Kombucha has become wildly popular in recent years, but there is still some confusion about what it is and who should drink it. Marketed as a health food beverage, kombucha is fermented tea said to contain probiotics that boost the immune system and help with digestion. Because the process for making kombucha involves fermentation, kombucha contains small amounts of alcohol. While most people don’t pay much attention to this miniscule alcohol content, for those in recovery even a tiny bit may be too much. Deciding whether to drink kombucha in recovery is a personal choice and depends on your unique circumstances. Most kombucha is sold with a label that states the alcohol content is less than 0.5%, meaning that an ID is not required to purchase the drink. Some kombucha does in fact require an ID, as some studies found that certain companies ferment their kombucha to a degree that produces a higher alcohol content. While kombucha does not come close to the alcohol content of beer or wine, there are some concerns that even a small amount of alcohol can be triggering in a recovering addict. While the decision to drink kombucha should be made with the help of addiction professionals and your recovery team, there are some important factors to consider. For example, if you are newly sober and still experiencing strong cravings, kombucha may be more likely to trigger those cravings and lead to relapse. However, if you have completed a recovery program and remained sober for a significant amount of time, kombucha may be an acceptable addition to a healthy lifestyle. Only you can know how your body and mind will react to this beverage, and if you feel unsure, it is best to error on the side of caution and leave the kombucha alone.
If you believe you or someone you love has developed an addiction, the most important step in recovery is reaching out for help. At Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms. The Arbor uses an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, and at The Arbor you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan. We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit, so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 844-413-2690.