After a hectic day, it may seem as though there is nothing more relaxing than having a few drinks to help you unwind. However, though it is a little known fact, drinking alcohol can actually make you feel more stressed!
People generally talk about having a drink to help them calm down when they are stressed, but studies have shown that alcohol has the opposite effect. Alcohol increases the stress response by stimulating the production of the same hormones produced by the body when under stress.
If you’ve never had an issue with addiction, then it is okay to have a few drinks here and there. But remember, problems may arise if you make drinking alcohol a regular part of your routine. Habitual drinking can lead to psychological and physical dependence on alcohol.
The Dangerous Link Between Stress and Alcohol
Once you have developed a psychological dependence on alcohol, then a physical dependence can develop. Your body can develop alcohol tolerance, which will make you feel the need to consume more and more to get the same effect. Tolerance leads to addiction and what could become the beginning of a life-long struggle with abstinence and sobriety.
Practice Self-Transparency
Ask yourself, is it time to evaluate your current situation? Have you developed any questionable, unhealthy, stress-related drinking habits? Be honest with yourself. If your answer is yes, it may be time to find healthier ways to de-stress and relax.
Healthy Methods to Eliminate Stress Without Alcohol
Instead of having a few drinks when you feel stressed, try these 9 de-stressors:
Visit friends
Exercise
Read a book
Take up a hobby you’ve been procrastinating on
Take a closer look at your life to see if you can remove, or at least inhibit your stressors
Decrease your work hours
Take a vacation
If you try any of these stress-reducing alternatives, yet find that you are still experiencing difficulty reducing your alcohol consumption, it may be a sign that you have an alcohol problem.
At Asana Recovery, we understand how difficult recovering from these addictions through our daily work to help those struggling most from this disease. While some may believe they can make it alone, rehabilitation programs are essential in the fight to break the dependency. The road ahead is not a smooth or easy one, but you can traverse it if done so with the support of the right team. Counseling and aftercare processes can assist you by addressing the psychological facets that led you to addiction and help you build a structure from which to better cope with life without succumbing to addiction.
The supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. We’re deeply committed to ensuring your long-term recovery and guiding you on your path to a healthier and happier future. There is no better time than now, and we’re always available to speak with you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
