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What entails alcohol counseling and what are the benefits of this type of counseling? Does it work for everyone? Read here to learn how my friend with alcoholism used counseling to help with his alcohol addiction.

So how can counseling for alcohol addiction help?

I can no longer count the number of times my friends and I had a virtual alcohol drinking party.  Virtual alcohol drinking party. We played some party songs while chatting and drinking alcohol until one of us passed out.

In all fairness, most of those alcohol drinking events were fun even if we could not be in the same place together. My friends and I never ran out of things to laugh about and alcohol. Thanks to them, I did not feel anxious much about the COVID-19 pandemic.

The thing was, I could not say the same for my friend Jasper.

It Is All About Jasper’s Alcohol Story During Alcohol Counseling

The problem with Jasper was that he had an unshakeable habit of overthinking.  I kept reminding him how smart he was – that I could study hard and still not reach his level – but it did not do much.

The Goal After College Graduation

After college graduation, everyone’s goal was to find a stable job, of course. I encouraged Jasper to do the same, but he refused to do so. Even his parents could not persuade him, so they merely gave him capital for any business that he wanted to put up.

If there was anything that Jasper was confident about, it was his cooking skills.

He did not attend classes for that – he was born with an incredible sense of taste. In truth, Jasper only needed to get one bite of a dish, and he could replicate it. Hence, it did not surprise me when his restaurant became jam-packed from its launch date.

Jasper’s Alcoholic Problems

Everyone saw Jasper’s happiness for a while. He walked with his head held up high; he always had a confident smile on his lips. It was like my friend became the man he was meant to be.

Unfortunately, when the pandemic happened, Jasper was forced to shut down his restaurant. It was only temporary due to the statewide lockdown, but it bothered Jasper so much that he confessed to drinking alcohol every day, even if we were not having a virtual alcohol drinking party.

Jasper’s mood improved a little after the lockdown because he got to open his business again.

But then, two of Jasper’s employees contracted the coronavirus. While Jasper knew that he did not catch it, he had to stop the business operations one more time depressed him a lot. That’s when he stopped attending our virtual alcohol drinking parties and always gave lousy excuses for why he could not come.

Learning About Jasper’s Struggles With Alcoholism During The Counseling Sessions

You might ask, “How did you know all this if you only did virtual alcohol drinking parties?”

After a few months, no one could contact Jasper, so we decided to surprise him.

However, we were more shocked than surprised when we opened the front door, and the smell of alcohol hit our noses. The entire living room reeked of beer and alcohol.

When one of our friends flicked the light switch on, I let out a loud gasp as I saw Jasper on the floor, passed out, and laying on his vomit.

While the boys carried him to the bathroom to clean and sober him up, the girls started fixing the rest of the first floor. There was not much trash to throw away, but there were cases of empty alcoholic beers at the back. If you saw how high the piles were, you would wonder if there was a party in Jasper’s backyard every night. But no – he drank all that.

Once the boys returned with Jasper, he seemed to be half-asleep when he asked, “When did you all get here?”

Alcohol Counseling

Though alcohol helps with anxiety sometimes, we wasted no time doing alcoholism counseling with Jasper. He was wasting away from alcohol – everyone could see how alcohol is consuming him. We had no choice but to conduct alcohol counseling, considering we knew it would take forever before he trusted a real alcohol counseling expert.

Keeping Up With Alcohol Counseling For My Friend Jasper

Every day, we made it our task to visit Jasper at home to see how he is handling counseling for his use of alcohol. There was not a lot on our agenda; our common goal was to make him less lonely and not drink alcohol. And when Jasper’s restaurant opened again, we were all back in the kitchen to support him. Little by little, our efforts and counseling paid off. He doesn’t drink alcohol anymore. He even agreed to try counseling for alcoholism and end his alcohol dependence.

Will you help your friend deal with their alcohol addiction?

There may be more harm in NOT trying counseling for alcohol dependence.

There are times in my everyday life where my opinions tend to go overboard. Sometimes, my beliefs are too damn good that it somehow survives an argument. Of course, some of them turn out to be true, while I stick with those that are not. I guess I want people to believe that I am worth a conversation, even if sometimes I genuinely do not know what I am talking about.

When it comes to mental illness, I always make sure to get all the attention I could have to talk about it openly with friends, colleagues, and family. Do not get me wrong. I believe that one way of getting rid of the emotional and mental disorders is through happiness. Sadly, my definition of happiness lies in the arms of a thing called “alcohol.”

