Alcohol intolerance — caused primarily by a deficiency in the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase —- can lead to skin flushing, an upset stomach, rapid heartbeat, sinus issues, headaches, low blood pressure, diarrhea, shortness of breath, hot flashes, and itchiness.
When it comes to alcohol, it’s important to listen to your body to know what’s best for your health — and the Reframe app is here to help! While it’s not a cure for alcohol use disorder (AUD), our program is designed to aid you in gradually reducing your alcohol intake by using scientifically supported information to inform and inspire you every step of the way. Our tried-and-tested approach has positively impacted hundreds of thousands of people worldwide, enabling them to drink less and enjoy life more. We're excited to offer you the same help!
Reframe provides you with the necessary knowledge and tools to not only decrease your alcohol consumption, but to flourish throughout the process. Our daily scientifically-supported readings tell you all about the brain science behind alcohol use, while our Toolkit gives you helpful resources and exercises to tackle any obstacle you might face on the way.
You'll have the chance to connect with countless other Reframers via our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-ins. Get inspired by people across the globe who truly understand your journey! For more personalized support, you also have the option to get in touch with our certified Reframe coaches.
Moreover, we're always adding new features to enhance your in-app experience. We're thrilled to introduce Melody, our newly integrated chatbot built with the most advanced AI technology. Melody can help you in your transition to a life with less — or no — alcohol.
But that's not all! We offer engaging monthly challenges, such as Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. Don't miss the opportunity to join in with other Reframers — or go at it alone if that suits you better!
With a free trial for the first 7 days, there's absolutely no risk in giving the Reframe app a shot. Are you ready to feel empowered and explore a life with less reliance on alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
It feels like a bizarre time warp. You take a few sips of wine, a shot of tequila, or gulp down a beer, and your body responds with a full-out protest: instead of feeling mellow, you turn bright red, feel uncomfortably hot, and get that thumping, rapid heartbeat. What is this? A freakishly early hangover? No way — that’s not due for at least another few hours. You might chalk it up to a bad day or a sensitive stomach, but the real reason could be hiding in plain sight: alcohol intolerance.
We all know that drinking too much can leave us feeling less than stellar, but when that “ick” comes on after just a drink or two, it means there’s something deeper going on. Let's unpack the ten common symptoms of this condition and explore some ways we can manage it.
Simply put, alcohol intolerance is the body’s adverse reaction to alcohol. While facial flushing, nausea, headaches, a stuffy nose, and itchiness are the most common symptoms, low blood pressure, high heart rate, diarrhea, hot flashes, and shortness of breath are typical as well. It's largely a genetic issue, caused by an inability to metabolize alcohol properly. The culprit? An enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), which (normally) works together with another enzyme — alcohol dehydrogenase — to metabolize alcohol in the liver.
When everything is functioning as it should, alcohol dehydrogenase breaks down alcohol into a substance called acetaldehyde — a highly reactive, toxic compound that's a main player in causing hangover symptoms and is more toxic than alcohol itself. Next, aldehyde dehydrogenase quickly steps in and converts the toxin into a harmless substance called acetic acid, a compound similar to vinegar. Once formed, acetic acid becomes a metabolic substrate: the body uses it for energy and expels the byproducts easily, without any harmful effects.
However, a problem arises when there's a deficiency or malfunction of ALDH, the enzyme involved in these conversion processes. When ALDH doesn't function properly (or when its levels are lower than normal due to genetic factors), acetaldehyde doesn't get converted into acetic acid efficiently. As a result, it accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to a range of unpleasant symptoms we identify as alcohol intolerance.
Acetaldehyde can irritate and inflame the lining of the stomach and intestines, which might exacerbate gastritis — causing nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain. In some people, an accumulation of acetaldehyde stimulates the release of histamines, causing symptoms similar to allergic reactions, such as itching, congestion, and difficulty breathing.
At elevated levels, acetaldehyde can affect the brain and nervous system, potentially causing mood changes, memory gaps, and impaired motor functions. Chronic exposure to elevated levels of acetaldehyde has even been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, especially esophageal cancer.
Before diving deeper into alcohol intolerance, let’s discuss the differences among four alcohol-related issues that can have overlapping symptoms (many of which are linked to alcohol metabolism). They can be easy to confuse, but these issues aren’t quite identical:
Now, let’s explore the ten most common symptoms of alcohol intolerance, which can affect various body systems but stem from the same trigger — the inability to process alcohol effectively.
Wrestling with nausea after just a drink or two? You might be dealing with alcohol intolerance. The body processes alcohol in the liver using enzymes that convert it to other compounds. However, the buildup of one compound, acetaldehyde, can lead to nausea in those with alcohol intolerance.
Moreover, alcohol causes inflammation and irritation of the stomach lining. This inflammation — known as gastritis — can result in discomfort, pain, nausea, and, in severe cases, vomiting. The higher the alcohol content in a drink, the greater the likelihood and severity of nausea.
Notice your skin getting red after a sip of Merlot? This flushing can also be one of the first signs of alcohol intolerance. Once again, it’s the result of acetaldehyde accumulation, which dilates our blood vessels. This reaction is highly prevalent in people of East Asian descent, with approximately 36% of Japanese, Chinese, and Korean populations experiencing this flush response. However, it's important to remember that alcohol intolerance isn't exclusive to any particular ethnicity — in fact, as many as 540 million people around the world have a genetic ALDH2 deficiency that results in face flushing. That’s roughly 8% of the entire population!
Facial flushing can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing reaction to alcohol, but it's also a helpful indicator of alcohol intolerance. It's the body's way of signaling that it's struggling to process alcohol. So while the alcohol-induced blush might seem like a mere cosmetic concern, it's a window into the body's internal processes and potential health risks.
When it comes to this particular symptom, a risk that’s most concerning is the possible link to cancer of the esophagus. A 2017 study found a correlation between the two, suggesting that face flushing might be a warning sign of being at higher risk for the disease.
Ever had a racing heartbeat that comes out of nowhere after having a few sips? It could be another sign of alcohol intolerance. Once again, the main culprit is acetaldehyde, which has been linked to blood vessel dilation due to changes in heart rate. Rising acetaldehyde levels throw off the electrical signals in the heart, leading to an increased heart rate (tachycardia). Elevated acetaldehyde can also induce palpitations — the fluttering sensation that feels like skipped beats or forceful thumping.
While acetaldehyde plays a significant role in alcohol-induced tachycardia, it's not the sole player. Alcohol itself has a direct effect on the heart and blood vessels by triggering the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline, which stimulates the heart to beat faster. Additionally, dehydration caused by alcohol can concentrate the blood, making the heart work harder to pump it and resulting in an increased heart rate.
Some people might find their nose blocked or running after drinking alcohol. This is because alcohol can cause the blood vessels inside the nose to swell, producing more mucus and causing symptoms similar to a cold or allergic rhinitis. This symptom of alcohol intolerance is especially common with wine.
Headaches are one of the most reported symptoms of alcohol intolerance. Alcohol triggers blood vessels in our brain to expand, leading to an all-too-familiar pounding pain. Dehydration caused by alcohol also contributes to these headaches.
While many people know that long-term alcohol use can raise blood pressure, in the short term — and particularly in cases of alcohol intolerance — blood pressure can actually drop. This can lead to dizziness or even fainting.
It's essential to recognize symptoms associated with a sudden drop in blood pressure after drinking. In addition to dizziness, these might include blurred vision, nausea, fatigue, and lack of concentration caused by a decrease in blood flow to the brain.
Alcohol speeds up digestion, causing the muscles in the intestines to contract more often and leading to diarrhea. Moreover, alcohol can lead to an inflammatory response in the gut, which can exacerbate the effect.
Certain types of alcohol may be more likely to cause diarrhea than others. For instance, high-sugar drinks can pull water from the intestines, leading to loose stools. Beverages high in caffeine — such as certain liqueurs or mixers — can stimulate muscle contractions in the intestines, increasing the speed of digestion.
A sudden feeling of warmth can indicate the body's inability to process alcohol. This effect can occur due to alcohol’s vasodilatory effect, making the skin feel unusually warm for a time.
This sensation might be accompanied by sweating as the body attempts to cool itself down, and it can be followed by chills as the effects of the alcohol wear off. Certain types of alcohol —such as red wine — may be more likely to cause hot flashes than others due to chemicals that affect the body's ability to regulate temperature.
In some cases, alcohol intolerance can cause the body to release histamines, similar to what happens in an allergic reaction. This response can lead to inflamed airways and difficulty breathing.
If you or someone you know experiences difficulty breathing after consuming alcohol, seek immediate medical attention. This symptom should always be taken seriously, as it can quickly escalate.
Less intense than shortness of breath, these other classic signs of an allergic reaction can occur with alcohol intolerance due to histamine release in response to certain components found in alcoholic beverages. Histamine is a compound involved in immune responses, leading to the classic symptoms of allergies: itching, redness, and swelling in the eyes, nose, and mouth. Itchiness can also be accompanied by other allergic reactions — rashes or hives, swelling (especially around the eyes, lips, or the entire face), watery eyes, sneezing, or nasal congestion.
Some people are allergic to specific ingredients found in some alcoholic beverages. For instance, wines and beers often contain sulfites, preservatives that can trigger allergy-like symptoms.
If you think you might have alcohol intolerance, the first step is to speak with a healthcare professional. They can provide guidance and run any necessary tests to rule out other conditions.
From there, we can take a number of steps to mitigate symptoms and navigate social situations with grace and ease.
Being aware of alcohol intolerance and its symptoms lets us make informed decisions about our alcohol consumption. We're all striving to live our healthiest, happiest lives — and knowing what's going on in our bodies is a big part of that journey.
But it’s not just about identifying what our bodies can’t handle — it’s a fresh perspective on understanding our unique constitutions. In many ways, this newfound knowledge is like receiving a personalized roadmap to a more vibrant, energized, and joyful life.
Understanding our body’s signals opens doors to new experiences, tastes, and adventures. Maybe it’s sipping on alcohol-free cocktails that surprise our palate, attending fun mocktail mixers, or even just relishing the clarity and energy of an alcohol-free evening out with friends.
The beauty of this awareness is that it empowers us to make choices that enhance our well-being, while still cherishing those festive, celebratory moments. Recognizing the signs of alcohol intolerance is not a limitation! It’s an invitation to a world of expanded possibilities. It’s all about celebrating life in a way that resonates with our truest selves.
It feels like a bizarre time warp. You take a few sips of wine, a shot of tequila, or gulp down a beer, and your body responds with a full-out protest: instead of feeling mellow, you turn bright red, feel uncomfortably hot, and get that thumping, rapid heartbeat. What is this? A freakishly early hangover? No way — that’s not due for at least another few hours. You might chalk it up to a bad day or a sensitive stomach, but the real reason could be hiding in plain sight: alcohol intolerance.
We all know that drinking too much can leave us feeling less than stellar, but when that “ick” comes on after just a drink or two, it means there’s something deeper going on. Let's unpack the ten common symptoms of this condition and explore some ways we can manage it.
Simply put, alcohol intolerance is the body’s adverse reaction to alcohol. While facial flushing, nausea, headaches, a stuffy nose, and itchiness are the most common symptoms, low blood pressure, high heart rate, diarrhea, hot flashes, and shortness of breath are typical as well. It's largely a genetic issue, caused by an inability to metabolize alcohol properly. The culprit? An enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), which (normally) works together with another enzyme — alcohol dehydrogenase — to metabolize alcohol in the liver.
When everything is functioning as it should, alcohol dehydrogenase breaks down alcohol into a substance called acetaldehyde — a highly reactive, toxic compound that's a main player in causing hangover symptoms and is more toxic than alcohol itself. Next, aldehyde dehydrogenase quickly steps in and converts the toxin into a harmless substance called acetic acid, a compound similar to vinegar. Once formed, acetic acid becomes a metabolic substrate: the body uses it for energy and expels the byproducts easily, without any harmful effects.
However, a problem arises when there's a deficiency or malfunction of ALDH, the enzyme involved in these conversion processes. When ALDH doesn't function properly (or when its levels are lower than normal due to genetic factors), acetaldehyde doesn't get converted into acetic acid efficiently. As a result, it accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to a range of unpleasant symptoms we identify as alcohol intolerance.
Acetaldehyde can irritate and inflame the lining of the stomach and intestines, which might exacerbate gastritis — causing nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain. In some people, an accumulation of acetaldehyde stimulates the release of histamines, causing symptoms similar to allergic reactions, such as itching, congestion, and difficulty breathing.
At elevated levels, acetaldehyde can affect the brain and nervous system, potentially causing mood changes, memory gaps, and impaired motor functions. Chronic exposure to elevated levels of acetaldehyde has even been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, especially esophageal cancer.
Before diving deeper into alcohol intolerance, let’s discuss the differences among four alcohol-related issues that can have overlapping symptoms (many of which are linked to alcohol metabolism). They can be easy to confuse, but these issues aren’t quite identical:
Now, let’s explore the ten most common symptoms of alcohol intolerance, which can affect various body systems but stem from the same trigger — the inability to process alcohol effectively.
Wrestling with nausea after just a drink or two? You might be dealing with alcohol intolerance. The body processes alcohol in the liver using enzymes that convert it to other compounds. However, the buildup of one compound, acetaldehyde, can lead to nausea in those with alcohol intolerance.
Moreover, alcohol causes inflammation and irritation of the stomach lining. This inflammation — known as gastritis — can result in discomfort, pain, nausea, and, in severe cases, vomiting. The higher the alcohol content in a drink, the greater the likelihood and severity of nausea.
Notice your skin getting red after a sip of Merlot? This flushing can also be one of the first signs of alcohol intolerance. Once again, it’s the result of acetaldehyde accumulation, which dilates our blood vessels. This reaction is highly prevalent in people of East Asian descent, with approximately 36% of Japanese, Chinese, and Korean populations experiencing this flush response. However, it's important to remember that alcohol intolerance isn't exclusive to any particular ethnicity — in fact, as many as 540 million people around the world have a genetic ALDH2 deficiency that results in face flushing. That’s roughly 8% of the entire population!
Facial flushing can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing reaction to alcohol, but it's also a helpful indicator of alcohol intolerance. It's the body's way of signaling that it's struggling to process alcohol. So while the alcohol-induced blush might seem like a mere cosmetic concern, it's a window into the body's internal processes and potential health risks.
When it comes to this particular symptom, a risk that’s most concerning is the possible link to cancer of the esophagus. A 2017 study found a correlation between the two, suggesting that face flushing might be a warning sign of being at higher risk for the disease.
