Stress, Anxiety, and Alcohol
If you’re feeling stressed, you’re not alone.
While stress is a very normal part of life, too much stress can negatively affect your physical and mental health, influence your decision-making, and impact how you respond to alcohol. And after the world was plunged into a global pandemic, excessive stress became a constant reality for many.
Finding the right coping mechanisms to manage your stress and anxiety is essential. Increased feelings of stress and/or anxiety can lead to an increased use of, or even eventual reliance on, alcohol. Whether it’s confiding in friends, being outdoors, going to the gym, or simply taking an hour to yourself, identifying what works for you will help you avoid increased alcohol and substance use.
Take care of your mental health.
If you find yourself drinking more in response to feeling overwhelmed, there are steps you can take to take care of your mental health:
- Take a walk, or spend time exercising outside
- Take time to breathe deeply, stretch, or meditate.
- Eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Make time to unwind, and try to do activities that you enjoy.
- Connect with friends and communities as you can.
Support Systems
Other support systems you can access are:
National Resources
Hew Hampshire Resources
You are not alone. You are never far from help. The Doorway connects you to help and services in NH for substance use.
2-1-1 NH is the connection for NH residents to the most up to date resources they need from specially trained Information and Referral Specialists.