Here's how to protect your heart from holiday indulgence and keep it running at optimal capacity.
Recently, the dangers of holiday overindulgence have been further highlighted. Dr. Nicholas Ruthmann, a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic, says, "We drink and eat so much more and exercise and relax so much less than really any other time of year."
This tendency towards gluttony when it comes to alcoholic drinks has been known since the seventies, when doctors first labeled it 'Holiday Heart Syndrome.' They observed people presenting with irregular heart rhythms - known as atrial fibrillation - in direct correlation to increased levels of drinking during festive periods. It is clear, then, that extra caution needs to be taken during the holiday season to maintain cardiovascular health.
Holiday Heart Syndrome (HHS) is a real cardiovascular condition characterized by an irregular heartbeat that appears after heavy alcohol consumption or drug use, usually around the holiday season. Dr. Kristen Brown of the University of Nebraska Medical Center explains that HHS affects “young people, old people, anybody” – making it imperative to be mindful of how you fuel your body during this festive time of year.
In order to lower your risk for HHS, you should consume alcohol in moderation and avoid mixing it with certain medications, like antibiotics, as they can increase your chances of developing this condition. Additionally, taking care to stay hydrated and getting sufficient sleep are essential strategies that help promote overall health and may reduce the likelihood of HHS. Anyone experiencing symptoms associated with HHS should seek medical attention immediately in order to be diagnosed and treated properly.
Holiday heart syndrome is a serious medical condition typically caused by heavy drinking on occasions like holidays or special events. It can cause rapid, abnormal heart rhythms called alcohol-induced atrial fibrillation (A-fib). Symptoms vary from person to person and may include fluttering or pounding palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, extreme fatigue and even passing out. Although the vast majority of people with A-fib will not exhibit any noticeable symptoms, for some the condition can become permanent if left unchecked. Experts recommend consulting with a doctor as soon as possible if you suspect you may have A-fib.
Atrial fibrillation, a potentially serious condition in which the heart beats abnormally, is becoming increasingly common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the death rate from A-fib has been steadily rising for over two decades due to an aging population.
Those suffering from A-fib may be at higher risk for stroke, dementia, and heart failure; watchful monitoring of any symptoms is therefore essential. Although medications are available to manage the condition, making lifestyle changes such as engaging in physical activity and eating a healthy diet can help minimize symptoms and reduce risk.
Although anyone who drinks heavily can experience A-fib, certain people are considered higher risk for the condition. Older individuals have a greater chance of having holiday heart syndrome; by age 80, around 10 percent of the population have experienced it. Other risk factors for the condition include height (being taller than 5 feet 7 inches increases your risk), obesity, and family history of early-onset A-fib.
Thankfully, advances in technology have made it easier to diagnose and treat A-fib: electrocardiograms are often ordered during routine screenings after the age of 50, and smartwatches with heart monitors allow patients to pick up on changes in their own rhythms.
Doctors are seeing more cases of HHS, which is an umbrella term for symptoms related to the excessive overuse of alcohol during the holidays. The cause of this condition is still being researched, but the leading hypothesis is that alcohol messes with our nervous system and causes changes in our heart's electrical signals, leading to cardiac irregularities such as atrial fibrillation.
Scientists have also demonstrated that having just a single alcoholic beverage daily increases your chances of developing A-fib by 16 percent. Thankfully, with today's growing awareness on drinking safely and controlling portions, odds are many holiday-goers won't encounter this dangerous condition when celebrating in moderation.
Although it may be tempting for people of all ages to indulge in a glass of beer or wine on special occasions, doctors caution that even slight increases in consumption could lead to an increased chance of atrial fibrillation. Every second counts when it comes to detecting and treating cardiac issues. If you experience a persistent racing heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or confusion, it is important to seek out medical attention immediately.
Due to the heightened emotions associated with holiday celebrations, it can be easy for individuals to overlook their symptoms and wait until after the new year to seek care. However, health experts urge seeking help right away as every delay can have potentially serious consequences.
The holidays can be a time of indulgence and celebration, but it’s important to take care of your heart in the midst of all the festivities. Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink is one way to look after your heart, but for those who do choose to consume, there are other ways to stay safe.
First and foremost, hydrate throughout the holiday season by having plenty of water between drinks. Dehydration increases the risk of developing holiday heart syndrome. It’s essential you monitor your hydration levels while you’re drinking. Alongside this, make sure that you take regular breaks from consuming alcoholic beverages and don’t go overboard with portion size. It's possible to have fun over the holidays while also looking after your cardiac health - just start with these few tips!
Sticking to a regular medication regimen is critical for managing conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease. Missing doses of medication can compromise its effectiveness and potentially lead to dangerous health consequences. This can be especially true when people are away from home, as they may overlook their usual routine. Bring enough medication to last throughout travel, so there is no risk of missing a necessary dose while away from home. Taking your regular prescription can ensure that your medical journey remains comfortable and successful.
During the holiday season, it can be challenging to stay active and fit. With all of the extra events and commitments, finding time for fitness can seem impossible. But it pays off in spades - studies have linked moderate exercise to reduced risk of atrial fibrillation or A-fib.
Couldn't make it to your workout class? Keep moving with a brisk walk around the block or some light stretching in the comfort of your own home - even small changes to maintain physical activity may help reduce A-fib risk.
Every day, it seems like we're faced with more and more stress-inducing tasks that can lead to adverse health outcomes if not managed correctly. When feeling overwhelmed or anxious, the best thing to do is remember to take a moment for yourself - pause and take some deep breaths. Even simple grounding exercises like focusing on a few items in your environment one at a time or counting in multiples of five can go a long way in helping combat the effects of stress. This becomes all the more important during this festive season when the hustle and bustle often leave us frazzled; never disregard any symptoms you may be experiencing that are out of the ordinary, as they could very well be indicative of an underlying issue. A merry Christmas should stay merry - don’t let stress ruin your holiday!
The holidays are a time where we often overindulge in high-calorie foods and alcoholic beverages. This can have dangerous consequences for our physical health. However, there are ways to learn how to deal with the triggers that lead us to drink more than we should during this time of year. One way is through the Reframe app, which helps you keep track of your drinking and supports you with fun activities you can do every day. By using tools like the Reframe app, you can take back control of your holiday drinking and ensure that you stay safe and healthy during this festive season.
Recently, the dangers of holiday overindulgence have been further highlighted. Dr. Nicholas Ruthmann, a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic, says, "We drink and eat so much more and exercise and relax so much less than really any other time of year."
This tendency towards gluttony when it comes to alcoholic drinks has been known since the seventies, when doctors first labeled it 'Holiday Heart Syndrome.' They observed people presenting with irregular heart rhythms - known as atrial fibrillation - in direct correlation to increased levels of drinking during festive periods. It is clear, then, that extra caution needs to be taken during the holiday season to maintain cardiovascular health.
Holiday Heart Syndrome (HHS) is a real cardiovascular condition characterized by an irregular heartbeat that appears after heavy alcohol consumption or drug use, usually around the holiday season. Dr. Kristen Brown of the University of Nebraska Medical Center explains that HHS affects “young people, old people, anybody” – making it imperative to be mindful of how you fuel your body during this festive time of year.
In order to lower your risk for HHS, you should consume alcohol in moderation and avoid mixing it with certain medications, like antibiotics, as they can increase your chances of developing this condition. Additionally, taking care to stay hydrated and getting sufficient sleep are essential strategies that help promote overall health and may reduce the likelihood of HHS. Anyone experiencing symptoms associated with HHS should seek medical attention immediately in order to be diagnosed and treated properly.
Holiday heart syndrome is a serious medical condition typically caused by heavy drinking on occasions like holidays or special events. It can cause rapid, abnormal heart rhythms called alcohol-induced atrial fibrillation (A-fib). Symptoms vary from person to person and may include fluttering or pounding palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, extreme fatigue and even passing out. Although the vast majority of people with A-fib will not exhibit any noticeable symptoms, for some the condition can become permanent if left unchecked. Experts recommend consulting with a doctor as soon as possible if you suspect you may have A-fib.
Atrial fibrillation, a potentially serious condition in which the heart beats abnormally, is becoming increasingly common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the death rate from A-fib has been steadily rising for over two decades due to an aging population.
Those suffering from A-fib may be at higher risk for stroke, dementia, and heart failure; watchful monitoring of any symptoms is therefore essential. Although medications are available to manage the condition, making lifestyle changes such as engaging in physical activity and eating a healthy diet can help minimize symptoms and reduce risk.
Although anyone who drinks heavily can experience A-fib, certain people are considered higher risk for the condition. Older individuals have a greater chance of having holiday heart syndrome; by age 80, around 10 percent of the population have experienced it. Other risk factors for the condition include height (being taller than 5 feet 7 inches increases your risk), obesity, and family history of early-onset A-fib.
Thankfully, advances in technology have made it easier to diagnose and treat A-fib: electrocardiograms are often ordered during routine screenings after the age of 50, and smartwatches with heart monitors allow patients to pick up on changes in their own rhythms.
Doctors are seeing more cases of HHS, which is an umbrella term for symptoms related to the excessive overuse of alcohol during the holidays. The cause of this condition is still being researched, but the leading hypothesis is that alcohol messes with our nervous system and causes changes in our heart's electrical signals, leading to cardiac irregularities such as atrial fibrillation.
Scientists have also demonstrated that having just a single alcoholic beverage daily increases your chances of developing A-fib by 16 percent. Thankfully, with today's growing awareness on drinking safely and controlling portions, odds are many holiday-goers won't encounter this dangerous condition when celebrating in moderation.
Although it may be tempting for people of all ages to indulge in a glass of beer or wine on special occasions, doctors caution that even slight increases in consumption could lead to an increased chance of atrial fibrillation. Every second counts when it comes to detecting and treating cardiac issues. If you experience a persistent racing heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or confusion, it is important to seek out medical attention immediately.
Due to the heightened emotions associated with holiday celebrations, it can be easy for individuals to overlook their symptoms and wait until after the new year to seek care. However, health experts urge seeking help right away as every delay can have potentially serious consequences.
The holidays can be a time of indulgence and celebration, but it’s important to take care of your heart in the midst of all the festivities. Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink is one way to look after your heart, but for those who do choose to consume, there are other ways to stay safe.
First and foremost, hydrate throughout the holiday season by having plenty of water between drinks. Dehydration increases the risk of developing holiday heart syndrome. It’s essential you monitor your hydration levels while you’re drinking. Alongside this, make sure that you take regular breaks from consuming alcoholic beverages and don’t go overboard with portion size. It's possible to have fun over the holidays while also looking after your cardiac health - just start with these few tips!
Sticking to a regular medication regimen is critical for managing conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease. Missing doses of medication can compromise its effectiveness and potentially lead to dangerous health consequences. This can be especially true when people are away from home, as they may overlook their usual routine. Bring enough medication to last throughout travel, so there is no risk of missing a necessary dose while away from home. Taking your regular prescription can ensure that your medical journey remains comfortable and successful.
During the holiday season, it can be challenging to stay active and fit. With all of the extra events and commitments, finding time for fitness can seem impossible. But it pays off in spades - studies have linked moderate exercise to reduced risk of atrial fibrillation or A-fib.
Couldn't make it to your workout class? Keep moving with a brisk walk around the block or some light stretching in the comfort of your own home - even small changes to maintain physical activity may help reduce A-fib risk.
Every day, it seems like we're faced with more and more stress-inducing tasks that can lead to adverse health outcomes if not managed correctly. When feeling overwhelmed or anxious, the best thing to do is remember to take a moment for yourself - pause and take some deep breaths. Even simple grounding exercises like focusing on a few items in your environment one at a time or counting in multiples of five can go a long way in helping combat the effects of stress. This becomes all the more important during this festive season when the hustle and bustle often leave us frazzled; never disregard any symptoms you may be experiencing that are out of the ordinary, as they could very well be indicative of an underlying issue. A merry Christmas should stay merry - don’t let stress ruin your holiday!