Ever had a racing heartbeat that comes out of nowhere after having a few sips? It could be another sign of alcohol intolerance. Once again, the main culprit is acetaldehyde, which has been linked to blood vessel dilation due to changes in heart rate. Rising acetaldehyde levels throw off the electrical signals in the heart, leading to an increased heart rate (tachycardia). Elevated acetaldehyde can also induce palpitations — the fluttering sensation that feels like skipped beats or forceful thumping.
While acetaldehyde plays a significant role in alcohol-induced tachycardia, it's not the sole player. Alcohol itself has a direct effect on the heart and blood vessels by triggering the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline, which stimulates the heart to beat faster. Additionally, dehydration caused by alcohol can concentrate the blood, making the heart work harder to pump it and resulting in an increased heart rate.
Some people might find their nose blocked or running after drinking alcohol. This is because alcohol can cause the blood vessels inside the nose to swell, producing more mucus and causing symptoms similar to a cold or allergic rhinitis. This symptom of alcohol intolerance is especially common with wine.
Headaches are one of the most reported symptoms of alcohol intolerance. Alcohol triggers blood vessels in our brain to expand, leading to an all-too-familiar pounding pain. Dehydration caused by alcohol also contributes to these headaches.
While many people know that long-term alcohol use can raise blood pressure, in the short term — and particularly in cases of alcohol intolerance — blood pressure can actually drop. This can lead to dizziness or even fainting.
It's essential to recognize symptoms associated with a sudden drop in blood pressure after drinking. In addition to dizziness, these might include blurred vision, nausea, fatigue, and lack of concentration caused by a decrease in blood flow to the brain.
Alcohol speeds up digestion, causing the muscles in the intestines to contract more often and leading to diarrhea. Moreover, alcohol can lead to an inflammatory response in the gut, which can exacerbate the effect.
Certain types of alcohol may be more likely to cause diarrhea than others. For instance, high-sugar drinks can pull water from the intestines, leading to loose stools. Beverages high in caffeine — such as certain liqueurs or mixers — can stimulate muscle contractions in the intestines, increasing the speed of digestion.
A sudden feeling of warmth can indicate the body's inability to process alcohol. This effect can occur due to alcohol’s vasodilatory effect, making the skin feel unusually warm for a time.
This sensation might be accompanied by sweating as the body attempts to cool itself down, and it can be followed by chills as the effects of the alcohol wear off. Certain types of alcohol —such as red wine — may be more likely to cause hot flashes than others due to chemicals that affect the body's ability to regulate temperature.
In some cases, alcohol intolerance can cause the body to release histamines, similar to what happens in an allergic reaction. This response can lead to inflamed airways and difficulty breathing.
If you or someone you know experiences difficulty breathing after consuming alcohol, seek immediate medical attention. This symptom should always be taken seriously, as it can quickly escalate.
Less intense than shortness of breath, these other classic signs of an allergic reaction can occur with alcohol intolerance due to histamine release in response to certain components found in alcoholic beverages. Histamine is a compound involved in immune responses, leading to the classic symptoms of allergies: itching, redness, and swelling in the eyes, nose, and mouth. Itchiness can also be accompanied by other allergic reactions — rashes or hives, swelling (especially around the eyes, lips, or the entire face), watery eyes, sneezing, or nasal congestion.
Some people are allergic to specific ingredients found in some alcoholic beverages. For instance, wines and beers often contain sulfites, preservatives that can trigger allergy-like symptoms.
If you think you might have alcohol intolerance, the first step is to speak with a healthcare professional. They can provide guidance and run any necessary tests to rule out other conditions.
From there, we can take a number of steps to mitigate symptoms and navigate social situations with grace and ease.
Being aware of alcohol intolerance and its symptoms lets us make informed decisions about our alcohol consumption. We're all striving to live our healthiest, happiest lives — and knowing what's going on in our bodies is a big part of that journey.
But it’s not just about identifying what our bodies can’t handle — it’s a fresh perspective on understanding our unique constitutions. In many ways, this newfound knowledge is like receiving a personalized roadmap to a more vibrant, energized, and joyful life.
Understanding our body’s signals opens doors to new experiences, tastes, and adventures. Maybe it’s sipping on alcohol-free cocktails that surprise our palate, attending fun mocktail mixers, or even just relishing the clarity and energy of an alcohol-free evening out with friends.
The beauty of this awareness is that it empowers us to make choices that enhance our well-being, while still cherishing those festive, celebratory moments. Recognizing the signs of alcohol intolerance is not a limitation! It’s an invitation to a world of expanded possibilities. It’s all about celebrating life in a way that resonates with our truest selves.
This blog identifies eight common toxic behaviors in relationships, detailing their effects and providing effective coping strategies. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing these patterns to foster healthier relationship dynamics.
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!
Relationships are an integral part of our lives, providing us with companionship, love, and a sense of belonging. They can be a source of joy, comfort, and personal growth. However, not all relationships are healthy — some are toxic and cause emotional distress and harm. These behaviors can range from subtle manipulations to overt forms of abuse, so recognizing this toxicity is the first step towards addressing them and seeking healthier dynamics.
With all this in mind, here are eight common toxic behaviors in relationships and how to cope with them.
Toxic relationships are complex, dynamic entities, manifesting in different ways and constantly evolving. They can arise from a myriad of sources: romantic partners, friends, family members, or colleagues. While it's essential to recognize that no relationship is perfect, the key characteristic that distinguishes toxic relationships from healthy ones is the persistent negative impact they have on our overall health. These detrimental bonds thrive on a foundation of manipulation, deceit, and emotional abuse, creating an environment of fear, anxiety, and self-doubt that permeates every aspect of our lives.
Here are a few of the health consequences of toxic relationships.
One of the most immediate and tangible effects of a toxic relationship is the heightened sense of anxiety and stress it induces. Consider the story of Emily, who found herself in a romantic relationship with a partner who constantly belittled her and undermined her self-esteem. Over time, Emily's anxiety levels skyrocketed as she began to doubt her self-worth and internalize her partner's criticisms. The constant state of tension and apprehension she experienced was a direct result of the toxic nature of her relationship.
Toxic relationships can also be a significant contributor to the onset or exacerbation of depression. Take the case of Michael, who was in a friendship in which he felt pressured to conform to his friend's expectations, regardless of his own desires or beliefs. This suppression of his authentic self led to feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and disconnection, all of which are hallmarks of depression. The unhealthy dynamic of his friendship was instrumental in driving Michael into a depressive state.
The insidious nature of toxic relationships often involves a gradual erosion of self-esteem and confidence. This can be seen in Lisa, who worked under a supervisor who consistently undermined her efforts and questioned her abilities. Over time, Laura began to doubt her own capabilities and lost confidence in her skills. The sustained psychological warfare waged by her supervisor took a severe toll on her mental health, leaving her questioning her worth in both her personal and professional life.
Toxic relationships can be emotionally draining, leaving us feeling depleted and empty. For instance, Sam’s sibling constantly demanded emotional support but never reciprocated. As a result, Sam was left feeling emotionally exhausted, as though he was pouring his energy into a bottomless pit. The one-sided nature of his relationship with his sibling led to a chronic state of emotional fatigue that affected his overall mental well-being.
Another common consequence of toxic relationships is the isolation they can create. For instance, Amanda had a partner who frequently made derogatory comments about her friends and family. Over time, Amanda began to distance herself from her loved ones to avoid conflict, leaving her feeling increasingly isolated and alone. The controlling behavior exhibited by her partner resulted in the gradual dismantling of her support network, leaving her vulnerable and without support.
One way that toxic relationships can impact our physical health is through increased stress levels. When we’re in a toxic relationship, we may constantly feel on edge or in danger, leading to heightened levels of stress hormones like cortisol. Over time, chronic stress can weaken our immune systems, making us more susceptible to illnesses like colds and the flu.
Stress can also contribute to more serious health problems, like heart disease and diabetes. In one study, researchers found that people in stressful marriages were more likely to have high blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease. Similarly, chronic stress has been linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
But it's not just the stress of toxic relationships that can impact our physical health. Negative emotions like anger, resentment, and sadness can also take a toll on our bodies. For example, when we experience strong negative emotions, our bodies release stress hormones that can lead to inflammation. Over time, chronic inflammation can contribute to a range of health problems, from arthritis to cancer.
It's also important to note that toxic relationships can impact our sleep, which in turn can impact our physical health. When we are in a toxic relationship, we may find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep due to stress and anxiety. Over time, chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a range of health problems, including immune dysfunction, weight gain, and an increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
Furthermore, when we’re in a toxic relationship, we may engage in behaviors that are harmful to our health. For instance, we may turn to drugs, alcohol, or other vices as a way to cope with the stress and emotional pain of the relationship. These behaviors can have serious physical consequences, from liver damage to substance misuse.
Criticism is a prevalent and often detrimental aspect of many relationships, with the potential to gradually and profoundly affect a person's self-worth. It manifests as habitually pointing out flaws, shortcomings, or mistakes. This toxic behavior doesn't just stop at pointing out errors, but often delves into an excessive focus on the negative, overshadowing and minimizing any positive attributes or achievements. The effects aren't superficial; they deeply permeate the psyche of the person on the receiving end.
When someone is constantly exposed to criticism, the immediate response is often one of defensiveness or hurt. Over time, however, a dangerous internalization process begins. The person starts believing in these critiques, questioning their abilities, decisions, and self-worth. The once-clear distinction between constructive feedback and detrimental criticism blurs, leading them to view even well-intentioned advice through a lens of doubt and skepticism.
This incessant stream of negativity can also make people question their value in relationships, workplaces, and social circles. A natural decline in self-confidence follows, often extending to other areas of life where they might previously have felt competent or even excelled.
Coping Strategy: When dealing with constant criticism, it's crucial to communicate your feelings effectively. Use "I" statements to express how their criticism affects you without blaming or attacking them. Be honest about how your partner’s comments hurt you — it’s important to not downplay the significance of your feelings in this case (or any case!).
If your partner refuses to adjust their behavior despite your efforts, consider seeking professional help or re-evaluating the relationship.
Control in relationships is a multifaceted issue that can present itself in diverse ways. It might be as overt as determining what a person wears or as subtle as influencing who they meet and interact with. The underlying reasons for such controlling behaviors often trace back to the controller's insecurities and deep-seated fears.
Understanding the root of these behaviors is vital. Insecurity in a relationship can arise from past traumas, experiences of betrayal, or a genuine fear of losing a loved one. Such insecurities can drive an individual to believe that by exercising control, they can prevent undesirable outcomes. However, these actions are counterproductive and, instead of fostering trust, they erode it.
The person on the receiving end of this control often feels stifled. The simple joys of expressing oneself through clothing become a point of contention. Social interactions, which are essential for emotional and psychological well-being, are curtailed or monitored, leading to feelings of isolation and confinement. Over time, this suppression can lead to a loss of self-identity as the controlled person starts molding their actions and choices to avoid conflict or to gain approval.
Restricting a person’s freedom in a relationship is more than just limiting their choices; it's an infringement on their individuality and personal growth. The richness of experiences, learning from diverse interactions, and the simple pleasure of autonomy are all compromised.
Coping Strategy: Establishing boundaries is key when dealing with controlling behavior. Assert your independence and make it clear what you will not tolerate. Remember: we teach others how we want to be treated. When we are clear on our boundaries and make it paramount that others follow them, we can avoid falling into patterns of control.
Unfortunately, not all individuals are receptive to boundaries. In some cases, they may try to breach our boundaries or find ways for us to back off on them. If your partner continues to control you despite your efforts, it may be time to seek outside help.
Emotional manipulation is an insidious behavior that often lurks beneath the surface of relationships, making it challenging to identify but deeply damaging when endured. It's a covert tool used by manipulators to steer the feelings and responses of others to serve their ends. Central to this strategy are tactics like guilt, blame, and playing the victim.
When guilt is employed, the victim is often made to feel that they have wronged the manipulator in some way, even when this is far from the truth. This misplaced guilt can result in the victim taking on responsibilities or making amends for actions they didn't commit. The manipulator, wielding blame, deflects their shortcomings or mistakes onto the victim, leading them to question their own actions and beliefs. The victim card, another tactic, is played when the manipulator portrays themselves as the hurt party, eliciting sympathy or concessions from their target.
One of the most detrimental effects of emotional manipulation is the burden it places on the victim to uphold the happiness and well-being of the manipulator. They might find themselves walking on eggshells, always trying to keep the peace or prevent imagined slights, leading to an imbalanced relationship dynamic.
Coping Strategy: Learning to recognize manipulation tactics is the first step in coping with this behavior. Stand your ground and don't allow yourself to be swayed by guilt or blame. It can be challenging to break free from manipulative patterns, but doing so is the first step in reclaiming our power.
This issue can certainly be challenging and it’s essential to remember that we don’t have to navigate it on our own. Seek support from trusted friends or a counselor if needed.
Jealousy, in moderation, can be a natural emotion experienced within relationships, often stemming from deeply ingrained instincts or past experiences. However, when it crosses the threshold from occasional insecurity to persistent and excessive doubt, it metamorphoses into a destructive force, threatening the very foundation of trust and mutual respect.
Excessive jealousy frequently breeds possessiveness. One partner, consumed by such jealousy, may feel an overwhelming need to constantly monitor the other's actions, interactions, and even thoughts. This urge to possess and oversee can be suffocating, pushing them to impose limits on who their partner can see, where they can go, and what they can do.
Coupled with possessiveness, this heightened jealousy often ushers in controlling behaviors. It may start subtly, with seemingly innocuous questions about daily activities or requests to check in frequently. Over time, these behaviors can escalate, leading to demands for access to personal messages, social media monitoring, and even tracking one's physical location.
Mistrust is the sinister shadow that accompanies excessive jealousy. No matter how transparent one tries to be, the jealous partner remains skeptical, reading hidden meanings into innocent actions or words. This perpetual state of suspicion can make the environment oppressive. The person on the receiving end might feel like they're perpetually under surveillance, causing emotional exhaustion and a constant fear of inadvertently triggering a jealous episode.
Coping Strategy: Open communication about insecurities can help alleviate these feelings. Discuss each other's insecurities openly and honestly, working together to build trust and security within the relationship. The more we are vulnerable and transparent about how we feel, the more space we open up for authentic connection and deeper understanding.
In some instances, jealousy can be deep-seated and hard to address individually. If issues with jealousy persist despite these efforts, professional help may be necessary.
Respect for personal boundaries forms the bedrock of any healthy relationship. These boundaries, whether they're emotional, physical, or intellectual, define our comfort zones and signify our personal values, needs, and limits. Upholding them ensures mutual respect, understanding, and trust between partners. Conversely, when boundaries are consistently violated, the balance and harmony of the relationship are at risk.
