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Alcohol and stress are connected in several ways.
Alcohol can also increase cortisol levels, which is the hormone the body releases in response to stress.
Exposure to excessive cortisol can have serious effects on both mental and physical health.
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At a Glance
Chronic alcohol use poses many health risks, including elevated cortisol levels.
This can happen while a person is consuming alcohol regularly, but it can also occur during alcohol withdrawal.
Taking steps to reduce your alcohol use may help lower your cortisol levels and improve your overall health.
Alcohol and Cortisol: What’s the Connection?
“Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands and is the body’s primary glucocorticoid.
The body naturally produces more cortisol when you are affected by stressors such as fear or anxiety.
It’s part of thebody’s stress-response system.
Short-term, stress-induced cortisol can increase blood pressure, focus alertness, andattention.
Researchers believe that ahigh level of intoxicationcan cause a state of general stress, which can stimulate cortisol release.
It is also thought that alcohol could affect brain chemicals that signal the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol.
The HPA axis is a neuroendocrine mechanism that helps mediate the impact stressors have on the body.
Consuming alcohol increases activity in the HPA axis, resulting in increased cortisol production.
This increase in cortisol also triggers the release of the neurotransmitterdopamine, which is associated with feelings of pleasure.
Increased dopamine contributes to the enjoyable effects that people experience when consuming alcohol.
Drinking too much alcohol over a long period creates impairments in the HPA axis.
Research also suggests that this dysregulation in thebody’s stress responsecan contribute to drinking behavior and alcohol cravings.
Treatments for chronic alcohol use may include behavioral interventions, medications, and support.
The first step is to go through thedetoxand withdrawal process.
Specific techniques that can be helpful includedeep breathing,mindfulness, andprogressive muscle relaxation.
Medication
Your doctor can also prescribe medications that can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Medications your doctor may prescribe includenaltrexone, acamprosate, ordisulfiram.
Support
Support groupslikeAlcoholics Anonymousand SMART Recovery can also play an important role in maintaining sobriety.
They are a way to gain support, encouragement, and advice from people who have had similar experiences.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
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