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Non-Alcoholic Beer vs. Alcohol: Effects on Anxiety
Want to feel relaxed without the mental health risks of alcohol? Non-alcoholic beer might be the answer. Here's why:
- Alcohol: Offers short-term relaxation but disrupts brain chemistry, worsens anxiety over time, and affects sleep. Regular use can lead to dependency and higher stress levels.
- Non-Alcoholic Beer: Provides natural relaxation without altering brain chemistry. Ingredients like L-Theanine and Ashwagandha support stress relief, better sleep, and emotional stability.
Quick Comparison
| Aspect | Non-Alcoholic Beer | Alcoholic Beer |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate Effects | Gentle relaxation | Brief calm, rebound anxiety |
| Sleep Quality | Better sleep patterns | Disrupted sleep |
| Anxiety Impact | Reduces anxiety | Increases anxiety over time |
| Dependency Risk | Low | Higher |
| Social Confidence | Natural interaction | Alcohol-driven disinhibition |
Non-alcoholic beers, like IMPOSSIBREW®, are designed to help you unwind naturally while maintaining mental wellbeing. Whether you're cutting back on alcohol or exploring healthier options, they offer a great alternative for socialising without compromise.
The Surprising Way Alcohol Makes Your Brain More Anxious
How Alcohol Affects Anxiety
Alcohol has a dual effect on anxiety. Initially, it creates a calming sensation by enhancing GABA activity in the brain. However, as its effects wear off, it disrupts brain chemistry, often making anxiety worse. This creates a complex relationship between alcohol use and anxiety.
Immediate Effects vs Anxiety Rebound
When you drink alcohol, it acts as a depressant on your central nervous system. It temporarily boosts GABA activity, which produces a sense of relaxation. But as your blood alcohol levels drop, anxiety often returns - sometimes even stronger than before. This phenomenon, often called "hangxiety", can lead people to drink again in an attempt to alleviate these feelings.
These short-term effects hint at deeper, long-term changes in brain chemistry.
Changes in Brain Chemistry
Regular alcohol use can upset the balance of key brain chemicals. Here's how it affects some of them:
| Brain Chemical | Normal Function | Impact of Alcohol |
|---|---|---|
| Serotonin | Helps regulate mood | Depletes levels, potentially increasing anxiety |
| GABA | Provides a calming effect | Reduces receptor sensitivity, requiring more alcohol for the same effect |
| Cortisol | Acts as a stress hormone | Increases during withdrawal, heightening stress |
| Glutamate | Excites the nervous system | Spikes during withdrawal, leading to restlessness and jitters |
These disruptions can have lasting effects on mental health.
Mental Health Risks Over Time
Long-term alcohol use can lead to several mental health challenges:
- Higher baseline anxiety, even when not drinking
- Poor sleep quality, which can worsen anxiety and stress
- Reduced ability to handle daily stress, as the brain struggles to regulate itself naturally
Over time, the brain’s ability to manage stress and anxiety becomes less effective. Research shows that reducing or stopping alcohol use can help improve anxiety levels. However, if you drink regularly, it’s important to make changes gradually and seek professional guidance to manage potential withdrawal symptoms safely.
Non-Alcoholic Beer's Effect on Anxiety
Non-alcoholic beer provides a calming effect without altering brain chemistry or causing rebound anxiety. It offers a way to relax without the chemical disruptions that come with alcohol. Recent advancements in alcohol-free options have shown encouraging results in helping manage stress and anxiety.
The Role of Hops and Natural Ingredients
Hops, a key component in beer, are known for their calming properties. Modern brewing methods enhance these effects by blending hops with carefully chosen natural ingredients. For instance, products like IMPOSSIBREW®'s Social Blend™ include adaptogenic herbs and amino acids to support the body's natural stress response. These refined brewing techniques allow non-alcoholic beers to maximise their soothing potential.
Today's Non-Alcoholic Beer Choices
Non-alcoholic beers have come a long way, offering not just great flavour but also relaxation benefits. IMPOSSIBREW® combines traditional brewing methods with its Social Blend™ technology, featuring ingredients like L-Theanine and Ashwagandha Root to encourage natural relaxation. In 2023, their Lager and Pale Ale were recognised as the UK's top non-alcoholic beers by the World Beer Awards [1].
