Alcohol and cortisol have a complex relationship that affects both your physical and mental health. Understanding how drinking impacts your stress hormones can help you make informed decisions about your relationship with alcohol.
Cortisol, often called the "stress hormone," plays a crucial role in how your body responds to stress. When you drink alcohol, it initially suppresses cortisol production, creating a temporary sense of relaxation. However, this effect is short-lived and can lead to significant problems over time.
Chronic alcohol use disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates cortisol production. This disruption can lead to consistently elevated cortisol levels, contributing to anxiety, depression, weight gain, and weakened immune function.
The relationship between alcohol and stress becomes a vicious cycle. Many people drink to cope with stress, but alcohol actually increases cortisol levels in the long run, making stress worse. This can lead to increased drinking to manage the heightened stress response.
Breaking free from this cycle requires understanding the connection and developing healthier coping mechanisms. At Surf City Detox, we help clients understand how alcohol has affected their body's stress response and develop new strategies for managing stress without substances.
If you're struggling with alcohol use and stress, professional help can make all the difference. Our medical team provides comprehensive detox services that address both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery.
Dr. Eric Chaghouri, MD
Surf City Detox Medical Team
