Are there alternatives-non drinking alcohol that can be used?

For what purpose?  For mixing with petal dusts, etc., you can use lemon extract..works almost as well.

Yes, and painting. I can't really use Vodka because of where it is going. 

As Jeff said, use lemon extract

I understand why you don't want to use vodka but  Be aware that extracts are alcohol based.  Read the labels.  

The reason lemon extract works well is because its alcohol based.........do not know of a non-alcohol option for petal dust use

You can melt cocoa butter and mix colors into it to make a paint, but it gives you a different look than just painting with watered-down colors.