Can Alcohol in Food Affect Recovery?

Key Takeaways

• People who’re recovering from alcohol use disorder (AUD) must be careful to avoid foods containing alcohol. 
• Alcohol in food can cause a number of problems for individuals in AUD recovery, including increasing the risk of relapse. 
• Even when alcohol is found in food, it is still absorbed by the body. 
• Alcohol absorption in food is influenced by factors such as macronutrient content, biological sex, and alcohol concentration.
• Not all alcohol burns off during cooking; retention varies based on cooking method, duration, and heat exposure.
• Alcohol solubility affects its absorption; food composition, especially fat content, can moderate alcohol’s effects.
• Substance abuse recovery can be hindered by alcohol in food due to its impact on nutritional health and organ function.
• Strategies to avoid alcohol in food include understanding cooking processes, reading labels, and choosing alcohol-free recipes.

Alcohol in Food and AUD Recovery

People who’re in recovery from AUD must be careful about consuming foods that contain alcohol. 

While the presence of alcohol in food might seem like a minor issue,it can pose a significant risk for people in AUD recovery. It may, for example, trigger a relapse or interfere with medications you’re taking as part of your treatment. 

Avoiding foods with alcohol and choosing non-alcoholic alternatives can be crucial strategies for maintaining sobriety and supporting long-term recovery.

Ways That Alcohol in Food Can Affect Recovery

The presence of alcohol in food, even in small amounts, can have a significant impact on the recovery process for individuals overcoming AUD (and associated medical conditions).

It’s important to understand that the recovery process can be hampered by the ingestion of alcohol, regardless of the source. Even minimal alcohol consumption can disrupt the recovery trajectory in several key ways, including:

• The taste and smell of alcohol can serve as triggers. Foods prepared with alcohol can retain the taste and smell of alcohol, which may trigger cravings and make it more challenging for individuals in recovery to maintain their sobriety.
• Alcohol in food can serve as a psychological trigger. The presence of alcohol, even in small amounts, can serve as a psychological trigger for people in AUD recovery, potentially leading to relapse.
• People in the early stages of recovery may be incredibly sensitive to small amounts of alcohol. Individuals in early recovery might be more sensitive to the effects of even small amounts of alcohol, which can impair judgment and increase the risk of relapse.
• It can alter brain function. Alcohol in food can also contribute to alterations in brain function, affecting the neural pathways associated with addiction and recovery. The brain’s plasticity allows for recovery from AUD, but alcohol exposure can interfere with this process, leading to potential setbacks in cognitive and emotional healing.
• Alcohol in food can cause physical problems. Alcohol – even when found in food – can affect various tissues and organs, including the liver, an organ crucial for metabolism and detoxification. It is crucial that individuals with alcohol-caused liver damage be cautious of their alcohol intake from all sources, including culinary preparations.

For individuals in recovery, it is essential to understand the risks associated with alcohol consumption in any form, including its presence in prepared foods.

Is Alcohol in Food Absorbed by the Body?

Though it surprises some people, the body does absorb alcohol in food, just like it does when you drink it. However, there are a few complicating factors that are worth exploring, including the way different types of food change the way alcohol is absorbed and the amount of alcohol retained in different foods. 

Factors Influencing Alcohol Absorption Through Food

Alcohol absorption in food varies and is influenced by several factors, including: 

• The Food’s Macronutrients: When alcohol is consumed through food, its absorption into the bloodstream primarily occurs in the small intestine. However, the presence of food, especially those rich in fat, protein, and fiber, can slow the rate of absorption. This is due to these macronutrients delaying gastric emptying and thus the pace at which alcohol reaches the small intestine.
• Sex: The biological sex of an individual also plays a role in alcohol absorption. Women typically have less dehydrogenase, an enzyme that breaks down alcohol in the stomach, resulting in higher blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) compared to men after consuming the same amount of alcohol. 
• Alcohol Concentration: The concentration of alcohol in the food also affects its absorption rate. Foods with higher alcohol concentrations allow for quicker absorption compared to foods with higher or lower alcohol percentages.