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Alcohol, Depression, And Me

I must admit, every time I feel lonely, empty, and a bit confused about life, I always turn to drinking alcohol. I have this strong sense of belief that whatever major life struggle, as long as I can go to bed and temporarily forget about it, I’m good. Honestly, that strategy works fine with me, but not until I realized I got addicted to my coping habit. Now, I think I am paying the price.

Relationship Between Drinking and Depression

The relationship between drinking and depression is complex and multifaceted. While some people may turn to alcohol or a few beers as a means of self-medication for their depression, clinical and experimental research on national institute has shown that excessive drinking can actually exacerbate the symptoms of depression.

Studies have found that people who struggle with depression are more likely to engage in heavy alcohol drinking, and that heavy drinking can lead to the development of depressive symptoms. This is because alcohol is a depressant that can slow down brain function and disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters that regulate mood.

Additionally, alcohol dependence can disrupt sleep patterns, which can exacerbate symptoms of depression, such as fatigue and low energy. It can also interfere with the effectiveness of antidepressant medications, making it harder for people to manage their psychological symptoms.

Conversely, people who consume alcohol or drink heavily over time may be more likely to develop depression due to the changes in the brain’s chemistry that occur with chronic alcohol use.

It’s important to note that not everyone who drinks heavily will develop depression, and not everyone with depression will turn to alcohol. However, the link between the two is significant enough that it’s important for people with depression to be mindful of their drinking habits, and for heavy drinkers to be aware of the potential impact on their mental health.

How does alcohol affect your mental health? 

Alcohol and depression are related. Alcohol misuse affects brain chemicals, and it can make the symptoms of mental health conditions worse. It slows down your central nervous system and brain chemistry functions. It impacts the area of the brain that controls inhibition. Yes, drinking a few amounts may cause you to feel less anxious and more confident. But those are short-term effects. That is because alcohol lowers the serotonin levels in the brain, and that causes changes to your mood. Once you drink excessively, it automatically increases levels of stress, panic attacks, depression, and anxiety after drinking.

 How do alcohol cause depression and anxiety? 

Alcohol is a depressant. While there are instances that you might feel relaxed after a drink, the long-term effects tend to differ. Alcohol creates an impact on mental health and often contributes to feelings of anxiety and depression. It also makes stress harder to deal with. Thus, regular, heavy drinking interferes with brain function that eventually results in an overwhelming mental health issue.

 Why do depressed people turn to alcohol? 

Some individuals binge drink alcohol even during a alcohol free weeks because they believe it to be a good coping mechanism to relieve their stress and worries. They thought that it helps with anxiety and depression. They thought of it as a kind of medication that distracts them from persistent feelings of loneliness and sadness. However, they do not realize that almost all of them get drawn to alcohol’s sedative effects. These people believe that alcohol provides an overall relief. Honestly, it may well do, but this would only be temporary.

Is drinking alone a bad sign? 

While drinking alone is entirely common, frequent practice leads to signs of alcoholism. It can be quite acceptable when someone is drinking on occasion and in moderation. There is a guarantee that controlled habit does not make a person an alcoholic. However, when an individual starts to drink alone and on a more frequent basis, even when few alcohol free weeks, that solitary drinking can turn into an addiction or alcohol dependency real quick. When there is an overwhelming desire to drink that makes the individual unable to stop, that is the moment that addiction is present.

 Does alcohol kill brain cells? 

The truth is, alcohol consumption doesn’t kill brain cells, even in heavy drinkers. However, it does damage and negatively impacts the ends of neurons in the brain, called dendrites. These neurons may suffer from difficulty relaying messages to one another. Too much alcohol interferes with Neurogenesis, or the process of your body to make new brain cells. Thus, sustained periods of more alcohol drinking lead to the overall shrinkage of the brain.

 Does alcohol make you dumber? 

In a more precise explanation, people who frequently experience blackouts after heavy drinking sessions usually find themselves struggling to pay attention to important things and often have trouble concentrating. That is because too much alcohol leads to the brain’s malfunction that causes disorganized thoughts, confusion, and difficulty learning a new skill. Heavy drinking is also linked to memory problems as well as dementia.

Source: pixabay.com

 What is considered heavy drinking? 

Heavy drinking for most men is typically defined as consuming 15 drinks or more per week. For women, it is the consumption of 8 drinks or more per week. But it is not limited to that. Excessive drinking in the woman also includes binge drinking early in the morning and any drinking while pregnant.