A partner's continuous overstepping or ignorance of these boundaries isn't merely an oversight. It's a glaring indication of disrespect. Such actions imply that the violator's desires or impulses take precedence over the other's comfort and well-being. This lack of consideration often makes the other partner feel undervalued or even invisible.
Over time, these violations accumulate, leading to resentment. This emotion, if left unchecked, can fester and transform into deep-seated anger, mistrust, and disillusionment, jeopardizing the relationship's future.
Coping Strategy: Address this issue directly and assertively; explain why these boundaries are important to you and how it feels when they're violated. Discuss what your expectations are regarding boundaries and how you would like for them to be upheld.
If the other person continues to disrespect your boundaries despite these discussions, it might be time to reconsider the relationship.
Gaslighting is one of the most sinister and covert forms of psychological manipulation, often used to wield power and control within relationships.
The techniques of gaslighting are varied but are uniformly designed to destabilize the victim. These might include flat-out denial of events that occurred, trivializing the victim's feelings, shifting blame, or even presenting false information. Over time, the consistent application of these tactics erodes the victim's trust in their own memory, perceptions, and emotions. This internal chaos often leads to feelings of confusion, anxiety, and helplessness, as the victim grapples with what they know to be true versus what they're being told.
One of the most debilitating impacts of gaslighting is the isolation it can create. Victims, unsure of their own reality and wary of external judgment, may withdraw from friends and family, further empowering the gaslighter.
Coping Strategy: Conversing with trusted friends or professionals can provide much-needed validation and clarity, helping us discern manipulation from truth. Maintaining a record, whether it's a diary or another form of documentation, can also be useful. It acts as a tangible, unalterable record of events that can counteract the gaslighter's narrative, reinforcing our understanding of reality and assuring us that our experiences and feelings are both real and valid.
If gaslighting is significantly impacting your well-being, please seek help from a professional. They can provide a safe space in which you can reconsider your relationship and take the next healthier step forward.
Neglect and indifference, while less overt than some forms of relationship toxicity, can be just as damaging and insidious. At the heart of every meaningful relationship lies a foundation of mutual respect, understanding, and appreciation. When one partner consistently displays neglect or indifference towards the other's feelings or needs, it can erode this foundation, leading to feelings of isolation and emotional starvation.
Consistent neglect creates a void. Every time a partner dismisses or undervalues the other's feelings, it sends a message that their emotional needs and experiences are inconsequential. Over time, the one on the receiving end may internalize this treatment, leading to self-doubt, diminished self-worth, and a feeling that they are not deserving of attention or care. The result is a suffocating environment where one feels constantly sidelined, their needs perpetually on the back burner.
Such a dynamic is unsustainable and emotionally draining. It goes against the fundamental tenets of what a loving relationship should offer: a space of understanding, mutual appreciation, and shared growth.
Coping Strategy: Open communication is key. Expressing how the indifference impacts your emotional well-being might provide the neglectful partner with needed insight into their behavior. Sometimes, people may be unaware of how their actions, or lack thereof, are affecting the relationship, and shedding light on it can prompt introspection and change.
However, if neglect continues despite expressing your feelings, it might be best to distance yourself from the relationship for self-preservation.
Verbal and physical abuse are grave manifestations of toxicity within relationships, representing a significant breach of trust, respect, and personal safety. Both forms of abuse are wielded as tools of power and control, seeking to diminish our sense of self-worth and autonomy.
Verbal abuse, though devoid of physical harm, can leave deep emotional scars. It encompasses actions like shouting, belittling, name-calling, or constantly criticizing, all aimed at eroding our self-esteem and confidence. Over time, consistent exposure to verbal abuse can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of worthlessness.
Physical abuse, on the other hand, involves acts of violence such as hitting, slapping, pushing, or any other form of intentional harm. The ramifications are immediate and can lead to both physical injuries and lasting psychological trauma.
Both forms of abuse are manipulative strategies to establish dominance within a relationship, making us feel trapped, powerless, and often fearful for our safety. It's crucial to understand that no one deserves to be treated this way, and no reason justifies such behavior. Recognizing the signs and seeking help early can be life-saving, whether it's through trusted individuals, counselors, or dedicated helplines and organizations.
Coping Strategy: If you're experiencing abuse, seek help immediately from your local authorities or organizations specializing in domestic violence, like the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). You can also text “START” to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 88788 or chat online to get help with them here. Absolutely no one deserves to be abused — it's not your fault, and there are resources available to help you escape such situations safely.
Recognizing toxic behaviors is the first step towards healthier relationships. By understanding these patterns, we can take action either by addressing the issues directly with our partners or seeking professional help when necessary. It’s essential to bear in mind that these unhealthy relationships can have significant and long-lasting effects on our overall well-being. Therefore, addressing issues is a necessary component of our own self-care.
Remember: You deserve love that uplifts you, respects you, and cherishes you for who you are — never settle for less!
Relationships are an integral part of our lives, providing us with companionship, love, and a sense of belonging. They can be a source of joy, comfort, and personal growth. However, not all relationships are healthy — some are toxic and cause emotional distress and harm. These behaviors can range from subtle manipulations to overt forms of abuse, so recognizing this toxicity is the first step towards addressing them and seeking healthier dynamics.
With all this in mind, here are eight common toxic behaviors in relationships and how to cope with them.
Toxic relationships are complex, dynamic entities, manifesting in different ways and constantly evolving. They can arise from a myriad of sources: romantic partners, friends, family members, or colleagues. While it's essential to recognize that no relationship is perfect, the key characteristic that distinguishes toxic relationships from healthy ones is the persistent negative impact they have on our overall health. These detrimental bonds thrive on a foundation of manipulation, deceit, and emotional abuse, creating an environment of fear, anxiety, and self-doubt that permeates every aspect of our lives.
Here are a few of the health consequences of toxic relationships.
One of the most immediate and tangible effects of a toxic relationship is the heightened sense of anxiety and stress it induces. Consider the story of Emily, who found herself in a romantic relationship with a partner who constantly belittled her and undermined her self-esteem. Over time, Emily's anxiety levels skyrocketed as she began to doubt her self-worth and internalize her partner's criticisms. The constant state of tension and apprehension she experienced was a direct result of the toxic nature of her relationship.
Toxic relationships can also be a significant contributor to the onset or exacerbation of depression. Take the case of Michael, who was in a friendship in which he felt pressured to conform to his friend's expectations, regardless of his own desires or beliefs. This suppression of his authentic self led to feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and disconnection, all of which are hallmarks of depression. The unhealthy dynamic of his friendship was instrumental in driving Michael into a depressive state.
The insidious nature of toxic relationships often involves a gradual erosion of self-esteem and confidence. This can be seen in Lisa, who worked under a supervisor who consistently undermined her efforts and questioned her abilities. Over time, Laura began to doubt her own capabilities and lost confidence in her skills. The sustained psychological warfare waged by her supervisor took a severe toll on her mental health, leaving her questioning her worth in both her personal and professional life.
Toxic relationships can be emotionally draining, leaving us feeling depleted and empty. For instance, Sam’s sibling constantly demanded emotional support but never reciprocated. As a result, Sam was left feeling emotionally exhausted, as though he was pouring his energy into a bottomless pit. The one-sided nature of his relationship with his sibling led to a chronic state of emotional fatigue that affected his overall mental well-being.
Another common consequence of toxic relationships is the isolation they can create. For instance, Amanda had a partner who frequently made derogatory comments about her friends and family. Over time, Amanda began to distance herself from her loved ones to avoid conflict, leaving her feeling increasingly isolated and alone. The controlling behavior exhibited by her partner resulted in the gradual dismantling of her support network, leaving her vulnerable and without support.
One way that toxic relationships can impact our physical health is through increased stress levels. When we’re in a toxic relationship, we may constantly feel on edge or in danger, leading to heightened levels of stress hormones like cortisol. Over time, chronic stress can weaken our immune systems, making us more susceptible to illnesses like colds and the flu.
Stress can also contribute to more serious health problems, like heart disease and diabetes. In one study, researchers found that people in stressful marriages were more likely to have high blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease. Similarly, chronic stress has been linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
But it's not just the stress of toxic relationships that can impact our physical health. Negative emotions like anger, resentment, and sadness can also take a toll on our bodies. For example, when we experience strong negative emotions, our bodies release stress hormones that can lead to inflammation. Over time, chronic inflammation can contribute to a range of health problems, from arthritis to cancer.
It's also important to note that toxic relationships can impact our sleep, which in turn can impact our physical health. When we are in a toxic relationship, we may find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep due to stress and anxiety. Over time, chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a range of health problems, including immune dysfunction, weight gain, and an increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
Furthermore, when we’re in a toxic relationship, we may engage in behaviors that are harmful to our health. For instance, we may turn to drugs, alcohol, or other vices as a way to cope with the stress and emotional pain of the relationship. These behaviors can have serious physical consequences, from liver damage to substance misuse.
Criticism is a prevalent and often detrimental aspect of many relationships, with the potential to gradually and profoundly affect a person's self-worth. It manifests as habitually pointing out flaws, shortcomings, or mistakes. This toxic behavior doesn't just stop at pointing out errors, but often delves into an excessive focus on the negative, overshadowing and minimizing any positive attributes or achievements. The effects aren't superficial; they deeply permeate the psyche of the person on the receiving end.
When someone is constantly exposed to criticism, the immediate response is often one of defensiveness or hurt. Over time, however, a dangerous internalization process begins. The person starts believing in these critiques, questioning their abilities, decisions, and self-worth. The once-clear distinction between constructive feedback and detrimental criticism blurs, leading them to view even well-intentioned advice through a lens of doubt and skepticism.
This incessant stream of negativity can also make people question their value in relationships, workplaces, and social circles. A natural decline in self-confidence follows, often extending to other areas of life where they might previously have felt competent or even excelled.
Coping Strategy: When dealing with constant criticism, it's crucial to communicate your feelings effectively. Use "I" statements to express how their criticism affects you without blaming or attacking them. Be honest about how your partner’s comments hurt you — it’s important to not downplay the significance of your feelings in this case (or any case!).
If your partner refuses to adjust their behavior despite your efforts, consider seeking professional help or re-evaluating the relationship.
Control in relationships is a multifaceted issue that can present itself in diverse ways. It might be as overt as determining what a person wears or as subtle as influencing who they meet and interact with. The underlying reasons for such controlling behaviors often trace back to the controller's insecurities and deep-seated fears.
Understanding the root of these behaviors is vital. Insecurity in a relationship can arise from past traumas, experiences of betrayal, or a genuine fear of losing a loved one. Such insecurities can drive an individual to believe that by exercising control, they can prevent undesirable outcomes. However, these actions are counterproductive and, instead of fostering trust, they erode it.
The person on the receiving end of this control often feels stifled. The simple joys of expressing oneself through clothing become a point of contention. Social interactions, which are essential for emotional and psychological well-being, are curtailed or monitored, leading to feelings of isolation and confinement. Over time, this suppression can lead to a loss of self-identity as the controlled person starts molding their actions and choices to avoid conflict or to gain approval.
Restricting a person’s freedom in a relationship is more than just limiting their choices; it's an infringement on their individuality and personal growth. The richness of experiences, learning from diverse interactions, and the simple pleasure of autonomy are all compromised.
Coping Strategy: Establishing boundaries is key when dealing with controlling behavior. Assert your independence and make it clear what you will not tolerate. Remember: we teach others how we want to be treated. When we are clear on our boundaries and make it paramount that others follow them, we can avoid falling into patterns of control.
Unfortunately, not all individuals are receptive to boundaries. In some cases, they may try to breach our boundaries or find ways for us to back off on them. If your partner continues to control you despite your efforts, it may be time to seek outside help.
Emotional manipulation is an insidious behavior that often lurks beneath the surface of relationships, making it challenging to identify but deeply damaging when endured. It's a covert tool used by manipulators to steer the feelings and responses of others to serve their ends. Central to this strategy are tactics like guilt, blame, and playing the victim.
When guilt is employed, the victim is often made to feel that they have wronged the manipulator in some way, even when this is far from the truth. This misplaced guilt can result in the victim taking on responsibilities or making amends for actions they didn't commit. The manipulator, wielding blame, deflects their shortcomings or mistakes onto the victim, leading them to question their own actions and beliefs. The victim card, another tactic, is played when the manipulator portrays themselves as the hurt party, eliciting sympathy or concessions from their target.
One of the most detrimental effects of emotional manipulation is the burden it places on the victim to uphold the happiness and well-being of the manipulator. They might find themselves walking on eggshells, always trying to keep the peace or prevent imagined slights, leading to an imbalanced relationship dynamic.
Coping Strategy: Learning to recognize manipulation tactics is the first step in coping with this behavior. Stand your ground and don't allow yourself to be swayed by guilt or blame. It can be challenging to break free from manipulative patterns, but doing so is the first step in reclaiming our power.
This issue can certainly be challenging and it’s essential to remember that we don’t have to navigate it on our own. Seek support from trusted friends or a counselor if needed.
Jealousy, in moderation, can be a natural emotion experienced within relationships, often stemming from deeply ingrained instincts or past experiences. However, when it crosses the threshold from occasional insecurity to persistent and excessive doubt, it metamorphoses into a destructive force, threatening the very foundation of trust and mutual respect.
Excessive jealousy frequently breeds possessiveness. One partner, consumed by such jealousy, may feel an overwhelming need to constantly monitor the other's actions, interactions, and even thoughts. This urge to possess and oversee can be suffocating, pushing them to impose limits on who their partner can see, where they can go, and what they can do.
Coupled with possessiveness, this heightened jealousy often ushers in controlling behaviors. It may start subtly, with seemingly innocuous questions about daily activities or requests to check in frequently. Over time, these behaviors can escalate, leading to demands for access to personal messages, social media monitoring, and even tracking one's physical location.
Mistrust is the sinister shadow that accompanies excessive jealousy. No matter how transparent one tries to be, the jealous partner remains skeptical, reading hidden meanings into innocent actions or words. This perpetual state of suspicion can make the environment oppressive. The person on the receiving end might feel like they're perpetually under surveillance, causing emotional exhaustion and a constant fear of inadvertently triggering a jealous episode.
Coping Strategy: Open communication about insecurities can help alleviate these feelings. Discuss each other's insecurities openly and honestly, working together to build trust and security within the relationship. The more we are vulnerable and transparent about how we feel, the more space we open up for authentic connection and deeper understanding.
In some instances, jealousy can be deep-seated and hard to address individually. If issues with jealousy persist despite these efforts, professional help may be necessary.
Respect for personal boundaries forms the bedrock of any healthy relationship. These boundaries, whether they're emotional, physical, or intellectual, define our comfort zones and signify our personal values, needs, and limits. Upholding them ensures mutual respect, understanding, and trust between partners. Conversely, when boundaries are consistently violated, the balance and harmony of the relationship are at risk.
