Many people need something to do to unwind at night after a hard day at work. For millions of people, this may include drinking alcohol. Now, this is okay for some. After all, not everyone who drinks has a problem with alcohol. However, for many people, to drink alcohol is too dangerous because it can lead to addiction. This is especially true for those individuals who drink every night after work.
Better Understanding Excessive Alcohol Use
It can be confusing to understand how much alcohol consumption is too much. This carries greatly from one individual to the next. Millions of people are more susceptible to addiction and are thus much more sensitive to alcohol consumption.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Excessive drinking can have short-term and long-term health effects. It includes binge drinking – four or more drinks for women, or five or more drinks for men, during an occasion, and heavy drinking – eight or more drinks for women, or 15 or more drinks for men during a week.” This excessive amount can easily lead to alcohol use disorder (AUD).
AUD affects millions of people every day. Many of these people started off drinking “normally,” yet it escalated into daily drinking. This can bring about many dangerous side effects, which can be both disruptive and deadly.
The Signs and Side Effects of Excessive Alcohol Use and/or Alcohol Use Disorder
Now, the signs and side effects of excessive alcohol use (or AUD) are always going to vary based on the individual. However, one can look out for many universal signs and side effects. The following are just a few:
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Experiencing trouble at work or school
- Having trouble with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
- Feeling anxious, nervous, or overly “stressed out”
- Experiencing physical ailments such as headaches, body aches, and gastrointestinal problems
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Causing harm to oneself or others
- Having suicidal ideations
Now, as one can see, these signs and symptoms are significant and can be deadly. This is why reaching out for professional help as soon as possible is vital. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences.
Is It Normal to Drink Alcohol Every Night to Wind Down After Work?
While millions of people may drink alcohol every night after work, this should not be normalized. It can be highly dangerous. It also disrupts your ability to live a full and satisfying life.
Even if drinking every night doesn’t lead to addiction, it can still take away from having many other fun and exciting activities. For example, physical activities like surfing can be much more fulfilling than the monotony of daily drinking.
Don’t Drink Alcohol, Do This: Surf Therapy
Activities like surfing are not only healthier than drinking, but they also offer many more benefits. The good news is that we are located in Charleston County, where there is some of the best surfing around.
The benefits of surfing are vast. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “The International Surf Therapy Organization summarizes the benefits of adequately indicated surf therapy as follows: improved physical health and mobility; improved mental health, including reduction of specific symptoms, such as posttraumatic stress and depression; improved well-being and improved social skills.”
Don’t Drink Alcohol, Do This: Yoga Therapy
Many people also feel that they need to drink at night because it helps them with their sleep. The reality is that drinking actually negatively affects sleep, and there are many better alternatives. One of these alternatives is yoga.
Yoga offers a myriad of benefits for a healthier, more fulfilling life. According to the International Journal of Yoga (IJOY), “Yoga therapy involves instruction in yogic practices and teachings to prevent, reduce, or alleviate structural, physiological, emotional, and spiritual pain, suffering, or limitations. Yogic practices enhance muscular strength and body flexibility, promote and improve respiratory and cardiovascular function, promote recovery from and treatment of addiction, reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain….”
A Focus on Healthy Living at Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we know that there is a better solution to living a fulfilled life than drinking every night. That is why all of our plans offer fun and exciting activities that keep you engaged and living life to the fullest. We also make sure that all of our recovery plans are individualized to ensure the most customized care and thus the most effective outcomes. It is about long-term success, never short-term “fixes.”
If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, there is a solution. The time for recovery is now. You don’t have to do this alone. You got this! We can help.
Many people feel that drinking nightly to unwind is normal. This is not the case and can ultimately lead to addiction. There are many dangers of drinking regularly to “relax.” The good news is that if this sounds like you, there is a solution that can help stop the vicious cycle of addiction. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about addiction and treatment options, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
