Everyone looks forward to their first drink: a time to try something new. Many people continue to drink because they like the taste of it; some people like the buzz. But there are those people who use drinking as a distraction from their emotional problems. You should be asking yourself why you drink; if you’re engaged in emotional drinking, then there are five potential problems waiting for you in your future.
1. Alcohol Tolerance Reduces Benefits
It’s a given: the more you drink, the higher your tolerance will become. And if you find yourself drinking more and more, then you might be heading towards addiction treatment in orange county. Using alcohol in the beginning as an emotional crutch may work for a while, but you’ll soon need to drink more and more over a long period of time in order to achieve the same effect. Occasional drinking may still provide some benefits, but drinking all the time will only lead to the negatives outweighing the positives.
2. Drinking Delays Problems Being Solved
Drinking can feel like a “quick fix” for any problems you might be facing and can deter you from looking for longer, real solutions. Once the drinking is over, the problems still remain, and then you’re more likely to turn back to alcohol to escape the problems once more.
3. Alcohol Increases Your Sensitivity to Stress and Anxiety
Some people drink alcohol when stressed, which can create a more complicated problem. Long-term, heavy drinking can cause changes in brain chemistry that alters what it may consider a “normal” level of stress. As a result, you might become more sensitive to stress, thereby resorting to drinking more often for lower levels of actual stress. A blog on rehab near me says prolonged alcohol use can also alter the perception and response to stress, causing a negative result on a person’s mental health. Providing luxury detox services, detox Los Angeles at Method Center focuses on a serene, supportive environment for detoxification.
4. Alcohol Increases Relationship Problems
Some people call alcohol “liquid courage.” Drinking can provide a boost of confidence, which should lead to stronger connections with other people. However, the effects of alcohol can cause a person to act erratically and irrationally around other people, which can end up driving other people away. Studies have shown that relationship satisfaction tends to be lower when there is more alcohol involved.
5. The Health Problems That Come With Overdrinking
When alcohol is used as a crutch, it is relied on to dangerous extents. This can not only lead to addiction but also to health problems that are associated with alcohol. Heavy, long-term drinking can lead to diabetes, heart problems, pancreatitis, cancer, and liver damage.
Recognizing your drinking problem is the first step to getting the help you need. There are healthier alternatives you can look for to stop using alcohol as a crutch, such as phone apps to help you quit, developing better coping skills, or seeking addiction therapy treatment. But you can’t change your bad habits until you start searching for the help you need. Speak to your medical provider to see if there are any facilities in your area that they can recommend to you, including alcoholism treatment near me, to address your specific needs and begin your journey to recovery. Carrara’s luxury alcohol rehab center in Los Angeles provides a tranquil setting for overcoming addiction. Their comprehensive approach ensures a comfortable journey to sobriety.