A partner's continuous overstepping or ignorance of these boundaries isn't merely an oversight. It's a glaring indication of disrespect. Such actions imply that the violator's desires or impulses take precedence over the other's comfort and well-being. This lack of consideration often makes the other partner feel undervalued or even invisible.
Over time, these violations accumulate, leading to resentment. This emotion, if left unchecked, can fester and transform into deep-seated anger, mistrust, and disillusionment, jeopardizing the relationship's future.
Coping Strategy: Address this issue directly and assertively; explain why these boundaries are important to you and how it feels when they're violated. Discuss what your expectations are regarding boundaries and how you would like for them to be upheld.
If the other person continues to disrespect your boundaries despite these discussions, it might be time to reconsider the relationship.
Gaslighting is one of the most sinister and covert forms of psychological manipulation, often used to wield power and control within relationships.
The techniques of gaslighting are varied but are uniformly designed to destabilize the victim. These might include flat-out denial of events that occurred, trivializing the victim's feelings, shifting blame, or even presenting false information. Over time, the consistent application of these tactics erodes the victim's trust in their own memory, perceptions, and emotions. This internal chaos often leads to feelings of confusion, anxiety, and helplessness, as the victim grapples with what they know to be true versus what they're being told.
One of the most debilitating impacts of gaslighting is the isolation it can create. Victims, unsure of their own reality and wary of external judgment, may withdraw from friends and family, further empowering the gaslighter.
Coping Strategy: Conversing with trusted friends or professionals can provide much-needed validation and clarity, helping us discern manipulation from truth. Maintaining a record, whether it's a diary or another form of documentation, can also be useful. It acts as a tangible, unalterable record of events that can counteract the gaslighter's narrative, reinforcing our understanding of reality and assuring us that our experiences and feelings are both real and valid.
If gaslighting is significantly impacting your well-being, please seek help from a professional. They can provide a safe space in which you can reconsider your relationship and take the next healthier step forward.
Neglect and indifference, while less overt than some forms of relationship toxicity, can be just as damaging and insidious. At the heart of every meaningful relationship lies a foundation of mutual respect, understanding, and appreciation. When one partner consistently displays neglect or indifference towards the other's feelings or needs, it can erode this foundation, leading to feelings of isolation and emotional starvation.
Consistent neglect creates a void. Every time a partner dismisses or undervalues the other's feelings, it sends a message that their emotional needs and experiences are inconsequential. Over time, the one on the receiving end may internalize this treatment, leading to self-doubt, diminished self-worth, and a feeling that they are not deserving of attention or care. The result is a suffocating environment where one feels constantly sidelined, their needs perpetually on the back burner.
Such a dynamic is unsustainable and emotionally draining. It goes against the fundamental tenets of what a loving relationship should offer: a space of understanding, mutual appreciation, and shared growth.
Coping Strategy: Open communication is key. Expressing how the indifference impacts your emotional well-being might provide the neglectful partner with needed insight into their behavior. Sometimes, people may be unaware of how their actions, or lack thereof, are affecting the relationship, and shedding light on it can prompt introspection and change.
However, if neglect continues despite expressing your feelings, it might be best to distance yourself from the relationship for self-preservation.
Verbal and physical abuse are grave manifestations of toxicity within relationships, representing a significant breach of trust, respect, and personal safety. Both forms of abuse are wielded as tools of power and control, seeking to diminish our sense of self-worth and autonomy.
Verbal abuse, though devoid of physical harm, can leave deep emotional scars. It encompasses actions like shouting, belittling, name-calling, or constantly criticizing, all aimed at eroding our self-esteem and confidence. Over time, consistent exposure to verbal abuse can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of worthlessness.
Physical abuse, on the other hand, involves acts of violence such as hitting, slapping, pushing, or any other form of intentional harm. The ramifications are immediate and can lead to both physical injuries and lasting psychological trauma.
Both forms of abuse are manipulative strategies to establish dominance within a relationship, making us feel trapped, powerless, and often fearful for our safety. It's crucial to understand that no one deserves to be treated this way, and no reason justifies such behavior. Recognizing the signs and seeking help early can be life-saving, whether it's through trusted individuals, counselors, or dedicated helplines and organizations.
Coping Strategy: If you're experiencing abuse, seek help immediately from your local authorities or organizations specializing in domestic violence, like the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). You can also text “START” to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 88788 or chat online to get help with them here. Absolutely no one deserves to be abused — it's not your fault, and there are resources available to help you escape such situations safely.
Recognizing toxic behaviors is the first step towards healthier relationships. By understanding these patterns, we can take action either by addressing the issues directly with our partners or seeking professional help when necessary. It’s essential to bear in mind that these unhealthy relationships can have significant and long-lasting effects on our overall well-being. Therefore, addressing issues is a necessary component of our own self-care.
Remember: You deserve love that uplifts you, respects you, and cherishes you for who you are — never settle for less!
Heavy drinking can lead to a severe mental health condition known as alcohol-induced psychosis, which leads to hallucinations and delusions. Our latest blog discusses the signs, symptoms, and causes of alcohol-induced psychosis.
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.
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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!
You’ve been drinking heavily for a while. Every day, it’s the same routine: you get home from work, fix dinner, and plop down on the couch with a bottle of wine to enjoy while you watch your favorite show. Pretty soon, you’re uncorking a second bottle of your favorite red. As you sit back down on the couch, something strange happens: you hear someone talking — or, at least, you think you do. What’s going on?
Let’s explore the rare, disturbing condition known as alcohol-induced psychosis — what it is, what causes it, and what you can do about it.
Alcohol-induced psychosis is a serious mental health condition that causes us to experience hallucinations, delusions, or both due to excessive drinking. It’s relatively rare among the general population, but alcohol-induced psychosis occurs at higher rates in those struggling with alcohol dependence.
Someone experiencing alcohol-induced psychosis might see, hear, or feel things that aren’t there either while drinking or after drinking. Typically, people who have psychosis lose touch with reality and have difficulty telling the difference between real and imagined experiences. They also become paranoid, frightened, easily confused, and sometimes aggressive.
People can experience a range of alcohol-induced psychosis symptoms. Here are some of the more common:
These are some other alcohol psychosis symptoms:
Keep in mind that alcohol-induced psychosis symptoms can vary in severity and intensity. For instance, some people might see or hear things that aren’t there for a brief moment, while others will see or hear things continuously, frightening them.
To an outsider, it can sometimes be difficult to determine if a person is simply intoxicated or if they have developed alcohol-induced psychosis. However, diagnoses can be made based on how long the symptoms last.
Alcohol-induced psychosis can be triggered in three different ways:
The symptoms of psychosis will last much longer than typical alcohol intoxication. In fact, for someone to be diagnosed with alcohol-induced psychosis, their symptoms typically persist for at least 48 hours. Symptoms will also be much more severe than the disorientation and reduced inhibitions usually associated with being drunk.
While the symptoms of alcohol-induced psychosis tend to occur in the aftermath of heavy drinking, they might not become evident for up to two weeks. They can last for a couple days or longer. In some cases, episodes of alcohol-induced psychosis have lasted for up to six months.
In rare cases, alcohol-induced psychosis can become permanent due to a condition called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WK). This is a serious complication of heavy alcohol use caused by low levels of thiamine (vitamin B1). Low thiamine levels can cause brain inflammation that creates dangerous neurological symptoms. If untreated, inflammation can lead to permanent brain damage that leads to psychosis and hallucinations.
Anyone who drinks excessively or has alcohol use disorder is at risk for alcohol-induced psychosis. According to a 2018 review, about 4% of people who develop alcohol use disorder will experience alcohol-induced psychosis. If we’ve experienced an episode previously, we’re at an even greater risk of having another one.
These are some other populations who are at greater risk for developing alcohol-induced psychosis:
Research also indicates that alcohol-induced psychosis is highest among working-age men, people who became addicted to alcohol at a young age, those of low socioeconomic status, and individuals who live alone or have little social support.
Similarly, researchers have associated alcohol-induced psychosis with higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide. Furthermore, about 37% of people diagnosed with alcohol-induced psychosis have a co-occuring mental health disorder.
Alcohol cannot cause schizophrenia. However, the symptoms of alcohol psychosis can be similar to those of schizophrenia. For instance, many people with schizophrenia experience delusions or hallucinations that cause them to see or hear things that aren’t there.
In the case of alcohol-induced psychosis, these symptoms are brought on by heavy alcohol use, whereas a person with schizophrenia will experience them in the absence of alcohol or other influential substances. Consuming alcohol can make symptoms of schizophrenia worse or more intense.
While they are two separate conditions, alcohol-induced psychosis and schizophrenia can co-occur in the same person.
Alcohol-induced psychosis can be dangerous if left untreated. For instance, people with untreated alcohol-induced psychosis could be subject to these risks:
If you or someone you know is experiencing alcohol-induced psychosis, it’s important to get medical help immediately. Treatment usually involves eliminating alcohol and getting through withdrawal symptoms.
In chronic cases of alcoholic hallucinosis, neuroleptic medications (like haloperidol) or atypical antipsychotics (such as olanzapine or ziprasidone) may be necessary to control symptoms. Medical professionals might also administer benzodiazepines like lorazepam if there is a risk of seizures and alcohol withdrawal.
Because heavy drinking is often to blame for alcohol-induced psychosis, treatment also involves a long-term recovery plan for living an alcohol-free life.
Abstinence from alcohol — not drinking at all — is the best way to prevent this condition. Anyone who drinks heavily or has an alcohol use disorder is at risk for alcohol-induced psychosis. And people who’ve already experienced one episode are at greater risk of having another one.
we or one of our loved ones is struggling with alcohol use, it’s important to get help right away before it causes more severe complications such as alcohol-induced psychosis. The best thing we can do is contact a medical professional and be upfront and honest about our alcohol consumption. They can help direct us develop a treatment plan or direct us to resources that can help, such as an in-patient or out-patient rehabilitation center. It’s never too late to get the help we need.
If you’re drinking more than you’d like and want to cut down on your alcohol consumption, consider trying Reframe. We can help you change your drinking habits and offer tools and tips for enhancing your health and well-being.
You’ve been drinking heavily for a while. Every day, it’s the same routine: you get home from work, fix dinner, and plop down on the couch with a bottle of wine to enjoy while you watch your favorite show. Pretty soon, you’re uncorking a second bottle of your favorite red. As you sit back down on the couch, something strange happens: you hear someone talking — or, at least, you think you do. What’s going on?
Let’s explore the rare, disturbing condition known as alcohol-induced psychosis — what it is, what causes it, and what you can do about it.
Alcohol-induced psychosis is a serious mental health condition that causes us to experience hallucinations, delusions, or both due to excessive drinking. It’s relatively rare among the general population, but alcohol-induced psychosis occurs at higher rates in those struggling with alcohol dependence.
Someone experiencing alcohol-induced psychosis might see, hear, or feel things that aren’t there either while drinking or after drinking. Typically, people who have psychosis lose touch with reality and have difficulty telling the difference between real and imagined experiences. They also become paranoid, frightened, easily confused, and sometimes aggressive.
People can experience a range of alcohol-induced psychosis symptoms. Here are some of the more common:
These are some other alcohol psychosis symptoms:
Keep in mind that alcohol-induced psychosis symptoms can vary in severity and intensity. For instance, some people might see or hear things that aren’t there for a brief moment, while others will see or hear things continuously, frightening them.
To an outsider, it can sometimes be difficult to determine if a person is simply intoxicated or if they have developed alcohol-induced psychosis. However, diagnoses can be made based on how long the symptoms last.
Alcohol-induced psychosis can be triggered in three different ways:
The symptoms of psychosis will last much longer than typical alcohol intoxication. In fact, for someone to be diagnosed with alcohol-induced psychosis, their symptoms typically persist for at least 48 hours. Symptoms will also be much more severe than the disorientation and reduced inhibitions usually associated with being drunk.
While the symptoms of alcohol-induced psychosis tend to occur in the aftermath of heavy drinking, they might not become evident for up to two weeks. They can last for a couple days or longer. In some cases, episodes of alcohol-induced psychosis have lasted for up to six months.
In rare cases, alcohol-induced psychosis can become permanent due to a condition called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WK). This is a serious complication of heavy alcohol use caused by low levels of thiamine (vitamin B1). Low thiamine levels can cause brain inflammation that creates dangerous neurological symptoms. If untreated, inflammation can lead to permanent brain damage that leads to psychosis and hallucinations.
Anyone who drinks excessively or has alcohol use disorder is at risk for alcohol-induced psychosis. According to a 2018 review, about 4% of people who develop alcohol use disorder will experience alcohol-induced psychosis. If we’ve experienced an episode previously, we’re at an even greater risk of having another one.
These are some other populations who are at greater risk for developing alcohol-induced psychosis:
Research also indicates that alcohol-induced psychosis is highest among working-age men, people who became addicted to alcohol at a young age, those of low socioeconomic status, and individuals who live alone or have little social support.
Similarly, researchers have associated alcohol-induced psychosis with higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide. Furthermore, about 37% of people diagnosed with alcohol-induced psychosis have a co-occuring mental health disorder.
Alcohol cannot cause schizophrenia. However, the symptoms of alcohol psychosis can be similar to those of schizophrenia. For instance, many people with schizophrenia experience delusions or hallucinations that cause them to see or hear things that aren’t there.
In the case of alcohol-induced psychosis, these symptoms are brought on by heavy alcohol use, whereas a person with schizophrenia will experience them in the absence of alcohol or other influential substances. Consuming alcohol can make symptoms of schizophrenia worse or more intense.
While they are two separate conditions, alcohol-induced psychosis and schizophrenia can co-occur in the same person.
Alcohol-induced psychosis can be dangerous if left untreated. For instance, people with untreated alcohol-induced psychosis could be subject to these risks:
If you or someone you know is experiencing alcohol-induced psychosis, it’s important to get medical help immediately. Treatment usually involves eliminating alcohol and getting through withdrawal symptoms.
In chronic cases of alcoholic hallucinosis, neuroleptic medications (like haloperidol) or atypical antipsychotics (such as olanzapine or ziprasidone) may be necessary to control symptoms. Medical professionals might also administer benzodiazepines like lorazepam if there is a risk of seizures and alcohol withdrawal.
Because heavy drinking is often to blame for alcohol-induced psychosis, treatment also involves a long-term recovery plan for living an alcohol-free life.