The holidays are a time where we often overindulge in high-calorie foods and alcoholic beverages. This can have dangerous consequences for our physical health. However, there are ways to learn how to deal with the triggers that lead us to drink more than we should during this time of year. One way is through the Reframe app, which helps you keep track of your drinking and supports you with fun activities you can do every day. By using tools like the Reframe app, you can take back control of your holiday drinking and ensure that you stay safe and healthy during this festive season.
Many changes happen in the brain with alcohol consumption. Which, exactly? We'll cover them in this blog post.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
As Daniel Amen writes in Change Your Brain, Change Your Body: Use Your Brain to Get and Keep the Body You Have Always Wanted, “Your brain is involved in everything you do, every decision you make, every bite of food you take, every cigarette you smoke, every worrisome thought you have, every workout you skip, every alcoholic beverage you drink, and more.”
And yet, the brain is also affected by all of those activities, and it changes based on what we put into our bodies. When it comes to alcohol, these changes can be quite significant, involving everything from temporary shifts to long-term wiring and structural changes in the prefrontal cortex and other areas of the brain, all of which can profoundly affect our experience of the world. What does liquor do to your brain? What are the changes in neurotransmitters involved with alcohol use? And how does alcohol start affecting your brain after the first sip? Let’s find out!
The brain is a bustling hub of activity, with billions of neurons zipping messages around 24/7 with the help of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters/ When alcohol enters this dynamic environment, it has immediate effects, as well as ones that linger the following day. Which neurotransmitters are affected by alcohol? Let’s start by exploring these temporary shifts induced by alcohol, neurotransmitters that keep the brain buzzing with activity, and our mood, behavior, and physical experience.
Seconds after that first sip, alcohol travels through our bloodstream and crosses the blood-brain barrier. It starts influencing the brain immediately. It magnifies the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward. That's why that first sip can sometimes feel so satisfying.
The initial surge of dopamine is strongest at the onset of alcohol consumption. As we continue to drink, however, the dopamine system doesn’t continue to release at the same heightened level. It means the euphoric feelings tied to dopamine might begin to plateau or even diminish with subsequent drinks. That's why the first drink often feels the most rewarding, and there's a diminishing return of that "high" with more booze.
While the initial sips of an alcoholic beverage bring a rush of dopamine (and the euphoria that comes with it), alcohol's broader effects on the brain are a bit more intricate. Alcohol is classified as a central nervous system depressant. But what does this mean, and how do GABA and glutamate come into play?
First things first: the term "depressant" doesn’t imply that it makes one feel depressed emotionally — instead, it refers to the slowing or "depressing" of certain brain functions. Alcohol dampens the speed of neurotransmission, decreases the excitability of neurons, and results in a slowdown of physical and cognitive functions.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA as it's more conveniently known, is the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. It’s the brain's natural "chill pill,” reducing neuronal excitability and promoting calmness and relaxation. Alcohol boosts the effects of GABA, leading to increased drowsiness, slowed reaction times, and the familiar relaxation associated with drinking.
On the opposite end of the spectrum from GABA is glutamate, the primary excitatory neurotransmitter: it speeds up transmissions and enhances brain activity. Alcohol inhibits glutamate's excitatory signals, contributing to the overall depressant effects on the central nervous system.
With GABA's effects boosted and glutamate's effects suppressed, the net result is a pronounced slowing down of the brain's activities. This is why consuming alcohol leads to slurred speech, decreased motor coordination, drowsiness, blurry vision, and impaired judgment.
Ever had one of those nights where memories are fuzzy, or there are blank patches from the evening? Alcohol also impedes our brain's ability to form new long-term memories. It doesn’t erase them, but it does blur the recording process, making it hard to recall specific events.
When discussing alcohol's effects on the brain, the spotlight often shines on neurotransmitters like dopamine, GABA, and glutamate. But there’s another key player: dynorphin. It’s not as commonly known as the others, but understanding dynorphin offers a more comprehensive picture of the brain-alcohol relationship.
Dynorphin is a type of endogenous opioid peptide, which is naturally produced in the brain and binds to opioid receptors, much as endorphins do. But unlike endorphins, which are often associated with feelings of pleasure and euphoria (think of the “runner’s high”), dynorphin produces the opposite effect. It's often linked with feelings of dysphoria or general unease.
How does alcohol act upon dynorphin? When we drink — especially in larger quantities — a dopamine surge creates feelings of pleasure and reward. However, in an effort to maintain equilibrium, the brain releases dynorphin as a countermeasure to dampen and balance the dopamine, ensuring that the euphoria we feel doesn’t go over the top.
Beyond its interaction with alcohol, elevated dynorphin levels have implications for mood and mental well-being. Over time, as the brain gets accustomed to regular and high levels of alcohol intake, it produces more and more dynorphin to counteract our heightened dopamine levels. This contributes to a reduced sense of pleasure or reward from alcohol and other activities, leading us to consume even more alcohol in an attempt to chase the diminished highs — a cycle that is a crucial factor in the development of dependence and addiction.
With regular heavy drinking, the brain adapts to this new alcohol-infused environment. It begins to expect alcohol's presence, leading to increased tolerance and dependence.
Alcohol dependence isn't just about consuming more drinks or feeling a craving — it signifies a profound adaptation within the brain, which reorganizes itself and adjusts its baseline functioning. This alteration goes beyond behavior; it encompasses structural and chemical changes that redefine the brain's "normal”:
When someone who has been drinking heavily for a while reduces or ends alcohol consumption, the brain throws a bit of a "where's my drink?" tantrum. Let's explore this reaction and the brain-related symptoms that arise during withdrawal.
Consistent high levels of alcohol intake can lead to some troublesome changes in our brains. Just like how constant sun exposure can affect our skin, chronic drinking has some lasting impacts on our brain's landscape. Let's demystify these changes and their implications:
Despite the negative effects, our brains have an astonishing ability to heal. Reducing alcohol or quitting altogether can lead to improvements in cognitive function and a reduction in structural brain damage over time. Plus, the body is programmed to heal, so when we cut back or quit, it jumps into repair mode, mending the damage.
In the words of Neil deGrasse Tyson, “Everything we do, every thought we've ever had, is produced by the human brain. But exactly how it operates remains one of the biggest unsolved mysteries, and it seems the more we probe its secrets, the more surprises we find.”
Our brains are marvels, constantly working, adapting, and helping us navigate our world, and it’s crucial to be aware of the effects of what we consume on them. With a mindful approach, you can make informed decisions about your alcohol consumption. While it might take a bit of effort at first, it’s worth it in the end — after all, the decisions we make today shape our experiences and memories for years to come!
As Daniel Amen writes in Change Your Brain, Change Your Body: Use Your Brain to Get and Keep the Body You Have Always Wanted, “Your brain is involved in everything you do, every decision you make, every bite of food you take, every cigarette you smoke, every worrisome thought you have, every workout you skip, every alcoholic beverage you drink, and more.”
And yet, the brain is also affected by all of those activities, and it changes based on what we put into our bodies. When it comes to alcohol, these changes can be quite significant, involving everything from temporary shifts to long-term wiring and structural changes in the prefrontal cortex and other areas of the brain, all of which can profoundly affect our experience of the world. What does liquor do to your brain? What are the changes in neurotransmitters involved with alcohol use? And how does alcohol start affecting your brain after the first sip? Let’s find out!
The brain is a bustling hub of activity, with billions of neurons zipping messages around 24/7 with the help of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters/ When alcohol enters this dynamic environment, it has immediate effects, as well as ones that linger the following day. Which neurotransmitters are affected by alcohol? Let’s start by exploring these temporary shifts induced by alcohol, neurotransmitters that keep the brain buzzing with activity, and our mood, behavior, and physical experience.
Seconds after that first sip, alcohol travels through our bloodstream and crosses the blood-brain barrier. It starts influencing the brain immediately. It magnifies the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward. That's why that first sip can sometimes feel so satisfying.
The initial surge of dopamine is strongest at the onset of alcohol consumption. As we continue to drink, however, the dopamine system doesn’t continue to release at the same heightened level. It means the euphoric feelings tied to dopamine might begin to plateau or even diminish with subsequent drinks. That's why the first drink often feels the most rewarding, and there's a diminishing return of that "high" with more booze.
While the initial sips of an alcoholic beverage bring a rush of dopamine (and the euphoria that comes with it), alcohol's broader effects on the brain are a bit more intricate. Alcohol is classified as a central nervous system depressant. But what does this mean, and how do GABA and glutamate come into play?
First things first: the term "depressant" doesn’t imply that it makes one feel depressed emotionally — instead, it refers to the slowing or "depressing" of certain brain functions. Alcohol dampens the speed of neurotransmission, decreases the excitability of neurons, and results in a slowdown of physical and cognitive functions.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA as it's more conveniently known, is the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. It’s the brain's natural "chill pill,” reducing neuronal excitability and promoting calmness and relaxation. Alcohol boosts the effects of GABA, leading to increased drowsiness, slowed reaction times, and the familiar relaxation associated with drinking.
On the opposite end of the spectrum from GABA is glutamate, the primary excitatory neurotransmitter: it speeds up transmissions and enhances brain activity. Alcohol inhibits glutamate's excitatory signals, contributing to the overall depressant effects on the central nervous system.
With GABA's effects boosted and glutamate's effects suppressed, the net result is a pronounced slowing down of the brain's activities. This is why consuming alcohol leads to slurred speech, decreased motor coordination, drowsiness, blurry vision, and impaired judgment.
Ever had one of those nights where memories are fuzzy, or there are blank patches from the evening? Alcohol also impedes our brain's ability to form new long-term memories. It doesn’t erase them, but it does blur the recording process, making it hard to recall specific events.
When discussing alcohol's effects on the brain, the spotlight often shines on neurotransmitters like dopamine, GABA, and glutamate. But there’s another key player: dynorphin. It’s not as commonly known as the others, but understanding dynorphin offers a more comprehensive picture of the brain-alcohol relationship.
Dynorphin is a type of endogenous opioid peptide, which is naturally produced in the brain and binds to opioid receptors, much as endorphins do. But unlike endorphins, which are often associated with feelings of pleasure and euphoria (think of the “runner’s high”), dynorphin produces the opposite effect. It's often linked with feelings of dysphoria or general unease.
How does alcohol act upon dynorphin? When we drink — especially in larger quantities — a dopamine surge creates feelings of pleasure and reward. However, in an effort to maintain equilibrium, the brain releases dynorphin as a countermeasure to dampen and balance the dopamine, ensuring that the euphoria we feel doesn’t go over the top.
Beyond its interaction with alcohol, elevated dynorphin levels have implications for mood and mental well-being. Over time, as the brain gets accustomed to regular and high levels of alcohol intake, it produces more and more dynorphin to counteract our heightened dopamine levels. This contributes to a reduced sense of pleasure or reward from alcohol and other activities, leading us to consume even more alcohol in an attempt to chase the diminished highs — a cycle that is a crucial factor in the development of dependence and addiction.
With regular heavy drinking, the brain adapts to this new alcohol-infused environment. It begins to expect alcohol's presence, leading to increased tolerance and dependence.
Alcohol dependence isn't just about consuming more drinks or feeling a craving — it signifies a profound adaptation within the brain, which reorganizes itself and adjusts its baseline functioning. This alteration goes beyond behavior; it encompasses structural and chemical changes that redefine the brain's "normal”:
When someone who has been drinking heavily for a while reduces or ends alcohol consumption, the brain throws a bit of a "where's my drink?" tantrum. Let's explore this reaction and the brain-related symptoms that arise during withdrawal.
Consistent high levels of alcohol intake can lead to some troublesome changes in our brains. Just like how constant sun exposure can affect our skin, chronic drinking has some lasting impacts on our brain's landscape. Let's demystify these changes and their implications:
Despite the negative effects, our brains have an astonishing ability to heal. Reducing alcohol or quitting altogether can lead to improvements in cognitive function and a reduction in structural brain damage over time. Plus, the body is programmed to heal, so when we cut back or quit, it jumps into repair mode, mending the damage.
In the words of Neil deGrasse Tyson, “Everything we do, every thought we've ever had, is produced by the human brain. But exactly how it operates remains one of the biggest unsolved mysteries, and it seems the more we probe its secrets, the more surprises we find.”