 Do brain cells grow back? 

Yes. The process of growing back brain cells is called Neurogenesis. It normally occurs in the healthy adult brain, particularly in the hippocampus. It is known as the important area of the brain that supports learning and spatial memory.

 Can the brain repair itself after experiencing a stroke? 

The initial recovery following stroke is most likely focused on decreasing the swelling tissues of the brain. There should be removing toxins from the brain and improving the circulation of the brain’s blood. With that, one can guarantee that cells damaged but not beyond repair will start to heal and function more normally.

 Do brain cells regenerate every seven years? 

No. The average age of a cell is seven years. However, that doesn’t mean that every cell gets replaced in 7 years. Brain cells do not regenerate as you age. However, your hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory, can grow its cells.

 Can the brain heal itself from alcohol? 

After a long period of self-restraint from alcohol, individuals may endure recovery. They can assure that some of their brain functions will fully recover with  cognitive behavioural therapy and proper medication administered by general psychiatry experts. However, that might not happen to everyone since others may require more work. It is vital to realize that heavy and binge drinking results in permanent damage to the brain and nervous system.

 What happens after two weeks of no alcohol? 

You will reap the benefits of better sleep and hydration after two weeks off of alcohol. Usually, it is more likely that you will experience a few nights of bad sleep due to the effects of alcohol chemicals in your system. Fortunately, this doesn’t last long since there is a gradual reduction of symptoms such as reflux or stomach acid burns.

 What are the first signs of liver damage from alcohol? 

Generally, the first signs of liver damage from alcohol start with symptoms such as the dry mouth and increased thirst, abdominal pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, and nausea. Your skin may turn jaundice or yellowing of the skin. Also, your feet or hands may look red.

 Does your liver repair if you stop drinking? 

Some alcohol-related liver damage is reversible. With proper medication and treatment, plus a changed in an active lifestyle, the healing process can start as early as a few days to a few weeks after an individual quits drinking. However, if the damage is severe already, the liver’s healing process and the body’s overall system may require several months or even years.

 What alcohol is easiest on your liver? 

The alcohol that puts less pressure on your liver is Bellion Vodka. It is the first clinically approved commercially-made alcohol with NTX technology. It contains mannitol, glycyrrhizin, and potassium sorbate blend that is proven not harsh on the liver.

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Ways to Cope with Depression Without Drinking

There are many ways to cope with depression without turning to alcohol. Here are some suggestions:

1. Seek professional help: Talking to a therapist or counselor can help you understand and manage your depression in a healthy way.
2. Exercise: Regular exercise can boost your mood and help alleviate depression. Try to aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
3. Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is important for both physical and mental health. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
4. Eat a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help improve your mood and energy levels.
5. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help reduce stress and improve your overall sense of well-being.
6. Connect with others: Spending time with friends and family members can provide social support and help you feel less isolated.
7. Engage in hobbies and activities: Pursuing hobbies and activities you enjoy can help boost your mood and provide a sense of purpose.
8. Take medication as prescribed: If you are taking medication for depression, it is important to take it as prescribed by your doctor.

Remember that coping with depression can take time, and it is important to be patient with yourself and seek support when needed.

Takeaway

In conclusion, it is important to prioritize your well-being and avoid turning to destructive coping mechanisms like alcohol. If you don’t want to become an alcoholic like me, do not turn into anything destructible as a piece of advice. Making impulsive decisions based on short-term pleasure can have long-term negative consequences, both for your physical and mental health. Instead, take the time to reflect on your actions and make choices that promote your overall well-being.

If you find yourself struggling with depression or any other mental health problems, it is important to seek help. There is no shame in asking for support, and reaching out to a therapist, counselor, or support group can be a powerful first step towards healing and recovery.

Remember that taking care of yourself is a journey, and it is okay to stumble along the way. What matters most is that you remain committed to your own well-being and continue to work towards a happier, healthier life. By prioritizing your physical, emotional, and mental health, you can build a foundation for a brighter future and avoid the pitfalls of destructive coping mechanisms.

 

Do true feelings come out when drunk?

Can alcohol make anxiety worse?

Does drinking reveal who you really are?

Why do we kiss when drunk?

Why do we kiss with tongue?

It is common for adults to turn to alcohol and develop drinking habits, especially because they believe it serves as a stress reliever and ease feeling anxious. Once they drink an ample amount of it, they get to forget every issue they have in their lives. Apparently, the habit works sometimes because of its relaxing effect, specifically if the goal is to get distracted and drunk. However, it is not entirely a solution to the problem because it will only leave things undone.