Abstinence from alcohol — not drinking at all — is the best way to prevent this condition. Anyone who drinks heavily or has an alcohol use disorder is at risk for alcohol-induced psychosis. And people who’ve already experienced one episode are at greater risk of having another one.
we or one of our loved ones is struggling with alcohol use, it’s important to get help right away before it causes more severe complications such as alcohol-induced psychosis. The best thing we can do is contact a medical professional and be upfront and honest about our alcohol consumption. They can help direct us develop a treatment plan or direct us to resources that can help, such as an in-patient or out-patient rehabilitation center. It’s never too late to get the help we need.
If you’re drinking more than you’d like and want to cut down on your alcohol consumption, consider trying Reframe. We can help you change your drinking habits and offer tools and tips for enhancing your health and well-being.
From family dynamics to personal relationships and community impact, the effects of alcohol misuse reach far and wide. Dive into the true impact of AUD and its social effects in our latest blog.
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!
Chances are, you know someone who has a problem with alcohol. Maybe it’s a college roommate whose drinking spiraled out of control. Maybe it’s a parent or a sibling. And maybe you yourself have been stuck in what feels like an endless cycle of resolutions and slips in an attempt to cut back or quit.
If so, you’re not alone! According to the NIAAA 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 29.5 million people over the age of 12 had AUD in 2021. With numbers that high, it’s no wonder that AUD has wide-ranging social effects. But what’s the possible impact of alcohol use on the community? And what can we do about it? Let’s dig deeper!
According to NIAAA, AUD is “a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.” (For a deeper look, check out our blog: “Understanding the Stages of Alcohol Use Disorder: Causes and Treatment.”) It begins with alcohol misuse that gradually morphs into dependence.
If we try to stop drinking suddenly once we reach the stage of dependence, some unpleasant effects set in. These physical and mental withdrawal symptoms include nausea, shakiness, unease, anxiety, insomnia, and, in severe cases, seizures and delirium tremens. While these symptoms don’t last forever, they can be medically dangerous. It’s important to seek medical help if things get rough!
AUD takes a serious toll on all aspects of our lives, including our body, mind, and social life. Here’s an overview of the effects of alcohol on all three.
According to the NIAAA, alcohol affects pretty much every major organ system in the body. (For an in-depth look, check out our blog: “Alcohol’s Long-Term Effects on the Body: Adverse Outcomes To Be Aware Of”).
As we can see, alcohol does our body no favors. Despite what we may have heard about the supposed “benefits” of alcohol, the WHO makes this point clear: “When it comes to alcohol consumption, there is no safe amount that does not affect health.”
Anyone who’s ever been around a drunk person or someone struggling with AUD knows that alcohol misuse can cause emotional turmoil. While it manifests differently in everyone, there are a few common consequences of alcohol:
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please seek medical attention. In the United States, you can reach your local crisis hotline by dialing 988. Click here for a list of mental crisis phone numbers by country.
To learn more about the effects of alcohol misuse on our emotional and mental lives, take a look at our blog: “Understanding Alcohol's Effects on Mental Health.”
On the social side, alcohol misuse can wreak havoc on our relationships while also affecting society as a whole:
As we can see, the effects of AUD extend far beyond our own lives and even those of our loved ones. Let’s take a closer look at the far-reaching social effects of AUD.
AUD notoriously shifts the dynamics within families, interpersonal relationships, communities, and society at large. When it comes to AUD, there are profound social effects that take place at each level. Let’s dig deeper!
Living in a family affected by AUD can be a daily struggle. Whether it’s a fifth-grader embarrassed to see their mom tipsy at a field hockey game or a parent worried about the frequent bouts of binge drinking their college freshman son is doing, the stress can become overwhelming. Let’s take a closer look:
The light at the end of the tunnel? While families often bear the brunt of the hardships related to AUD, they can also play a key role in recovery. As an Alcohol Research article exploring the complexities of AUD and families shows, family support is crucial in seeking help for AUD as well as in putting the pieces together afterward.
Family members are not the only ones who feel the social effects of AUD — friends, colleagues, and romantic partners do as well. There are several consequences of drinking in social spheres outside the home:
Just as with family relationships, however, our interactions in other areas of life can help us overcome AUD. There’s nothing like the support of like-minded people when it comes to tackling this complex problem, and a strong social network can be a lifeline.
The social effects of AUD have large-scale implications for society as a whole:
All in all, AUD can’t be separated from the community at large. As John Donne wrote,“No man is an island”: we are all members of multiple communities and social networks that are deeply affected when alcohol misuse is in the picture.
Finally, let’s not forget the digital world — AUD leaves a dangerous footprint here as well:
No doubt — our online lives can land us in a minefield of triggers and give us opportunities to channel our alcohol-fueled impulses in unhealthy ways. However, the opposite is also true: we can use our digital lives to find support in online communities (such as Reframe!) and discover crucial information we need to understand and tackle AUD.
While the consequences of drinking in excess are serious, there are many ways to intervene and improve the situation. Outreach and prevention programs are a proven way to help. There are several different kinds:
So while there are many social consequences to drinking, communities also hold a lot of positive power. Change is possible!
So is there anything we can do about all of this? How do we keep ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities safe? Here are a few ideas:
With these tips, you can play an important role in addressing the social effects of alcohol and helping your community thrive!
While alcohol misuse can wreak havoc on communities, communities can do a lot to address the problem head-on. Often the very people who struggled with AUD themselves can play a crucial role in helping others.
In the words of writer Jodi Picoult, “Heroes didn't leap tall buildings or stop bullets with an outstretched hand … They bled, and they bruised, and their superpowers were as simple as listening, or loving. Heroes were ordinary people who knew that even if their own lives were impossibly knotted, they could untangle someone else's. And maybe that one act could lead someone to rescue you right back.”
Chances are, you know someone who has a problem with alcohol. Maybe it’s a college roommate whose drinking spiraled out of control. Maybe it’s a parent or a sibling. And maybe you yourself have been stuck in what feels like an endless cycle of resolutions and slips in an attempt to cut back or quit.
If so, you’re not alone! According to the NIAAA 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 29.5 million people over the age of 12 had AUD in 2021. With numbers that high, it’s no wonder that AUD has wide-ranging social effects. But what’s the possible impact of alcohol use on the community? And what can we do about it? Let’s dig deeper!
According to NIAAA, AUD is “a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.” (For a deeper look, check out our blog: “Understanding the Stages of Alcohol Use Disorder: Causes and Treatment.”) It begins with alcohol misuse that gradually morphs into dependence.
If we try to stop drinking suddenly once we reach the stage of dependence, some unpleasant effects set in. These physical and mental withdrawal symptoms include nausea, shakiness, unease, anxiety, insomnia, and, in severe cases, seizures and delirium tremens. While these symptoms don’t last forever, they can be medically dangerous. It’s important to seek medical help if things get rough!
AUD takes a serious toll on all aspects of our lives, including our body, mind, and social life. Here’s an overview of the effects of alcohol on all three.
According to the NIAAA, alcohol affects pretty much every major organ system in the body. (For an in-depth look, check out our blog: “Alcohol’s Long-Term Effects on the Body: Adverse Outcomes To Be Aware Of”).
As we can see, alcohol does our body no favors. Despite what we may have heard about the supposed “benefits” of alcohol, the WHO makes this point clear: “When it comes to alcohol consumption, there is no safe amount that does not affect health.”
Anyone who’s ever been around a drunk person or someone struggling with AUD knows that alcohol misuse can cause emotional turmoil. While it manifests differently in everyone, there are a few common consequences of alcohol:
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please seek medical attention. In the United States, you can reach your local crisis hotline by dialing 988. Click here for a list of mental crisis phone numbers by country.
To learn more about the effects of alcohol misuse on our emotional and mental lives, take a look at our blog: “Understanding Alcohol's Effects on Mental Health.”
On the social side, alcohol misuse can wreak havoc on our relationships while also affecting society as a whole:
As we can see, the effects of AUD extend far beyond our own lives and even those of our loved ones. Let’s take a closer look at the far-reaching social effects of AUD.
AUD notoriously shifts the dynamics within families, interpersonal relationships, communities, and society at large. When it comes to AUD, there are profound social effects that take place at each level. Let’s dig deeper!
Living in a family affected by AUD can be a daily struggle. Whether it’s a fifth-grader embarrassed to see their mom tipsy at a field hockey game or a parent worried about the frequent bouts of binge drinking their college freshman son is doing, the stress can become overwhelming. Let’s take a closer look:
The light at the end of the tunnel? While families often bear the brunt of the hardships related to AUD, they can also play a key role in recovery. As an Alcohol Research article exploring the complexities of AUD and families shows, family support is crucial in seeking help for AUD as well as in putting the pieces together afterward.
Family members are not the only ones who feel the social effects of AUD — friends, colleagues, and romantic partners do as well. There are several consequences of drinking in social spheres outside the home:
Just as with family relationships, however, our interactions in other areas of life can help us overcome AUD. There’s nothing like the support of like-minded people when it comes to tackling this complex problem, and a strong social network can be a lifeline.
The social effects of AUD have large-scale implications for society as a whole:
All in all, AUD can’t be separated from the community at large. As John Donne wrote,“No man is an island”: we are all members of multiple communities and social networks that are deeply affected when alcohol misuse is in the picture.
Finally, let’s not forget the digital world — AUD leaves a dangerous footprint here as well:
No doubt — our online lives can land us in a minefield of triggers and give us opportunities to channel our alcohol-fueled impulses in unhealthy ways. However, the opposite is also true: we can use our digital lives to find support in online communities (such as Reframe!) and discover crucial information we need to understand and tackle AUD.
While the consequences of drinking in excess are serious, there are many ways to intervene and improve the situation. Outreach and prevention programs are a proven way to help. There are several different kinds:
So while there are many social consequences to drinking, communities also hold a lot of positive power. Change is possible!
So is there anything we can do about all of this? How do we keep ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities safe? Here are a few ideas:
With these tips, you can play an important role in addressing the social effects of alcohol and helping your community thrive!
While alcohol misuse can wreak havoc on communities, communities can do a lot to address the problem head-on. Often the very people who struggled with AUD themselves can play a crucial role in helping others.
In the words of writer Jodi Picoult, “Heroes didn't leap tall buildings or stop bullets with an outstretched hand … They bled, and they bruised, and their superpowers were as simple as listening, or loving. Heroes were ordinary people who knew that even if their own lives were impossibly knotted, they could untangle someone else's. And maybe that one act could lead someone to rescue you right back.”
As an SSRI, Prozac is used to treat depression or anxiety disorders. Drinking while on Prozac can make our symptoms of depression worse and intensify the side effects of both substances.
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!
It's winter, the days are getting shorter, and it always seems dark. Suddenly, our interests become less exciting, we don’t have the energy to socialize, and everything feels a little dull and gray.
This is an incredibly common scenario — hundreds of millions of people worldwide experience depression every year, and many more go undiagnosed. Luckily, there is a huge variety of treatments to help ease symptoms. The most common medication used to treat depression is called fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. It works quickly: symptoms typically start to improve after a few weeks, and for many of us, the color starts to come back into life.
Let’s imagine that we start taking Prozac, start to feel better, and decide to resume our life. Things are looking up, and we finally feel up to socializing. So, we decide to accept our friend’s invitation to a cocktail party — but is it safe to drink alcohol while we are on Prozac?
In this blog, we’ll learn how Prozac interacts with alcohol and worsens depression. Let’s look at the science and explore alcohol-free activities that can help us cope with depression.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of medication commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. Common SSRI medications include Lexapro, Prozac, Zoloft, or Paxil. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of SSRIs to treat the following conditions:
SSRIs work by boosting the effectiveness of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which plays a critical role in regulating our mood, emotions, appetite, memory, sleep, and social behavior. Serotonin is often referred to as the “happy” chemical. That happiness we feel from spending time with a friend or walking in nature is the result of an increase in serotonin in the brain.
After being produced, serotonin latches onto nearby neurons to trigger signals to different parts of our brain. Our body often produces more serotonin than we actually need, and our brain remedies this surplus through a natural process called reuptake, in which it reabsorbs and recycles the extra serotonin. SSRIs inhibit reuptake of serotonin, leaving more hanging around to latch onto brain cells and boosting signal triggering.
People with depression and anxiety disorders often have a reduction in serotonin production. By inhibiting the reuptake process, SSRIs help give that smaller amount a chance to bind to nearby cells before reuptake can happen.
Prozac is an SSRI prescribed to treat depression, OCD, and panic disorders. It helps people with mood disorders, but as with all medications, there are trade-offs. Some common side effects associated with Prozac include the following:
Not everyone will experience these side effects, although most of us will experience at least one. If they are too unpleasant, our doctor may recommend discontinuing the medication, after which the side effects should clear up.
Minor side effects are common with Prozac, however, there are also some serious potential side effects that require immediate medical attention.
Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned about the side effects associated with your Prozac prescription — and always be honest about what substances you are taking.
Coping with alcohol may seem like a good solution because of the temporary relief it provides. However, drinking alcohol will actually make our depression worse! Here are some reasons why:
When we drink regularly, our brain compensates for the increased dopamine, GABA, and serotonin. Our brain adapts to this new chemical landscape altering the receptors available to these neurotransmitters, making it harder for us to have those positive feelings. These changes in our brain make us more susceptible to depression (luckily, this effect is reversible!).
All of this neurochemical chaos is more dramatic when we introduce other drugs, including SSRIs.
As we’ve learned, alcohol and SSRIs both influence the function of serotonin by making it more effective. Increased serotonin levels in turn can increase levels of dopamine and GABA. When we introduce both substances in the brain, they amplify one another’s side effects, including the following:
While some alcohol-Prozac interactions are merely unpleasant, some can actually be dangerous.
The combination of alcohol and Prozac may not sound too threatening, but mixing the two can be extremely dangerous at heavy levels of use. As we previously learned, alcohol can enhance the side effects of Prozac. Let’s discover some of the dangers related to using an SSRI and alcohol at the same time.
Drinking alcohol while taking Prozac poses a serious risk to our overall health. Since most of these dangers aren’t necessarily life-threatening, is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Prozac?
While there’s no warning label on Prozac that says drinking alcohol is an immediate danger to our life, it’s not recommended to drink alcohol while on Prozac. Having a couple drinks while taking Prozac may not be life-threatening, but we might feel drunker faster or develop more intense feelings of depression or anxiety.
Ultimately, we are taking Prozac to improve our depression and anxiety. Alcohol is scientifically proven to increase depression and anxiety. If we want our symptoms to improve, it’s best to take a break from alcohol.
If we do want to drink, there are a few ways to mitigate risks and limit alcohol’s negative effects.
Following these tips will allow us to enjoy an occasional drink without counteracting the Prozac too much. However, for Prozac to be fully effective, it’s best to stop drinking altogether. Let’s talk about some other ways to unwind or have fun without alcohol!
As we learned, it is best not to drink alcohol while on Prozac. The good news is, there are still plenty of ways to be social and have fun without alcohol!
