In a year that continues to challenge all of us on a global scale, you’re certainly not alone.
But what if that enjoyable and relaxing drink starts doing more harm than good?
And would you be able to recognise the signs that you, or someone you know, may be drinking too much through these challenging times?
Studies show there has been a big increase in our alcohol intake throughout 2020.
And that those people who need support to manage their drinking are not reaching out for help.
In England there are over half a million dependent drinkers, and only 18% pursue, or receive treatment.
As we raise a safe, responsible, and refreshing glass this Alcohol Awareness Week, it’s worth taking a moment to look at our drinking habits, and how much they may have changed this year.
Our feelings matter more than ever
This year it is more important than ever to look after our mental health, particularly as many of us face sudden challenges as a result of upheavals to our daily routines, employment, finances and contact with other people.
The theme of Alcohol Awareness Week this year is alcohol and mental health.
And when it comes to drinking, identifying changes in our own habits, or of our loved ones, could well be the first step, or conversation that saves a life.
The relationship between alcohol and mental health is complex.
While some of us enjoy a drink to relax and manage the daily stresses of life, we can’t forget that alcohol is a depressant drug than can cause anxiety and increase stress.
If we’re already feeling down, upset or stressed about something, alcohol won’t give us the positive boost we need.
Instead, alcohol negatively affects our thoughts, feelings and actions, and may additionally contribute to the development of, or worsening of, existing mental health issues over time.
Which is the last thing we need in periods of lockdown or limited social contact.
How do we know if our drinking is hurting us?
Identifying when our drinking is becoming a problem, is not always simple.
Some of the most common signs that indicate we maybe becoming dependent on alcohol include:
- Thinking about when or how soon we will be able to have our next drink
- Missing regular commitments or sacrificing other areas of our lives so we can drink
- Staying up later than usual to keep drinking, or feeling unable to sleep without a drink
- Encouraging others to keep drinking when they say they’ve had enough
- Drinking at times we haven’t done in the past (e.g. in the morning, during work hours)
- Family or friends making comment about our drinking
- Consuming alcohol on our own on a regular basis
- Trying to hide our drinking, or lying to others about the amount we drink
- Experiencing memory loss (not able to remember what happened while we were drinking)
We all need support
Making the first step to healthier habits can be a challenge, particularly if you don’t know where or how to look for support.
But if we seek professional support to reduce or stop our drinking, it can be highly effective. It also means we’re not doing it alone.
For those of us, or the people care we about, who aren’t ready to talk to someone just yet, here are a few resources to help:
- Drinkaware provides a wide range of tools and resources to assist us in understanding and reducing our drinking
- Al-Anon provides support for those who may be impacted by someone else’s drinking
- Alcohol Change UK provides information and resources to changing alcohol behaviours
Like many people, we understand reaching for a drink may be a simple and common way to cope with things.
But we also know it’s not a solution and this week gives us all a great opportunity to get support or advice if we want to improve our ability to handle challenges and find real solutions, while changing our drinking habits.
We can find healthier habits
Life won’t magically become less stressful. However, we can avoid long-term damage to our health and wellbeing with some alternative coping strategies.
It’s natural to experience feelings of stress, anxiety and depression during tough times. Trying at least one of the following will help combat these feelings:
- Talking with a professional such as CiC or our GP
- Reaching out to a friend or family member about how we might be feeling
- Maintaining regular, meaningful social connections – even if it is at a distance, or online
- Have an active exercise routine – which may be a simple as taking regular walks
- Practice relaxation strategies such as mindfulness, meditation or breathing exercises
- Eat a healthy and nutritious diet
- Practice good sleep hygiene/habits
To find out more about what support is available our friendly CiC team are available to help.
Call us on 020 7937 6224 or reach out via email enquiries@cicwellbeing.com.