What’s the point of non-alcoholic drinks?
We recently explored the value that spirits in particular deliver to the drinker beyond simple intoxication. I wanted to explore further one particular aspect of that article: the feeling of holding a drink in your hand. It feels good. It makes social interactions more comfortable and enjoyable. For most people, those feelings begin even before the first sip is taken. Why?
When you feel more social and relaxed simply by holding a drink (or a cigarette, for that matter), without even consuming its contents, several psychological and neurological processes come into play:
Conditioned response: your brain has an incredible capacity for association. Over time, if you repeatedly experience relaxation and sociability from consuming alcohol or nicotine, merely holding a drink or cigarette can evoke a conditioned response. Your brain starts to anticipate the pleasurable effects even before consumption. The nucleus accumbens, a part of your brain associated with reward and pleasure, can become activated in response to cues associated with rewards.
Endorphin release: anticipation can lead to the release of endorphins, your body’s natural ‘feel-good’ chemicals. These endorphins can provide a sense of well-being and relaxation. The act of holding a drink or cigarette, rooted in past pleasurable experiences, can stimulate this release whether or not we ever imbibe any alcohol or nicotine.
Mirror neurons: these neurons are responsible for your ability to understand and empathize with others. When you see people acting in a particular way, mirror neurons can activate and make you feel inclined to mimic their behavior. If holding a drink or cigarette is a common behavior in your social environment, these neurons might encourage you to adopt the same behavior, enhancing feelings of inclusion and sociability.
Reduction in cortisol: engaging in familiar behaviors, like holding a drink, can have a calming effect, leading to a reduction in the stress hormone cortisol. When you engage in known rituals, the predictability and familiarity can be soothing.
Frontal lobe and social behavior: your frontal lobe plays a role in managing social behaviors and decision-making. When you’re in a social setting and hold a drink or cigarette, this act—due to previous experiences or societal norms—might be perceived as socially appropriate, helping you feel more at ease.
Sensory distraction: holding something provides tactile feedback. This sensory distraction can shift attention away from feelings of anxiety or unease. When focused on the sensation of holding a drink or cigarette, your brain may reduce the emphasis it places on other, more stressful stimuli.
In essence, the mere act of holding a drink or a cigarette engages various regions of your brain, triggering a combination of conditioned responses, anticipation of rewards, sensory experiences, and social considerations—all of which can contribute to feelings of relaxation and sociability.
Returning to the question of “What’s the point of non-alcoholic drinks?,” it stands to reason that non-alcoholic drinks stimulate all of the mental reward mechanisms of holding a drink in one’s hand, but without the harmful consequences later. Plus, you get to actually drink the delicious drink.
Cheers to having our cake and eating it too!