SSRIs such as Prozac are used to treat depression and anxiety disorders by blocking the reuptake of serotonin. Drinking alcohol with depression or anxiety can worsen symptoms and decrease the effectiveness of Prozac. For these reasons, it’s best to avoid drinking while taking Prozac. Thankfully, there are many ways to thrive without alcohol!
It's winter, the days are getting shorter, and it always seems dark. Suddenly, our interests become less exciting, we don’t have the energy to socialize, and everything feels a little dull and gray.
This is an incredibly common scenario — hundreds of millions of people worldwide experience depression every year, and many more go undiagnosed. Luckily, there is a huge variety of treatments to help ease symptoms. The most common medication used to treat depression is called fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. It works quickly: symptoms typically start to improve after a few weeks, and for many of us, the color starts to come back into life.
Let’s imagine that we start taking Prozac, start to feel better, and decide to resume our life. Things are looking up, and we finally feel up to socializing. So, we decide to accept our friend’s invitation to a cocktail party — but is it safe to drink alcohol while we are on Prozac?
In this blog, we’ll learn how Prozac interacts with alcohol and worsens depression. Let’s look at the science and explore alcohol-free activities that can help us cope with depression.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of medication commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. Common SSRI medications include Lexapro, Prozac, Zoloft, or Paxil. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of SSRIs to treat the following conditions:
SSRIs work by boosting the effectiveness of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which plays a critical role in regulating our mood, emotions, appetite, memory, sleep, and social behavior. Serotonin is often referred to as the “happy” chemical. That happiness we feel from spending time with a friend or walking in nature is the result of an increase in serotonin in the brain.
After being produced, serotonin latches onto nearby neurons to trigger signals to different parts of our brain. Our body often produces more serotonin than we actually need, and our brain remedies this surplus through a natural process called reuptake, in which it reabsorbs and recycles the extra serotonin. SSRIs inhibit reuptake of serotonin, leaving more hanging around to latch onto brain cells and boosting signal triggering.
People with depression and anxiety disorders often have a reduction in serotonin production. By inhibiting the reuptake process, SSRIs help give that smaller amount a chance to bind to nearby cells before reuptake can happen.
Prozac is an SSRI prescribed to treat depression, OCD, and panic disorders. It helps people with mood disorders, but as with all medications, there are trade-offs. Some common side effects associated with Prozac include the following:
Not everyone will experience these side effects, although most of us will experience at least one. If they are too unpleasant, our doctor may recommend discontinuing the medication, after which the side effects should clear up.
Minor side effects are common with Prozac, however, there are also some serious potential side effects that require immediate medical attention.
Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned about the side effects associated with your Prozac prescription — and always be honest about what substances you are taking.
Coping with alcohol may seem like a good solution because of the temporary relief it provides. However, drinking alcohol will actually make our depression worse! Here are some reasons why:
When we drink regularly, our brain compensates for the increased dopamine, GABA, and serotonin. Our brain adapts to this new chemical landscape altering the receptors available to these neurotransmitters, making it harder for us to have those positive feelings. These changes in our brain make us more susceptible to depression (luckily, this effect is reversible!).
All of this neurochemical chaos is more dramatic when we introduce other drugs, including SSRIs.
As we’ve learned, alcohol and SSRIs both influence the function of serotonin by making it more effective. Increased serotonin levels in turn can increase levels of dopamine and GABA. When we introduce both substances in the brain, they amplify one another’s side effects, including the following:
While some alcohol-Prozac interactions are merely unpleasant, some can actually be dangerous.
The combination of alcohol and Prozac may not sound too threatening, but mixing the two can be extremely dangerous at heavy levels of use. As we previously learned, alcohol can enhance the side effects of Prozac. Let’s discover some of the dangers related to using an SSRI and alcohol at the same time.
Drinking alcohol while taking Prozac poses a serious risk to our overall health. Since most of these dangers aren’t necessarily life-threatening, is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Prozac?
While there’s no warning label on Prozac that says drinking alcohol is an immediate danger to our life, it’s not recommended to drink alcohol while on Prozac. Having a couple drinks while taking Prozac may not be life-threatening, but we might feel drunker faster or develop more intense feelings of depression or anxiety.
Ultimately, we are taking Prozac to improve our depression and anxiety. Alcohol is scientifically proven to increase depression and anxiety. If we want our symptoms to improve, it’s best to take a break from alcohol.
If we do want to drink, there are a few ways to mitigate risks and limit alcohol’s negative effects.
Following these tips will allow us to enjoy an occasional drink without counteracting the Prozac too much. However, for Prozac to be fully effective, it’s best to stop drinking altogether. Let’s talk about some other ways to unwind or have fun without alcohol!
As we learned, it is best not to drink alcohol while on Prozac. The good news is, there are still plenty of ways to be social and have fun without alcohol!
SSRIs such as Prozac are used to treat depression and anxiety disorders by blocking the reuptake of serotonin. Drinking alcohol with depression or anxiety can worsen symptoms and decrease the effectiveness of Prozac. For these reasons, it’s best to avoid drinking while taking Prozac. Thankfully, there are many ways to thrive without alcohol!
Does spirituality play a role in recovery? Absolutely! It’s all about finding meaning and connecting to a community or source of inspiration that’s greater than ourselves.
Relationships are rarely a bed of roses, but there is always room for improvement. Reframe is a great place to start down that road.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions worldwide 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 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 be able 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 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!
In Passage Meditation — A Complete Spiritual Practice: Train Your Mind and Find a Life That Fulfills, the renowned meditation teacher and author Eknath Easwaran writes: “There is a tale of a man who found on the road a large stone bearing the words, ‘Under me lies a great truth.’ The man strained to turn the stone over and finally succeeded. On the bottom was written, ‘Why do you want a new truth when you do not practice what you already know?’”
In this way, recovery begins to look like the “rediscovery” of a new and improved version of ourselves that already exists but has been hidden by addiction. Let’s look within and set it free!
Addiction affects every aspect of our lives, and recovery isn’t just a physical, mental, and emotional process — it is a spiritual one as well. For some, the word “spirituality” might set off alarm bells, especially if they’ve had negative experiences with organized religion.
Rest assured, spirituality doesn’t have to mean going to church or performing religious rituals!
Instead, let’s look at it as a broader concept that has to do with finding meaning in life. Recovery is all about finding a new source of meaning and rediscovering our true sense of self — an inherently creative (and exciting!) process.
There are several elements of spirituality that are particularly relevant to recovery:
There are many benefits to adding a spiritual element to our recovery journey.
Not all spiritual approaches will work for everyone, and that’s okay! Luckily, there are many “paths to the same mountain,” as they say.
In a Journal of Religion and Health review article titled “Belief, Behavior, and Belonging: How Faith is Indispensable in Preventing and Recovering from Substance Abuse,” Melissa and Brian Grim describe their analysis of 130,000 congregation-based substance abuse programs that feature faith-based approaches to recovery. They argue that these programs greatly contribute to the field of addiction recovery, often without any cost to taxpayers. The vast majority (87%) of the studies they reviewed as part of their research point to faith as “faith is a positive factor in addiction prevention or recovery.”
That said, if traditional religion isn’t for you, no problem! There are other options to explore.
While the 12 steps of programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) are also not for everyone, they’re a great example of how spirituality could provide a useful structure and set of principles that help our recovery. The first three steps are all about admitting powerlessness and asking a “Higher Power” to “restore us to sanity.” This formulation may not resonate with everyone, but the point is simple: what happened to us is not our fault, and our experience with alcohol doesn’t have to mean that there’s anything “wrong” with us. Alcohol is addictive, and we simply fell into the same set of habits that millions of others have fallen into. Luckily, we have options: we can look at our situation from a broader perspective and realize that help is available.
When viewed in this light, the “Higher Power” doesn’t have to be the traditional “God” — many AA members actually choose to see the group itself as a collective power generated by like-minded people coming together to help one another in a way that would be impossible to do alone. In any case, if this approach resonates with you, go ahead and give it a try!
In the words of writer and motivational speaker Wayne Dyer, our thoughts determine our reality. “Remember, you become what you think about all day long. How often do you clutter your mind with thoughts of non-peace? … All of these thoughts and their expressions are indications that you have become trapped in a non-peaceful mind and, therefore, a non-peaceful world.”
A way out of this “thought trap” is mindfulness, a core element in many spiritual traditions and an excellent form of spiritual recovery practice in itself. Mindfulness is incredibly simple: all it requires is to observe our own thoughts or perform any activity with our whole attention focused on it. As a spiritual recovery practice, it can help us break out of “non-peaceful” thoughts, including ones that push us closer to our addictions and habits.
There are countless benefits of mindfulness that have now been backed by science. For one thing, neuroscience research tells us that mindfulness benefits the brain by rewiring circuits responsible for stress and chronic pain and boosting those related to focus and attention! There have been many recent studies that show mindfulness as one of the best ways to boost our mental and physical health.
According to an article in the NIH newsletter News in Health, practicing mindfulness can help with a host of mental health issues, including depression, PTSD, eating disorders, and addiction. Additionally, mindfulness has other health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and reducing stroke risk).
And as neuroimaging studies have shown, mindfulness can physically change the neurological wiring of our brain. A large-scale study in BioMed Research International titled “The Meditative Mind: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis of MRI Studies” paints an impressive picture of the brain “on mindfulness.” According to many studies reviewed within the report, participating in mindfulness-based practices physically rewires the brain, engaging circuits that promote resilience, self-awareness, and reduced impulsivity.
Spending time in nature is yet another way to connect to something greater than ourselves (without the need for organized religion or the 12 Steps). One of the best expressions of this sentiment comes from American Transcendentalist Ralph Waldo Emerson. In Nature, he writes: “In the woods, we return to reason and faith. There I feel that nothing can befall me in life,—no disgrace, no calamity, (leaving me my eyes,) which nature cannot repair.”
Nature has proven to be just as versatile within therapeutic contexts. Recently, ecotherapy has been touted as a great form of treatment for those who might be reluctant to engage in traditional talk therapy. According to psychologist Maurie Lung, “One of the top benefits that we address are for people who are trying to reduce anxiety or depression and increase relationship and connection … it’s super engaging, so for kids and teenagers ... [and] for people who are reluctant to be in therapy.”
There are many ways we can use nature as a therapeutic and spiritual springboard. There’s no need to travel tens or hundreds of miles to a faraway National Park, forest, or beach — a city park or even your own backyard will do. All we need to find is a small sanctuary away from the noise and traffic where we can feel connected to natural surroundings and walk or just simply sit and meditate.
As author Kurt Vonnegut said, “To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it.” Creativity is, indeed, another way to grow spiritually while supporting our recovery. After all, rediscovering our true self and our new purpose is an inherently creative process. That’s also what makes it fun!
One of the clearest ways in which creative pursuits can become a spiritual practice is through the state of “flow.” Defined by psychologist and author Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi as optimal experience done for its own sake, flow is liberating and spiritually fulfilling: “It is when we act freely, for the sake of the action itself rather than for ulterior motives, that we learn to become more than what we were. When we choose a goal and invest ourselves in it to the limits of concentration, whatever we do will be enjoyable. And once we have tasted this joy, we will redouble our efforts to taste it again. This is the way the self grows.”
We can achieve flow through any activity that captures our creative attention — painting, writing, gardening, cooking, or creating a digital photo collage. Flow is all about the process instead of the result (no need to be a Picasso, Chopin, or even a Top Chef contestant). By absorbing ourselves fully in the creative process, we automatically tap into something greater than ourselves — and that’s where things start to get spiritual!
Science shows that engaging in activities that make us feel fully absorbed — the kind that give us the sense of being outside of time — naturally quiet the part of our brain that’s in charge of judgments and ruminating thoughts. Such activities serve as a boost of dopamine — the feel-good neurotransmitters that get depleted with increased alcohol use. While there are many “flavors” of flow (for example, artistic pursuits or socializing with friends), spiritual practices such as prayer or meditation are among the best ways to get into this state.
How can we start getting in touch with our spiritual side and tap into the power of spiritual recovery? Here are some ideas:
Finally, let’s look at some specific suggestions for incorporating spirituality into daily life to support recovery. Drawing on the wisdom of Wayne Dyer once again, let’s take a look at how he advises us to incorporate spiritual elements into our daily lives for optimal growth (as well as recovery from addictive behaviors) in There’s a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem. His words resonate with many and have a trademark touch of warmth and compassion.
In Divine Living: The Essential Guide To Your True Destiny, destiny coach Anthon St. Maarten writes, “Intuition goes before you, showing you the way. Emotion follows behind, to let you know when you go astray. Listen to your inner voice: it is the calling of your spiritual GPS system seeking to keep you on track towards your true destiny.” Let’s turn to our “spiritual GPS” to jumpstart our own version of spiritual recovery!
In Passage Meditation — A Complete Spiritual Practice: Train Your Mind and Find a Life That Fulfills, the renowned meditation teacher and author Eknath Easwaran writes: “There is a tale of a man who found on the road a large stone bearing the words, ‘Under me lies a great truth.’ The man strained to turn the stone over and finally succeeded. On the bottom was written, ‘Why do you want a new truth when you do not practice what you already know?’”
In this way, recovery begins to look like the “rediscovery” of a new and improved version of ourselves that already exists but has been hidden by addiction. Let’s look within and set it free!
Addiction affects every aspect of our lives, and recovery isn’t just a physical, mental, and emotional process — it is a spiritual one as well. For some, the word “spirituality” might set off alarm bells, especially if they’ve had negative experiences with organized religion.
Rest assured, spirituality doesn’t have to mean going to church or performing religious rituals!
Instead, let’s look at it as a broader concept that has to do with finding meaning in life. Recovery is all about finding a new source of meaning and rediscovering our true sense of self — an inherently creative (and exciting!) process.
There are several elements of spirituality that are particularly relevant to recovery:
There are many benefits to adding a spiritual element to our recovery journey.
Not all spiritual approaches will work for everyone, and that’s okay! Luckily, there are many “paths to the same mountain,” as they say.
In a Journal of Religion and Health review article titled “Belief, Behavior, and Belonging: How Faith is Indispensable in Preventing and Recovering from Substance Abuse,” Melissa and Brian Grim describe their analysis of 130,000 congregation-based substance abuse programs that feature faith-based approaches to recovery. They argue that these programs greatly contribute to the field of addiction recovery, often without any cost to taxpayers. The vast majority (87%) of the studies they reviewed as part of their research point to faith as “faith is a positive factor in addiction prevention or recovery.”
That said, if traditional religion isn’t for you, no problem! There are other options to explore.
