Alcohol-free alternative recreational drinks, such as Sentia and Impossibrew, have entered the UK market as part of harm-reduction strategies and high demand by wellness industries. Sentia uses GABA-rich botanicals to mimic alcohol effects. Impossibrew uses nootropic blend of L-theanine to promote relaxation. This presentation describes the impact of these drinks on driving. The majority of participants were aged 18-24 years (40%), followed by 25-34 years (28%).

This is the first UK-based study to assess the impact of non-alcoholic beverages on simulated driving. Whilst Sentia and Impossibrew did not affect lane position, speed, or headway, Sentia was found to significantly reduce the practice-related improvement in reaction time, indicating a potential impairment in psychomotor responsiveness with possible implications for driving safety.

Eman Mshari, Centre for Pharmaceutical Medicine Research, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London

Eman Mshari is a pharmacist with an MSc in Advanced Pharmacology and is currently a PhD candidate in the Centre for Pharmaceutical Medicine Research at King’s College London.

Her research focuses on the impact of psychoactive substances, including cannabis and novel products like non-alcoholic drinks, on drug driving. She also examines UK drug-driving legislation and its implications for public health and policy. Eman is passionate about promoting evidence-based strategies to enhance drug safety and reduce drug-related harm.