Effects of alcohol

Many people reach for alcohol to unwind, destress and fall asleep. While this may seem like a good plan, if used repeatedly your physical and emotional health can suffer.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, alcohol will make you drowsy, but the sleep that follows is less restorative. Getting good quality and the right quantity of sleep is critical to feeling your best. Research has also shown a connection between depression and increased alcohol consumption.

Drinking too much can be harmful to your physical health too.

• Impacts all our major organs including your brain, heart, liver and pancreas.
• Has been linked to certain types of cancers.
• Weakens your immune system.

Take a look at how much, how often and why you’re drinking. If you feel you’d benefit from assistance, discuss it with your doctor. Employee assistance programs, if available through your employer, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s treatment locator can be helpful resources www.samhsa.gov.

Resources: National Sleep Foundation; National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism; Mental Health America; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Colleen Fairbanks, PhD