Our brains are marvels, constantly working, adapting, and helping us navigate our world, and it’s crucial to be aware of the effects of what we consume on them. With a mindful approach, you can make informed decisions about your alcohol consumption. While it might take a bit of effort at first, it’s worth it in the end — after all, the decisions we make today shape our experiences and memories for years to come!
Here's how to change your relationship with your emotions as you cut back on alcohol.
When it comes to expressing your feelings to those around you, it is important to gain an understanding of yourself and your feelings first. People often cut back on drinking alcohol in order to better understand their emotions and develop valuable communication skills. Taking the time to learn how to cut back on drinking, or stop drinking alcohol, can provide clarity and confidence in your ability to articulate your thoughts and ideas.
When we take action or verbalize our feelings before taking the time for self-reflection, our relationships may become confused or strained. So if you have decided that you would like to take further action on something, make sure to understand yourself fully first!
It's important to be aware of the amount of alcohol you drink. Cutting back on drinking can have benefits such as improving your overall health, quality of sleep, productivity, and even put more money in your pocket. Start by being honest with yourself about how much you really need. Track your progress each week and celebrate small successes with the Reframe app.
You’ve often fantasized about having a spotless mind free of emotions. You wouldn’t feel grief, anger, or sadness. The catch is you also wouldn’t feel happiness, hope, or love. Emotions are such a mixed bag because you’ve never learned how to see them as opportunities or how to express them properly. You can now.
Learning to cut back on drinking alcohol can be a daunting task, especially if we’ve been drinking to cope for a while. It's important to understand how to cut back on alcohol consumption safely and why it is essential for our physical and mental health while keeping the emotional effects of alcohol in mind. Emotions are a powerful tool that can guide us toward an optimal approach in order to cut back on drinking alcohol safely and responsibly.
If we’ve been drinking to cope, cutting back can bring on a flood of emotions. Since “drunk feelings” can be quite different from “sober feelings,” it’s important to go easy on ourselves as we adjust to our changing emotional landscape, understanding that it won’t stabilize overnight. By taking the time to learn strategies that fit our individual needs, we build up strength and resilience so that, when faced with emotional challenges, we can make informed decisions that enable us to cut back without sacrificing our emotional well-being. With time and effort, cutting back on your alcohol consumption does not have to be seen as a chore but as an opportunity for positive transformation in your life.
Cutting back on alcohol can be challenging. People may not understand how to cut back on drinking or may not recognize when it's time to cut down. It is important to know how and why reducing alcohol consumption is beneficial for your overall physical and mental health.
Drinking less alcohol can help you improve the quality of your sleep, strengthen your immune system, promote stress relief, and reduce your risk of certain conditions. It can also help cut back on unnecessary calories in day-to-day life. With a small lifestyle change and a few helpful tips, you can make huge improvements in your health.
Cutting back on drinking alcohol can be a daunting challenge for many people. Whether it's to cut back on unhealthy habits or cut costs, reducing the amount of alcohol you drink is an important decision. To help you cut back, there are several strategies you can use.
For example, always having some kind of snack before going out to have a few drinks can slow down your intake and make you less likely to overindulge. Limiting the time you spend socializing in contexts where alcohol is present is also a helpful strategy in cutting back on alcohol consumption. Setting yourself limits ahead of time lets you stay committed to drinking less than before. Although decreasing your alcohol consumption is no easy feat, with enough dedication and a few strategic tips, anyone can learn how to cut back on alcohol responsibly.
Our emotions can be both an asset and a liability — it all depends on how we choose to use them. Just like with a financial inheritance, we don't always know how to use our emotional inheritance.
If our parents, teachers or friends don’t show us how to properly navigate our feelings, we can find ourselves in trouble. We may overeat, procrastinate, or drink too much alcohol — because the emotional intelligence necessary to cut back on these harmful habits hasn't been learned.
When it comes down to it, learning how to understand your emotions is one of the greatest investments you could ever make. Taking the time to learn emotional self-care tools such as proper coping strategies and finding healthier and more meaningful ways to take control of your life can be incredibly beneficial.
It won't only help you cut back on drinking alcohol but also teach you better communication and relationship skills. With this knowledge, you can be more prepared not only when you encounter difficult situations but also in moments of joy or stress which come hand-in-hand with everyday living.
In the modern world, it's easy to get pulled away from focusing on our emotions, especially with so many things vying for our attention. When trying to build emotional skills, this self-awareness must come first. We won't find insight into our feelings outside of ourselves — rather, we need to cut back on overthinking and center inward.
Tuning into your body is the secret to unlocking all other emotional skills. This can be done through a variety of methods — breaking free from toxic habits such as drinking too much alcohol is one key way that can help boost awareness in your inner state. When you cut back on drinking alcohol, you nurture an ability to decipher subtle changes in energy that occur inside you throughout the day.
Identifying and naming your emotions is a crucial step to understanding your needs and responding healthily to life’s challenges. It can take patience to slowly differentiate our feelings. After a bit, we may be able to accurately identify moments of joy, sorrow, fear, or anger. We can even go further and begin using more specific terms to explain the inner experience.
Instead of attaching a broad label like “good” or “bad,” we learn to recognize that we may feel relaxed, pleased, reassured, or attentive. Through this practice of recognition and labeling, we equip ourselves with the tools necessary to cut back on drinking alcohol and make positive changes in our highly rewarding journey.
Don’t cut yourself down and judge the emotions that you have. Remember each of your feelings carries an important message for you to receive and understand. It may help to view them as opportunities for self-discovery and growth instead of something to be ashamed of.
Even if you've been told in the past that you were "overreacting," try to offer yourself a sense of compassion and openness toward these moments instead. Validate the emotion, explore it without judgment, and thank it for what it is trying to tell you. These are all powerful and healthy ways to show yourself love and understanding when faced with emotions that may feel difficult or uncomfortable.
Learning the story of why a behavior or feeling is manifesting can be as powerful as discovering new life lessons. These experiences may cause past traumas to resurface, but by processing them and understanding what triggers old feelings, one can cut back on drinking alcohol.
Drinking less alcohol can lead to an improved physical and mental state and cut back your chances of having such instances occur in the future. Finding ways to cut back on alcohol can be difficult, but with patience and dedication to self-care, it is possible to find more manageable solutions. Understanding your emotions helps you gain insights and grow, so take time to explore what your body tells you.
To cut back on drinking, it’s essential to take some time and “sit with it.” It’s often tempting to try and ignore or push away uncomfortable emotions. But, it's actually key to balancing out alcohol intake in the long run.
Allow yourself to face those feelings on what we can think of as a metaphorical “bench.” Really take the time to get to know them — even if they are intense or unpleasant — and gain understanding from that. If you leave too soon, your feelings will remain unresolved and could lead you back into heavy drinking bouts. By sticking it out, however, and taking a break from the booze, you can learn how to cut back on the long-term reliance on alcohol for numbing.
Learning how to manage our emotions is an essential skill for navigating through life. It is important to pay attention to the needs and signals that our emotions are sending us, but it is also important to pause and consider if there are healthier ways to respond than those we may feel driven to initially.
Every emotion has something valuable and important to tell us. Rather than avoiding or denying it, often all that is needed is understanding and validation. It can be helpful to cut back on drinking alcohol as a first step in learning how to better manage difficult emotions when they arise. By drinking less alcohol, we can gain clarity of thinking, which will help us consciously make healthier decisions about how we want to respond.
You’ve often fantasized about having a spotless mind free of emotions. You wouldn’t feel grief, anger, or sadness. The catch is you also wouldn’t feel happiness, hope, or love. Emotions are such a mixed bag because you’ve never learned how to see them as opportunities or how to express them properly. You can now.
Learning to cut back on drinking alcohol can be a daunting task, especially if we’ve been drinking to cope for a while. It's important to understand how to cut back on alcohol consumption safely and why it is essential for our physical and mental health while keeping the emotional effects of alcohol in mind. Emotions are a powerful tool that can guide us toward an optimal approach in order to cut back on drinking alcohol safely and responsibly.
If we’ve been drinking to cope, cutting back can bring on a flood of emotions. Since “drunk feelings” can be quite different from “sober feelings,” it’s important to go easy on ourselves as we adjust to our changing emotional landscape, understanding that it won’t stabilize overnight. By taking the time to learn strategies that fit our individual needs, we build up strength and resilience so that, when faced with emotional challenges, we can make informed decisions that enable us to cut back without sacrificing our emotional well-being. With time and effort, cutting back on your alcohol consumption does not have to be seen as a chore but as an opportunity for positive transformation in your life.
Cutting back on alcohol can be challenging. People may not understand how to cut back on drinking or may not recognize when it's time to cut down. It is important to know how and why reducing alcohol consumption is beneficial for your overall physical and mental health.
Drinking less alcohol can help you improve the quality of your sleep, strengthen your immune system, promote stress relief, and reduce your risk of certain conditions. It can also help cut back on unnecessary calories in day-to-day life. With a small lifestyle change and a few helpful tips, you can make huge improvements in your health.
Cutting back on drinking alcohol can be a daunting challenge for many people. Whether it's to cut back on unhealthy habits or cut costs, reducing the amount of alcohol you drink is an important decision. To help you cut back, there are several strategies you can use.
For example, always having some kind of snack before going out to have a few drinks can slow down your intake and make you less likely to overindulge. Limiting the time you spend socializing in contexts where alcohol is present is also a helpful strategy in cutting back on alcohol consumption. Setting yourself limits ahead of time lets you stay committed to drinking less than before. Although decreasing your alcohol consumption is no easy feat, with enough dedication and a few strategic tips, anyone can learn how to cut back on alcohol responsibly.
Our emotions can be both an asset and a liability — it all depends on how we choose to use them. Just like with a financial inheritance, we don't always know how to use our emotional inheritance.
If our parents, teachers or friends don’t show us how to properly navigate our feelings, we can find ourselves in trouble. We may overeat, procrastinate, or drink too much alcohol — because the emotional intelligence necessary to cut back on these harmful habits hasn't been learned.
When it comes down to it, learning how to understand your emotions is one of the greatest investments you could ever make. Taking the time to learn emotional self-care tools such as proper coping strategies and finding healthier and more meaningful ways to take control of your life can be incredibly beneficial.
It won't only help you cut back on drinking alcohol but also teach you better communication and relationship skills. With this knowledge, you can be more prepared not only when you encounter difficult situations but also in moments of joy or stress which come hand-in-hand with everyday living.
In the modern world, it's easy to get pulled away from focusing on our emotions, especially with so many things vying for our attention. When trying to build emotional skills, this self-awareness must come first. We won't find insight into our feelings outside of ourselves — rather, we need to cut back on overthinking and center inward.
Tuning into your body is the secret to unlocking all other emotional skills. This can be done through a variety of methods — breaking free from toxic habits such as drinking too much alcohol is one key way that can help boost awareness in your inner state. When you cut back on drinking alcohol, you nurture an ability to decipher subtle changes in energy that occur inside you throughout the day.
Identifying and naming your emotions is a crucial step to understanding your needs and responding healthily to life’s challenges. It can take patience to slowly differentiate our feelings. After a bit, we may be able to accurately identify moments of joy, sorrow, fear, or anger. We can even go further and begin using more specific terms to explain the inner experience.
Instead of attaching a broad label like “good” or “bad,” we learn to recognize that we may feel relaxed, pleased, reassured, or attentive. Through this practice of recognition and labeling, we equip ourselves with the tools necessary to cut back on drinking alcohol and make positive changes in our highly rewarding journey.
Don’t cut yourself down and judge the emotions that you have. Remember each of your feelings carries an important message for you to receive and understand. It may help to view them as opportunities for self-discovery and growth instead of something to be ashamed of.
Even if you've been told in the past that you were "overreacting," try to offer yourself a sense of compassion and openness toward these moments instead. Validate the emotion, explore it without judgment, and thank it for what it is trying to tell you. These are all powerful and healthy ways to show yourself love and understanding when faced with emotions that may feel difficult or uncomfortable.
Learning the story of why a behavior or feeling is manifesting can be as powerful as discovering new life lessons. These experiences may cause past traumas to resurface, but by processing them and understanding what triggers old feelings, one can cut back on drinking alcohol.
