If you think drinking alcohol reduces stress levels, it can actually lead to alcohol dependence and make anxiety symptoms worse.
- Problems occur when stress is constant and people continue to try and deal with its effects by drinking alcohol. Instead of calming anxieties, long-term, heavy drinking can actually work against you, leading to numerous medical and psychological problems and increasing the risk for alcohol dependence.
- Things that help you reduce stress:
- Exercise
- A hot bath
- Yoga
- Counseling/therapy