<p>To quote Elton John, “it’s a little bit funny, this feeling inside.” As I type this, I’m sipping a cold, dark brew over ice and tonic water, and something subtle is beginning to happen. It’s not exactly tipsiness, but there’s a soft buzz — a gentle spark firing somewhere in my brain.</p>



<p>This isn’t your typical happy hour story, though. The liquid in my glass isn’t wine, beer, or any other alcohol. It’s <strong>Sentia</strong>, a drink developed by pharmacologist and addiction expert <strong>Prof. David Nutt</strong>, designed to mimic the sociable, relaxed sensation of alcohol without the downsides.</p>



<p>Touted as the “future of drinking,” Sentia promises to deliver that easygoing, uninhibited feeling that usually follows a drink or two — only without hangovers, addictive properties, or calories. The effects last about 30–40 minutes and are said to make you feel more relaxed, sociable, and even sharper at pool.</p>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">How Sentia Works Without Alcohol or Caffeine</h3>



<p>The science behind Sentia centers around a neurotransmitter called <strong>GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)</strong> — often described as the brain’s “off switch.” GABA helps calm overactive nerve impulses, easing anxiety, improving mood, and promoting better sleep.</p>



<p>Our bodies naturally produce GABA, and it’s found in some foods, too. But because scientists debate whether consumed GABA actually crosses the <strong>blood-brain barrier</strong>, Sentia takes a different approach. Its blend of herbs and botanicals aims to <strong>enhance the effectiveness of the GABA your body already makes</strong> and improve the absorption of GABA boosters through the gut.</p>



<p>While peer-reviewed evidence is still limited, early studies offer intriguing results. Researchers at the <strong>University of Exeter</strong> recorded EEG brain scans of Sentia drinkers that showed patterns linked to relaxation and sociability. Prof. Nutt is also conducting ongoing research through <strong>GABALabs</strong>, the company behind Sentia.</p>



<p>And there’s no doubt GABA plays a major role in mood and behavior. <strong>Prof. Andrew Scholey</strong>, a human psychopharmacology expert at Northumbria University, points to a 2023 study showing that people with <strong>generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)</strong> had lower GABA levels — and higher anxiety. Another review he co-authored in 2020 found that orally ingested GABA tended to <strong>improve sleep quality and might reduce stress</strong>.</p>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">My Week on Sentia</h3>



<p>I tried Sentia for a week and tracked my sleep with an Apple Watch. Unsurprisingly, my sleep quality was noticeably better on Sentia compared to nights with alcohol.</p>



<p>The immediate effects, though, were more subtle. There were moments when I wondered if it was just a placebo. Yet, compared to water or soda, Sentia left me feeling <strong>calm and content</strong>.</p>



<p>Scholey explains that measuring these kinds of effects is tricky:</p>



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<p>“With many recreational drugs, the effects are obvious. With alcohol, even, it’s hard to untangle the chemical effects from psychological expectation.”</p>
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<p>Anecdotally, people in his field report mixed experiences with Sentia — some feel a pronounced buzz, while others feel nothing. Personally, I fall somewhere in between. Still, the drinking experience itself is enjoyable. Sentia comes in <strong>three flavors</strong>, two of which I tried, and they have <strong>complex botanical profiles</strong> more reminiscent of cocktails than soft drinks.</p>



<p>With more people rethinking their relationship with alcohol, the <strong>no- and low-alcohol market in the UK more than doubled in sales in 2024</strong>, making drinks like Sentia part of a growing movement. Other brands are joining in too — <strong>Impossibrew</strong> in the UK claims its drinks influence brain waves for relaxation, while New Zealand’s <strong>Ārepa</strong> focuses on cognitive-enhancing “functional” beverages.</p>



<p>For Nutt, Sentia offers a healthier alternative to alcohol’s long-term risks — and for me, even a half-effective buzz feels like a welcome option.</p>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A Taste Test: Mixed Reviews</h3>



<p><strong>Chandra Sarkar, Doctor – Sentia Red</strong><br>“It smells like a Christmas candle. I wasn’t a fan of the smoothie-like texture, and I didn’t enjoy it with tonic. But over ice, it was much better. After two servings, I felt relaxed and slightly lightheaded. The effect didn’t last long, though, and I’d suggest people check for potential interactions with medications.”</p>



<p><strong>Gentian Dema, Legal Executive – Sentia Black</strong><br>“I haven’t had alcohol in over two years, but I still want drinks that refresh and relax me. This wasn’t it. It lacked sweetness, tasted astringent, and left my mouth dry — I had to eat grapes to get rid of the flavor. Sadly, I felt no buzz at all.”</p>



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<p><strong>The Verdict:</strong> Sentia might not fully replicate the buzz of alcohol, and experiences vary widely. But as a mindful, hangover-free alternative with potential benefits for mood and sleep, it’s a glimpse into what the future of social drinking could look like.</p>

I Traded Alcohol for a “Buzz” Drink That Tricks the Brain — Here’s How It Felt
