology Today
“With alcohol misuse rising among women, it's important to recognize and respond to signs of a problem.”

Fall Semester — A Time For Parents To Discuss The Risks Of College Drinking | NIAAA
‍“The first 6 weeks of freshman year are a vulnerable time for harmful and underage college drinking as well as for alcohol-related consequences because of student expectations and social pressures at the start of the academic year.”

Study Highlights Gaps In Alcohol Use Screening and Treatment in Primary Care | Medical Economics
‍“'Despite recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, alcohol use screenings occur in only 2.6% of U.S. adult primary care visits,’ said [Dr. Diana] Summanwar. ‘This study emphasizes the widely recognized gap between research evidence and practice, with barriers including knowledge gaps related to drinking limits, brief interventions, local resources, and pharmacological treatment.’”

Alcohol Use Disorder Medication Is Safe, Effective, and Seriously Underused | Pew
‍“‘People who want help with their alcohol use should feel empowered to ask their primary care provider about medication options for AUD,’ said Frances McGaffey, associate manager of Pew’s substance use prevention and treatment initiative, ‘but it’s unfair to put the onus on them, and it’s understandable if they’re afraid to start this conversation because of stigma.’”

What Research Reveals About Doctors’ Reluctance To Address Addiction | University of Colorado
‍“Despite the high prevalence of addiction and substance use disorders in the United States, the number of physicians adopting evidence-based substance use disorder interventions in their clinical practice remains low.”

Expanding Treatment Options for Alcohol Use Disorder | JAMA Network
‍“Studies have shown that telemedicine interventions can reduce alcohol consumption among patients with AUD. Furthermore, whether offered by a telemedicine organization or other clinicians who offer hybrid care models (in person and telemedicine), telemedicine can increase access to care because it is convenient for patients and clinicians.”