Alcohol is one of the most accessible and widely used addictive substances worldwide. Many people want to cut back or quit drinking altogether, often citing numerous reasons for doing so. However, despite these intentions, many find it difficult to stop or moderate their drinking, regardless of the situation. Below are some common reasons that contribute to this compulsive behaviour.
Stress and Alcohol
A common reason people turn to alcohol is stress, and it’s easy to understand why. Few substances can change one’s physical and mental state as quickly as alcohol. With alcohol being legal, socially accepted, and popular globally, it’s no surprise that people often use it as a way to cope with stress.
The issue is that while alcohol may provide short-term relief from stress, in the long run, its use tends to increase stress levels rather than reduce them.
Cortisol and Alcohol Consumption
On a biological level, studies have shown that regular drinkers tend to have elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Over time, consistently high cortisol levels can lead to significant health issues. Emerging research suggests that long-term inflammation, driven by high cortisol, might even contribute to depression in some cases.
Most people who drink alcohol will admit that any stress relief they experience is only temporary.
For example, alcohol may help you fall asleep faster (a short-term benefit), but it negatively impacts the quality of your sleep. One study found that consuming alcohol before bed led to increased sleep disruptions in the second half of the night. Poor sleep, over time, can have a detrimental effect on overall health.
Another Example: Regret After Drinking
How many times have people had one too many drinks or gone overboard, only to wake up the next morning feeling tired, embarrassed, or even depressed because of their behavior? Many people worry about how they act at events like work Christmas parties. The potential consequences of such actions, like embarrassment or even job-related repercussions, often lead to more stress in the long term.
Social Anxiety
Just as people drink to cope with stress, those with social anxiety are also more prone to drinking. A 2010 study found that 28% of people diagnosed with social anxiety disorder exhibited problematic drinking behaviours.
Alcohol’s effect on the brain includes reducing inhibition in the prefrontal cortex, a part of the brain that regulates social behaviour.
People who are naturally anxious, insecure, or nervous may experience the confidence-boosting effects of alcohol more intensely than those without these traits. This can make alcohol a habit for socially anxious individuals. What may start as casual drinking can quickly become a problematic pattern?
Emotional Pain
Some addiction specialists believe that people who regularly drink excessively may be using alcohol to cope with emotional pain. This connection may not always be obvious to the drinker.
If you find yourself unsure why you drink or rely on alcohol to handle daily life, it might indicate a deeper issue. If you’re aware of a drinking problem, it’s essential to seek help from a medical professional or addiction specialist to determine the next steps.
For those considering alcohol rehabilitation, Evolver Drug Rehab is here to help. We are the only rehab that offers the alcohol addiction treatment created by addiction expert and author, Jost Sauer, one of the most radical thinkers in the field.