Recovery Advocate Warns of Non-Alcoholic Beverage Risks

As non-alcoholic drink options surge, a Missouri recovery leader cautions they can trigger relapses.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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As the non-alcoholic beverage market continues to grow rapidly, a recovery advocate in Joplin, Missouri is warning that these drinks can pose risks for those in recovery from alcoholism. Teddy Steen, the Executive Director of The ROCC recovery center, has observed people in recovery using non-alcoholic beverages as a gateway back to consuming full-strength alcohol.

Why it matters

The non-alcoholic beverage industry has seen huge growth in recent years, with sales more than doubling since 2011. While these drinks provide options for non-drinkers, Steen cautions they can be a dangerous trigger for those recovering from alcoholism, potentially leading to relapse.

The details

According to Steen, she has "watched people go into bars and drink the non-alcoholic beverages" and then eventually decide "this isn't enough" and start consuming full-strength alcohol again. The non-alcoholic beverage market was valued at over $1.2 trillion globally in 2023 and is projected to reach nearly $2 trillion by 2030.

  • The non-alcoholic beverage market has more than doubled in sales volume from 2011 to 2025.
  • The global non-alcoholic beverage market was valued at over $1.2 trillion in 2023.

The players

Teddy Steen

The Executive Director of The ROCC (Recovery Outreach Community Center) in Joplin, Missouri.

The ROCC

A recovery center located in Joplin, Missouri that provides support and resources for those in recovery from alcoholism.

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What they’re saying

“I've watched people go into bars and drink the non-alcoholic beverages. And then one day it just closed and says, 'this isn't enough. And I think I can now I can handle,'”

— Teddy Steen, Executive Director (fourstateshomepage.com)

The takeaway

This story highlights the potential risks of the growing non-alcoholic beverage market for those in recovery from alcoholism. While these drinks provide options for non-drinkers, recovery advocates caution they can also serve as dangerous triggers that could lead to relapse for those working to maintain their sobriety.