Research on Mental Health Benefits
Studies are shedding light on how non-alcoholic beer can positively impact mental health. Research highlights several areas where these beverages can make a difference:
| Mental Health Aspect | Reported Benefits |
|---|---|
| Stress Response | Reduced perceived stress |
| Sleep Quality | Better sleep duration and quality |
| Anxiety Levels | Lower feelings of tension |
| Social Confidence | Increased comfort in social settings |
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Side-by-Side: Non-Alcoholic vs Alcoholic Beer
When comparing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beer, their effects on anxiety and overall mental wellbeing stand out. Here's a closer look at how they differ, especially in terms of brain chemistry and emotional health.
Key Differences Table
| Aspect | Non-Alcoholic Beer | Alcoholic Beer |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate Effects | Mild relaxation | Brief relaxation followed by rebound anxiety |
| Following Day | No rebound anxiety | Anxiety and mood swings |
| Sleep Quality | Better sleep patterns | Sleep disruptions |
| Dependency Risk | Low | Higher risk of dependency |
| Social Engagement | Natural interaction | Alcohol-driven disinhibition |
| Mental Health | Helps maintain emotional stability | Can increase anxiety over time |
How to Choose What's Right for You
With these differences in mind, non-alcoholic beer has become an appealing choice for those focusing on mental health and overall wellbeing. Here's what to consider:
- Health Goals: Non-alcoholic beers provide relaxation without negatively affecting brain chemistry.
- Social Settings: Today’s non-alcoholic beers replicate the taste and social vibe of traditional beers. For example, IMPOSSIBREW® users have reported an 88% drop in alcohol consumption while still enjoying social occasions [1].
- Sleep Patterns: Non-alcoholic options promote better sleep, steering clear of the disruptions caused by alcohol.
"We decided that wasn't good enough... This isn't about removing alcohol. This is about something better." – IMPOSSIBREW® [1]
Choosing non-alcoholic beer at social gatherings allows you to enjoy the flavours and relaxation without compromising your mental wellbeing.
IMPOSSIBREW®'s Approach to Relaxation
IMPOSSIBREW® offers a non-alcoholic option designed to support mental wellbeing while enhancing social experiences. Here's a closer look at how their method promotes natural relaxation.
Social Blend™ Technology
At the core of IMPOSSIBREW®'s method is their unique Social Blend™, created in partnership with Dr Paul Chazot, Chair of Pharmacology at Durham University [1]. This patent-pending formula combines scientifically studied ingredients to encourage relaxation naturally. Key components include:
- L-Theanine: Extracted from tea leaves, it helps create a sense of calm without making you feel sleepy.
- Ashwagandha Root: A well-known herb traditionally used to ease stress.
- Vitamin B1: Supports brain function and mental clarity.
- Nootropic Herbs: These herbs improve mental focus while helping you unwind.
Real Feedback from Users
A study involving over 1,000 participants revealed some impressive results: 71% reported feeling more relaxed, 88% reduced their alcohol intake, and 95% said they’d recommend it to others [1].
Health-Conscious Details
IMPOSSIBREW® combines its technical advancements with features that prioritise your health. It’s low in calories, suitable for vegans, gluten-free, and brewed traditionally to deliver an authentic taste - all with less than 0.5% ABV.
"Our proprietary alcohol alternative made from a blend of science-backed ingredients using patent-pending technology*. Designed to replicate the sensory and social relaxing experience of drinking, minus the headaches (and bad decisions)." – IMPOSSIBREW® [1]
Conclusion: Better Choices for Mental Health
Looking at anxiety and mental wellbeing, the evidence shows that non-alcoholic options can play a key role in managing anxiety and promoting better mental health. While alcoholic drinks might offer brief comfort, they often worsen anxiety and lead to long-term mental health issues.
Non-alcoholic beers today are designed to fit into modern lifestyles seamlessly. For example, IMPOSSIBREW®'s Social Blend™ combines L-Theanine and Ashwagandha, ingredients backed by science. This blend has helped 88% of users cut back on alcohol and 71% feel more relaxed, with over 1,000 reviews giving it an impressive 4.8/5 rating [1].
"We exist because we believe in a world where social connection doesn't demand compromise." – IMPOSSIBREW®
In 2023, the World Beer Awards named IMPOSSIBREW®'s non-alcoholic beers as the UK's best, showing that mental health and great taste can go hand in hand. This recognition highlights the growing appeal of healthier choices for social occasions.
For anyone looking to maintain social connections while focusing on mental health, IMPOSSIBREW®'s non-alcoholic options offer an excellent alternative. This shift mirrors a larger trend towards healthier, more mindful socialising. The way we approach social drinking is changing, showing that prioritising mental health doesn't mean giving up on enjoyment.
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What is IMPOSSIBREW®?
