Have you thought about using alternatives to alcohol to relax? Many people use alcohol as a way to relax after a stressful day or when going through turmoil. That, in itself, can be worrisome as it can indicate you may be dependent on alcohol as a way to deal with the difficulties of daily life. However, what is most important is knowing that there’s help available to guide you into no longer using alcohol. And, with a few strategies on how to relax without it, you could be enjoying life a bit more soon.
Top Alternatives to Alcohol to Relax
If you are using alcohol as a way to relax or just get through the bad times, it may be time to consider some alternative options. Keep in mind that these substitutes for alcohol cravings can’t solve the underlying cause of your stress, but they may get you through those difficult moments with ease.
#1: Exercise
After a long day at work, you may not think you want to exercise but doing so is one of the best ways for you to find relief from the ups and downs of daily life. Exercise is good for your body, but it can also be an excellent tool for improving overall mental health.
When a person struggles with stressful situations, the brain sends out stress hormones to help them deal with that problem. These hormones help the heart to beat faster, breathing to increase, and metabolism to slow down so you can deal with the stress. When you exercise, your body burns off these intense stress hormones. That is why, after a good workout, you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
#2: Meditate
Perhaps you are simply unable to work past what is bothering you, and you don’t feel like you have the energy to work out. An alternative is to meditate. This natural process helps to focus the brain and body, creating a more centered feeling. You don’t need to worry while you are meditating about the problem, but instead, you give your brain a much needed break while also helping it to better regulate your hormones and feelings.
#3: Try Another Drink
Another way to break through the frustrations of the day is to create a new drink, one that is alcohol-free. Many of the mixed drinks you enjoy are still good without the alcohol in them. Simple things like finding a few good mocktail recipes can help you feel better about what is happening to you because it helps you continue the habit of having a drink in your hand. If you miss the alcohol, that could be an indication of addiction.
#4: Do Something Fun with Friends
Sit down to watch that movie you have wanted to watch with friends. Head out and do some dancing. The key here is to do something that is so interesting that you cannot think about whatever is bothering you. Find a way to really dive into what you are experiencing. Do something brand new.
#5: Get It Out
There are many situations where you just need a way to get out of what you are feeling. Don’t hold it in. You can relax better if you say what you need to say, solve the problem, or just talk to someone about what is bothering you. If there is a problem, make today the day you find a solution.
Signs of Alcohol Addiction
While these alternatives to alcohol to relax are a good step, you also have to pay attention to what happens to your body when you stop using alcohol. Substitutes for alcohol cravings are a very different thing. Consider the following signs of alcohol addiction that you may begin to experience as you try out some of the alternatives to drinking alcohol to relax we’ve mentioned above.
- You feel cravings or are thinking about alcohol a lot more.
- You cannot seem to stop feeling stressed out, but you believe that having a drink is all that it will take for that to happen.
- You have body aches and pains or a headache that you cannot seem to alleviate.
- You’re anxious about what is happening to you. You feel like you need to use alcohol to finally get some relief.
Do You Need Addiction Help?
If it is hard to stop using alcohol as a means to relax, it may be time to think about an alcohol treatment program. This type of addiction program can help you begin the path to recovery, not just to stop drinking but also to find your way through the hard stuff that makes life so difficult to manage. That way, you no longer feel the need to use, and you feel propelled to find ways to enjoy your life a bit more.
Reach out to our admissions team today or call us at (866) 971-5531to ask questions and gain insight into your options.
