The Reasons Why We Drink and How Understanding Them Can Help Us Change
Let’s face it: conversations about alcohol often tread a fine line between casual acceptance and taboo. I believe it’s high time we normalize talking about why we drink.Exactly a year ago, I quit drinking, managing to stay sober for 11 months. But then, life happened — I went through a breakup, and that glass of Aperol spritz started looking irresistible again.Before we label ourselves as “bad” or “addicted,” it’s crucial to explore the urges that drive us to imbibe. Spoiler alert: it’s rarely about the drink itself. Understanding these urges can help us discover healthier and more sustainable coping mechanisms.When my relationship ended, I found myself on the island of Corsica, a half-Italian paradise with an ample supply of Aperol spritz. The reason for my drinking was abundantly clear: I wanted to numb the emotional storm inside me. But what was meant to be a temporary coping mechanism lingered on, fueling a recurring pattern.Why do we resort to alcohol when times get tough? Our nervous system plays a significant role here. When it’s triggered or dysregulated, we instinctively search for something to soothe ourselves. Alcohol is an easily accessible coping mechanism that promises immediate relief. My urge to drink extended beyond the post-breakup emotional rollercoaster; it became a way to handle the lingering tension in the house.Interestingly, my drinking habits morphed with time, revealing new triggers. One pattern was consuming alcohol at 5:00 PM, as a way to separate my work life from my private life. The drink served as a boundary marker. But there were other times too, such as before bed to facilitate sleep, or after receiving a troubling message from my ex.
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