Drinking less alcohol can lead to an improved physical and mental state and cut back your chances of having such instances occur in the future. Finding ways to cut back on alcohol can be difficult, but with patience and dedication to self-care, it is possible to find more manageable solutions. Understanding your emotions helps you gain insights and grow, so take time to explore what your body tells you.
To cut back on drinking, it’s essential to take some time and “sit with it.” It’s often tempting to try and ignore or push away uncomfortable emotions. But, it's actually key to balancing out alcohol intake in the long run.
Allow yourself to face those feelings on what we can think of as a metaphorical “bench.” Really take the time to get to know them — even if they are intense or unpleasant — and gain understanding from that. If you leave too soon, your feelings will remain unresolved and could lead you back into heavy drinking bouts. By sticking it out, however, and taking a break from the booze, you can learn how to cut back on the long-term reliance on alcohol for numbing.
Learning how to manage our emotions is an essential skill for navigating through life. It is important to pay attention to the needs and signals that our emotions are sending us, but it is also important to pause and consider if there are healthier ways to respond than those we may feel driven to initially.
Every emotion has something valuable and important to tell us. Rather than avoiding or denying it, often all that is needed is understanding and validation. It can be helpful to cut back on drinking alcohol as a first step in learning how to better manage difficult emotions when they arise. By drinking less alcohol, we can gain clarity of thinking, which will help us consciously make healthier decisions about how we want to respond.
If you're struggling with anxiety, drinking alcohol may not be the best coping strategy. Here's why, and how to cut back on drinking.
Anxiety can often make us feel like we’re trapped. Our thoughts race, creating an incessant chatter that runs through our minds. Our chests tighten, and our hearts beat increasingly faster. Our attention narrows, so that all we’re able to focus on is the future (and everything that can go wrong!). These emotions and sensations can feel like they’ll never pass, that they’re our reality.
We all deal with anxiety, but when this anxiety is prolonged and difficult to control, it can point to an anxiety disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 19.1% of U.S. adults had an anxiety disorder in the previous year, and approximately 31.1% of U.S. adults will experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime. These disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, and life experiences.
Though we often turn to alcohol to relieve anxiety, this ends up perpetuating — and worsening — our anxiety in the long run. Let’s find out why.
Several factors play into anxiety. We may have a genetic predisposition for it, and our life experiences and environment can trigger symptoms. Stressful events, such as losing a job or going through a divorce, can also trigger anxiety. Other risk factors for anxiety include depression, alcohol misuse, and chronic medical conditions.
There’s a common tendency to grab a drink to “take the edge off.” This temporary respite from anxiety can keep us reaching for the bottle whenever we need to quiet the internal noise — after a hectic day at the office, before a crowded social event, in preparation for a presentation. Over time, “taking the edge off” can become a bad habit, making us dependent on alcohol to relieve our anxiety. Not only this, but our brain chemistry changes: we start experiencing even more anxiety with prolonged alcohol use. We end up in a complicated cycle, and this can be tougher to break than the anxiety alone.
Most people are aware that drinking alcohol can cause short-term effects, like feelings of relaxation or sleepiness. What many people don't realize is that with habitual use, alcohol also throws off the delicate chemical balance inside our brains.
What exactly is going on here? To find out, we turned to Dr. Deborah Vinall, PsyD, LMFT. She sums it up by saying: “Alcohol temporarily increases levels of the neurotransmitters and neuromodulators GABA, glycine, and adenosine (associated with decreasing anxiety), dopamine (implicated in motivation), and serotonin (connected to feelings of happiness). However, once the temporary effects of alcohol leave the system, production of all of these neurotransmitters is impaired, leaving [us] more anxious, less motivated, and at increased risk of depression.”
Dr. Vinall also discusses “hangxiety” — which, although not a formal medical diagnosis, describes the increased feelings of anxiety that can arise during a hangover. “Such feelings are exacerbated by worry about the effects of [our] uninhibited actions during the drinking period as [we] examine them soberly,” she says. This can also lead to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
Alcohol withdrawal can also be a major culprit behind anxiety. Withdrawal is a particularly vulnerable period for the brain and body, as uncomfortable symptoms — sweating, shaking, sleep difficulties, and mood difficulties — manifest. People who are dependent on alcohol may find that they need to drink again to counteract these sensations.
While a drastic approach to cutting back can seem like the easiest answer, it can actually be medically dangerous, intensifying the body’s withdrawal symptoms. When changing your drinking habits, start by cutting back gradually — decreasing your intake by 10% a week is a safe starting point.
People with anxiety are more likely to start drinking alcohol at a young age. This can be due to a variety of factors:
For teens with these issues, drinking alcohol is a way to self-medicate their symptoms. Since their brains are still developing, young people are more susceptible to becoming dependent on alcohol. This can lead to dangerous consequences, like an increased risk of drunk driving, engaging in violent behavior, acquiring sexually transmitted diseases, and long-term addiction.
Furthermore, peer pressure and social tendencies to encourage binge drinking can also lead to drinking in young people with anxiety.
The relationship between alcohol, anxiety, and sleep is complex. Anxiety can make our sleep worse, which can make us turn to alcohol to cope with the increased anxiety we experience the following day. Alcohol messes with our sleep, which can make us feel anxious, and therefore, we grab another nightcap the following evening. Poor sleep… well, you get the idea.
What, specifically, does alcohol do to our sleep? Dr. Vinall says, “[Alcohol’s] effects on the brain and the extra work your body is doing to metabolize the alcohol causes reduced sleep quality, with decreased slow-wave (deep) sleep, and more restless REM (dream) sleep and periods of wakefulness.” This can explain why we feel unrefreshed the next morning.
Dr. Harold Hong, a board-certified psychiatrist and Medical Director of New Waters Recovery, also points out another potential issue. “Because alcohol is a diuretic, it can lead to frequent trips to the bathroom,” he says. “These disruptions in sleep can worsen symptoms of anxiety.”
We know that the relationship between alcohol and anxiety can be complicated. Dr. Hong wants individuals to know that some of us are more vulnerable to alcohol dependency than others. “Those with a family history of alcoholism or addiction, those with mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, and individuals who have experienced trauma are at a greater risk of developing drinking problems,” he says.
“If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use, do seek professional help,” says Dr. Hong. “A qualified healthcare provider can provide an individualized treatment plan that takes into account your specific needs and circumstances. This could include inpatient or outpatient treatment, psychotherapy, support groups, lifestyle changes, medications, and other measures to ensure a safe and healthy recovery.”
Though anxiety can be physically and emotionally taxing, we can support our bodies by cutting back on alcohol. This may not magically cure our anxiety, but we can attest to the possibility of it dramatically reducing your symptoms. In fact, several of our users have mentioned improvements in their mental health — specifically, reduction of their anxiety symptoms — as one of the biggest benefits of cutting back.
So, what are a few foundational steps you can take to start cutting back on alcohol? If you’re new to the game, here’s a good place to start.
Okay, these all sound great… but how do we go about practicing them? We’ve got you!
When you join Reframe, we’ll give you a structured, scientifically-supported program to help you reduce your alcohol consumption. There’s our Drink Tracker, insightful daily readings, community support through the Forum chat and meetings, and so much more! And with our new AI feature, you can ask questions at any time of the day — from learning a new mocktail recipe to figuring out how to cope with a craving.
Even small changes in your drinking habits can make a big difference in your overall mood and health. So take that first step! Allow yourself to move toward a life that allows you to be your best, most vibrant self.
Anxiety can often make us feel like we’re trapped. Our thoughts race, creating an incessant chatter that runs through our minds. Our chests tighten, and our hearts beat increasingly faster. Our attention narrows, so that all we’re able to focus on is the future (and everything that can go wrong!). These emotions and sensations can feel like they’ll never pass, that they’re our reality.
We all deal with anxiety, but when this anxiety is prolonged and difficult to control, it can point to an anxiety disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 19.1% of U.S. adults had an anxiety disorder in the previous year, and approximately 31.1% of U.S. adults will experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime. These disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, and life experiences.
Though we often turn to alcohol to relieve anxiety, this ends up perpetuating — and worsening — our anxiety in the long run. Let’s find out why.
Several factors play into anxiety. We may have a genetic predisposition for it, and our life experiences and environment can trigger symptoms. Stressful events, such as losing a job or going through a divorce, can also trigger anxiety. Other risk factors for anxiety include depression, alcohol misuse, and chronic medical conditions.
There’s a common tendency to grab a drink to “take the edge off.” This temporary respite from anxiety can keep us reaching for the bottle whenever we need to quiet the internal noise — after a hectic day at the office, before a crowded social event, in preparation for a presentation. Over time, “taking the edge off” can become a bad habit, making us dependent on alcohol to relieve our anxiety. Not only this, but our brain chemistry changes: we start experiencing even more anxiety with prolonged alcohol use. We end up in a complicated cycle, and this can be tougher to break than the anxiety alone.
Most people are aware that drinking alcohol can cause short-term effects, like feelings of relaxation or sleepiness. What many people don't realize is that with habitual use, alcohol also throws off the delicate chemical balance inside our brains.
What exactly is going on here? To find out, we turned to Dr. Deborah Vinall, PsyD, LMFT. She sums it up by saying: “Alcohol temporarily increases levels of the neurotransmitters and neuromodulators GABA, glycine, and adenosine (associated with decreasing anxiety), dopamine (implicated in motivation), and serotonin (connected to feelings of happiness). However, once the temporary effects of alcohol leave the system, production of all of these neurotransmitters is impaired, leaving [us] more anxious, less motivated, and at increased risk of depression.”
Dr. Vinall also discusses “hangxiety” — which, although not a formal medical diagnosis, describes the increased feelings of anxiety that can arise during a hangover. “Such feelings are exacerbated by worry about the effects of [our] uninhibited actions during the drinking period as [we] examine them soberly,” she says. This can also lead to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
Alcohol withdrawal can also be a major culprit behind anxiety. Withdrawal is a particularly vulnerable period for the brain and body, as uncomfortable symptoms — sweating, shaking, sleep difficulties, and mood difficulties — manifest. People who are dependent on alcohol may find that they need to drink again to counteract these sensations.
While a drastic approach to cutting back can seem like the easiest answer, it can actually be medically dangerous, intensifying the body’s withdrawal symptoms. When changing your drinking habits, start by cutting back gradually — decreasing your intake by 10% a week is a safe starting point.
People with anxiety are more likely to start drinking alcohol at a young age. This can be due to a variety of factors:
For teens with these issues, drinking alcohol is a way to self-medicate their symptoms. Since their brains are still developing, young people are more susceptible to becoming dependent on alcohol. This can lead to dangerous consequences, like an increased risk of drunk driving, engaging in violent behavior, acquiring sexually transmitted diseases, and long-term addiction.
Furthermore, peer pressure and social tendencies to encourage binge drinking can also lead to drinking in young people with anxiety.
The relationship between alcohol, anxiety, and sleep is complex. Anxiety can make our sleep worse, which can make us turn to alcohol to cope with the increased anxiety we experience the following day. Alcohol messes with our sleep, which can make us feel anxious, and therefore, we grab another nightcap the following evening. Poor sleep… well, you get the idea.
What, specifically, does alcohol do to our sleep? Dr. Vinall says, “[Alcohol’s] effects on the brain and the extra work your body is doing to metabolize the alcohol causes reduced sleep quality, with decreased slow-wave (deep) sleep, and more restless REM (dream) sleep and periods of wakefulness.” This can explain why we feel unrefreshed the next morning.
Dr. Harold Hong, a board-certified psychiatrist and Medical Director of New Waters Recovery, also points out another potential issue. “Because alcohol is a diuretic, it can lead to frequent trips to the bathroom,” he says. “These disruptions in sleep can worsen symptoms of anxiety.”
We know that the relationship between alcohol and anxiety can be complicated. Dr. Hong wants individuals to know that some of us are more vulnerable to alcohol dependency than others. “Those with a family history of alcoholism or addiction, those with mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, and individuals who have experienced trauma are at a greater risk of developing drinking problems,” he says.