To be honest, the problem here is the effect of drinking too much alcohol. And though it may intentionally make someone dizzy and contribute to a good night’s sleep, the overall outcome can be damaging. Some would ignore the warning signs because they believe that the physical effects would just be passed by. And that once they relieve themselves from drinking for like a couple of days, weeks, or months, things will be okay again. Generally speaking, the physical impact of how much alcohol consumption is not the issue here since a lot of people can take medications or lay low from drinking.

The main concern here is that constant drinking leads to multiple negative effects and an overall health dysfunction that may include liver and heart problems, muscle aches, feeling tired, skin irritations, cognitive delay, uncomfortable emotions, and even experience anxiety and depression. A night of drinking is generally not the problem but the other common symptoms that could lead to more concerning health issues if done more frequently.

Mental Health Impacts Of Alcohol

If an individual is a serious alcohol drinker (but not an alcohol addict), some of the issues he may experience can relate to physical symptoms. Surely, some of these are short-lived issues since there are ways to gain better health once the individual decides to quit drinking. Shifting to healthy ways, such as drinking enough water, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, eating light meals and healthy foods, and overall self-care and taking care of your body can do the trick sometimes.

However, there are still complications that might not take into consideration; too much alcohol consumption can cause drinking anxiety. According to licensed medical experts, alcohol can impact brain chemistry in our nervous system. It can trigger tension and feelings of panic, especially for individuals already struggling with a mental health problem or mental illness.

The effects can be devastating for some individuals as they can promote negative addictive behaviors. Even though at some point alcohol helps with anxiety, it is also problematic since too much alcohol consumption can worsen internal and other mental health conditions.

 

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Some Ways To Control The Effect

There are ways to control alcohol-induced anxiety. However, though some of these may work, they won’t probably work with individuals who require a different mental health treatment approach. So people use mindfulness meditation to calm themselves and ease their anxiety and it works just fine while for others, it will not be enough.

Limiting Alcohol Intake – As experts say, one way to get rid of anxiety caused by alcohol is simply to limit alcohol intake. When there is no alcohol in the system, it is less likely to cause anxiety. However, one must note that alcohol is not the only thing that causes anxiety, there are far more things in life that can affect mental health conditions.

Take Some Medication – Of course, another way to get rid of the anxiety from drinking alcohol is to take medication. The one that is prescribed by a licensed professional or a clinically expert doctor who knows what you should and should not take. Remember not to take not scientifically tested medications, and always seek medical advice. It is also important to take into consideration natural remedies before taking too many drugs.

Exercise And Hydrate – Alcohol drinkers and experts know that one way to get rid of alcohol is to sweat it off. You can get it done by exercising for a couple of hours until the body and brain recover from the chemicals you put in. Getting physically active and sweating off the residue of the chemicals is the fastest, easiest, and safest way to get sober. Of course, you will have to replenish all the water you lost during the workout, so drinking enough would also help flush out the toxins.

Seek professional Help – Sometimes, too much alcohol consumption is not about drinking it because you like it. It can mean something that affects you psychologically. So if you think you may be dealing with a mental health disorder or an unidentified condition, seek professional help and get diagnosed.

If you still wonder how too much alcohol impacts mental health, here are the answers to the frequently asked questions.

How long does anxiety last after drinking? 

Many people thought alcohol drinking to be a good escape from an emotional and mental health issues. That is why they often had more than two drinks to alcohol to cope with social anxiety disorder despite its known potential harm. However, alcohol-induced anxiety usually lasts for quite a few hours. In some cases, the mental health problem stays for an entire day and keeps you anxious after drinking several amounts.

Alcohol-induced anxiety can be a serious matter as it can promote panic attacks, and post-drinking anxiety. Too much alcohol consumption is always bad as it intends to make your mental health condition worse. No, it is never true that drinking can ease your mind and body. It does not allow you to rest your body and regenerate your cells, for that matter.

 How can I calm my anxiety after drinking? 

You can learn to manage anxiety by finding ways to slow it down and prevent it from increasing and causing some unwanted attacks. To do that, you need to practice breathing in and breathing out to calm yourself, especially when you begin to feel a little anxious. It would also help if you can realign your thoughts and focus more on the positive things. Always put in mind that overwhelming thoughts often bring negative mental, emotional, and even physical consequences.

 Can being hung-over cause anxiety? 

