By Curtis Thill, M.D.

 

It’s a common issue here in parts of southern Indiana, and it’s ironically also sometimes one of the most difficult to talk about – even with your healthcare provider.  One of the fastest ways to end a conversation with someone who is experiencing issues with alcohol use is to ask them about it.

To be sure, nobody ever asks if they can deliberately make a life choice to become someone with substance use disorder or an addiction challenge.  From my experience, issues with alcohol often typically begin in a more subtle way.

Happy hour

Alcohol figures highly in many social situations and gatherings. Alcohol consumption — whether in beer, wine, or spirits – depresses brain activity, including areas of the frontal lobe that are responsible for decision-making and planning, and can also stimulate the amygdala, where emotions are often regulated.

When one drinks, they can feel better because of the changes in brain chemistry and activity. There’s a good reason that the time of post-work gatherings at a local bar or restaurant are often called “the Happy Hour.” Business receptions often include an open bar or access to alcohol to help reduce inhibition and foster conversations.

A future problem can begin when one starts to use alcohol as a stress reducer or a way to consistently unwind and manage anxiety or depression.

Deeper causes

From my experience, alcohol disorders involve much more than just drinking. Unresolved stress, social pressure, family or work issues, trauma, and even mental health issues typically play a role.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, heavy alcohol use rose among Americans by a full 20%. Those years were uncertain and highly stressful for many people.

The challenge remains that while times have changed, alcohol consumption is still higher than it was in 2019.

When things magnify

The problem? When people consistently use alcohol to manage stress, as a coping mechanism, or other issues like peer pressure, a tolerance begins building up. Over time, more alcohol is required to achieve the desired emotional outcome or “liquid courage,” as some have erroneously called it. That buildup can cascade until alcohol use – often with other substances – begins to cause major life problems. Some people are more physically sensitive to this and can experience negative results faster.

A problem is there in a major way, like an elephant in a living room. But it’s often tough to talk about it.

If this describes you or someone you know, there is good news. As a physician practicing in the region for more than 30 years, I have seen many people recover and return to happy, productive lives.

The first step is to get honest. Over the past 12 months, have any of these situations occurred?

• Alcohol is consumed in larger amounts than was intended.
• A persistent desire to cut back exists, but efforts to reduce or control alcohol use don’t seem to work.
• A great deal of time and resources are spent to obtain alcohol.
• A strong sense of craving or urge to use alcohol exists.
• Alcohol use is impacting issues related to work, school, or home life.
• Alcohol (sometimes in concert with other substances) is regularly used to manage or mute difficult or emotionally challenging personal situations.

If two or more answers are yes, then it’s time to seek help. There is no personal failure or stigma associated with getting help, including having an open discussion with your healthcare provider. In addition to excellent resources at SICHC, we in the region are indeed fortunate to have dedicated resources at the Safe Haven Recovery Engagement Center, which provides confidential free services (check out a short video at https://safehavenrec.com/).

 

A lifelong journey

Securing quality healthcare that fits your needs – including recovery from alcohol or substance disorders – is a life-long journey. I encourage you to find a professional healthcare provider who will walk with you on this journey, helping to elevate quality of life. We have several excellent providers at SICHC who stand ready to help. If there is an elephant in your – or someone you love – life, visit https://sichc.org/mental-health/ and start exploring options.

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A board-certified family physician, Dr. Curtis Thill has practiced medicine in Crawford County and southern Indiana for more than 30 years.