“If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use, do seek professional help,” says Dr. Hong. “A qualified healthcare provider can provide an individualized treatment plan that takes into account your specific needs and circumstances. This could include inpatient or outpatient treatment, psychotherapy, support groups, lifestyle changes, medications, and other measures to ensure a safe and healthy recovery.”
Though anxiety can be physically and emotionally taxing, we can support our bodies by cutting back on alcohol. This may not magically cure our anxiety, but we can attest to the possibility of it dramatically reducing your symptoms. In fact, several of our users have mentioned improvements in their mental health — specifically, reduction of their anxiety symptoms — as one of the biggest benefits of cutting back.
So, what are a few foundational steps you can take to start cutting back on alcohol? If you’re new to the game, here’s a good place to start.
Okay, these all sound great… but how do we go about practicing them? We’ve got you!
When you join Reframe, we’ll give you a structured, scientifically-supported program to help you reduce your alcohol consumption. There’s our Drink Tracker, insightful daily readings, community support through the Forum chat and meetings, and so much more! And with our new AI feature, you can ask questions at any time of the day — from learning a new mocktail recipe to figuring out how to cope with a craving.
Even small changes in your drinking habits can make a big difference in your overall mood and health. So take that first step! Allow yourself to move toward a life that allows you to be your best, most vibrant self.
Find out what's going on in your body when you drink too much alcohol. And how to make it happen less often.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet hundreds of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
We’ve all had those mornings: opening our eyes to a world that’s spinning a bit too much, a headache that’s pounding like a drum, and a distinct feeling of regret. Yes, welcome to your hangover.
But have you ever wondered, what exactly is a hangover? And why do hangovers happen in the first place? In this post, we’ll explore what happens during a hangover, how severe hangover symptoms develop, and what we can do about it. Let’s dive in!
To understand what happens during a hangover, we first need to understand how our body processes alcohol. Why? Because even though it’s easy to forget, alcohol is actually a toxin. Every time we drink, we’re essentially poisoning ourselves. It’s no wonder we don’t feel well the next day!
Here’s how it works: when we drink, our bodies break down alcohol into several compounds, the first of which is acetaldehyde, a potent toxic chemical. While alcohol is a toxin in its own right, acetaldehyde takes it up a notch — we're talking 30 times more toxic.
The acetaldehyde is further broken down into acetate, a relatively non-toxic substance, which is eventually converted into carbon dioxide and water. But here's the catch: our body can only process alcohol so quickly. In fact, our liver can only efficiently process one standard-sized alcoholic drink per hour. If we’re downing shots like there's no tomorrow, acetaldehyde accumulates faster than our body can eliminate it. The result? A hangover!
Now that we have a general understanding of how our body processes alcohol, let’s take a closer look at how alcohol causes some of the more specific symptoms when you are nursing a hangover. So, how does it feel to be hungover?
Overall, alcohol creates a cascade of effects that throws both our body and mind off balance, making it all the more crucial to consider if the momentary high of drinking is worth the physical discomfort and emotional toll the next day.
Are some people more likely to develop a hangover than others? Perhaps you’ve noticed that your friend seems to get away with several drinks without experiencing much of a hangover the next day. But maybe for you, as little as one drink can trigger a hangover. Why is this?
A variety of factors influence both the likelihood and severity of experiencing a hangover. Let’s take a closer look at 8 of them:
While any type of alcohol can cause a hangover, certain types may be more likely to lead to severe hangover symptoms. This is because different types of alcohol have different congeners — toxins that result from the fermentation process. When we consume congeners, extra stress is put on our liver to break down these substances and restore normal body function, which becomes the reason for the hangover.
Research shows that congeners are associated with more severe hangover symptoms, such as nausea and dizziness. For instance, one study compared participants’ self-reported hangover severity after drinking bourbon or vodka. Researchers found that participants who drank bourbon — which is high in congeners — reported feeling worse than those who drank vodka, which has almost no congeners at all.
In general, congeners are found in higher concentrations in darker alcoholic drinks. Beware of these darker drinks, which can cause the worst hangovers:
Clear liquors, such as vodka and gin, have comparatively lower concentrations of congeners. Bourbon whisky, for example, contains 37 times the quantity of congeners as vodka.
While the best way to avoid a hangover is to limit our consumption of alcohol (or not drink!), we can take action to lessen their intensity. Here are 5 tips:
Smart drinking practices can both help prevent a hangover and keep us safe. But we also might consider investigating the “sober curious” movement that has been gaining traction in recent years, particularly among the younger generation. Being “sober curious” isn’t necessarily about saying goodbye to drinking for good, but about re-evaluating our relationship with alcohol and being more intentional about why and how often we choose to drink.
What if the night got out of hand and you ended up drinking more than you anticipated? It’s now the next day and you feel like you’re going to vomit. Is there a hangover remedy?
Let’s look at 5 things we can do to cope with a hangover when we’re in the middle of one:
Hangovers aren’t just a nuisance: they’re a stark reminder that your body doesn’t appreciate being flooded with toxins. But don’t worry — it’s not about never enjoying a night out again. It's about making better choices when you do. Understanding the science behind hangovers can provide a valuable tool in our quest to cut back or quit drinking altogether. So, the next time you consider that extra round, remember what awaits you the morning after.
If you’re struggling to manage your alcohol consumption, consider trying Reframe. We’re a science-backed app that has helped millions of people cut back on their alcohol consumption and enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
We’ve all had those mornings: opening our eyes to a world that’s spinning a bit too much, a headache that’s pounding like a drum, and a distinct feeling of regret. Yes, welcome to your hangover.
But have you ever wondered, what exactly is a hangover? And why do hangovers happen in the first place? In this post, we’ll explore what happens during a hangover, how severe hangover symptoms develop, and what we can do about it. Let’s dive in!
To understand what happens during a hangover, we first need to understand how our body processes alcohol. Why? Because even though it’s easy to forget, alcohol is actually a toxin. Every time we drink, we’re essentially poisoning ourselves. It’s no wonder we don’t feel well the next day!
Here’s how it works: when we drink, our bodies break down alcohol into several compounds, the first of which is acetaldehyde, a potent toxic chemical. While alcohol is a toxin in its own right, acetaldehyde takes it up a notch — we're talking 30 times more toxic.
The acetaldehyde is further broken down into acetate, a relatively non-toxic substance, which is eventually converted into carbon dioxide and water. But here's the catch: our body can only process alcohol so quickly. In fact, our liver can only efficiently process one standard-sized alcoholic drink per hour. If we’re downing shots like there's no tomorrow, acetaldehyde accumulates faster than our body can eliminate it. The result? A hangover!
Now that we have a general understanding of how our body processes alcohol, let’s take a closer look at how alcohol causes some of the more specific symptoms when you are nursing a hangover. So, how does it feel to be hungover?
Overall, alcohol creates a cascade of effects that throws both our body and mind off balance, making it all the more crucial to consider if the momentary high of drinking is worth the physical discomfort and emotional toll the next day.
Are some people more likely to develop a hangover than others? Perhaps you’ve noticed that your friend seems to get away with several drinks without experiencing much of a hangover the next day. But maybe for you, as little as one drink can trigger a hangover. Why is this?
A variety of factors influence both the likelihood and severity of experiencing a hangover. Let’s take a closer look at 8 of them:
While any type of alcohol can cause a hangover, certain types may be more likely to lead to severe hangover symptoms. This is because different types of alcohol have different congeners — toxins that result from the fermentation process. When we consume congeners, extra stress is put on our liver to break down these substances and restore normal body function, which becomes the reason for the hangover.
Research shows that congeners are associated with more severe hangover symptoms, such as nausea and dizziness. For instance, one study compared participants’ self-reported hangover severity after drinking bourbon or vodka. Researchers found that participants who drank bourbon — which is high in congeners — reported feeling worse than those who drank vodka, which has almost no congeners at all.
In general, congeners are found in higher concentrations in darker alcoholic drinks. Beware of these darker drinks, which can cause the worst hangovers:
Clear liquors, such as vodka and gin, have comparatively lower concentrations of congeners. Bourbon whisky, for example, contains 37 times the quantity of congeners as vodka.
While the best way to avoid a hangover is to limit our consumption of alcohol (or not drink!), we can take action to lessen their intensity. Here are 5 tips:
Smart drinking practices can both help prevent a hangover and keep us safe. But we also might consider investigating the “sober curious” movement that has been gaining traction in recent years, particularly among the younger generation. Being “sober curious” isn’t necessarily about saying goodbye to drinking for good, but about re-evaluating our relationship with alcohol and being more intentional about why and how often we choose to drink.
What if the night got out of hand and you ended up drinking more than you anticipated? It’s now the next day and you feel like you’re going to vomit. Is there a hangover remedy?
Let’s look at 5 things we can do to cope with a hangover when we’re in the middle of one:
Hangovers aren’t just a nuisance: they’re a stark reminder that your body doesn’t appreciate being flooded with toxins. But don’t worry — it’s not about never enjoying a night out again. It's about making better choices when you do. Understanding the science behind hangovers can provide a valuable tool in our quest to cut back or quit drinking altogether. So, the next time you consider that extra round, remember what awaits you the morning after.
If you’re struggling to manage your alcohol consumption, consider trying Reframe. We’re a science-backed app that has helped millions of people cut back on their alcohol consumption and enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Alcohol-induced night sweats can be incredibly uncomfortable. Here's why they happen and what you can do about them.
Our bodies require cooling, and one of the most efficient processes for achieving this is through sweating-- something we don't always think of as pleasant. Sweat is 99 percent water and contains traces of salts and metabolic wastes, which are secreted onto our skin's surface to evaporate, taking heat away and cooling down the blood that flows beneath it. And if you are a regular drinker of alcohol, chances are you’re quite familiar with this bodily function.
If you’re already thinking about cutting back on drinking alcohol, you may not realize that cutting down your consumption will also help you sweat less-- reducing your body temperature naturally.
Night sweats are an annoying yet common occurrence in both men and women of all ages. Although the cause of night sweats can be linked to a condition or medication, they may also be the result of drinking too much alcohol. Fortunately, there are many simple changes that can help you cut back on alcohol consumption and reduce the likelihood of experiencing night sweats.
Asking yourself why you drink, tracking intake without judgement through the Reframe app, replacing drinks with activities like exercising or cooking, and identifying triggers that can lead to excessive drinking are just some ways people can successfully cut back on alcohol.
Night sweats can be caused by a range of factors:
Despite the fact that night sweats are generally harmless, if you’re experiencing them frequently due to alcohol consumption, you may want to cut back on drinking alcohol. Drinking more than your body can process at one time can result in sudden withdrawal symptoms leading to night sweats.
Cutting back on alcohol consumption is necessary for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and decreasing your risk of night sweats. It’s important to understand how alcohol triggers night sweats so that you can cut back and reap the health benefits of drinking less. Drinking increases your heart rate and causes your blood vessels to expand, triggering perspiration.
Although perspiring will help cool down your body, it won’t expel alcohol from your system any faster. To cut back on drinking, try setting an alcohol limit for yourself before going out or replacing drinks with sparkling water or low-calorie mocktails. Knowing how to cut back on alcohol consumption so that you can reduce your risk of night sweats is beneficial not only for better mental and physical health but also for preventing future health problems.
If you've already cut back on drinking, symptoms of alcohol withdrawal could start to manifest. Some common symptoms include sweating, clammy skin, and night sweats. You may also experience anxiousness, depression, or changes in your mood. Along with those symptoms, nausea, shakiness, nightmares, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, headaches, loss of appetite and body aches may occur. Other possible symptoms related to alcohol withdrawal include restlessness, muscle pains and fever-like symptoms.
If you’re planning how to cut back on alcohol consumption, it's important to be familiar with these signs and symptoms so that they don't surprise you down the line.
