We associate alcohol with celebrations. From a few drinks after the office on a Friday to wedding feasts, alcohol is a prominent part of many cultures.
But it’s also well known that alcohol isn’t exactly good for you. Even the long-held belief that a glass of red wine a day has health benefits has been debunked, given that it can increase the likelihood of developing conditions such as high blood pressure and an irregular heart rhythm.
The impact on health
In general, there are many reasons that we should limit our alcohol consumption. On the severe end of the spectrum, regular, heavy alcohol abuse can lead to steatosis (otherwise known as fatty liver disease), alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis or cirrhosis.
And that’s just the liver.
It can also have negative impacts on the brain (physiologically speaking), the heart, the pancreas, the immune system, and even contribute to your chances of getting cancer. Misuse of alcohol in this way is what has made it one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States.
But aside from the negative health effects of alcohol, it can also have a significant impact on your mental health.
Alcohol and mental health
Alcohol has long been the drug of choice for many people who are trying to self-medicate mental health issues. For example, soldiers returning from war zones with PTSD frequently turn to drugs and alcohol in an effort to control their emotions or deal with their experiences.
This is a common occurrence among individuals who suffer from depression, and it’s a bit of a “chicken or the egg” situation. There seems to be a bidirectional relationship between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and depression.
Not only do people suffering from depression tend to self-medicate with alcohol – launching them into a vicious spiral – but excessive alcohol consumption can trigger instances of depression in people who may not have suffered from it.
In general, it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause and effect of depressive orders, as everyone has different trigger points, whether trauma, chemical imbalances, or other factors. What is true, however, is that alcohol dependency and depressive disorders are among the most common psychiatric disorders that occur together.
Overcoming alcohol dependence
Given its place in society, it can be especially challenging for someone who is suffering from alcohol use disorder to regain control. There are so many social situations where it is available that taking the first step can be challenging.
But it’s important to know that it is possible!
Our first recommendation is to get help. This may be professional help – such as a therapist or counselor – or the support of someone close to you, like a family member. Having support, alongside a sense of accountability, can help people to really change their lives.
As for how to go about removing alcohol dependency from your life, there are generally accepted to be four dedicated stages.
Abstinence
If you are struggling with addiction to alcohol, the first reality to come to terms with is that you need a complete removal from alcohol. Remember, an unhealthy relationship with alcohol isn’t only defined by the amount you drink. Other factors, such as “needing” a drink in certain situations or negative consequences of alcohol (even if not drunk) are other signs – such as driving over the legal limit.
Whatever the reason or severity of the situation, if you do have a problem, you should try to avoid alcohol entirely. This stage roughly lasts one or two years.
Post-acute withdrawal
This stage can also last for up to two years and is the process of getting used to your new life post-alcohol. The risk at this stage is that people can often feel that they are cured or that they have better control over alcohol than they once did – after all, they made it a whole two years already! This is rarely the case.
The individual’s mental health is particularly important at this stage as any knocks can lead to relapse. At this stage, individuals can report feelings of mood changes, anxiety, trouble sleeping, low energy, and feeling that they aren’t making progress.
Healing and repair
The following stage is one of repair. By now, you have given up alcohol for four years! No matter who you are, that is a huge success and it shows that you can effectively manage feelings of withdrawal and cravings.
Unfortunately, a common side effect of alcohol misuse is the impact it has on those around us, particularly those we love, as well as on the individual’s career, health, finances and more.
As you have a stronger control over alcohol, now is the time to begin the healing process and try to right the wrongs you have committed to yourself and to others.
Again, your mental health should be front and foremost at this stage. We strongly recommend getting outside support throughout your journey, whether that is a registered counselor, peer support, or more.
Do you need help?
Overcoming alcohol addiction is a journey – and points on that journey will be more challenging than others. But by breaking the cycle and embarking on a new path, you can free yourself up to grow as a new person.
Of course, as the old cliche says, the first step is admitting that you have a problem.
If you would like help improving your relationship with alcohol, please reach out to us today and we’ll find the right professionals for you.
Get help in Illinois. Contact the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. Click Here for more info.
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