Stress and Alcoholism |

Stress and Alcoholism

| By Lee Mayer | Category: Addiction and Health

There are strong links between stress and alcoholism, both in those who have succumbed to their addiction and those attempting a recovery. Fighting stress is easier said than done, and while friends and colleagues may tell us to squeeze some stress balls, take a short nap and unwind, or exercise these solutions only provide short term relief. An alcoholic needs a longer term solution.

When excessive stress hits those with poor coping skills or stress management techniques they will, more than likely look to alcohol or other drugs as a way out. One of the most familiar routes is alcohol abuse. This mind-set and stance towards stress makes the bond between stress and alcoholism all the more well-defined.

Fight Stress and Alcoholism

A first step to take in fighting alcohol dependence is to avoid temptations. Obviously that is easier said than done. It requires a lot of self-control to beat this addiction.

If on your usual way home you pass a bar and are tempted to stop in and have a drink then find a new route home or stay on the other side of the street. If your friends or work colleagues habitually go for a drink after work then find a reason not to join them. Make another commitment, such as fetching your kids from school or doing the grocery shopping, which will sidetrack you.

Maintaining an active lifestyle is also an important step towards breaking the link between stress and alcoholism. Exercising daily or going to the gym will not only save you from the temptation of alcohol, it will also save you money and make you a lot healthier.

The combination of stress and alcoholism is quite common, but those suffering will tend to deny it. For them, stress and alcoholism are a coincidence rather than cause and effect. The sad truth is, by denying the alcoholism, they cannot seek the treatment they need to begin the process of recovery.