While the 12 steps of programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) are also not for everyone, they’re a great example of how spirituality could provide a useful structure and set of principles that help our recovery. The first three steps are all about admitting powerlessness and asking a “Higher Power” to “restore us to sanity.” This formulation may not resonate with everyone, but the point is simple: what happened to us is not our fault, and our experience with alcohol doesn’t have to mean that there’s anything “wrong” with us. Alcohol is addictive, and we simply fell into the same set of habits that millions of others have fallen into. Luckily, we have options: we can look at our situation from a broader perspective and realize that help is available.
When viewed in this light, the “Higher Power” doesn’t have to be the traditional “God” — many AA members actually choose to see the group itself as a collective power generated by like-minded people coming together to help one another in a way that would be impossible to do alone. In any case, if this approach resonates with you, go ahead and give it a try!
In the words of writer and motivational speaker Wayne Dyer, our thoughts determine our reality. “Remember, you become what you think about all day long. How often do you clutter your mind with thoughts of non-peace? … All of these thoughts and their expressions are indications that you have become trapped in a non-peaceful mind and, therefore, a non-peaceful world.”
A way out of this “thought trap” is mindfulness, a core element in many spiritual traditions and an excellent form of spiritual recovery practice in itself. Mindfulness is incredibly simple: all it requires is to observe our own thoughts or perform any activity with our whole attention focused on it. As a spiritual recovery practice, it can help us break out of “non-peaceful” thoughts, including ones that push us closer to our addictions and habits.
There are countless benefits of mindfulness that have now been backed by science. For one thing, neuroscience research tells us that mindfulness benefits the brain by rewiring circuits responsible for stress and chronic pain and boosting those related to focus and attention! There have been many recent studies that show mindfulness as one of the best ways to boost our mental and physical health.
According to an article in the NIH newsletter News in Health, practicing mindfulness can help with a host of mental health issues, including depression, PTSD, eating disorders, and addiction. Additionally, mindfulness has other health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and reducing stroke risk).
And as neuroimaging studies have shown, mindfulness can physically change the neurological wiring of our brain. A large-scale study in BioMed Research International titled “The Meditative Mind: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis of MRI Studies” paints an impressive picture of the brain “on mindfulness.” According to many studies reviewed within the report, participating in mindfulness-based practices physically rewires the brain, engaging circuits that promote resilience, self-awareness, and reduced impulsivity.
Spending time in nature is yet another way to connect to something greater than ourselves (without the need for organized religion or the 12 Steps). One of the best expressions of this sentiment comes from American Transcendentalist Ralph Waldo Emerson. In Nature, he writes: “In the woods, we return to reason and faith. There I feel that nothing can befall me in life,—no disgrace, no calamity, (leaving me my eyes,) which nature cannot repair.”
Nature has proven to be just as versatile within therapeutic contexts. Recently, ecotherapy has been touted as a great form of treatment for those who might be reluctant to engage in traditional talk therapy. According to psychologist Maurie Lung, “One of the top benefits that we address are for people who are trying to reduce anxiety or depression and increase relationship and connection … it’s super engaging, so for kids and teenagers ... [and] for people who are reluctant to be in therapy.”
There are many ways we can use nature as a therapeutic and spiritual springboard. There’s no need to travel tens or hundreds of miles to a faraway National Park, forest, or beach — a city park or even your own backyard will do. All we need to find is a small sanctuary away from the noise and traffic where we can feel connected to natural surroundings and walk or just simply sit and meditate.
As author Kurt Vonnegut said, “To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it.” Creativity is, indeed, another way to grow spiritually while supporting our recovery. After all, rediscovering our true self and our new purpose is an inherently creative process. That’s also what makes it fun!
One of the clearest ways in which creative pursuits can become a spiritual practice is through the state of “flow.” Defined by psychologist and author Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi as optimal experience done for its own sake, flow is liberating and spiritually fulfilling: “It is when we act freely, for the sake of the action itself rather than for ulterior motives, that we learn to become more than what we were. When we choose a goal and invest ourselves in it to the limits of concentration, whatever we do will be enjoyable. And once we have tasted this joy, we will redouble our efforts to taste it again. This is the way the self grows.”
We can achieve flow through any activity that captures our creative attention — painting, writing, gardening, cooking, or creating a digital photo collage. Flow is all about the process instead of the result (no need to be a Picasso, Chopin, or even a Top Chef contestant). By absorbing ourselves fully in the creative process, we automatically tap into something greater than ourselves — and that’s where things start to get spiritual!
Science shows that engaging in activities that make us feel fully absorbed — the kind that give us the sense of being outside of time — naturally quiet the part of our brain that’s in charge of judgments and ruminating thoughts. Such activities serve as a boost of dopamine — the feel-good neurotransmitters that get depleted with increased alcohol use. While there are many “flavors” of flow (for example, artistic pursuits or socializing with friends), spiritual practices such as prayer or meditation are among the best ways to get into this state.
How can we start getting in touch with our spiritual side and tap into the power of spiritual recovery? Here are some ideas:
Finally, let’s look at some specific suggestions for incorporating spirituality into daily life to support recovery. Drawing on the wisdom of Wayne Dyer once again, let’s take a look at how he advises us to incorporate spiritual elements into our daily lives for optimal growth (as well as recovery from addictive behaviors) in There’s a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem. His words resonate with many and have a trademark touch of warmth and compassion.
In Divine Living: The Essential Guide To Your True Destiny, destiny coach Anthon St. Maarten writes, “Intuition goes before you, showing you the way. Emotion follows behind, to let you know when you go astray. Listen to your inner voice: it is the calling of your spiritual GPS system seeking to keep you on track towards your true destiny.” Let’s turn to our “spiritual GPS” to jumpstart our own version of spiritual recovery!
The link between alcohol and domestic violence is complex and multifaceted. The signs of domestic violence are often vague and difficult to recognize.
Relationships are rarely a bed of roses, but there is always room for improvement. Reframe is a great place to start down that road.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions worldwide 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 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 be able 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 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!
Consider the last time you argued with your partner, spouse, or roommate. Was it about some low-priority issue like what to make for dinner, who’s paying which bills, or the thermostat setting? Or maybe it was about something more substantial, like buying a car, changing jobs, or moving away. Most of us in relationships occasionally argue — it’s bound to happen when we share space and life with others. And that’s okay! Most arguments get resolved (or not) without significant consequences.
Unfortunately, there’s another darker side to this story. While for many of us, home is where we find solace, comfort, and understanding, for others, home is anything but comforting and safe.
For too many of us, home is a verbal and sometimes physical battleground. It’s a place where arguments — often fueled by alcohol — escalate into a frightening and potentially dangerous situation. Many of us, sadly, are victims of domestic violence.
Let’s delve into the realm of domestic violence by examining its complexities, causes, and the impact it has on those involved.
If you feel unsafe at home or want resources for escaping an abusive home environment, call the U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233).
Domestic violence is a complex, multifaceted social issue. Once referred to as family violence, the broader term “domestic violence” is more inclusive and encompasses all forms of relationships. It’s also important to note that domestic violence is not just limited to physical abuse but may include elements of emotional, psychological, and, sometimes, financial abuse. According to Barocas et al. (2016), defining domestic violence more broadly helps to align other existing definitions and standards, and it makes more effective interventions available to those of us affected by domestic violence.
How did adopting a broader view of domestic violence change our understanding of it? Previously, domestic abuse billboards and pamphlets showed women with blackened eyes, depicting them as typical domestic violence victims. Today, we know that characterizing domestic violence in that way describes only a small subset of its victims. After all, domestic violence doesn’t discriminate: it affects individuals across gender lines, ages, income levels, and backgrounds.
Alcohol’s influence on domestic violence is well-recognized. Contrary to common perception, people of all genders can be both perpetrators and victims.
So, how common is this problem?
According to the CDC, one in four women and one in seven men will experience physical violence by their intimate partner at some point during their lifetimes. Intimate partner violence reportedly occurs in over 10 million people, or 3.92% of the U.S. adult population each year.
This may seem like a shocking number. To fully understand the challenges and complexities of domestic violence requires our understanding of its dynamics and contributing factors.
We learned that domestic violence is not exclusive to one gender. This belief contradicts the previous belief that only men can be abusive and overlooks that people of all genders can exhibit harmful behavior, especially when alcohol is involved. Let’s start with some research on the issue.
Looking at the dynamics of domestic violence, Babock et al. (2019) found that of all reported instances of domestic abuse by their study participants, almost an equal percentage were male-initiated violence (15%) and female-initiated violence (15.5%). Twenty-five percent of study participants reported engaging in mutual violence, whereas 40.2% of females and 34.5% of males reported their involvement in domestic violence occurred in self-defense. This study supports the notion that for most participants, domestic violence is not a one-way street; both men and women initiated domestic violence or were engaged in mutual violence.
Alcohol adds another level of complexity to domestic violence because it juxtaposes behavioral and psychological factors. When we consider the relationship between alcohol and domestic violence, we need to ask a couple questions: are all alcoholics abusive? Why are some people abusive when drunk?
Exploring the link between alcohol and domestic violence requires a clear understanding of how alcohol affects the brain and how it impacts our decision making and impulse control. Let’s start there!
Alcohol is classified as a depressant because of the way it affects our central nervous system (CNS). When we consume alcohol, its depressant effects slow down communication between nerves in our brains. Drinking has a sedating effect, slowing our reaction times, impairing our coordination, and generally relaxing us. While many of us may initially feel euphoric or more sociable, excessive alcohol consumption typically intensifies its depressant effects, leading to lethargy, confusion, and even unconsciousness.
Many studies have looked at the relationship between alcohol and personality as a factor in violence in general. They found that emotional instability and impulsivity — combined with personality disorders, genetic predisposition, and environmental stressors — can trigger aggression while under the influence of alcohol.
The American Addictions Center identified antisocial disorder, conduct problems, and borderline personality disorder (among several other risk factors) in alcohol-related domestic violence. The addition of personality as a factor in alcohol-related domestic violence attests to how complex this problem is.
So far, we have learned that alcohol consumption affects our central nervous system, which in turn alters how our brain functions, especially when we drink excessively. But how does this translate into domestic violence, especially when personality and other issues are factored in? The short answer: it’s complicated!
Let’s start with impaired judgment and impulsivity. Under the influence of alcohol, people tend to say and do things they normally wouldn’t while sober. This tendency is often referred to as alcohol’s disinhibiting effect. Here’s an example of how alcohol transforms typical behavior into something entirely different.
A couple is having a quiet evening at home while sharing a bottle of wine. During the evening, an argument starts over something inconsequential. Usually, this isn’t a huge issue; neither person blows up when sober. However, with three drinks down, the couple’s argument quickly transforms into a shouting match, name-calling, and some pushing and shoving. Slower reactions, impaired judgment, and impulsivity due to their drinking eventually lead to kicking and punching and cuts and bruises.
For some, the above scenario may be a one-off. Still, for many others, it can become a cyclical pattern, especially if one or both people are struggling with alcohol abuse or dependence. Without intervention, a destructive pattern of drinking and domestic violence often continues.
The research we’ve talked about paints a concerning picture. So can alcohol make you violent? And are alcoholics abusive? Dispelling misconceptions about domestic violence is a pivotal step toward creating a safer environment for those of us affected by it.
Two misconceptions are that all alcoholics are abusive or that all people are abusive when drunk. Neither is true, nor is the suggestion that all abusers are alcoholics. The link between alcohol and domestic violence is not exact. The reality is many people engage in domestic violence without drinking, while many alcoholics are never violent toward a partner.
The relationship between alcohol and abuse, especially when we try to account for the influence of personality and other factors, is a complex, many-layered puzzle. (Consider this blog just the basics; no single source can plumb the depths of such a multifaceted issue.)
While the most apparent signs of domestic violence are physical altercations, there are several nonphysical ways partners can exhibit abusive behaviors:
Controlling. Your partner tracks what you do, where you go, and to whom you talk. Your partner gets upset if you don’t immediately reply to texts, emails, and phone calls.
If you live in the U.S. and are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233.
Luckily, there are resources available to overcome domestic violence.
Understanding the complex and diverse nature of abuse and taking proactive steps is the best way to foster healthier relationships. There are ways to move forward and step into a safe, happy life free from violence. Quitting or cutting back on alcohol is a highly effective way to see the situation in a new light and take stock of how to move forward.
Consider the last time you argued with your partner, spouse, or roommate. Was it about some low-priority issue like what to make for dinner, who’s paying which bills, or the thermostat setting? Or maybe it was about something more substantial, like buying a car, changing jobs, or moving away. Most of us in relationships occasionally argue — it’s bound to happen when we share space and life with others. And that’s okay! Most arguments get resolved (or not) without significant consequences.
Unfortunately, there’s another darker side to this story. While for many of us, home is where we find solace, comfort, and understanding, for others, home is anything but comforting and safe.
For too many of us, home is a verbal and sometimes physical battleground. It’s a place where arguments — often fueled by alcohol — escalate into a frightening and potentially dangerous situation. Many of us, sadly, are victims of domestic violence.
Let’s delve into the realm of domestic violence by examining its complexities, causes, and the impact it has on those involved.
If you feel unsafe at home or want resources for escaping an abusive home environment, call the U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233).
Domestic violence is a complex, multifaceted social issue. Once referred to as family violence, the broader term “domestic violence” is more inclusive and encompasses all forms of relationships. It’s also important to note that domestic violence is not just limited to physical abuse but may include elements of emotional, psychological, and, sometimes, financial abuse. According to Barocas et al. (2016), defining domestic violence more broadly helps to align other existing definitions and standards, and it makes more effective interventions available to those of us affected by domestic violence.
How did adopting a broader view of domestic violence change our understanding of it? Previously, domestic abuse billboards and pamphlets showed women with blackened eyes, depicting them as typical domestic violence victims. Today, we know that characterizing domestic violence in that way describes only a small subset of its victims. After all, domestic violence doesn’t discriminate: it affects individuals across gender lines, ages, income levels, and backgrounds.
Alcohol’s influence on domestic violence is well-recognized. Contrary to common perception, people of all genders can be both perpetrators and victims.
So, how common is this problem?
According to the CDC, one in four women and one in seven men will experience physical violence by their intimate partner at some point during their lifetimes. Intimate partner violence reportedly occurs in over 10 million people, or 3.92% of the U.S. adult population each year.
This may seem like a shocking number. To fully understand the challenges and complexities of domestic violence requires our understanding of its dynamics and contributing factors.
We learned that domestic violence is not exclusive to one gender. This belief contradicts the previous belief that only men can be abusive and overlooks that people of all genders can exhibit harmful behavior, especially when alcohol is involved. Let’s start with some research on the issue.
