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Stress and Alcohol

What is "stress"?

Stress is the body’s natural response to pressure, either physical or emotional, or danger. It’s an instinctive self-preservation mechanism that everyone has. Though we all have it, it’s triggered by different things in different people. For some, work is stressful just because it’s work. For others, family issues cause far more stress. And for others, nothing is more stressful than financial worries.

Physiologically, stress triggers a complex response in the central nervous, adrenal, immune and cardiovascular systems. A person’s heart rate typically increases and he may even feel short of breath. Adrenaline is released, which creates a heightened sense of awareness. Neurotransmitters in the brain begin firing more rapidly, causing increased memory retention. The whole body is, essentially, “on alert”.

Most people have a support system, and have developed healthy ways of coping with stress. Some turn to friends or family members so they can vent, cry or simply talk through their feelings. Others exercise; go running, swimming or lift weights at the gym. Some people meditate or pray; others lose themselves for an hour or two in their favorite TV program or movie. Musicians often turn to their music, painters to their canvas, and sculptors to their clay in stressful times.

Turning to Alcohol in Times of Stress

But someone who hasn’t developed these healthy coping mechanisms may turn to alcohol because it helps him relax. He may get drunk in an effort to forget – at least for the moment – his troubles. Where stress increases alertness, alcohol diminishes it, leaving the drinker less worried about his situation.

This is a form of alcohol abuse and can be very dangerous. If the stressful situation or emotions continue for a prolonged period of time, a person can become an alcoholic. In addition, a person who substitutes alcohol for an appropriate coping mechanism is hindering his ability to develop healthy coping skills. He can find himself in a vicious cycle; using alcohol to cope, preventing the development of healthy coping skills, turning to alcohol again in the next situation, causing further delay in healthy development.

Someone who’s tempted to pour a glass of wine or make a blender of margaritas in response to stress should seek professional help. Talk to a counselor who can help you process the situation and your emotions. Be honest about your struggle to cope well, and let the counselor work with you on developing healthy coping mechanisms.

Stress and Relapses

Stress is also one of the most common causes of relapse in recovering addicts. Fortunately people in recovery often have excellent support systems if they’ll choose to use them. Relapse can be avoided if the person is willing to ask for help.