A lcohol has long been synonymous with relaxation. Now, the tides are turning. In early January, then-U. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued a report warning that even small amounts of alcohol can cause cancer. Drinking just one alcoholic beverage a day increases the risk of liver cirrhosis, esophageal cancer, oral cancer, and various injuries, a federal analysis suggests. The message is especially getting through to young Americans, who increasingly view less as more , leading the charge among age groups going dry.
Is there a healthier way to turn off your brain temporarily or shift into a happier placeโand if so, how do you achieve it? She works with people struggling with alcohol use disorder, who have to give up drinking altogether. The risk of cross-addiction is huge. Alcohol affects many different organs, but one of its primary targets is the brain.
It acts as a central nervous system depressant, which means it slows brain activity, causing your muscles to relax and making you feel calm.
It can elevate mood, curb anxiety, relieve pain, and make social situations more fun and enjoyable. That can lead to addiction and compulsive drinking, Piccirillo adds. Other coping strategiesโlike hiking a gorgeous trailโmight be more difficult to integrate into your daily routine. That's why Treloar Padovano suggests brainstorming activities or habits you can easily build into your day, like texting or calling a friend, playing a game, or turning on an upbeat playlist when you get home.
Keeping busy is essential, she says; time that was spent drinking needs to be filled with something else, so make a list of ideas. As you reflect on possible alcohol alternatives, try not to gravitate toward harmful replacements. Some people, for instance, trade alcohol for marijuana.
