Alcohol Dependency and Stress Responses

One of the most common rationalizations for having a drink is relaxation, with nearly one in three drinkers stating they drink simply to relax. However, the truth is that alcohol is not an effective stress reducer—working mainly to reduce the perception of stress instead of eliminating it. Due to the intricate interactions of alcohol with the body’s chemistry, stress responses become greatly affected by alcohol dependency—often raising our stress levels instead of lowering them.

Alcohol Dependency and Stress Responses

While alcohol does trigger euphoric feelings (felt as a “buzz” or “high”) in the brain’s reward centers, the body becomes physically depressed. In fact, when alcohol is working within your system, you may feel a sense of temporary relaxation at first.

Physical Stress and Alcohol Dependency

However, the body is actually more stressed by the consumption of alcohol. Physical systems become taxed and strive desperately to reachieve their original balance. The liver works overtime in order to rid the body of toxins, and the body copes with the aftermath of low hydration and nutrient depletion. In fact, the usual “hangover” signs such as raging headaches and tension in the hands and feet are due to constricted blood vessels. Likewise, blood pressure rises, as the circulatory system struggles harder to function properly.

The nervous system also becomes heavily stressed when alcohol dependency sets in. Additionally, alcohol spikes the body’s HPA output, creating higher production of stress hormones known as glucocorticoids. As a result, the brain experiences chemical reactions of stress—causing short tempers, anxiety attacks, jumpiness and even premature aging.

Emotional Stress and Alcohol Dependency

Emotionally, alcohol leaves us just as frazzled. Sleep quality lowers and rest becomes interrupted when alcohol is consumed, potentially affecting our mental chemical balance, and heightening anxieties while lowering inhibitions. Alcohol also serves as an emotional anesthetic—leaving us in a poorer position to rise to challenges or resolve them at all. Furthermore, emotional perception becomes blurred, and inhibitions lower, leading to heated interpersonal exchanges. Alcohol can also intensify feelings of anger, paranoia and even depression and suicidal thoughts—not only in the time of intoxication, but also in between uses.

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