|
We have all experienced stress at some point in our lives. Whether it’s brought on by work, school, family, finances or other factors, almost everyone knows the feeling of being “stressed out.” April is both Stress and Alcohol Awareness months. Since stress and alcohol are often intertwined, we are exploring what stress is and why alcohol isn’t the best solution for tense times.
What is stress?
Stress, in simple terms, is our body’s way of reacting to harm, both real or perceived. Even if we don’t like it, stress is a normal part of life, and experiencing stress every now and then typically isn’t harmful. Stress becomes a problem when it is consistent and increasing, and feels all-consuming. When stress escalates to this extreme, it can have both emotional and physical side effects. Long-term symptoms of stress also include developing mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety or personality disorders, as well as physical conditions like cardiovascular disease and eating disorders.
Stress and Alcohol
As everyone experiences stress, it’s natural to find our own ways to deal with it. For many, it’s all too common to turn to alcohol as a short-term stress solution. You probably hear people say, “I need a drink” or “I can’t wait to go home to my glass of wine” at the end of the work day. A lot of people use alcohol to cope with anxiety or stress in social situations specifically, drinking to feel more comfortable and outgoing. For women, alcohol is promoted as a way to relieve stress for moms. The phrase, “mommy needs wine” can be found on a variety of items, like shirts, glasses, and water bottles. While having a drink isn’t always a bad thing, it isn't a healthy habit to use alcohol to cope with stress. In fact, alcohol has actually been proven to increase stress levels.
| 