People with alcohol intolerance may experience uncomfortable symptoms, including frequent night sweats, when drinking. This is due to a genetic mutation that prevents their body from producing enzymes that break down the toxins in alcohol. In addition, they may see facial redness, hives, worsening asthma, runny or stuffy nose, low blood pressure and other types of discomfort such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
If you have been experiencing night sweats as a result of alcohol intolerance, the best course of action is to cut back on alcohol consumption. This can range from having no drinks throughout the week but do on the weekends to cutting happy hour shorter, or simply switching to lighter beverages. Not able to cut out drinking entirely? That’s okay too - just limit the amount you consume so that your symptoms subside.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and replenish your body’s electrolytes by eating salty foods like pickles or crackers. If you wake up with night sweats, make sure to rinse off any dried sweat and keep your bedroom temperature at a comfortable level before heading back to bed without excess blankets. By doing these simple things, you can lower the impact of night sweats due to alcohol intolerance.
When you cut back on drinking, your body may experience withdrawal symptoms such as night sweats. These symptoms may be sudden and unexpected, making it difficult to stay committed to changing your relationship with alcohol. That's why it's important to track your drinking so you can monitor if any sudden, unusual symptoms appear. With the Reframe app, you receive easy-to-use guidelines that show you how to cut back on drinking and track your progress for a more positive lifestyle. This unique tool can help shape better habits when it comes to drinking less alcohol and understanding the side effects caused by overconsumption.
Our bodies require cooling, and one of the most efficient processes for achieving this is through sweating-- something we don't always think of as pleasant. Sweat is 99 percent water and contains traces of salts and metabolic wastes, which are secreted onto our skin's surface to evaporate, taking heat away and cooling down the blood that flows beneath it. And if you are a regular drinker of alcohol, chances are you’re quite familiar with this bodily function.
If you’re already thinking about cutting back on drinking alcohol, you may not realize that cutting down your consumption will also help you sweat less-- reducing your body temperature naturally.
Night sweats are an annoying yet common occurrence in both men and women of all ages. Although the cause of night sweats can be linked to a condition or medication, they may also be the result of drinking too much alcohol. Fortunately, there are many simple changes that can help you cut back on alcohol consumption and reduce the likelihood of experiencing night sweats.
Asking yourself why you drink, tracking intake without judgement through the Reframe app, replacing drinks with activities like exercising or cooking, and identifying triggers that can lead to excessive drinking are just some ways people can successfully cut back on alcohol.
Night sweats can be caused by a range of factors:
Despite the fact that night sweats are generally harmless, if you’re experiencing them frequently due to alcohol consumption, you may want to cut back on drinking alcohol. Drinking more than your body can process at one time can result in sudden withdrawal symptoms leading to night sweats.
Cutting back on alcohol consumption is necessary for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and decreasing your risk of night sweats. It’s important to understand how alcohol triggers night sweats so that you can cut back and reap the health benefits of drinking less. Drinking increases your heart rate and causes your blood vessels to expand, triggering perspiration.
Although perspiring will help cool down your body, it won’t expel alcohol from your system any faster. To cut back on drinking, try setting an alcohol limit for yourself before going out or replacing drinks with sparkling water or low-calorie mocktails. Knowing how to cut back on alcohol consumption so that you can reduce your risk of night sweats is beneficial not only for better mental and physical health but also for preventing future health problems.
If you've already cut back on drinking, symptoms of alcohol withdrawal could start to manifest. Some common symptoms include sweating, clammy skin, and night sweats. You may also experience anxiousness, depression, or changes in your mood. Along with those symptoms, nausea, shakiness, nightmares, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, headaches, loss of appetite and body aches may occur. Other possible symptoms related to alcohol withdrawal include restlessness, muscle pains and fever-like symptoms.
If you’re planning how to cut back on alcohol consumption, it's important to be familiar with these signs and symptoms so that they don't surprise you down the line.
People with alcohol intolerance may experience uncomfortable symptoms, including frequent night sweats, when drinking. This is due to a genetic mutation that prevents their body from producing enzymes that break down the toxins in alcohol. In addition, they may see facial redness, hives, worsening asthma, runny or stuffy nose, low blood pressure and other types of discomfort such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
If you have been experiencing night sweats as a result of alcohol intolerance, the best course of action is to cut back on alcohol consumption. This can range from having no drinks throughout the week but do on the weekends to cutting happy hour shorter, or simply switching to lighter beverages. Not able to cut out drinking entirely? That’s okay too - just limit the amount you consume so that your symptoms subside.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and replenish your body’s electrolytes by eating salty foods like pickles or crackers. If you wake up with night sweats, make sure to rinse off any dried sweat and keep your bedroom temperature at a comfortable level before heading back to bed without excess blankets. By doing these simple things, you can lower the impact of night sweats due to alcohol intolerance.
When you cut back on drinking, your body may experience withdrawal symptoms such as night sweats. These symptoms may be sudden and unexpected, making it difficult to stay committed to changing your relationship with alcohol. That's why it's important to track your drinking so you can monitor if any sudden, unusual symptoms appear. With the Reframe app, you receive easy-to-use guidelines that show you how to cut back on drinking and track your progress for a more positive lifestyle. This unique tool can help shape better habits when it comes to drinking less alcohol and understanding the side effects caused by overconsumption.
Can you drink while eating low carb or keto? Let's find out in this blog post we put together on the topic.
The Reframe app is here to support you as you change your relationship with alcohol. We’ve helped hundreds of thousands of people break the alcohol misuse cycle and adopt healthier lifestyles, and we’re here to guide you throughout the process, too.
We understand that everyone has unique bodies, life experiences, and goals. That’s why we give you science-backed facts in our daily readings that can help you comprehend the impact alcohol has in your life. When you join the Reframe community, you’ll gain access to our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in calls. We’re a diverse and supportive group of people from around the world who are asking the same questions you are, and wrestling with the same challenges. You’re most definitely not alone!
Best of all, you can try Reframe free for 7 days, so there’s no risk (and a lot of potential gain!). We want you to be fully satisfied with your experience, which is why we’re committed to a 100% money-back guarantee.
Think about how it would feel to finally live with the vibrant well-being you deserve. We want you to live your best life, so if you feel your body telling you it’s time to cut back on the booze, you’ve come to the right place.
Break free from an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, and live more with Reframe today! We look forward to seeing you in the app!
The workweek has ended, and we’re at a bar with our friends, soaking in the blissful ambiance. But the evening takes a turn when the waiter arrives to take the drink order, and you suddenly remember you’re on a low-carb diet. What are some low-carb alcohol choices? What’s the lowest carb alcohol option out there? And can we still drink alcohol while maintaining our dietary goals?
The short answer is yes, but only with a more mindful approach to the drinks we consume. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the low-carb alcohol options available to those on low-carb diets. We’ll also chat about the carbs in alcohol, low carb liquor options, and whether there’s a such thing as “no-carb” alcohol.
Let’s start with the basics. A low-carb diet is a lifestyle choice many people make to either lose weight, maintain a healthy body, or manage certain health conditions. It generally involves restricting carbohydrates found in sugary foods, pastas, and bread. Instead, we eat more lean protein, healthy fats, and vegetables.
Low-carb diets can provide several health benefits. Research indicates they can result in weight loss and improve heart-health indicators like cholesterol and triglycerides levels. Moreover, low-carb diets can help manage blood sugar levels, which is crucial for people with diabetes.
But where does alcohol fit into this equation? That's where the story gets more complicated.
It may come as a surprise to learn that many types of alcohol are high in carbohydrates, with some having more carbs per serving than some soft drinks and desserts. For instance, beer, which boasts starch as a main ingredient, can contain anywhere from 3 to 12 grams of carbohydrates per 12-ounce (355 ml) serving. Mixed drinks are usually high in calories due to added sweeteners like juices and syrups. Even light beers and coolers contain an additional 5 to 17 grams of carbs.
People who want to limit their alcohol consumption should start by avoiding alcoholic beverages with a high calorie content and choosing pure ones that don’t contain carbohydrates, such as gin or vodka. You might still be wondering, “Does vodka have carbs?” Pure liquors such as vodka, whiskey, gin, rum, and tequila do not have any carbs. In any case, always remember to limit your alcohol consumption overall.
For those who are looking for low-carb alcoholic drinks in a can, spiked sparkling water and certain canned wines can be a great start. However, always check the labels when purchasing.
It's crucial to know which alcoholic beverages have the most calories and carbs when you’re trying to reduce your calorie intake. The top two beverages on the list are beer and mixed drinks, some of which include up to 34 grams of carbohydrates per serving. Avoiding these high-carb beverages should be your top priority if you're looking for ways to reduce your alcohol consumption. If you enjoy the odd beer or certain mixed drinks, seek low-carb substitutes that still let you enjoy the flavor without adding extra carbs to your diet.
Alcoholic beverages are high in calories but lack essential nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. When you cut back on alcohol, you can replace those liquid calories with healthy alternatives. This can look like enjoying a smoothie every morning, or having a protein-packed snack between meals.
Alcohol is metabolized by the body before any other nutrients in order to be used as fuel. Alcohol consumption interrupts the hormonal balance necessary for the proper metabolism of essential nutrients, like carbohydrates and fatty acids. Studies show that cutting back on drinking can boost fat-burning and promote weight loss.
Alcohol slows fat-burning processes, which increases the storage of fatty tissues and can result in fatty liver disease. Fortunately, consuming less alcohol encourages weight loss without endangering your health and enhances the fat-burning process. By reducing your alcohol intake, you can unlock the advantages of good weight management and improve your overall health.
If you're trying to cut back on drinking, it's important to know that your body prioritizes alcohol above all other nutrients when it comes to metabolism. Thus, when you drink alcohol, your body first uses the calories from the drinks to meet its energy needs before beginning to burn fat. As a result, too much alcohol can slow down fat-burning and increase fat storage. To reduce your consumption and ensure that your metabolism functions at its best, try limiting yourself to a predetermined number of alcoholic drinks per week, or cut back on high-calorie mixed drinks. Controlling your alcohol intake can significantly improve your chances of reaching your fitness and health objectives.
If you want to cut back on drinking and maintain your weight goals, it's crucial to know the potential link between excessive alcohol consumption and weight gain. Several studies have linked heavy alcohol use to a higher risk of weight gain during a three-month period.
Two drinks per day doubled the likelihood of weight gain compared to abstainers, according to a survey of 49,324 women. Similarly, a long-term study involving nearly 15,000 men revealed that increasing alcohol intake was linked to a higher risk of gaining weight over the course of 24 years. You can have success with weight management if you strive for moderation as opposed to excess. To fully benefit from reduced alcohol intake, it’s best to limit yourself to only one drink per day.
Here are a few practical tips:
Cutting back on drinking is a great way to cut down on empty calories. Here are a few tricks you can use to cut back on your alcohol consumption:
With small changes, you can significantly reduce your daily caloric intake and still allow yourself the occasional Saturday night beer or brunch mimosa.
Cutting back on alcohol can be an essential part of a low-carb diet, especially if you enjoy a beer or glass of wine every now and then. When consumed in moderation, some drinks actually work very well with a low-carb diet. Dry white and red wines and light beer contain just 3 or 4 grams of carbs per serving, so you won't need to avoid them completely if you're monitoring your carb intake.
Although carb-free pure alcoholic beverages like rum, whiskey, gin, and vodka are available, sugary mixers can rapidly turn your drink unhealthy. For taste without the extra calories, try mixing liquor with diet soda or sugar-free tonic water. By drinking less often and moderating your consumption, it's easy to cut back on calories.
The workweek has ended, and we’re at a bar with our friends, soaking in the blissful ambiance. But the evening takes a turn when the waiter arrives to take the drink order, and you suddenly remember you’re on a low-carb diet. What are some low-carb alcohol choices? What’s the lowest carb alcohol option out there? And can we still drink alcohol while maintaining our dietary goals?
The short answer is yes, but only with a more mindful approach to the drinks we consume. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the low-carb alcohol options available to those on low-carb diets. We’ll also chat about the carbs in alcohol, low carb liquor options, and whether there’s a such thing as “no-carb” alcohol.
Let’s start with the basics. A low-carb diet is a lifestyle choice many people make to either lose weight, maintain a healthy body, or manage certain health conditions. It generally involves restricting carbohydrates found in sugary foods, pastas, and bread. Instead, we eat more lean protein, healthy fats, and vegetables.
