Stress and Alcohol: The Alternatives

It is no secret that many people who struggle with depression, anxiety, frequent stress, and other factors in their life might frequently turn to drink alcohol in order to combat these issues in their life. A form of self-medication, this behavior can eventually lead to feeling the need to drink anytime something goes wrong in life, which can lead right down the path to addiction. 

You don’t want to end up being addicted to alcohol, so if you think this could end up being a problem for yourself or someone you care about, use these great tips to stay off of alcohol and find healthy alternatives to help you cope with stresses in life. 

Why Not Drink Alcohol? 

The occasional beer or glass of wine is not something that is going to hurt most people, but for some folks, it can go from a social occasion to a regular occurrence quickly. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to all kinds of problems in life, including pancreatitis, liver disease, and more. 

Not only this, but the more alcohol you drink, the more dependent on it you will become. The more dependent on alcohol you become, the more difficult you might find it to kick a drinking habit later down the line if you get ready to quit. 

Healthier Alternatives to Alcohol

There are all kinds of healthy alternatives you can turn to if you would like to stay away from the temptation of drinking. Here are some better things to consider than alcohol when you are feeling stressed, depressed, or anxious: 

• Non-alcoholic beverages: Also known as “virgin” drinks, these emulate the taste of your favorite alcoholic beverages without actually containing any alcohol. 

• Taking up a new hobby: Sometimes, finding a new hobby can be all that is needed to help you get your mind on something else. You can do something you enjoy, such as exercising, playing sports, swimming, or something else. Get creative!

• Meditation and breathing exercises: When you want to center yourself, there is no better way than to take some time to sit down and meditate. This can be a great alternative to pouring a drink when you need to calm down and clear your mind.

Help is Available if You Need It

If you believe you could be becoming dependent on alcohol, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are a whole host of drug and alcohol rehab facilities out there set up to help folks just like you and can help equip you with the knowledge you need to turn down that next drink, helping you find and stick to healthier alternatives, and helping you live a nice and sober life.