It starts
often starts with a glass of wine to unwind after a rough day. Then it takes 2
to get the same relaxing buzz. Before you know it, it could be a bottle an
evening.
Stress and
alcohol use are separate issues, but they are commonly tied and can impact your
health. We hope you’ll feel comfortable discussing concerns with your doctor.
We all deal
with stress. Some stress is even good for you. Research shows short-term stress
can boost focus and performance. Chronic stress, however, has a negative effect
on the body and mental health.
Too much
stress can lead to physical and behavioral health problems, including alcohol
abuse and dependence. An estimated 21 million Americans are suffering from
untreated addiction.
Alcohol use
can be a way to escape stress. It can also be used to “self-medicate” for
depression and anxiety. People’s reactions to alcohol vary, depending on their
age, physical condition, and family history of alcohol problems.
Alcohol
abuse includes binge drinking and/or heavy drinking. The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) defines binge drinking as 4 or more drinks on a
single occasion for women and 5 or more for men. Heavy drinking is considered 8
or more drinks in a week for women and 15 or more for men.
Alcohol
dependence, or addiction, occurs when someone drinks often and becomes so
reliant on alcohol that they suffer withdrawal symptoms when they don’t drink.
Unlike other substances, alcohol withdrawal can be fatal.
If you are concerned about stress, substance abuse, or other behavioral health conditions, Premera can
help. Your plan has benefits for mental health.
You can also
take an assessment online to see if your alcohol use or stress level is
problematic.