Sipping on the Truth: Alcohol Awareness in April
April is 'Alcohol Awareness Month.' 😊
Established in 1987 by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, the annual month-long alcohol awareness campaign is dedicated to helping ‘communities reach out to the public and provide answers to end the stigma associated with alcohol abuse.’
This makes April a great time to look beneath the surface and get a little curious about alcohol and its part in your life.
Have you ever thought about your relationship with alcohol? Many people have a relationship with alcohol, and for some, it can be quite a painful and confusing situation. 💔
A lot of judgment and stigma is attached to conversations around alcohol, which can make you feel isolated and uncomfortable. But you're in a safe space here! 😊
Everyone's journey is so personal, and it's important to be kind to yourself and not feel pressure or expectations to know the answers. It's ok just to be curious and accepting of where you are right now. ❤️😊
Personally, when I was a gray area drinker, I didn't pay attention to articles or facts and figures about the health risks of consuming alcohol. It wasn't on my radar because I wasn't ready. However, I did feel a yearning for 'something' better and more fulfilling, but it was too early for me to absorb any of this information. The little sparks or 'aha' moments were still far off for me.
When I was going through my curious phase I was actively trying to be healthier, but I wasn’t paying attention to the wolf in sheep’s clothing 🐺🐑 lurking in my glass 🐺🍷.
after living a certain way for many years, it's an evolution of thoughts and feelings before you become ready for change – and that's perfectly normal!
It took me several years of subtle awareness and a gradual increase of interest in health and fitness – I even studied nutrition! – before my ‘blinders’ started to fall away.
The turning point for me was a breakdown in my physical, emotional, and mental health. It was the catalyst that opened my eyes and heart to really digging more deeply into how I could live better. I started to do some research, lean into new ideas, and gently opened myself up to change.
It was almost three years of curiosity before I was comfortable and confident in making my forever decision to live an alcohol-free life.
Earlier, I asked if you've considered what your relationship with alcohol is…
It may be a strange question, but it's a gentle way of giving you space and time to open a private dialogue and think about your connection with alcohol and how it serves you.
When you feel comfortable and your curiosity prompts you, be mindful of what thoughts and feelings come up for you. Spend a quiet moment reflecting on how alcohol impacts your life and the lives of your loved ones.
Sit with the answers. See how they make you feel and if they reveal anything you'd like to explore further.
This quiet process can be very powerful. You don't need to share your thoughts with anyone. They're for you and are yours to move forwards with when you're ready.
As both a Gray Area Drinking Coach and a Health Coach, I like to share truthful information in a supportive way, allowing you to make informed decisions about what's best for you and your life.
Let me share 3 quick facts with you.
Fact #1:
According to research from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), alcohol is the most regularly used addictive substance in America, and 1 in 12 adults currently suffers from alcohol abuse or dependency. In the UK, alcohol misuse is the biggest risk factor for death, ill-health and disability among 15-49 year-olds, and the 5th biggest risk factor across all ages, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Fact #2:
The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen - this is the highest risk group, which also includes radiation, asbestos, and tobacco. It's highly toxic to every organ in the body. Studies have proven that drinking alcohol raises your risk of getting several types of cancer. The most prevalent cancers are these 7:
Mouth & Throat cancer
Laryngeal (voice box) cancer
Esophageal cancer
Colon cancer
Rectal cancer
Liver cancer
Breast cancer
Fact #3:
There is no safe amount of alcohol. Recent studies, plus some as early as 2018, have proven this. Here's a direct quote from the Lancet Journal 2018 stating:
“The conclusions of the study are clear and unambiguous: alcohol is a colossal global health issue and small reductions in health-related harms at low levels of alcohol intake are outweighed by the increased risk of other health-related harms, including cancer.”
Over the years, we've been told many things about alcohol.
The problem is that some studies were funded by alcohol companies, and the information released was misleading and sometimes completely false. Lies, myths, and misconceptions are rife around the topic of alcohol consumption.
Let's unpack 3 common misconceptions about alcohol:
MISCONCEPTION #1: ALCOHOL HELPS PEOPLE COPE WITH THEIR ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION
When you're anxious, down or depressed, you will do anything to feel better and shift the black cloud away. We've been conditioned to think that alcohol is one way to help us achieve calm, peace, and happiness and to lift our mood. Unfortunately, the reality is that alcohol can actually make things worse, especially when it comes to anxiety and depression.
Alcohol is unique because it acts as a stimulant in the first 20 minutes after consuming it (as evidenced by tipsy or “buzzed” feelings) and then as a depressant as soon as blood alcohol content drops. As a depressant, it slows down the central nervous system, interferes with the production of serotonin and norepinephrine levels (which help regulate mood), and leads to feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
MISCONCEPTION #2: ALCOHOL IS GREAT FOR RELIEVING CHRONIC PAIN
The myth that alcohol can help relieve pain has been perpetuated by movies, TV shows, and even some medical professionals. However, it's just not true.
Not only can alcohol exacerbate pain in the long term, but it can also lead to addiction, liver disease, and dangerous interactions with pain medications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises against mixing alcohol with prescription painkillers, stating that "the combination of alcohol and prescription painkillers can slow breathing, impair cognitive and motor functions, and even lead to death."
MISCONCEPTION #3: Drinking coffee or the 'hair of the dog' can cure a hangover
Another common misconception about alcohol is that drinking coffee or even MORE alcohol the following day can help cure a hangover.
The only cure for a hangover is time. Time for your body to do the long, complicated process of removing the poison from your body. It's a big job and takes various amounts of time depending on your gender, age, the amount of alcohol consumed, your diet, and if you're a smoker.
As you can see, myths, media, and advertising have done a wonderful job of misleading us all. But we now know alcohol is a poison and a drug, and there's no safe level of drinking.
With April being Alcohol Awareness Month, I've taken this opportunity to share information that will be here anytime you want to come back to it. 😉🌱🌱
As always, this is a no-judgment zone, and I'm rooting for you!
Surrounding yourself with people, mentors and coaches who understand the emotions and triggers around alcohol, plus your desire to live a healthy, beautiful life can really help.
If you've been thinking about your relationship with alcohol and would like to explore it more deeply, it would be my great pleasure and honor to help you navigate the right way forward for you.
Book your free discovery call with me today, and let's start the journey together.
HERE ARE MY TWO DIFFERENT COACHING OPTIONS:
Health Coaching Program
Are you experiencing sickness, fatigue, depression, pain or weight issues? If so, then your body isn’t working as it should. There are many reasons for these health issues, and sometimes working with a Health Coach can help.
As your Health Coach, I support you through diet and lifestyle changes to help you feel the best you can and live a brighter, happier life.
Learn more about my Health Coaching Program
Gray Area Drinking Program
It’s challenging to change your drinking habits - especially when they’ve crept up and have been happening for a long time.
That’s where I can help you. I work holistically, focusing on your gut health, neurotransmitters, and dysregulated nervous system to calm, soothe, and get everything back in balance. I teach you coping mechanisms to deal with the cravings and give you all the tools you need to live an alcohol-free life.
Learn more about my Gray Area Drinking Coaching Program
