Many people have jobs that are incredibly demanding. These high-level professionals also deal with a tremendous amount of stress at work and at home. Stressors can be the pressure to do well, meet deadlines, constantly succeed, and be the best worker, friend, and family member. To help deal with all of this stress, some people turn to alcohol. While having the occasional drink might help some people relax, it’s important to know when it’s too much. Alcohol can be a dangerous substance if not handled responsibly.

Stress and alcohol: What you need to know

A high-stress job can take its toll. This toll can be on your mental and emotional health. You may be tempted to turn to alcohol to escape from the constant pressure and to unwind. However alcohol is not a healthy or long-term solution to deal with stress. Drinking in excess can have severe effects on your mental and physical health.

Moderation is key when drinking alcohol. Moderate drinking is typically described as one drink per day if you’re a woman and two drinks per day if you’re a man.

Drinking too much alcohol can lead to a variety of problems, especially if used to cope with stress. Problems can include:

●      Physical problems — Alcohol can adversely impact your health and harm your heart and liver. It may also increase the risk of certain cancers. or weaken the immune system which can make you more likely to get sick.

●      Mental problems — Alcohol is a depressant. It can make feelings of sadness, anxiety, and stress worse. It can lead to mental health issues like depression and addiction.

●      Work problems — Alcohol can affect your ability to think clearly and make good decisions. Constantly relying on alcohol to cope with stress can put your career at risk. It may lead to lowered productivity and careless mistakes, showing up late, or not showing up as your best.

●      Relationship problems — Drinking too much alcohol can put a strain on your personal and professional relationships. It often leads to communication problems with loved ones and colleagues, which . This can lead to conflicts or isolating yourself.

Signs you may have a problem with alcohol use

It’s important to know if alcohol is becoming a problem for you. Warning signs can include:

●      Needing more alcohol to feel the same effect (stress release)

●      Feeling anxious, irritable, or physically uncomfortable when not drinking (withdrawal symptoms)

●      Neglecting your responsibilities at home or work because of alcohol use

●      Losing interest in your hobbies and activities
 

●      Thinking about drinking throughout the day or counting down to the next drink

●      Trying to quit drinking or drink less without success

How to get the help you need

If you find yourself relying on alcohol to cope with stress, it’s time to learn some other coping strategies. Healthy alternatives to alcohol to manage stress can include:

●      Exercise — Physical activity can help reduce stress hormones. It can also help boost your mood when you do regular physical activity.

●      Meditation and mindfulness — Practicing mindfulness or meditation can help you to stay focused. They can also help you reduce your anxiety.

●      Time management — Setting realistic goals and organizing tasks can help you to reduce work-related stress.

●      Social support — Seeking the support of your friends, family, or colleagues can help you talk about and deal with your stress better.

●      Therapy — Working with a therapist can help you learn strategies to manage stress more effectively.

It can be incredibly tempting to rely on alcohol as a quick fix for dealing with stress. Alcohol can provide you with temporary relief, but it’s not a long-term solution. It can cause you physical, mental, and social problems. It’s better to learn healthy ways to cope with your high-level job stressors. Learning healthier coping mechanisms can help ensure your health, happiness, and success stay at your peak. 

Don’t let alcohol derail you in your journey to cope with stress

Life is complicated and messy. When it comes to mental health, we believe there’s no one-size-fits-all. At Halcyon Therapy Group, we understand just how important you and your unique situation and perspectives are. That’s why we offer a suite of services tailored specifically to you and your needs. You deserve better, and we are here to help. Book your complimentary consultation today and start living the life you always dreamed of.