Low-carb diets can provide several health benefits. Research indicates they can result in weight loss and improve heart-health indicators like cholesterol and triglycerides levels. Moreover, low-carb diets can help manage blood sugar levels, which is crucial for people with diabetes.
But where does alcohol fit into this equation? That's where the story gets more complicated.
It may come as a surprise to learn that many types of alcohol are high in carbohydrates, with some having more carbs per serving than some soft drinks and desserts. For instance, beer, which boasts starch as a main ingredient, can contain anywhere from 3 to 12 grams of carbohydrates per 12-ounce (355 ml) serving. Mixed drinks are usually high in calories due to added sweeteners like juices and syrups. Even light beers and coolers contain an additional 5 to 17 grams of carbs.
People who want to limit their alcohol consumption should start by avoiding alcoholic beverages with a high calorie content and choosing pure ones that don’t contain carbohydrates, such as gin or vodka. You might still be wondering, “Does vodka have carbs?” Pure liquors such as vodka, whiskey, gin, rum, and tequila do not have any carbs. In any case, always remember to limit your alcohol consumption overall.
For those who are looking for low-carb alcoholic drinks in a can, spiked sparkling water and certain canned wines can be a great start. However, always check the labels when purchasing.
It's crucial to know which alcoholic beverages have the most calories and carbs when you’re trying to reduce your calorie intake. The top two beverages on the list are beer and mixed drinks, some of which include up to 34 grams of carbohydrates per serving. Avoiding these high-carb beverages should be your top priority if you're looking for ways to reduce your alcohol consumption. If you enjoy the odd beer or certain mixed drinks, seek low-carb substitutes that still let you enjoy the flavor without adding extra carbs to your diet.
Alcoholic beverages are high in calories but lack essential nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. When you cut back on alcohol, you can replace those liquid calories with healthy alternatives. This can look like enjoying a smoothie every morning, or having a protein-packed snack between meals.
Alcohol is metabolized by the body before any other nutrients in order to be used as fuel. Alcohol consumption interrupts the hormonal balance necessary for the proper metabolism of essential nutrients, like carbohydrates and fatty acids. Studies show that cutting back on drinking can boost fat-burning and promote weight loss.
Alcohol slows fat-burning processes, which increases the storage of fatty tissues and can result in fatty liver disease. Fortunately, consuming less alcohol encourages weight loss without endangering your health and enhances the fat-burning process. By reducing your alcohol intake, you can unlock the advantages of good weight management and improve your overall health.
If you're trying to cut back on drinking, it's important to know that your body prioritizes alcohol above all other nutrients when it comes to metabolism. Thus, when you drink alcohol, your body first uses the calories from the drinks to meet its energy needs before beginning to burn fat. As a result, too much alcohol can slow down fat-burning and increase fat storage. To reduce your consumption and ensure that your metabolism functions at its best, try limiting yourself to a predetermined number of alcoholic drinks per week, or cut back on high-calorie mixed drinks. Controlling your alcohol intake can significantly improve your chances of reaching your fitness and health objectives.
If you want to cut back on drinking and maintain your weight goals, it's crucial to know the potential link between excessive alcohol consumption and weight gain. Several studies have linked heavy alcohol use to a higher risk of weight gain during a three-month period.
Two drinks per day doubled the likelihood of weight gain compared to abstainers, according to a survey of 49,324 women. Similarly, a long-term study involving nearly 15,000 men revealed that increasing alcohol intake was linked to a higher risk of gaining weight over the course of 24 years. You can have success with weight management if you strive for moderation as opposed to excess. To fully benefit from reduced alcohol intake, it’s best to limit yourself to only one drink per day.
Here are a few practical tips:
Cutting back on drinking is a great way to cut down on empty calories. Here are a few tricks you can use to cut back on your alcohol consumption:
With small changes, you can significantly reduce your daily caloric intake and still allow yourself the occasional Saturday night beer or brunch mimosa.
Cutting back on alcohol can be an essential part of a low-carb diet, especially if you enjoy a beer or glass of wine every now and then. When consumed in moderation, some drinks actually work very well with a low-carb diet. Dry white and red wines and light beer contain just 3 or 4 grams of carbs per serving, so you won't need to avoid them completely if you're monitoring your carb intake.
Although carb-free pure alcoholic beverages like rum, whiskey, gin, and vodka are available, sugary mixers can rapidly turn your drink unhealthy. For taste without the extra calories, try mixing liquor with diet soda or sugar-free tonic water. By drinking less often and moderating your consumption, it's easy to cut back on calories.
Why do we snore after a night of drinking? The answer lies in alcohol's impact on sleep. Let's take a look.
Consuming alcohol, particularly right before bed, can have a direct impact on the quality of your sleep. Drinking alcohol increases your chances of snoring loudly, which can prevent REM sleep. If you have sleep apnea, this increase in snoring may be more concerning and cut into your total sleep time.
To prevent poorer quality sleep from happening on a regular basis, it is important to cut back on the consumption of alcohol, especially close to bedtime. Cutting down the amount of alcohol you drink is usually enough. Ultimately, no matter how you go about it, cutting down on your alcohol intake will lead to better rest quality and can even improve long-term health outcomes if done consistently.
Snoring can be a very frustrating situation, both for those enduring it and those creating the disruption. If you're the one mixing up everyone's sleep with your loud snores, not only are you likely dealing with tiredness during the day, but you are also compromising your own restorative sleep. There is an easy way to cut back on snoring - cut back on drinking alcohol.
Alcohol consumption has a negative effect on our bodies even when we're not about to doze off in bed, but for anyone looking to cut down their snoring habit, reducing alcohol consumption will definitely have a positive impact. It's often difficult at first to know how to cut back your intake of alcohol, but there are plenty of resources out there that can help guide you toward responsible drinking habits.
Although most people cut back on drinking when they learn that alcohol is a depressant and can make them feel tired or sleepy after having too much, few people realize the implications it may have on snoring. Studies have shown that heavy drinking and even some moderate drinking contribute to more frequent or louder snoring or even apnea, making it essential to cut back on alcohol consumption if loud snoring is an issue.
Alcohol can make you sleepy faster and make snoring more likely, and drinking too much can worsen the effects of snoring. When people drink alcohol, the muscles in their throats tighten, which can force air through the smaller opening with greater intensity, thus making the sound of snoring louder. Consuming too much alcohol can increase your risk of developing sleep apnea.
If you are concerned about your snoring or worry you have sleep apnea, it would be a good idea to cut back on drinking and also cut out other activities like smoking that can increase your risk of developing such ailments. It is important to note that this does not mean you must cut out all consumption of alcohol - instead focus on drinking less for better health outcomes.
A 2020 study noted that drinking alcohol close to bedtime can increase the risk of snoring or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This could be due to how alcohol affects your throat’s epiglottis, which is a flap of cartilage that acts as a gateway between your throat and mouth. It typically remains open to allow air to flow freely into your lungs but when you swallow, it folds back to stop food and drinks from entering.
There are a few simple methods to cut back on your alcohol consumption before bed, like having some water between sips of alcohol or limiting yourself to one alcoholic beverage per night.
Everyone snores occasionally - but when you drink alcohol, your regular breathing could become more difficult than usual. That is because the relaxation effects of drinking cause your throat muscles to contract and your nasal passages to swell, making it harder for air to flow freely. This leads the body to make up for this restriction by forcing deeper breaths which vibrate against your esophagus, resulting in snoring.
As a result of the 2020 sleep apnea study, researchers determined that drinking alcohol close to bedtime was linked to more severe sleep apnea symptoms. Those who cut back on the amount of alcohol consumed before bed were found to have fewer blocked airways and higher oxygen levels during their sleep. It’s recommended for anyone suffering from snoring or sleep apnea to cut back on drinking as an effective way to reduce these symptoms.
There are many different strategies you can use to cut back on your alcohol consumption, such as reducing the amount you drink each day, setting a specific time when you plan on cutting off your intake, and replacing alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic alternatives such as sparkling water or herbal tea.
Although it may seem counterintuitive, cutting back on drinking can actually improve your sleep quality. A recently published study highlighted the correlation between alcohol consumption and sleep, suggesting that exploring your relationship with alcohol – and considering how to cut back – can be of great benefit and play an important role in improving your sleep profile and determining treatment plans for those struggling with insomnia.
According to the Sleep Foundation, drinking even low amounts of alcohol (fewer than two drinks per day for men, less than one drink for women) can decrease sleep quality by 8.3 percent, while moderate (two drinks for men; one drink for women) and high (over two drinks for men; more than one drink for women) alcohol consumption further cut down on quality by 24 percent and 39.2 percent respectively. As such, reducing your alcohol intake could increase your overall restful nights.
Reaching your REM stage is essential in maintaining a healthy lifestyle; it is the deepest and most restorative sleep that provides our brains with much-needed improvements to concentration, mood, and memory. If you are having trouble getting enough REM sleep, cut back on drinking alcohol - it can inhibit your body’s natural ability to reach REM. Try different ways to cut back alcohol, such as limiting it to weekends only or cutting back the number of drinks you have gradually over time. When your REM sleep is optimized, your body can reap the full benefits of restorative sleep.
Stop drinking four hours before bed
Use a mouthguard or nasal strips
Sleep on your side
Alcohol can play a major role in affecting the quality of sleep, particularly if consumed right before bed. People who drink alcohol heavily or frequently may not get enough restorative REM sleep each night. This type of deep sleep is essential for feeling well-rested and having clarity when tackling tasks during the day. That's why it's important to cut back on drinking in order to improve your sleeping habits.
If you are someone who has difficulty making healthier decisions about when and how much alcohol to consume, the Reframe app is a great tool to help you cut back on drinking and work towards better sleep health! The app provides resources on how to cut back on alcohol with easy-to-follow tips like setting weekly personal goals that meet both mental and physical well-being needs.
Consuming alcohol, particularly right before bed, can have a direct impact on the quality of your sleep. Drinking alcohol increases your chances of snoring loudly, which can prevent REM sleep. If you have sleep apnea, this increase in snoring may be more concerning and cut into your total sleep time.
To prevent poorer quality sleep from happening on a regular basis, it is important to cut back on the consumption of alcohol, especially close to bedtime. Cutting down the amount of alcohol you drink is usually enough. Ultimately, no matter how you go about it, cutting down on your alcohol intake will lead to better rest quality and can even improve long-term health outcomes if done consistently.
Snoring can be a very frustrating situation, both for those enduring it and those creating the disruption. If you're the one mixing up everyone's sleep with your loud snores, not only are you likely dealing with tiredness during the day, but you are also compromising your own restorative sleep. There is an easy way to cut back on snoring - cut back on drinking alcohol.
Alcohol consumption has a negative effect on our bodies even when we're not about to doze off in bed, but for anyone looking to cut down their snoring habit, reducing alcohol consumption will definitely have a positive impact. It's often difficult at first to know how to cut back your intake of alcohol, but there are plenty of resources out there that can help guide you toward responsible drinking habits.
Although most people cut back on drinking when they learn that alcohol is a depressant and can make them feel tired or sleepy after having too much, few people realize the implications it may have on snoring. Studies have shown that heavy drinking and even some moderate drinking contribute to more frequent or louder snoring or even apnea, making it essential to cut back on alcohol consumption if loud snoring is an issue.
Alcohol can make you sleepy faster and make snoring more likely, and drinking too much can worsen the effects of snoring. When people drink alcohol, the muscles in their throats tighten, which can force air through the smaller opening with greater intensity, thus making the sound of snoring louder. Consuming too much alcohol can increase your risk of developing sleep apnea.
If you are concerned about your snoring or worry you have sleep apnea, it would be a good idea to cut back on drinking and also cut out other activities like smoking that can increase your risk of developing such ailments. It is important to note that this does not mean you must cut out all consumption of alcohol - instead focus on drinking less for better health outcomes.
A 2020 study noted that drinking alcohol close to bedtime can increase the risk of snoring or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This could be due to how alcohol affects your throat’s epiglottis, which is a flap of cartilage that acts as a gateway between your throat and mouth. It typically remains open to allow air to flow freely into your lungs but when you swallow, it folds back to stop food and drinks from entering.