Some people believe that binge-drinking alcohol helps them reduce their anxiety. However, as the influence of alcohol wears off, mental health problems tend to return. And sometimes, the physical symptoms of a hangover can cause anxiety that often makes them feel even worse. Alcohol-induced anxiety doesn’t go away and often lasts for several hours and even for an entire day.

 Can dehydration cause anxiety after drinking? 

Yes. Dehydration is often the primary result of too much alcohol in the body. That is because it tends to make you urinate more than usual as the alcohol increases in your system. It is not entirely safe to think that drinking too much liquid in the form of alcohol can allow extra or enough water. That is because the combination of the chemical content of water and alcohol leads to dehydration. With that, research shows that this contributes to other changes in mood and anxiety.

 Does drinking water reduce anxiety? 

Yes. In fact, water is known to have natural calming properties that support the brain and body’s overall function. Drinking enough of it addresses dehydration’s effects on the entire brain and body’s system. It is an important step in managing the physical aspect and caters to the need for emotional and mental health. Drinking enough water helps with dehydration and creates feelings of relaxation.

 Why does alcohol make me emotional? 

Alcohol sometimes makes you emotional because it acts as an antidepressant. However, there are many times that you might feel depressed after drinking too much because alcohol is a depressant. Drinking too much of it or an amount you can no longer control activates the brain’s reward system and triggers a dopamine release. You must control your drinking even if you think you benefit from its stimulating effects.

 Do true feelings come out when drunk? 

A lot of people believe that alcohol stifles reasoning skills, which allows them to reflect on consequences. Thus, they believe they are more likely, to tell the truth when they are intoxicated. Some explain the action as offering up unfiltered and brutally honest opinions. Perhaps that is because alcohol can give some individuals the courage to do or say things they usually wouldn’t say.

 Does alcohol bring out the truth? 

People say that alcohol allows them to say what is truly on their hearts and minds. They often categorize it as a truth serum. However, some disagree since they believe that alcohol often caused people to misbehave and have a shorter fuse. For some individuals, alcohol causes mental and emotional negativity in a more exaggerated way that changes people’s perspectives on things around them.

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 Why do I cry after drinking? 

Alcohol affects brain function as it acts as a depressant. Too much of it alters the brain’s natural chemical levels like dopamine and serotonin. Sometimes, drinking an ample amount makes you feel light as it gives an initial boost the night before intoxication. However, the next day when these same chemicals become deficient, they feel anxious, stressed, empty, and even depressed.

 Which alcohol is the healthiest? 

Some alcohols tend to be healthier when you drink them occasionally. The type of alcohol you can consider drinking includes Tequila, Rum, Rosé, Whiskey, Champagne, and Red Wine. However, even if these alcohols provide health benefits, too much can still cause a lot of damage to the physical and mental aspects. You must drink moderately.

 How do you tell if you’re getting drunk? 

You can tell that you are drunk when you experience lower inhibitions. That is usually doing or saying things you otherwise do not see yourself doing. Then there is the warm sensation, feeling of well-being and relaxation, and too-loud or too-fast speech. You can also experience an inability to drive a car or do complex tasks and often lose fine motor coordination.

 How do you get undrunk? 

Some ways can help you sober up. One is to go back to sleep. Relaxing your mind and body helps a lot. If the intoxication is unbearable, an OTC pain reliever can provide a little help to treat your headache. Also, drinking water helps counteract the dehydrating effects of alcohol. Thus, sports drink fortified with minerals and vitamins, like Gatorade is a considerable choice.

 What is the drunken level? 

The BAC of 0.08 is the legal limit of intoxication in the United States. It is the level that often causes a distinct impairment of balance and muscle coordination that usually results in difficulty with walking, moving, and driving skills.

 How long does drunk last? 

 Usually, it depends on a person. Often, if you are intoxicated and your current blood alcohol level is 0.16, you can still expect to feel sober in about 8-12 hours. But note. Getting sober within this time frame does not guarantee that you will feel great in the meantime. Sometimes, it will take you more than half a day to get completely sober.

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 Insight

Anxiety is not something you should take lightly due to the tendency to cause you many health issues. Instead of ignoring it, find a way to reduce it. But do not use alcohol and assume that it can become a great idea for anxiety reduction. It is never considered a healthy coping technique and will never become a solution for any mental health issue.

 

 

What are 3 coping strategies for anxiety?

How long does post-drinking anxiety last?

Can alcohol cause anxiety next day?

How can I calm my anxiety after drinking?

