Tips for Navigating Alcohol Awareness & Stress Awareness Month

Stress and alcohol can often intertwine, creating a complicated relationship that merits a closer look. 

April marks both Alcohol Awareness Month and Stress Awareness Month, a perfect time to explore how these two issues can impact each other, with stress often leading to increased alcohol use. It’s important to recognize the signs of alcoholism early, as alcohol can mask stress temporarily, but ultimately exacerbate it into a harmful cycle.

In this blog, we’ll identify early signs of stress and where to turn for support, ensuring that you or  your loved ones can navigate these challenges effectively.

The Link Between Stress and Alcohol Use 

To truly grasp how alcohol can affect our stress levels, we first need to look to the biochemical and psychological processes at play. When we experience stress, our bodies release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare us for the “fight or flight” response. While this can be beneficial in short bursts, chronic stress can lead to an overabundance of these hormones, which can be harmful and result in physical and mental health issues. Many turn to alcohol to temporarily alleviate the symptoms of stress. The initial effect of alcohol can be relaxing, as it suppresses the central nervous system and temporarily distracts from the anxiety. However, this relief is short-lived and often comes at a high cost.

Over time, alcohol overconsumption can increase anxiety and stress levels. As the body builds a tolerance, it requires more alcohol to achieve the same effects. This can lead to a harmful cycle where individuals drink more to cope with the increased stress, only to find that the anxiety worsens. The cycle is further worsened by withdrawal symptoms that occur between drinking episodes, which can include heightened anxiety, irritability and restlessness. This can create a downward spiral that’s difficult to break without intervention.

Recognizing the early signs of alcohol use disorder can help prevent it from becoming a primary coping mechanism for stress. These signs can include: 

• A growing tolerance to the amount of alcohol consumed
• Frequent drinking and difficult to stop drinking
• Secretive drinking habits, such as hiding alcohol or lying about the amount consumed
• Difficulty to control the amount or time when you drink alcohol 

By identifying these signs early, individuals can seek help before the problem becomes more severe. It’s important to approach this issue with empathy and understanding, as judgment can increase anxiety, which drives individuals further into their addiction. Supporting loved ones who are experiencing anxiety through active listening and empathy can make a significant difference in their recovery journey. 

Community resources like Care About Me play a vital role in addressing both stress and alcohol-related issues.

Knowing the right moment and the right person to reach out to can be the turning point in managing stress and overcoming alcoholism. 

Offering support to a loved one struggling with anxiety can be challenging, but profoundly impactful. When you notice someone is experiencing heightened stress or anxiety, the best approach is to listen without judgment. Simply being there to provide a supportive ear can make a significant difference. If the situation seems concerning, you can help someone with anxiety by suggesting they seek professional help. Therapists and counselors are trained to provide the necessary tools and strategies to manage common concerns, such as anxiety, effectively.

It’s also essential to know when emergency help is needed. Severe physical withdrawal symptoms, such as tremors, hallucinations or seizures require immediate medical attention. Similarly, if someone expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions to harm themselves, it’s crucial to call a crisis hotline right away, such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. These situations are serious and should never be handled alone. By recognizing the signs and knowing where to turn for help, you will be able to support someone’s journey toward recovery.

At Care About Me, we connect Pinellas County residents with mental health, substance use and addiction services. To get started, call or text “CARE” to 1-888-431-1998, or request service here. We’re here to help, and you are never alone on your journey.