| We all know that alcohol is widely consumed socially and is part of many cultures and traditions. However, it is important to be informed about the facts related to alcohol so you can make healthy choices. As with many things, moderation is key when it comes to alcohol. Key Facts About Alcohol -Alcohol is a depressant. It slows down vital functions like breathing, heart rate, and reaction time to stimuli.It is absorbed into the bloodstream and transmitted to all of the systems of the body. -There are three main types of alcohol: beer, wine, and spirits. Beer typically contains 4-6% alcohol by volume (ABV based on 12oz), wine typically contains 9-16% ABV (per 5oz serving), and spirits/liquor has anywhere from 30-90% ABV (per 1.5oz serving). -According to the CDC, excessive alcohol use led to approximately 95,000 deaths each year in the U.S. from 2006-2010 (through injuries, violence alcohol poisoning, liver disease, and cancer. –Binge drinking is defined as consuming 4+ drinks for women and 5+ drinks for men on a single occasion. It increases the risk of health issues like alcohol poisoning, liver disease, and unintentional injuries/accidents. –Underage drinking is especially dangerous as the developing brain is more susceptible to alcohol’s impairing effects on memory, learning, and judgment. It also increases the risk of addiction. Understanding the Psychological Impact of Alcohol Abuse As mentioned earlier, alcohol consumption is common socially and culturally, but abusing alcohol can significantly impact your mental health and psychological well-being. Here are some key psychological effects of long-term alcohol abuse: –Anxiety and Depression: Heavy drinking disrupts neurotransmitter and hormone balance in the brain, which can increase feelings of anxiety, depression, and irritability. This often persists even after stopping drinking. –Impaired Cognitive Function: Alcohol abuse has been shown to damage brain cells and neural connections over time, impairing memory, decision-making, and the ability to learn new tasks. –Low Self-Esteem and Shame: Abusing alcohol oftentimes is used as a self-medicating tool to mask unresolved issues such as low self-esteem or self-worth. Long-term it could worsen these feelings and lead to higher rates of stress, guilt, and shame around the drinking behavior. –Higher Suicide Risk: People who abuse alcohol long-term have a significantly higher risk of suicidal thoughts, attempts, and completion of suicide compared to the general public. Underlying mental health issues may exacerbate this. Relationship and Family Problems: Drinking too much often damages important relationships as it can cause abusive behavior, financial issues, broken commitments, and withdrawal from family life. If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol abuse, it is important to seek help from a medical professional and/or a licensed alcohol counselor (LCADC). Support groups like A.A. (Alcoholics Anonymous) can also help address the psychological and societal issues associated with alcohol addiction. |
Tag: alcohol abuse
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May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. Beginning in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has put a spotlight on the importance of mental health and wellness. There is such a stigma attached to mental illness or mental health in general, that over 70 years of advocacy and education have yet to overcome.
While 1 in 5 people will experience mental illness at some point in their lifetimes, everyone has faced or will face struggles and challenges that affect their mental health. You don’t have to be diagnosed by a doctor or therapist to know if you’re mental health is compromised.
Anxiety: Intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Some symptoms include: Fast heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, and feeling tired.
Stress: Any type of change that causes physical, emotional, or psychological strain. Stress is your body’s response to anything that requires attention or action.
Depressive symptoms: Hopeless outlook, loss of interest or pleasure, fatigue, sleep issues, irritability, changes in appetite and weight, uncontrollable emotions, thinking about death.
Alcohol abuse: Use of alcoholic beverages to excess, either on individual occasions (binge drinking) or as a regular practice.
Cannabis Abuse: when a person cannot stop using marijuana (dependence) and/or exhibits withdrawal symptoms when not using (ie. irritability, mood and sleep issues, decreased appetite, cravings, restlessness.
I mention these mental health issues because they are the most common issues people are in counseling to address. Everyone has experienced at least one of these at some point in their lifetimes. It may not be the presenting issue they initially come into counseling for. Oftentimes, people come in to address relationship, work-related, anger management, school, or behavioral problems. It is through the counseling process that the above-mentioned mental health issues surface. Mental health issues are often the root cause of the conflict they are experiencing.
So if these are issues that all of us have or will go through in our lives, then why is there a stigma? The viewpoint of mental illness is people afflicted with one are seen as a “weakness”, laziness, “soft”, or a “snowflake”. This level of ignorance is astounding and dangerous. The lack of understanding, awareness, and compassion is the reason so many people struggle through life untreated. Why is someone with a mental health issue looked down upon, or seen as different than anyone else? People are embarrassed and hesitant to seek counseling because of the negative connotations mental health brings. Their reluctance to seek out treatment has led to worsening symptoms, self-medication through alcohol and drugs, and suicide. If the past few years have taught us anything, the loudest voices are often the most misinformed yet influential people out there. They express their ignorant views about mental health, ostracizing those who desperately need assistance and pushing them into the shadows. Then we hear all of the “thoughts and prayers” when something tragic happens.
The past couple of years have seen unprecedented levels of anxiety, depression, alcohol, and substance abuse issues due to all things Covid-19. The pandemic took a tremendous toll on everybody in every way imaginable. It is still wreaking havoc on people today and will be felt for years to come.
I am passionate about helping people with their mental health. I welcome discussing it with those who are, shall we say, less informed. It takes tremendous courage and strength to accept that one needs help with their mental health. When someone comes to me for counseling, I want them to know they made the right decision and that help is on the way.
If you are experiencing any of the above issues, please do not hesitate to contact a therapist. You will be thankful you did! We don’t bite! We are people just like you! We are here to assist you so you can have a better quality of life and be the best YOU that you can be!
S.Pace's PsychoHealth Blog 