Adults have reported stress as the number one factor of increased alcohol consumption since the pandemic started. With financial uncertainty looming, as well as the decrease in social structure and support, it’s no wonder more people have turned to alcohol as a way to unburden their minds. Studies have shown that alcohol sales and consumption have increased. But are the short term rewards worth the risk? See how alcohol might be affecting your health.
Simply put, alcohol (ethanol/ethyl alcohol) is a by-product of the fermentation and distillation of sugars that’s contained in beer, wine and spirits. It is considered a depressant, psychoactive, or mind altering, drug and is widely accepted in most cultures around the world. Every country has their own set of laws that govern what is considered to be acceptable behavior with alcohol consumption.
A social drinker is defined as someone who only drinks occasionally. They may drink alcohol during social events, and drink in moderation. For someone who drinks socially, alcohol is more about the event and having fun with friends or family. Social drinkers may only have 1 or 2 drinks throughout the course of an evening and are in control of their alcohol consumption. Generally, most social drinkers avoid drinking to get drunk.
Binge drinking is when someone consumes an excessive amount of alcohol in a short period of time. This is usually defined as 4 drinks for women and 5 drinks for men, within 2 hours. The result is a blood alcohol level (BAC) above the legal limit- .08%. People who are binge drinkers don’t necessarily alcoholics, but left unchecked, binge drinking can lead to problems with alcohol abuse in the future.
Heavy drinking is considered as having 5 drinks per day or 15 drinks or more per week for men. For women, it’s 4 drinks per day, 8 drinks or more per week. A woman who drinks during pregnancy also falls into this category. People who are heavy drinkers are at highest risk for developing an alcohol abuse disorder or alcoholism.
In light to moderate drinkers (drinking less than one drink per day), alcohol has been shown to decrease heart disease. “Good” cholesterol, known as HDL, is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disorders and light intake of alcohol increases HDL levels. Also, drinking infrequently can lower your risk of blood clots, causing heart attacks and strokes.
While research shows that drinking a little is ok, drinking too much can be hazardous to your health. Alcohol is categorized as a depressant. It slows down brain functions, giving you that sedated and relaxed feeling. This can be a good thing, after a stressful day, but drinking too much in one sitting turns that relaxing feeling into cognitive impairment.
Slurred speech, slowed reaction time and trouble with balance are some short term side effects of drinking too much alcohol. Long term use or abuse of alcohol can lead to serious medical conditions like high cholesterol and blood pressure, diabetes, and liver disease.
The liver is responsible for the breakdown of everything you put in your body. It’s the main filtration system that processes and absorbs vital nutrients and vitamins. Excessive alcohol abuse over time causes healthy liver tissue to scar and can lead to permanent damage. Once the liver is in late stage liver disease, it can not be cured.
The dreaded hangover is another an unpleasant after effect of drinking too much. Some common symptoms of a hangover are fatigue, upset stomach, headache, nausea and irritability. Contrary to urban myths like “beer before liquor, never sicker”, there’s no perfect recipe for how much you should drink, or what you should drink to avoid one. If you’re ready for a night of partying, make sure you avoid drinking on an empty stomach, drink plenty of water during and between drinks and avoid having too many drinks per hour. The unfortunate truth about hangovers is the only way to completely avoid them is to know your limits. The less likely you are to drink alcohol, the less likely you are to experience a hangover.
Do you consider yourself a social drinker, when you’re really a heavy drinker? Becoming aware of your habits is the first step to a successful change in lifestyle. It isn’t always easy to face the mirror, but harsh reality is always better than false hope. Once you’ve determined what category you fall into, set a clear goal about how and when you’ll quit. Write it down and put it in a place where you can see it.
Ask for help from friends and family to support you. Having a strong network of reliable people helps with any stress related to shifting to a sober lifestyle. If no one is available to you, there are several online platforms that can get you the assistance you need.
Brainstorm some activities you can do other than drink. Alcohol releases the feel good chemicals in your brain- so does exercise and cardio. Don’t want to sweat it out? Try a relaxing technique. Meditation keeps you focused on reaching your goals and is an overall stress reducer.
Taking a break from alcohol doesn’t mean you’ll never drink again. But the benefits of alcohol reduction far outweigh the costs. If you’re wondering if your relationship with alcohol is unsafe, consult a medical health care or mental health care professional.