Can you take paracetamol for anxiety?

 

 

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When trying to manage challenging days or when you feel anxious in situations, you might be inclined to drink alcohol for a glass or two of your favorite wine or a bottle of beer to relax. Yes, alcohol helps with anxiety disorders, but drinking alcohol, particularly heavily and for the long term, not only aggravates the situation you are in but also worsens your uncomfortable feelings of anxiety.

Drinking beer or any alcoholic beverage, for that matter, may have severe complications, especially if you are diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and being treated for it. You might feel that drinking initially feels good, but you are actually doing more harm than you can imagine.

Unwinding With Beer Or Wine

There is little truth to the concept that alcohol can decrease stress levels. It is a depressant and a sedative that impacts the brain and the whole nervous system. Initially, drinking beer or wine reduces nervousness and anxiety, and it can take your thoughts off of your problems. It can also help you feel less ashamed. It provides some form of a mood boost, making you feel calmer and more relaxed. In fact, the effects of chronic alcohol use disorders can be likened to that of antianxiety medications.

Sometimes, unwinding with beer or wine isn’t really unsafe if your physician allows you to. But when you start heavy drinking, you can easily create a tolerance to the relaxing effects of alcohol. This makes stress and anxiety even tougher to deal with. Drinking too much alcohol also has visible mental and physical consequences. In the longer term, consuming excessive amounts of alcohol may result in loss of memory, blackouts, and even central nervous system or brain damage. These problems can add to the anxiety as you struggle to manage the symptoms.

The calming and relaxing effect you get from drinking can often be credited to the amount of alcohol in your blood or the BAC. An increase in BAC levels results in temporary feelings of pleasure. Still, feelings of sadness are felt as BAC levels being to rise and then lower down to its normal levels, making you feel more nervous and anxious than you were previously.

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How Alcohol Aggravates Anxiety

Alcohol modifies your serotonin levels and other chemicals in the brain, which can aggravate anxiety after drinking. In fact, you might sense that you are getting more anxious after the alcohol in the body disappears. And alcohol-induced anxiety can persist for several hours, worst if it lingers the whole day. Running to alcohol to deal with your anxiety disorder can be life-threatening. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports that almost 7% of Americans suffer from this anxiety type.

With social anxiety, you might feel that you can’t bear public events or other social situations. It’s not uncommon for people with an anxiety disorder to consume alcohol to be capable of interacting socially. But doing this regularly can lead to alcohol dependence, which can ultimately worsen your anxiety symptoms. Additionally, there are 20% of individuals with a social anxiety disorder that also has alcohol dependence.

Aside from the desire to drink to feel relaxed when socializing, other indications of dependence are:

• Drinking large amounts of alcohol four or more days in a week
• Needing to drink to ‘wake up’ in the morning
• Incapacity to stop the drinking habits
• Needing to drink on almost all occasions

Consuming too much alcohol can also result in the worst hangovers, and a hangover can lead to symptoms that will make you feel more nervous and fearful than before. You may experience dizziness, headaches, dehydration, and nausea, along with anxiety.

Anxiety Caused By Alcohol

The long-standing effects of alcohol misuse and abuse can range from health conditions to mental illness and other mental health conditions. Studies have revealed that alcoholics find it hard to heal from traumatic situations that can literally alter brain activity.

Long-term alcohol drinkers may be inclined to develop anxiety, but there is no proof that drinking moderately will result in panic disorder or anxiety. Increasing anxiety is also an indication of withdrawal symptoms from chronic alcohol consumption. If you have been drinking too much regularly and then you abruptly stop, you will feel your anxiety worsening through the side effects of alcohol withdrawal, which may include sweating, shaking hands, increased heart rate, nausea, and hallucinations, among others.

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Alcohol Does Not Cure Anxiety

Drinking moderately is clearly not the same for all ages and genders. In America, the term moderate means drinking two glasses or bottles a day for men and one glass or bottle a day. Older adults digest alcohol quicker, so you should restrict yourself to only one alcoholic beverage a day if you belong to this group. Ask your physician if drinking moderately is appropriate for you.

Though there may be a few benefits of drinking alcohol, the risks almost always outweigh them. These include obesity, liver failure, depression, and heart disease.

Conclusion

Alcohol has differing effects on everyone. It can make you feel happy after a stressful and depressing day, or it can make you feel useless and down. Discuss these issues with your doctor or a mental health professional and make sure that drinking alcohol is not harmful to you.

