Alcohol consumption is extremely prevalent in our society, with around 70% of adults in the U.S. reporting they’ve had alcohol in the past year. Around 14.5 million adults in the U.S. have problems with drinking. Drinking too much alcohol can harm your liver, causing over 14,000 deaths a year from liver disease. It also raises the chances of accidents, violence, and health issues like heart problems, cancer, and mental health troubles. Enjoying alcohol responsibly can help limit the associated health risks. If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol, discuss treatment options with your provider. Our behavioral health specialists at Total Behavioral Health are equipped to help you combat substance addiction.
The importance of modest drinking and how to do so:
Healthy alcohol consumption is all about moderation and understanding your personal limits while enjoying the social and cultural aspects of drinking responsibly. It’s recommended that alcohol intake is limited to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. If you’re in a situation where you find yourself drinking more than usual, you can reduce your alcohol intake by pacing yourself and sipping your drinks slowly while alternating alcoholic beverages with water or non-alcoholic options. Additionally, consuming alcohol with food can help slow its absorption, reducing the risk of intoxication. You should always be mindful of peer pressure and prioritize your personal health and safety over social pressures to overindulge. Drinking alcohol in moderation allows you to enjoy the benefits of socializing with alcohol while minimizing the potential risks associated with excessive drinking, thus fostering a balanced and sustainable approach to alcohol consumption.
Alcohol’s side effects:
Excessive drinking can harm your body and mind, both in the short term and the long term. In the short term, drinking too much can make you clumsy, impair judgment, and slow your reactions. Binge drinking, which means drinking a lot in a short period, can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can cause confusion, vomiting, seizures, breathing problems, and sometimes even death.
In the long term, drinking too much can lead to serious health problems. It can damage your liver, heart, brain, and digestive system. It can also make mental health issues like depression and anxiety worse. Drinking a lot over time can increase your risk of getting certain cancers, like liver, breast, and esophageal cancer.
Limiting alcohol consumption:
You may find yourself using alcohol as a way to de-stress. Instead, participating in physical activities like hiking, biking, or yoga can help keep your body healthy and give you a way to unwind and de-stress. Being creative through activities such as painting, cooking, or playing music allows you to express yourself and have fun without needing alcohol. Socializing in places where alcohol isn’t the focus, such as coffee shops, museums, or parks, lets you connect with others in a meaningful way while avoiding the downsides of drinking too much. By trying out these different activities, you can find new hobbies, strengthen your relationships, and improve your overall well-being while cutting back on alcohol.
If you would like to discuss alcohol consumption with your provider or are concerned you may be at risk for any health conditions associated with excess alcohol consumption, book an appointment with your provider.
