What Is Hard Seltzer? | Abuse, Side Effects, & Warnings

In recent years, many people have started drinking hard seltzer. Like other alcoholic beverages, this drink poses a high risk of abuse and addiction.

People who misuse hard seltzer may need to seek help at a treatment program if they show signs of alcohol use disorder (AUD).

What Is Hard Seltzer?

Hard seltzer (also called spiked seltzer or hard sparkling water) is a mixed drink that consists of carbonated water and alcohol. Typically, the alcohol comes from fermented cane sugar or malted barley.

Most hard seltzer also contains fruit flavors, either from fruit juice or artificial flavoring. The most popular fruit flavors found in hard seltzer include:

• black cherry
• blood orange
• cranberry
• elderflower
• grapefruit
• lemon line
• passionfruit
• watermelon

Brands & Alcohol Content

In general, hard seltzer has an alcohol content between 4% and 6% alcohol by volume (ABV), which is similar to the alcohol content of light beer. However, some hard seltzer brands have alcohol contents as high as 12% ABV. Popular brands and their alcohol contents include:

• Bon & Viv Spiked Seltzer (4.5% ABV)
• Bud Light Seltzer (5% ABV)
• Corona Hard Seltzer (4.5% ABV)
• ​Mike’s Hard Lemonade Seltzer (5%)
• Truly Hard Seltzer (5% ABV)
• White Claw Hard Seltzer (8% ABV)

Compared to other types of alcohol, hard seltzer is low-calorie and low-carb. Most brands are also gluten-free. That’s why some people view hard seltzer as a health-conscious choice. 

However, while it may lack calories and carbs, hard seltzer can cause serious health problems, including substance abuse and addiction.

What Is Hard Seltzer Abuse?

A standard serving of hard seltzer is about 12 ounces. 

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), hard seltzer abuse occurs when a woman has more than 12 ounces of hard seltzer in one day or a man has more than 24 ounces of hard seltzer in one day. 

Signs Of Hard Seltzer Abuse

The most common signs of hard seltzer abuse include:

• feeling strong urges to drink hard seltzer
• drinking more hard seltzer than you intended
• avoiding friends and family to spend more time drinking
• avoiding hobbies and activities to spend more time drinking
• falling behind at work or school
• experiencing irritability, anxiety, depression, or mood swings

Effects Of Hard Seltzer Abuse

People who abuse hard seltzer face both short-term and long-term effects.

Short-Term Effects

Although hard seltzer has a relatively low alcohol content, it still impairs your judgment, especially if you abuse it. With impaired judgment, you may:

• struggle to maintain relationships
• struggle to complete tasks at work or school
• engage in unprotected sex, drunk driving, or other dangerous behaviors
• experience burns, falls, or other injuries

In addition, if you drink a large amount of hard seltzer in a short amount of time, you may experience alcohol poisoning (also called alcohol overdose). Common signs of alcohol poisoning include:

• confusion
• pale, bluish, or clammy skin
• extremely low body temperature 
• seizures
• slow or irregular breathing
• slow heart rate
• loss of consciousness

If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, seek medical attention right away. When left untreated, alcohol poisoning can be fatal. 

Long-Term Effects

Over time, hard seltzer abuse can lead to hard seltzer addiction. This disease makes you feel unable to stop drinking hard seltzer even if you want to. 

Other signs of hard seltzer addiction include tolerance and physical dependence. Tolerance means you need increasingly larger or more frequent drinks to feel the desired effects. Physical dependence means your body starts needing hard seltzer to function.

If you don’t drink, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as:

• irritability
• anxiety
• depression
• mood swings
• sleepiness
• nightmares
• headache
• loss of appetite
• sweating
• shaking

Along with addiction, hard seltzer abuse can also cause other long-term health problems, including:

• liver disease
• high blood pressure, heart disease, or stroke
• certain cancers, including cancer of the mouth, breast, colon, or liver
• digestive problems
• weakened immune system
• depression and anxiety
• memory problems

Is Hard Seltzer Bad For You? Read more now.

Treatment Options For Hard Seltzer Abuse & Addiction

Hard seltzer abuse is a serious medical concern. Thus, you shouldn’t try to treat it on your own. Instead, seek help at a substance abuse treatment program. 

Some programs are inpatient, which means you’ll live at the treatment center. Other programs are outpatient, which means you’ll regularly attend the treatment center while living at home. 

Inpatient programs are recommended for people with moderate-to-severe substance abuse problems, while outpatient programs may work for people with milder problems and strong support systems at home. Talk to your doctor to determine which option is right for you. 

Addiction Treatment Services

When you enter an inpatient or outpatient treatment program, substance abuse specialists will evaluate your situation and create your personalized treatment plan. Most treatment plans include services such as:

• medical detox, where you can slowly and safely stop drinking hard seltzer
• individual therapy, where you can learn how to manage cravings and triggers (people, places, situations, or feelings that make you want to abuse hard seltzer)
• family therapy, where you and your loved ones can learn how to resolve conflicts and support your sobriety
• medication-assisted treatment, where you can receive medications that ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms
• support groups, where you can connect with other people recovering from alcohol abuse

To learn about our treatment programs and services, please contact us today.