FAQs

Does alcohol calm stress?
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Does wine help anxiety?
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The past two months have been a rough ride for wine sales. Shop sales have been booming while bars and restaurants are hardly making any profit at all, providing very little takeout – sometimes even wine to go. Wine experts have tried to monitor off-premise information. Still, they are also working with major wholesalers in the wine industry to give out information about the wine market in general.

As a wine enthusiast, I created questions for some of the country’s major wine sellers to answer, queries about how the coronavirus pandemic is currently affecting the wine industry, why people seem to be drinking more nowadays, and a lot more.

How has wine intake been impacted in the United States in the past months, and how will it be affected in the next few weeks?

Generally, off-premise sales of wine are most probably substantial at this time to contradict the prevalent drop of on-premise trade. This is based on significant wine company sales across the globe. We are seeing more consumers turning to larger-sized bottles than before. For instance, sales of boxed wines in 3-liter sizes have increased by a whopping 80% in April – to the advantage of brands selling larger sized packages. The actual overall consumption for the weeks to come has yet to be determined and calculated.

How is COVID-19 making an impact on the wine market so far?

From the whole month of March and April, from which the coronavirus has profoundly affected consumer behavior around the country, off-premise wine sales in major wine companies have increased by more than 30%. Indeed, there is a remarkable volume of channel shifting – from on-premise to off-premise, more time shopping to less frequent shopping, tasting spaces to the consumer directly, and utilizing larger sized packs.

 

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Finally, for the whole four weeks of April 2020, as compared to the same month last 2019, there is a 12%-increase in households buying wine off-premise, and money spent to purchase wine for every buyer went up to 15%. Total commercial alcohol sales bought through online stores continue to increase amazingly by more than 400% year-over-year for April, reflecting the fastest rising sector so far in terms of percentage.

Why are consumers possibly drinking more and more wine and other spirits, and do you anticipate this to persist for months?

Provided that restrictions are still in place, although some will be relaxed than usual, with people still practicing precautions until a vaccine is invented to cure COVID-19, the sales of wine from on to off-premise will prevail. Similarly, while retail trades typically turn into consumption for the long term, there will probably be persistent hoarding of wines and continued over-shopping patterns for a while.

How can restaurants and vendors sell wine to earn during this period? Selling wine for takeout?

For most retailers and brick and mortar restaurants, selling more wine does take more creativity from them to sustain, at the same time, striving to adjust to the changes in state guidelines that may offer greater versatility than what was formerly allowed before the time of COVID. Undoubtedly, the restaurant owners are seriously tested, with a lot of creative and necessary examples of what they have been doing so far, which include:

 

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• Foldaway wine stores
• Selling wine bottles at very low prices
• Subscription to wine clubs
• Selling wine with food packages

What’s next for the wine industry given our recent COVID-10 worries?

The general trend that we’ve seen for the past years persists up to this time. Since April 2020, the mean commercial wine selling prices were up to 2% compared to last year. On the other hand, direct-to-consumer patterns, which show bigger average retail price points, soared in March.

With all these details, only time will tell whether or not this current trend that we’ve been familiarized with over the last year will continue, as we keep monitoring the economic downfall due to COVID-19.

 

 

 

 

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As we face this Coronavirus pandemic, countries across the globe should take action to cease the continuous spread of the virus. In these devastating times, all of us must be aware of other health factors and hazards to help us keep ourselves healthy and COVID-free.

This article provides essential details that everyone must know about the relation between the virus and alcohol consumption. It provides evidence to correct the misinformation that is going around in social media that drinking alcohol helps fight against getting contaminated.

The Body And Alcohol

Ethanol is the ingredient in alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and other spirits is what’s responsible for most of the harmful effects that come from consuming these types of beverages. Sadly, other dangerous substances that are not ethanol but may smell like it can also be mixed into some drinks that are formulated illegally, or they can present as alcoholic beverages but are harmful for human consumption. An example of this is hand sanitizer, which has small amounts of methanol, a lethal substance that can cause blindness or kidney failure when ingested. There are sources from different media platforms claiming that consuming alcoholic beverages somehow protects coronavirus.

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Here is some very important information that you need to know in relation to this belief.