IMPOSSIBREW® is a pioneering non-alcoholic beer brand based in the UK that aims to create the world's most complete alcohol alternative using patent-pending technology.
Founded by Mark Wong in 2021 and working with some of the world's best professors, scientists and expert brewers, IMPOSSIBREW® specialises in expertly crafted non-alcoholic beers designed to match full ABV beers in both taste and feeling.
Product Range
IMPOSSIBREW® offers a range of enhanced non-alcoholic beers, including:
- Enhanced Lager (0.5% ABV)
- Enhanced Pale Ale (0.5% ABV)
- Limited Editions (Seasonal)
Key Benefits
The key feature that sets IMPOSSIBREW® apart is its proprietary "Social Blend™" - a combination of active botanical ingredients and nootropics using patent-pending technology* designed to recreate the relaxing effects of alcohol without the negative side effects.
Along with record-breaking quality flavour that comes from a unique process without removing alcohol.
Social Blend™ Ingredients
Developed with leading scientists in top UK universities, Social Blend™ includes:
- L-Theanine
- Ashwaghanda
- Soluble Plant Fibres
- Vitamin B1
- Various Plant Extracts.
These ingredients are chosen for their potential to boost serotonin, promote relaxation, and create a calming effect similar to the "one or two pint feeling" without hangovers.
See more details on our very own research paper, with over 1,000 participants:
- More than 70% said they felt relaxed after consuming IMPOSSIBREW®.
- 88% have reduced alcohol consumption since discovering IMPOSSIBREW®.
- 95% have told a friend about IMPOSSIBREW® after trying.
- 3/4 say that IMPOSSIBREW® is "the most complete alcohol alternative currently available on the market today".
Recognition
IMPOSSIBREW® has received several notable achievements:
- Featured on BBC's Dragons' Den
- Awarded the first and only Gold Medal in the No/Low beer category from the London Beer Competition
- Received multiple industry Gold awards in categories against Full-ABV beers
- Most followed No/Low Alcohol brand on TikTok globally.
Mission and Vision
IMPOSSIBREW® is on a mission to redefine non-alcoholic drinking by creating better-than-alcohol alternatives for those who love beer but want to avoid the health risks associated with alcohol consumption.
The company aims to become the global leading alcohol alternative brand, focusing on helping people transition to a healthier mode of relaxation without the traditional issues and side effects of alcohol.
Production and Ingredients
IMPOSSIBREW® combines traditional brewing methods with their proprietary Social Blend™ along with patent-pending technology*
The beers are made with traditional brewing ingredients such as water, malted barley, wheat, hops, and yeast, in addition to the Social Blend™ components - leveraging their unique cryogenic fermentation process, which means no alcohol is ever removed from the product - ensuring the most authentic quality taste you've come to expect.
Who is it for?
IMPOSSIBREW® caters to consumers who:
- Are busy professionals and parents who would like to unwind with a drink but don't want the hangovers.
- Enjoy the taste and relaxing experience of beer
- Are looking for healthier alternatives to alcohol, with lower calories, carbs and sugar
- Want to avoid hangovers and other negative effects of alcohol consumption
- Are interested in functional beverages with potential mood-enhancing properties
By offering a unique product that aims to replicate both the taste and feeling of alcoholic beer, IMPOSSIBREW® is positioning itself at the forefront of the growing non-alcoholic beverage market.
Get Started Today
Give it a try today with our Welcome Bundle and get 2 Free Beers with your first purchase. Get it delivered straight to your door, risk-free with our 30-day money-back guarantee.
We hope you enjoy them as much as we do and we can't wait for you to try.
*Patent pending in the UK under application number GB2415685.3
How does 'Social Blend™' work?
Social Blend™ is our proprietary alcohol alternative made from a blend of science-backed ingredients using patent-pending technology*.
Designed to replicate the sensory and social relaxing experience of drinking, minus the headaches (and bad decisions).
Developed with Dr Paul Chazot, Bioscience Professor and Chair of Pharmacology at Durham University.
Key Components and Mechanisms
- L-Theanine:
- Ashwagandha Root:
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine):
- Various nootropic herbs:
Benefits
- Relaxation: The blend promotes a state of relaxation without the sedative effects typically associated with alcohol.
- Mental Calm: By boosting alpha brain waves and serotonin levels, it helps maintain a calm and focused mental state.
- Stress Relief: The combination of L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, and Vitamin B1 helps mitigate stress and anxiety.
- Mood Enhancement: The inclusion these ingredients and other botanicals supports mood regulation and overall positive outlook.