There are a few simple methods to cut back on your alcohol consumption before bed, like having some water between sips of alcohol or limiting yourself to one alcoholic beverage per night.
Everyone snores occasionally - but when you drink alcohol, your regular breathing could become more difficult than usual. That is because the relaxation effects of drinking cause your throat muscles to contract and your nasal passages to swell, making it harder for air to flow freely. This leads the body to make up for this restriction by forcing deeper breaths which vibrate against your esophagus, resulting in snoring.
As a result of the 2020 sleep apnea study, researchers determined that drinking alcohol close to bedtime was linked to more severe sleep apnea symptoms. Those who cut back on the amount of alcohol consumed before bed were found to have fewer blocked airways and higher oxygen levels during their sleep. It’s recommended for anyone suffering from snoring or sleep apnea to cut back on drinking as an effective way to reduce these symptoms.
There are many different strategies you can use to cut back on your alcohol consumption, such as reducing the amount you drink each day, setting a specific time when you plan on cutting off your intake, and replacing alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic alternatives such as sparkling water or herbal tea.
Although it may seem counterintuitive, cutting back on drinking can actually improve your sleep quality. A recently published study highlighted the correlation between alcohol consumption and sleep, suggesting that exploring your relationship with alcohol – and considering how to cut back – can be of great benefit and play an important role in improving your sleep profile and determining treatment plans for those struggling with insomnia.
According to the Sleep Foundation, drinking even low amounts of alcohol (fewer than two drinks per day for men, less than one drink for women) can decrease sleep quality by 8.3 percent, while moderate (two drinks for men; one drink for women) and high (over two drinks for men; more than one drink for women) alcohol consumption further cut down on quality by 24 percent and 39.2 percent respectively. As such, reducing your alcohol intake could increase your overall restful nights.
Reaching your REM stage is essential in maintaining a healthy lifestyle; it is the deepest and most restorative sleep that provides our brains with much-needed improvements to concentration, mood, and memory. If you are having trouble getting enough REM sleep, cut back on drinking alcohol - it can inhibit your body’s natural ability to reach REM. Try different ways to cut back alcohol, such as limiting it to weekends only or cutting back the number of drinks you have gradually over time. When your REM sleep is optimized, your body can reap the full benefits of restorative sleep.
Stop drinking four hours before bed
Use a mouthguard or nasal strips
Sleep on your side
Alcohol can play a major role in affecting the quality of sleep, particularly if consumed right before bed. People who drink alcohol heavily or frequently may not get enough restorative REM sleep each night. This type of deep sleep is essential for feeling well-rested and having clarity when tackling tasks during the day. That's why it's important to cut back on drinking in order to improve your sleeping habits.
If you are someone who has difficulty making healthier decisions about when and how much alcohol to consume, the Reframe app is a great tool to help you cut back on drinking and work towards better sleep health! The app provides resources on how to cut back on alcohol with easy-to-follow tips like setting weekly personal goals that meet both mental and physical well-being needs.
Alcohol affects all areas of our health, from our emotional well-being to our organ function. Here's a look into several areas.
With so many conflicting messages about alcohol, it can be difficult to know how to cut back. The truth is that drinking too much can be unhealthy. For those trying to cut back on drinking, monitoring the type and amount of alcohol consumed is key.
Alcohol is one of the most popular psychoactive substances in the world and its use has both short-term and long-term effects. Ethanol, the active ingredient in alcoholic drinks, is generally referred to as “alcohol” and can have powerful effects on your mental state. Moderate amounts are said to have health benefits in some cases, such as reducing cardiovascular disease and stroke risk. If regular drinking is causing symptoms such as fatigue, feeling sick in the morning or a lack of concentration, cutting back on alcohol - or completely avoiding it - may make all the difference.
The liver is a tremendously remarkable organ that has hundreds of essential functions, one of the most important being the neutralization of toxic substances. Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the liver. One common result of too much alcohol consumption is fatty liver, which is characterized by fat inside liver cells that can develop in those who drink more than half an ounce (15ml) of alcohol per day.
Over time, drinking less alcohol will help protect your precious and irreplaceable liver from further damage.
Drinking too much alcohol can have serious consequences for your brain. It slows down communication between brain cells, which can cause symptoms like feeling drunk and may even lead to memory loss during a heavy drinking episode. These effects are generally temporary, but long-term chronic alcohol abuse can cause permanent damage to the brain’s function.
Experts recommend that everyone cut back on consuming alcohol or drink less frequently.
Alcohol abuse and depression often coincide, creating a dangerous cycle where increased alcohol intake leads to depression and further drinking. Research suggests that cutting back on alcohol is an important step toward improving mental health. Cutting back or completely eliminating drinking can reduce depression as well as associated risks from heavy drinking, such as chronic stress, increased risk of medical illness, and whole-body inflammation.
Many people find it helpful to cut back on their drinking habits gradually. Create goals for yourself to cut down on drinking over time. You can also take other steps to reduce the effects of depression, such as talking to supportive friends, prioritizing healthy activities like sleep and exercise, and exploring mindfulness practices like yoga or meditation. Taking a holistic approach can help you cut back on your alcohol use while improving your overall mental health.
Obesity is a serious health concern. Alcohol is the second most calorie-rich nutrient after fat — packing about seven calories per gram. Beer has a similar number of calories to sugary soft drinks, ounce for ounce, whereas red wine has twice as many.
It seems that drinking habits and preferences may play a role in obesity. For example, moderate drinking is linked to slower weight gain, whereas heavy drinking is linked to increased weight gain.
A growing body of research suggests drinking alcohol in moderation may have beneficial effects on heart health. Excessive consumption of alcohol can have a harmful effect on the cardiovascular system and increase your risk for heart disease. Research shows that light to moderate consumption of alcohol is linked to a lower risk for heart disease, whereas heavy drinking has been shown to increase it.
If you wish to cut back on your alcohol consumption and reduce your risk of developing heart disease, it’s important to understand how much is too much. The recommended guideline is no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women on alternating days. Cut back on drinking by having drink-free days throughout the week or alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic beverages like lime soda or sparkling water with crushed mint leaves.
It’s essential to not replace mealtime with an alcoholic beverage and practice mindful drinking by taking a minute during each serving of an alcoholic beverage. Moderate consumption of alcohol may help cut back the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Affecting eight percent of the world’s population, type 2 diabetes is caused by a reduced absorption of glucose into cells, where it triggers the release of insulin into the body.
Studies have shown that drinking alcohol in moderation can actually reduce insulin resistance and cut back on rising blood sugar and fasting blood glucose levels. It is recommended those with type 2 diabetes looking to cut back on their drinking should do so slowly and with professional advice, as drinking too much or too quickly can have serious repercussions for them.
There is no denying that the effects of alcohol depend entirely on individual body chemistry and drinking habits. Moderate indulgence of beer, wine, or spirits can be beneficial in some cases, with moderate drinking linked to lowered risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. That being said, cut back on drinking if you are approaching the recommended daily limit — too much of anything is not good for you. For those who find they cannot cut back on their alcohol consumption successfully without professional help, it's important to seek out treatment immediately to prevent any negative health effects from worsening. Remember that even just drinking less alcohol can make a huge difference in your overall well-being.
It's true that moderate drinking can bring some potential health benefits but it is important to cut back on your alcohol intake if you're approaching the recommended daily limits. While the effects of alcohol depend on an individual's body chemistry and drinking habits, taking things down a level when it comes to your beer, wine or spirits consumption can have a huge impact on overall well-being. If you are struggling to cut back, Reframe can provide helpful resources for learning new ways to drink less and achieve better health and happiness.
With so many conflicting messages about alcohol, it can be difficult to know how to cut back. The truth is that drinking too much can be unhealthy. For those trying to cut back on drinking, monitoring the type and amount of alcohol consumed is key.
Alcohol is one of the most popular psychoactive substances in the world and its use has both short-term and long-term effects. Ethanol, the active ingredient in alcoholic drinks, is generally referred to as “alcohol” and can have powerful effects on your mental state. Moderate amounts are said to have health benefits in some cases, such as reducing cardiovascular disease and stroke risk. If regular drinking is causing symptoms such as fatigue, feeling sick in the morning or a lack of concentration, cutting back on alcohol - or completely avoiding it - may make all the difference.
The liver is a tremendously remarkable organ that has hundreds of essential functions, one of the most important being the neutralization of toxic substances. Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the liver. One common result of too much alcohol consumption is fatty liver, which is characterized by fat inside liver cells that can develop in those who drink more than half an ounce (15ml) of alcohol per day.
Over time, drinking less alcohol will help protect your precious and irreplaceable liver from further damage.
Drinking too much alcohol can have serious consequences for your brain. It slows down communication between brain cells, which can cause symptoms like feeling drunk and may even lead to memory loss during a heavy drinking episode. These effects are generally temporary, but long-term chronic alcohol abuse can cause permanent damage to the brain’s function.
Experts recommend that everyone cut back on consuming alcohol or drink less frequently.
Alcohol abuse and depression often coincide, creating a dangerous cycle where increased alcohol intake leads to depression and further drinking. Research suggests that cutting back on alcohol is an important step toward improving mental health. Cutting back or completely eliminating drinking can reduce depression as well as associated risks from heavy drinking, such as chronic stress, increased risk of medical illness, and whole-body inflammation.
Many people find it helpful to cut back on their drinking habits gradually. Create goals for yourself to cut down on drinking over time. You can also take other steps to reduce the effects of depression, such as talking to supportive friends, prioritizing healthy activities like sleep and exercise, and exploring mindfulness practices like yoga or meditation. Taking a holistic approach can help you cut back on your alcohol use while improving your overall mental health.
Obesity is a serious health concern. Alcohol is the second most calorie-rich nutrient after fat — packing about seven calories per gram. Beer has a similar number of calories to sugary soft drinks, ounce for ounce, whereas red wine has twice as many.
It seems that drinking habits and preferences may play a role in obesity. For example, moderate drinking is linked to slower weight gain, whereas heavy drinking is linked to increased weight gain.
A growing body of research suggests drinking alcohol in moderation may have beneficial effects on heart health. Excessive consumption of alcohol can have a harmful effect on the cardiovascular system and increase your risk for heart disease. Research shows that light to moderate consumption of alcohol is linked to a lower risk for heart disease, whereas heavy drinking has been shown to increase it.
If you wish to cut back on your alcohol consumption and reduce your risk of developing heart disease, it’s important to understand how much is too much. The recommended guideline is no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women on alternating days. Cut back on drinking by having drink-free days throughout the week or alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic beverages like lime soda or sparkling water with crushed mint leaves.
It’s essential to not replace mealtime with an alcoholic beverage and practice mindful drinking by taking a minute during each serving of an alcoholic beverage. Moderate consumption of alcohol may help cut back the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Affecting eight percent of the world’s population, type 2 diabetes is caused by a reduced absorption of glucose into cells, where it triggers the release of insulin into the body.
Studies have shown that drinking alcohol in moderation can actually reduce insulin resistance and cut back on rising blood sugar and fasting blood glucose levels. It is recommended those with type 2 diabetes looking to cut back on their drinking should do so slowly and with professional advice, as drinking too much or too quickly can have serious repercussions for them.
There is no denying that the effects of alcohol depend entirely on individual body chemistry and drinking habits. Moderate indulgence of beer, wine, or spirits can be beneficial in some cases, with moderate drinking linked to lowered risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. That being said, cut back on drinking if you are approaching the recommended daily limit — too much of anything is not good for you. For those who find they cannot cut back on their alcohol consumption successfully without professional help, it's important to seek out treatment immediately to prevent any negative health effects from worsening. Remember that even just drinking less alcohol can make a huge difference in your overall well-being.
It's true that moderate drinking can bring some potential health benefits but it is important to cut back on your alcohol intake if you're approaching the recommended daily limits. While the effects of alcohol depend on an individual's body chemistry and drinking habits, taking things down a level when it comes to your beer, wine or spirits consumption can have a huge impact on overall well-being. If you are struggling to cut back, Reframe can provide helpful resources for learning new ways to drink less and achieve better health and happiness.
