Stress and Alcohol
Stress is all around us. Whether it is due to the loss of a loved one, work-related issues, financial difficulties, or relationship problems, stress affects nearly everyone at some point in their lives. There are healthy ways, as well as unhealthy ways, to deal with stress.
Unfortunately, for many people using alcohol is a common way of coping with stress. This can be a problem, because when used in excess, it can be quite dangerous.
People sometimes choose alcohol as a coping mechanism because it can temporarily dull their pain and/or stress. This is a bad choice, however, for many reasons:
- Alcohol can impair judgment at a time when clear judgment is needed most, to problem-solve and improve the circumstances that are causing your stress.
- Alcohol can cause or worsen depression.
- Alcohol can lead to additional problems, including relationship problems, legal problems (drunk driving) and health problems (liver disease, high blood pressure, etc.).
What You Can Do
If you are having a hard time dealing with your stress and/or are concerned about your alcohol use, there's a lot you can do to get back on track:
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Get help — Contact your doctor for referral to a behavioral health specialist to help with the stress.
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Don't drink alone.
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Remove temptations — Get rid of any alcohol in your home.
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Just say "no" - and learn to pace yourself — Your best option is to stay away from difficult situations and just say "no." If you have difficulty saying "no" or knowing "when to say when," use this trick to pace and space: have a nonalcoholic drink (juice, soda, water, etc.) in between alcoholic drinks.
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Use your support system — Recovering alcoholics are at higher risk for relapse during stressful times. Stay in touch with your sponsor or local AA chapter if you're under stress. They can help.
Helpful Websites