• Alcohol produces short and long-term effects on a person’s vital organs. Generally, there is evidence suggesting that there is no such thing as a ‘safe limit.’ In fact, the likelihood of your body organs getting damaged increases with each bottle of beer or wine that you consume.
• Drinking alcohol, even in small doses but when done regularly, has been known to cause specific forms of cancer.
• Alcohol consumption, especially when done heavily and frequently, decreases the body’s capacity to protect itself against disease, as it weakens one’s immune system.
• Heavy alcohol consumption may lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome, which is one of the most advanced conditions of COVID-19.
• In pregnancy, alcohol poses a high risk for the unborn child.

Myths About Alcohol Consumption In Relation To COVID-19

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Myth: Drinking alcohol will destroy the virus.

Fact: No, it doesn’t. Consuming it regularly increases one’s health risk, especially if he is infected with the virus.

Myth: Hard drinks can effectively disinfect a person’s skin, and it does not affect within the system when consumed.

Fact: Alcohol consumption does not in any way destroy the virus surrounding the air. It does not offer disinfection to the throat or mouth, and it does not provide any immunity against COVID-19.

Myth: Alcohol, such as herbal alcohol, builds resistance, and strengthens the immune system.

Fact: Regular drinking of beer, wine, and other spirits has damaging effects on one’s immune system and does not provide any resistance to the virus.

Dos And Don’ts During The Pandemic

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• Don’t drink alcohol so that you don’t compromise your immune system and your family.
• Don’t risk the health of other people.
• Do stay sober. It is the best way to be active, keen, and to maintain a sound mind, especially in decision-making.
• Don’t be a headache to the family and the community. Instead, do what is asked of you so that you won’t be somebody’s burden.
• In case you drink, do keep it to a minimum to avoid intoxication.
• Don’t drink alcohol to the point of getting drunk. When one is drunk, he tends to do other harmful things like smoking, which is one of the dangerous risk factors for COVID-19.
• If you are a smoker, don’t smoke indoors where the family is. You are only causing them more risk to be weakened. If possible, stop smoking.
• Do practice proper hygiene. Be a role model to your family and your community as well.

 

 

 

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To continue, here are more benefits to drinking beer.

Beer Lowers The Risk Of Diabetes.

Researchers discovered that the risk of acquiring type 2 diabetes is lessened by drinking a couple of glasses of beer every day.

The liquor content in brew increases insulin insensitivity, which restrains diabetes. Moreover, beer contains soluble fiber —a dietary material that can slow the absorption of sugar and help improve blood sugar levels.

Beer Decreases The Possibility Of Developing Alzheimer’s. 

Studies have suggested that brew consumers can be up to 23pc more unlikely to have a psychological disability, Alzheimer’s disease, or other types of dementia.

One theory recommends that the notable cardiovascular advantages of moderate liquor utilization, for example, raising good cholesterol, can improve blood circulation in the brain and hence, brain metabolism.

The silicon content of beer could be an essential factor. Silicon reduces aluminum accumulation, which is one of the potential causes of Alzheimer’s.

Beer Can Cure Insomnia.

Beer is usually an alcoholic drink taken at the end of the day. Beers have been found to activate the production of dopamine, a compound prescribed by the doctors to those suffering insomnia.

You could increase the amount of dopamine in the brain by merely tasting beer – this manner makes consumers feel more settled. Nonetheless, researchers explained that these impacts are accomplished after just a taste, thus approximately one tablespoon of a brew is all you need.

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Beer Can Put An End To Cataract Formation.

Your eyes will thank you for drinking a moderate amount of beer, but too much liquor would result in a blurry vision.

A cataract is a condition wherein a clouding of the eye lens that results in impaired vision. Antioxidants found in beer protect the mitochondria against this, and with that, the researchers recommend one drink a day to keep the ophthalmologist away.

Beer Can Be A Cure For Cancer.

According to researchers, a key ingredient in beer, which are acids known as humulones and lupulones, can end bacterial development. Researchers would like to figure out how to extricate these mixes to create active agents that could be used to fight against cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Beer Can Aid In Losing Weight. 

It may sound unbelievable because of the term “beer belly,” which makes us think that alcohol would make us gain weight. But researchers from the University of Oregon suggest that it could help you lose weight.

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Unfortunately, the specialists presumed that people would need to drink about 3,500 pints of brew a day to feel the advantages of the ‘miraculous’ compound – so, all in all, they would need wonders to be alive.

Yes, beer has so many “health” benefits. But here is the reminder: you can only drink 8 to 16 ounces of beer each day to reap of these benefits. You can’t go on getting drunk each day to get the “health benefits” we talked about in here because online counseling from BetterHelp may not be enough to help you later. It has to be a moderate consumption if not little. It’s not about quantity, you know.