Looking at the dynamics of domestic violence, Babock et al. (2019) found that of all reported instances of domestic abuse by their study participants, almost an equal percentage were male-initiated violence (15%) and female-initiated violence (15.5%). Twenty-five percent of study participants reported engaging in mutual violence, whereas 40.2% of females and 34.5% of males reported their involvement in domestic violence occurred in self-defense. This study supports the notion that for most participants, domestic violence is not a one-way street; both men and women initiated domestic violence or were engaged in mutual violence.
Alcohol adds another level of complexity to domestic violence because it juxtaposes behavioral and psychological factors. When we consider the relationship between alcohol and domestic violence, we need to ask a couple questions: are all alcoholics abusive? Why are some people abusive when drunk?
Exploring the link between alcohol and domestic violence requires a clear understanding of how alcohol affects the brain and how it impacts our decision making and impulse control. Let’s start there!
Alcohol is classified as a depressant because of the way it affects our central nervous system (CNS). When we consume alcohol, its depressant effects slow down communication between nerves in our brains. Drinking has a sedating effect, slowing our reaction times, impairing our coordination, and generally relaxing us. While many of us may initially feel euphoric or more sociable, excessive alcohol consumption typically intensifies its depressant effects, leading to lethargy, confusion, and even unconsciousness.
Many studies have looked at the relationship between alcohol and personality as a factor in violence in general. They found that emotional instability and impulsivity — combined with personality disorders, genetic predisposition, and environmental stressors — can trigger aggression while under the influence of alcohol.
The American Addictions Center identified antisocial disorder, conduct problems, and borderline personality disorder (among several other risk factors) in alcohol-related domestic violence. The addition of personality as a factor in alcohol-related domestic violence attests to how complex this problem is.
So far, we have learned that alcohol consumption affects our central nervous system, which in turn alters how our brain functions, especially when we drink excessively. But how does this translate into domestic violence, especially when personality and other issues are factored in? The short answer: it’s complicated!
Let’s start with impaired judgment and impulsivity. Under the influence of alcohol, people tend to say and do things they normally wouldn’t while sober. This tendency is often referred to as alcohol’s disinhibiting effect. Here’s an example of how alcohol transforms typical behavior into something entirely different.
A couple is having a quiet evening at home while sharing a bottle of wine. During the evening, an argument starts over something inconsequential. Usually, this isn’t a huge issue; neither person blows up when sober. However, with three drinks down, the couple’s argument quickly transforms into a shouting match, name-calling, and some pushing and shoving. Slower reactions, impaired judgment, and impulsivity due to their drinking eventually lead to kicking and punching and cuts and bruises.
For some, the above scenario may be a one-off. Still, for many others, it can become a cyclical pattern, especially if one or both people are struggling with alcohol abuse or dependence. Without intervention, a destructive pattern of drinking and domestic violence often continues.
The research we’ve talked about paints a concerning picture. So can alcohol make you violent? And are alcoholics abusive? Dispelling misconceptions about domestic violence is a pivotal step toward creating a safer environment for those of us affected by it.
Two misconceptions are that all alcoholics are abusive or that all people are abusive when drunk. Neither is true, nor is the suggestion that all abusers are alcoholics. The link between alcohol and domestic violence is not exact. The reality is many people engage in domestic violence without drinking, while many alcoholics are never violent toward a partner.
The relationship between alcohol and abuse, especially when we try to account for the influence of personality and other factors, is a complex, many-layered puzzle. (Consider this blog just the basics; no single source can plumb the depths of such a multifaceted issue.)
While the most apparent signs of domestic violence are physical altercations, there are several nonphysical ways partners can exhibit abusive behaviors:
Controlling. Your partner tracks what you do, where you go, and to whom you talk. Your partner gets upset if you don’t immediately reply to texts, emails, and phone calls.
If you live in the U.S. and are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233.
Luckily, there are resources available to overcome domestic violence.
Understanding the complex and diverse nature of abuse and taking proactive steps is the best way to foster healthier relationships. There are ways to move forward and step into a safe, happy life free from violence. Quitting or cutting back on alcohol is a highly effective way to see the situation in a new light and take stock of how to move forward.
Going to work with a hangover can be rough, but there are things you can do to make it easier! Our blog explores the strategies to keep you hydrated and comfortable without feeling overwhelmed as you recover.
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 today!
As Irish comedy actor and writer Arthur Mathews once said, “I never met anyone who gets up out of their bed after a night on the town and says, 'Oh I wish I'd had another drink last night. That would have been a great idea.’” And yet, it happens. We have a bit too much to drink, and the day after begins with the dreaded hangover.
But what if it’s a workday? Many of us have experienced what it’s like to wake up feeling like we’ve been hit by a truck, and it’s even worse when we still have to get dressed, grab our laptop, make a coffee for the commute (if we have the time or the stomach for it), and head out to the office (or, worse, a classroom). What is the best way to deal with a hangover at work? Let’s explore some ways to make the situation a bit easier to manage.
To understand hangovers — and how to fix them — it helps to first take a brief look at how alcohol affects our brain and body. Soon after the first sip, we start feeling the effects of alcohol.
The next day, however, we might wake up with a whole new set of symptoms — the notorious hangover. On the physical side, we might feel nauseous, have a headache or muscle aches, stomach pain, vertigo, sensitivity to light and sound, fatigue, weakness, and increased blood pressure. We might also feel more anxious and irritable than usual.
If it happens to be a workday, these symptoms might pose an extra challenge. We’ll look at some possible strategies later on, but first let’s explore the cause of the symptoms in a bit more detail.
How do the effects of alcohol on the brain and body translate into these unpleasant symptoms? There are a few different reasons, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
When we’re smack-dab in the middle of a hangover, it can feel like it will never end. But rest assured, it will! A typical hangover lasts around 24 hours. It peaks when the blood alcohol concentration returns to zero and starts to get better soon after.
Bouncing back from a hangover is all about replenishing our body’s resources. However, there’s an important mental and emotional component to it as well. And, if we’re talking about curing a hangover at work, there are also important social aspects to consider.
As you get ready to head out the door, make sure to take care of a few key steps first. (You’ll thank yourself later!)
Okay, you’ve made it safe and are in the building, heading for your desk. Now what? It’s time to consider what’s on the schedule for the day.
This question is a delicate one sometimes: what do you tell your colleagues or (yikes!) your boss? Do you have to tell them what’s going on and why you’re feeling unwell?
Now that you’re settled in and your day is off to a (hopefully) decent start, what can you do to keep hangover symptoms at bay until it’s time to go home? While there’s no “cure” for a hangover (except time), there are things that can help.
Of course, one thing that’s better than curing a hangover at work is preventing it in the first place! Here are some tips:
As you look at your relationship with alcohol, consider taking a break to see how your life might change as a result. If you do decide to set alcohol aside or reduce your intake, approach it with a spirit of curiosity, not deprivation. Only good things await!
As Irish comedy actor and writer Arthur Mathews once said, “I never met anyone who gets up out of their bed after a night on the town and says, 'Oh I wish I'd had another drink last night. That would have been a great idea.’” And yet, it happens. We have a bit too much to drink, and the day after begins with the dreaded hangover.
But what if it’s a workday? Many of us have experienced what it’s like to wake up feeling like we’ve been hit by a truck, and it’s even worse when we still have to get dressed, grab our laptop, make a coffee for the commute (if we have the time or the stomach for it), and head out to the office (or, worse, a classroom). What is the best way to deal with a hangover at work? Let’s explore some ways to make the situation a bit easier to manage.
To understand hangovers — and how to fix them — it helps to first take a brief look at how alcohol affects our brain and body. Soon after the first sip, we start feeling the effects of alcohol.
The next day, however, we might wake up with a whole new set of symptoms — the notorious hangover. On the physical side, we might feel nauseous, have a headache or muscle aches, stomach pain, vertigo, sensitivity to light and sound, fatigue, weakness, and increased blood pressure. We might also feel more anxious and irritable than usual.
If it happens to be a workday, these symptoms might pose an extra challenge. We’ll look at some possible strategies later on, but first let’s explore the cause of the symptoms in a bit more detail.
How do the effects of alcohol on the brain and body translate into these unpleasant symptoms? There are a few different reasons, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
When we’re smack-dab in the middle of a hangover, it can feel like it will never end. But rest assured, it will! A typical hangover lasts around 24 hours. It peaks when the blood alcohol concentration returns to zero and starts to get better soon after.
Bouncing back from a hangover is all about replenishing our body’s resources. However, there’s an important mental and emotional component to it as well. And, if we’re talking about curing a hangover at work, there are also important social aspects to consider.
As you get ready to head out the door, make sure to take care of a few key steps first. (You’ll thank yourself later!)
Okay, you’ve made it safe and are in the building, heading for your desk. Now what? It’s time to consider what’s on the schedule for the day.
This question is a delicate one sometimes: what do you tell your colleagues or (yikes!) your boss? Do you have to tell them what’s going on and why you’re feeling unwell?
Now that you’re settled in and your day is off to a (hopefully) decent start, what can you do to keep hangover symptoms at bay until it’s time to go home? While there’s no “cure” for a hangover (except time), there are things that can help.
Of course, one thing that’s better than curing a hangover at work is preventing it in the first place! Here are some tips:
As you look at your relationship with alcohol, consider taking a break to see how your life might change as a result. If you do decide to set alcohol aside or reduce your intake, approach it with a spirit of curiosity, not deprivation. Only good things await!
There’s a common belief out there that showers help cure hangovers. But is this a myth? Find out in our latest blog!
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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 today!
In The Shipping News, author Annie Proulx describes a character dealing with hangover symptoms in the traditional way: “At least he could turn on the shower, stand beneath the hot needles, face thrust near the spray head, feeling the headache move back a little.”
But do showers help hangovers? Why do showers make you feel better after you’ve had a few too many? And is there a difference between a cold or hot shower for hangover relief? Let’s explore this common hangover “cure” in more detail.
What is a hangover exactly? It comes down to our body’s reaction to alcohol metabolism. When we drink, alcohol has an effect on pretty much every system in our body. You can read more detail in our article about the health effects of alcohol, but let’s look at a brief overview.
All of this happens shortly after that first sip. As the alcohol enters our system, these changes continue to develop and can lead to a potential hangover down the line. The most common hangover symptoms we all know (and dread) — dehydration, nausea, headaches, fatigue, and overall malaise — are caused by a number of factors. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, there are a few key factors that contribute to hangovers.
Hangovers are super common. According to the Cleveland Clinic, one study showed that a whopping 75% of people who drink too much on a given night end up hungover the following morning. What about the lucky 25% who skate by without one? The researchers concluded they might be naturally resistant.
Because they’re so common, hangovers are also the subject of many myths — especially when it comes to curing them.
While a shower might not “cure” a hangover, it certainly won’t hurt — and might actually help! Here’s how:
So, if taking a shower can indeed ease some hangover symptoms, are certain temperatures more effective than others? For example, do cold showers help hangovers the most? And do hot showers help with headaches in particular?
The cold vs. hot debate mostly comes down to personal preference, but there’s some scientific evidence for both. Let’s explore it in more detail!
When we think of showers as a hangover remedy, we often think of cold ones.
Use caution: cold water increases the risk of hypothermia. This hangover remedy is definitely not for everyone! Listen to your body, and get out when you start to feel too cold.
Even if it helps a little, a shower by itself — hot or cold — won’t cure a hangover. Here are some proven ways to ease hangover symptoms:
Armed with these tips, you can get through a hangover a bit more comfortably. While they’re not an instant fix, they can take the edge off the discomfort (especially as the hangover peaks).
Finally, here are some tips for avoiding hangovers in the first place.
By following these and practicing mindful drinking, we can avoid the not-so-fun aftermath of a night of heavy drinking.
All in all, it’s important to remember that a hangover is temporary. After it passes, try to consider it a learning experience. Don’t judge yourself (it happens to many of us!), but see it as an opportunity to reassess your relationship with alcohol. If you’re curious about what life with less alcohol would be like, consider trying a month-long challenge, such as Dry January or Sober October. That said, there’s absolutely no need to wait until then — it’s never the “wrong” time to be sober-curious, and Reframe is here to cheer you on along the way!
In The Shipping News, author Annie Proulx describes a character dealing with hangover symptoms in the traditional way: “At least he could turn on the shower, stand beneath the hot needles, face thrust near the spray head, feeling the headache move back a little.”
But do showers help hangovers? Why do showers make you feel better after you’ve had a few too many? And is there a difference between a cold or hot shower for hangover relief? Let’s explore this common hangover “cure” in more detail.
What is a hangover exactly? It comes down to our body’s reaction to alcohol metabolism. When we drink, alcohol has an effect on pretty much every system in our body. You can read more detail in our article about the health effects of alcohol, but let’s look at a brief overview.
All of this happens shortly after that first sip. As the alcohol enters our system, these changes continue to develop and can lead to a potential hangover down the line. The most common hangover symptoms we all know (and dread) — dehydration, nausea, headaches, fatigue, and overall malaise — are caused by a number of factors. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, there are a few key factors that contribute to hangovers.
Hangovers are super common. According to the Cleveland Clinic, one study showed that a whopping 75% of people who drink too much on a given night end up hungover the following morning. What about the lucky 25% who skate by without one? The researchers concluded they might be naturally resistant.
Because they’re so common, hangovers are also the subject of many myths — especially when it comes to curing them.
While a shower might not “cure” a hangover, it certainly won’t hurt — and might actually help! Here’s how:
So, if taking a shower can indeed ease some hangover symptoms, are certain temperatures more effective than others? For example, do cold showers help hangovers the most? And do hot showers help with headaches in particular?
The cold vs. hot debate mostly comes down to personal preference, but there’s some scientific evidence for both. Let’s explore it in more detail!
When we think of showers as a hangover remedy, we often think of cold ones.
Use caution: cold water increases the risk of hypothermia. This hangover remedy is definitely not for everyone! Listen to your body, and get out when you start to feel too cold.
Even if it helps a little, a shower by itself — hot or cold — won’t cure a hangover. Here are some proven ways to ease hangover symptoms:
Armed with these tips, you can get through a hangover a bit more comfortably. While they’re not an instant fix, they can take the edge off the discomfort (especially as the hangover peaks).
Finally, here are some tips for avoiding hangovers in the first place.
By following these and practicing mindful drinking, we can avoid the not-so-fun aftermath of a night of heavy drinking.
All in all, it’s important to remember that a hangover is temporary. After it passes, try to consider it a learning experience. Don’t judge yourself (it happens to many of us!), but see it as an opportunity to reassess your relationship with alcohol. If you’re curious about what life with less alcohol would be like, consider trying a month-long challenge, such as Dry January or Sober October. That said, there’s absolutely no need to wait until then — it’s never the “wrong” time to be sober-curious, and Reframe is here to cheer you on along the way!
