Alcohol is a nervous system depressant. We crave a drink because it...
Dr. Nicole LePera@Theholisticpsyc
58 views
Jan 13, 2024
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Alcohol is a nervous system depressant.
We crave a drink because it slows down our thoughts and numbs our emotions.
It's The Perfect Solution For An Overstimulated Society:
We crave a drink because it slows down our thoughts and numbs our emotions.
It's The Perfect Solution For An Overstimulated Society:
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Most of us live inside a dysregulated body and a racing mind. This is the result of compounding stress and trauma that leads to overstimulation. Our culture doesn't understand the nervous system, this just becomes our "normal."
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A majority of adults don't know to self soothe. Self soothing is learned in our developmental years. These developmental years lay the ground work for how we cope with uncomfortable emotions and stress as adults.
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Alcohol becomes a normalized way of coping because it:
- dampens activity in the extended amygdala (can make us feel less negative emotional states)
- reduces activity in the central nervous system (slows thoughts and emotional sensations)
- dampens activity in the extended amygdala (can make us feel less negative emotional states)
- reduces activity in the central nervous system (slows thoughts and emotional sensations)
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- reduces the body's fight or flight response
- increase dopamine (the "feel good" chemicals at the start of drinking)
- increase dopamine (the "feel good" chemicals at the start of drinking)
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The craving to have a drink can come from internal dysregulation. Sometimes, we aren't even aware that we're dysregulated because we're completely out of the body and stuck in the mind.
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Marketing for alcohol for many decades shows beautiful, glamorous people living the good life. Hiding the truth about the devastating impact alcohol can have on families.
Hiding the truth that it's a neurotoxin.
Hiding the truth that it's a neurotoxin.
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In the future as we understand the impact of alcohol, it will be less normalized in society. It will be seen less as a celebration and more people will actually look at their unique relationship to alcohol.
The future will involve: conscious consumption.
The future will involve: conscious consumption.
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Of course, drinking is a personal choice. And for some it has no impact.
For others, alcohol becomes a part of their shame cycle, cravings are chronic, and they can only feel good in their bodies and social after a few drinks.
For others, alcohol becomes a part of their shame cycle, cravings are chronic, and they can only feel good in their bodies and social after a few drinks.
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If this is you, you're not alone. It makes sense that you would seek discomfort and soothing. Research on alcoholism also shows alcohol activates the part of our brains associated with attachment.
After years of isolation, this also makes sense.
After years of isolation, this also makes sense.
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How do YOU feel about alcohol use in your own life?
Let's open up an honest conversation.
@selfhealerscirc my private healing community opens in a few months from now. Join the waitlist here; selfhealerscircle.com
Let's open up an honest conversation.
@selfhealerscirc my private healing community opens in a few months from now. Join the waitlist here; selfhealerscircle.com