IMPOSSIBREW®'s Social Blend™ is a carefully crafted combination of nootropic and adaptogenic ingredients designed to offer a relaxing and mood-enhancing experience without the drawbacks of alcohol. It leverages the natural properties of its components to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance mood, making it a unique alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages.
(Read our latest research paper here)
*Patent pending in the UK under application number GB2415685.3
Do you ship overseas?
We ship to the UK Mainland for free when you spend over £35
We aim to expand internationally soon - stay tuned!
If you have any queries, feel free to email: hello(@)impossibrew.co.uk
How long will it take to get my orders?
For UK mainland deliveries, normal orders processed here will take 1-3 business days to arrive, with an optional upgrade to Next Day Delivery available (12pm cut-off).
Delivery details will be provided in your confirmation email.
How is 0.5% ABV alcohol-free?
Yes, we know it's confusing. Isn't 0.5% ABV still alcoholic? Officially, 0.5% ABV is classified as Dealcoholised.
- In fact, most things we consume daily have more than 0.5% ABV
- Burger Rolls - 1.2% ABV
- Orange Juice - 0.5% ABV
- Ripe Banana - 0.5% ABV
After more than 2 years of research, we've found that the 0.5% ABV from our natural brewing process significantly increases both flavour and mouthfeel - without spiking your blood alcohol level (BAC).
Is it really gluten-free?
Yes, IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Lager is gluten-free. Even though it contains wheat and barley, our beers have been third-party tested to contain less than 10 parts per million (PPM) of gluten, which meets the criteria to be listed as, and labeled gluten-free.
Does it have alcohol tax?
No. While it is true that our beers don't contain alcohol, and thus don't incur UK alcohol duty, we'd like to highlight some factors here that might be helpful in reflecting the value we provide.
- One-to-One Brewing Process: At IMPOSSIBREW, we take pride in our unique brewing techniques. Unlike other non-alcoholic beers, our products are never diluted, watered-down, or have their alcohol content removed - and some even dilute their alcoholic beers up to 5x. This means that our brewing process involves the same level of craftsmanship, time, and resources as a traditional craft beer, resulting in comparable production costs.
- Effective Nootropics: In our commitment to creating the most relaxing non-alcoholic beers, we utilise only the highest quality nootropics as our active ingredients, in safe and effectives dosages. At current alcohol tax rates for a 5% ABV beer, the cost of our nootropics more than double that. Instead of contributing the amounts as tax, why not have it contribute to the product quality itself?
- Small Scale Brewing: Currently, we operate on a smaller scale, which makes us less competitive than large, commercial brewers (often +10,000x our brewing size). As a growing business, we are passionate about our mission to create unique, high-quality non-alcoholic experiences, and we truly appreciate your support. As we continue to grow and expand our production capabilities, we look forward to passing on even more savings to our valued community!
At IMPOSSIBREW, we prioritise offering our customers an enhanced, premium, non-alcoholic beer experience by combining innovative brewing techniques, quality active nootropic ingredients, and award-winning taste. While our pricing may differ from other non-alcoholic competitors, we believe that the value proposition and unique experience our beers provide are well worth it.
At the end of the day, tasting is believing. So give it a try and let us know what you think - risk-free with our IMPOSSIBREW® Guarantee.
Who shouldn't drink IMPOSSIBREW®?
It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with certain medical conditions like GI disorders or hypertension, or individuals taking specific medications such as antidepressants or blood thinners. If you fall into any of these categories, it's best to consult with your doctor first.
Ashwagandha can lead to overstimulation (i.e. restlessness) if taken alongside thyroid medication.
What is your philosophy?
For thousands of years, we had only one way to unwind together. One way to let our guards down. One way to bridge the gap between who we are and who we are with others.
Not because it was perfect. But because it was all we had.
We decided that wasn't good enough.
We exist because we believe in a world where social connection doesn't demand compromise.
Where being present with others doesn't mean being absent from yourself. Where letting go doesn't mean losing control.This isn't about removing alcohol. This is about something better.
Our Social Blend™ technology isn't an accident. It's the result of questioning everything we thought we knew about social drinking. About working with scientists to understand what we're really seeking in these moments of connection. About daring to imagine something that wasn't possible before.
We believe the greatest innovations don't just solve problems - they change how we live. They make us question why we ever settled for less.
That's what we're building. Not just a drink, but a new way forward. A future where social connection comes without compromise. Where tradition meets innovation. Where science meets ritual.
This is the future of social drinking.
Got more questions?
Our customer support is available Monday to Friday: 9am - 5:30pm.
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