Are “sugar alcohols” (e.g.,sorbitol) something that a recovering alcoholic needs to avoid?
They are not sugars in the true sense of the word nor are they alcohol in the “this might get me drunk” kind of alcohol. They are hydrogenated carbohydrates which keeps the body from recognizing them as carbohydrates. This is helpful for diabetics or others on a low carb diet. Because of that, almost all of the sugar free candy and other sweet products are made with sugar alcohol. Some common sugar alcohols are glycerol, isomalt, lactitol, maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol and xylitol. In fact, mannitol is commonly used as a laxative for babies, which brings up the final point. Some people are sensitive to sugar alcohol and will react with flatulence, bloating and even diarrhea.
