When done in moderation, alcohol usage tends to be safe for most people. And because alcohol is a fermented beverage, there are even some health benefits to drinking alcohol, depending on what type of alcohol one chooses to drink. However, it is important to consider moderation when drinking alcohol, as overuse or abuse can have unpleasant and even dangerous side effects.2
There are a variety of reasons that someone may choose to drink. Often, alcohol use occurs in social settings, and it is seen as a way to enjoy events or celebrations. Alcohol may also be beneficial in these situations to help reduce the anxiety of certain events, especially if one suffers from an anxiety disorder. It can help produce relaxing effects, which make it easier to connect with those around you.
Because alcohol is often used in a social setting and is known for its dangerous side effects, many people don’t think of alcohol in terms of health unless considering the potential negative side effects. However, alcohol can actually be a way to regulate and manage health in ways you might not have thought of before.
Because alcohol is considered a depressant, it has the ability to slow certain body processes, like heart rate, and also help produce relaxation. This on its own can be beneficial in promoting cardiovascular health. However, because alcohol is produced through fermentation, beverages like wine have small amounts of healthy bacteria. These bacteria are similar to those found in probiotics, and they can help improve gut health. Certain types of alcohol can also contain small amounts of vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants.
In moderation, alcohol can also be beneficial for your mental and social health. Because alcohol can be relaxing, it can make it easier to interact with those around you. This means that individuals may be able to better enjoy being around loved ones with reduced anxiety. However, moderation is key, as it is important that alcohol is not used to treat mental disorders but rather to boost mood and sociability occasionally when drunk for this reason.
Although there are many health benefits associated with drinking alcohol, it is important to consume it in moderation. Like with any substance, too much of anything can be detrimental for the mind or body. Alcohol works in the brain as a depressant in order to impact what are known as neurotransmitters, which allow for your brain to send messages to the body. These messages are sent through electrical and chemical reactions, which alcohol can alter and slow. As a result, alcohol can be calming and even produce euphoric feelings.
However, with overuse, alcohol can be addictive. It can also change how you’re able to handle daily interactions and responsibilities. As a result, it is important to be able to recognize when drinking becomes a problem.
It can be difficult to realize when you or a loved one may be a problem with drinking. The fact that overuse of alcohol also impairs memory and cognitive function can also play a role in being unable to realize that you may have a problem.
Most often, problems with alcohol are recognized by a lack of moderation. This includes heavy drinking or drinking frequently. Heavy drinking is defined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to include five or more alcoholic drinks for men or four or more alcoholic drinks for women in one sitting. SAMHSA also extended their definition of binge or heavy drinking to include one drink a day for a month.4
However, overuse isn’t the only sign that a problem with alcohol may be present. In fact, there are more subtle signs of alcohol misuse, including:
In moderation, alcohol use can be safe for most people. However, this is not always the case. In certain cases, alcohol use can lead to the development of an alcohol use disorder or even addiction. While the idea of recovering from problems with drinking alcohol can be challenging, there are professional services available in order to help those who might be suffering from an alcohol use disorder or eventual addiction.
Iris Healing® is dedicated to providing you or your loved one with the services you need to recover from alcohol use in a holistic environment. The professional staff here at Iris Healing® are prepared to help you along every step of your recovery journey, from the beginning steps of realizing there is a problem with drinking to eventual recovery.
Here, you can experience a variety of science-backed healthcare services focused on providing holistic healing, from physical and mental health to spiritual health. Contact us today if you or a loved one may need help.
Iris Healing® strives to be diligent and prompt in updating the information available on our website. Please note, however, that our treatment modalities and protocols are subject to change at any time. For the most up-to-date details regarding our treatment offerings or other protocols, please contact us: (844)663-4747
At Iris Healing®, we offer a free and confidential verification of benefits with no commitment required. For our in-network insurance partners, Iris Healing® accepts PPO, EPO, and HMO plans. For out-of-network insurance, we accept most PPO policies. We are happy to answer any questions you have related to insurance coverage for mental health and addiction treatment.
Licensed by the State Department of Health Care Services.
Iris Healing Center
Certification: 190056AP
Expiration Date: 12/31/2025
Iris Healing Retreat
License Number: 190943AP
Expiration Date: 1/31/2025
Licensed by the State Department of Health Care Services.
Iris Healing Center
Certification: 190056AP
Expiration Date: 12/31/2025
Iris Healing Retreat
License Number: 190943AP
Expiration Date: 1/31/2025
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