Alcohol Retention in Cooked Foods

The process of cooking with alcohol is nuanced, with a common misconception being that all alcohol burns off during cooking. Scientific evidence, however, shows that this is not the case. Depending on various factors, including the cooking method, duration, and the dish’s exposure to heat, a variable amount of alcohol remains in the food: 

• Time and Heat: For example, a brief cooking time or lower heat may result in higher alcohol retention, with as much as 85% of the original alcohol content remaining, while  long cooking times can leave as little as 5% after 2.5 hours of cooking.
• Cooking Pan Size: The size of the cooking pan can also influence alcohol evaporation; larger pans with greater surface area promote more evaporation than smaller ones. 
• Cooking Technique: Stirring the food while cooking is another factor that can enhance the evaporation of alcohol. However, some alcohol still remains in the food.  

The Importance of Avoiding Alcohol in Food During Recovery

Individuals in recovery from AUD may face challenges trying to navigate the presence of alcohol in foods.  

The consumption of alcohol, even when present in food, can have detrimental effects on individuals recovering from substance abuse. Substance abuse often leads to poor nutritional status and body composition changes, primarily due to decreased intake, impaired nutrient absorption, and hormone dysregulation affecting satiety and food consumption mechanisms. During recovery, these issues must be addressed to support healing and restore balance in the body’s functions.

Chronic alcohol abuse specifically can damage critical digestive organs such as the stomach lining, pancreas, and liver. These organs are essential for managing blood sugar levels and nutrient breakdown and absorption. When alcohol is introduced, it can force the body to prioritize the elimination of toxins, leading to nutrient imbalances and further health complications.

Given the complex relationship between alcohol consumption and nutritional health, individuals in recovery should be mindful of alcohol’s presence in food. This awareness is critical as the body is already working to repair the damage caused by substance abuse, and even small amounts of alcohol can impede this process. 

The focus should be on a balanced diet rich in nutrients that can aid in recovery and fortify the body against the residual effects of addiction.

Strategies to Avoid Alcohol in Food During Recovery

Individuals in recovery from alcohol misuse or substance abuse often need to be vigilant about their exposure to alcohol, even in their diet. Consuming alcohol in food can be a hidden risk, potentially triggering cravings or relapse. Here are strategies for avoiding unintentional alcohol consumption through food:

• Understand the cooking process: While cooking can reduce the amount of alcohol in food, it doesn’t always eliminate it completely. Being aware of this can guide meal preparation and menu choices.
• Read food labels and recipes carefully: Look for ingredients that may contain alcohol, such as certain flavorings or sauces, and opt for alternatives.
• Communicate with restaurants: When dining out, ask about the preparation of dishes and request modifications if necessary to ensure they are alcohol-free.
• Embrace alcohol-free recipes: Seek out recipes specifically designed without alcohol, focusing on nutritious meals that support recovery.
• Attend support meetings: Engage with support groups where experiences and strategies can be shared, including how to navigate social situations involving food and drink.

By applying these strategies, individuals in recovery can significantly reduce the risk of unintentional alcohol exposure through their diet, supporting a healthier and more sustainable recovery process.

Get Help for Alcohol Use Disorder Now

Understanding what makes someone addicted to alcohol can be the first step in helping a person seek treatment. Depending on how bad their alcohol abuse has been or if medically-assisted alcohol detox will be needed for withdrawal symptoms, entering into a treatment center may be a necessary option. Professional medical staff can assist in the difficult process of withdrawal, making the transition into sobriety less daunting. 

Alcohol abuse treatment programs teach people how to move into an alcohol-free lifestyle while teaching them healthy coping strategies. They can simultaneously help treat any co-occurring mental health issues. 

Contact The Recovery Village Palmer Lake if you have questions about treatment or if you’re ready to get on the path to recovery and end your addiction to alcohol.