Alcohol Use and Your Health Alcohol Use

The recent COVID-19 pandemic saw a rise in alcohol consumption, which is projected to result in thousands of additional deaths from liver disease in forthcoming years, as reported by Harvard Gazette. This underscores the importance of addressing alcohol consumption from both individual and public health policy perspectives to mitigate the risk of liver disease. Drinking moderately if you’re otherwise healthy may be a risk you’re willing to take.

1. If you drink every day, or almost every day, you might notice that you catch colds, flu or other illnesses more frequently than people who don’t drink.
2. But heavy drinking carries a much higher risk even for those without other health concerns.
3. By Geralyn Dexter, PhD, LMHCDexter has a doctorate in psychology and is a licensed mental health counselor with a focus on suicidal ideation, self-harm, and mood disorders.
4. Too much alcohol can also shut down parts of your brain that are essential for keeping you alive.

Effects of After-Work Drinking on Job Performance and Workplace Relationships

However, this practice can have a significant negative impact on both personal and professional relationships. While moderate social drinking can facilitate networking and bonding among colleagues, excessive or regular after-work alcohol consumption may lead to serious consequences. The psychological impact of after-work drinking is profound and multifaceted, affecting not only the individual’s mental health but also their social functioning and overall quality of life. It is essential to recognize that while moderate alcohol consumption may carry some cardiovascular benefits, the line between moderate and excessive is thin, and crossing it can lead to serious health consequences. The Recovery Village Atlanta offers comprehensive addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions. For individuals not yet ready for complete abstinence, Moderation Management programs offer support toward understanding and controlling drinking behaviors.

These programs focus on setting personal drinking limits and goals within a safe, supportive environment. However, it is important to note that while moderate drinking may work for some, abstinence remains one of the most effective methods for those with alcohol use disorders. There are various types of professional help available, from residential treatment programs with multidisciplinary teams to behavioral treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Licensed alcohol and drug counselors, social workers, nurses, and physicians are among the professionals who can support individuals in overcoming alcohol use disorder. Medications approved to treat alcohol dependence may also be prescribed as part of the treatment plan.

Alcohol’s physical effects on the body

Inpatient treatment is best for moderate to severe alcohol addictions or people who have relapsed. Inpatient treatment involves living on-site at the detox steve harwell alcoholism or rehab facility, an approach that keeps patients in a healing environment and allows for better monitoring and treatment. The habit of unwinding with alcohol can become a coping mechanism, potentially evolving into dependence. This addiction can strain relationships as individuals may prioritize drinking over spending quality time with family or fulfilling professional commitments. For women, more than three drinks on any day or more than seven drinks a week is heavy drinking. For men, heavy drinking means more than four drinks on any day or more than 14 drinks a week.

If your employer has a policy that indicates showing up intoxicated for work is an offense that one can be fired for, then the employer can terminate the employee. In the United States, people younger than age 21 are not legally able to drink alcohol. Here’s a breakdown of alcohol’s effects on your internal organs and body processes. Dehydration-related effects, like nausea, headache, and dizziness, might not appear for a few hours, and they can also depend on what you drink, how much you drink, and if you also drink water.

For instance, in sectors where employees drive, operate machinery, or manage public transportation, consuming alcohol on the job is not allowed. This prohibition is backed by legislation such as the Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulations, which may criminalize operating vehicles while impaired by alcohol. While occupational hazards are intrinsic to many professions, alcohol consumption introduces an additional, and often underestimated, layer of risk. Employers have the right to require that employees meet certain expectations regarding performance and conduct in the workplace.

Considerations for a Better Workplace Culture

But prolonged alcohol abuse can lead to chronic (long-term) pancreatitis, which can be severe. “Some people think of the effects of alcohol as only something to be worried about if you’re living with alcohol use disorder, which was formerly called alcoholism,” Dr. Sengupta says. Take our free, 5-minute substance abuse self-assessment below if you think you or someone you love might be struggling with substance abuse.

Alcohol withdrawal can be difficult and, in some cases, life threatening. Depending on how often you drink and how much, you may need support from a healthcare professional if you want to stop drinking. When you stop drinking, you might notice a range of physical, emotional, or mental health symptoms that ease as soon as you have a drink. Past guidance around alcohol use generally suggests a daily drink poses little risk of negative health effects — and might even offer a few health benefits.

Social Pressures in After-Work Drinking Dynamics

While employers may not consider off-work hours within their jurisdiction, the potential for alcohol-related risks persists. Regular after-work drinking can lead to patterns of behavior that may blur the lines between moderate use and dependence. This cycle can impact the individual’s health, professional performance, and relationships. Negative work experiences have been linked to heavy drinking and drinking during and after work. This means that factors like toxic work cultures and job dissatisfaction can increase the risk of alcohol misuse among employees. After-work drinking is a common social practice that, while seemingly harmless, can escalate into health risks and dependence.

And prolonged alcohol use can lead to mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. “The good news is that earlier stages of steatotic liver disease are usually completely reversible in about four to six weeks if you abstain from drinking alcohol,” Dr. Sengupta assures. Heavy drinking can also lead to a host of health concerns, like brain damage, heart disease, cirrhosis of the liver and even certain kinds of cancer. Excessive alcohol use can harm people who drink and those around them. You and your community can take steps to improve everyone’s health and quality of life.

It is, therefore, crucial to recognize the fine line between social drinking and its potential to harm relationships. Employers and employees must foster a work culture that promotes healthy habits and supports individuals who choose not to drink after work. In the past, moderate drinking was thought to be linked with a lower risk of dying from heart disease and possibly diabetes.