Breaking the Norm: The Reality Behind Alcohol and the Misconceptions of Health Benefits

Unpacking how alcohol impacts our mind, body and spirit.

Alcohol is often seen as an accepted way to relax and socialize. However, beneath this casual acceptance lies a more troubling reality about the widespread abuse of alcohol in our society. Movies, TV shows, and everyday conversations commonly glamorize drinking, making it easy to ignore the serious negative impacts it can have on our mental and physical health.

I personally suffered from alcohol addiction in my teens and young adulthood. I would frequently overconsume alcohol to the point of blacking out, vomitting and experiencing hang overs for days. I used alcohol to numb the generalized anxiety, hypervigilance and social anxiety that I was experiencing as a result of my own past traumas.

At first it was just drinking socially on weekends to feel more at ease in groups of people and be able to have more fun, but then it turned into drinking lightly on some weekdays to relax the stress in my nervous system. I didn't know how to relax my system back then using meditation, breath, grounding, nature time, or prayer so I used the only tool that I knew worked.

However, using alcohol as an escape only masks underlying problems and can lead to dependency. This is why it is imperative that we teach children how to relax themselves without needing to use an external substance to do it for them, and in the process causing them harm.

The numbers surrounding alcohol consumption are quite alarming. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, around 14.5 million people aged 12 and older had an alcohol use disorder in 2019. Furthermore, studies show that excessive drinking leads to mental health issues, with around 30% of individuals with depression also struggling with alcohol misuse.

One of the most concerning misconceptions is that alcohol can provide health benefits. Some people cite studies suggesting that a glass of red wine can improve heart health due to antioxidants. I do not believe this is true and know there are much better ways of boosting antioxidants through organic fruits and vegetables, superfoods and high quality whole foods supplements. The World Health Organization classifies alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it is known to cause cancer in humans. Risks include liver damage, heart disease, and increased chances of various cancers.

I personally and intuitively believe that there are ZERO health benefits to using alcohol and that the studies supporting the idea of health benefits were most likely fraudulent studies paid for by the industry itself, just like we so commonly see in the pharmaceutical industry. For example, there are estimates that up to 80% of pharmaceutical studies are fraudulent.

I have personally even stopped using alcohol in tinctures because I can feel that it reduces the health benefits of the herbs. Instead, I use other methods of getting herbs into my body (teas, oils, etc).

The reality is, alcohol is a toxin that can cause serious damage when consumed, regardless of the amount. With continued use, individuals may experience brain damage, memory issues, and weakened immune responses. This accumulation of negative effects contributes to what some describe as a culture of disconnection, where heavy drinkers often find themselves more susceptible to external pressures and influences (including more easily controlled by authorities).

Alcohol not only temporarily numbs your stress, it also numbs your authentic feelings of joy, bliss and ecstasy. It weakens your mind and dims your light. Drinking alcohol allows denser spiritual energies to enter the body, allowing other energies to control you while you take a backseat and give up your power and light. This significantly lowers your vibration and weakens your energy field, making your more susceptible to all sorts of mental or physical health disorders. The same thing goes for all other recreational drugs.

Fortunately, a shift is occurring toward sobriety and healthy living. More people are rejecting the norm of alcohol consumption and recognizing that real connection and happiness come from within. This change encourages discussions around self-awareness and personal responsibility. It is essential to identify the root causes of alcohol use and dependence, often linked to emotional trauma. By addressing these core issues, individuals can reclaim their lives and build healthier relationships free from alcohol's influence.

Furthermore, it is crucial to dispel the idea that alcohol consumption is synonymous with social acceptance. Many enjoyable social activities do not require alcohol. Communities can thrive by creating spaces that celebrate alternatives to drinking, such as sober events and gatherings that promote meaningful connections.

The conversation surrounding mental health is also shifting as the movement against alcohol gains traction. This shift encourages people to explore healthier coping mechanisms that do not involve substances. Finding enjoyment in social activities where you are moving your body and relaxing your mind (hiking, walking, sports, martial arts, yoga, etc), and spending more time in nature can yield greater long-term benefits than any drink.

As we continue to understand the complexities of alcohol and its cultural role, we must focus on its true consequences. The false belief in the health benefits of alcohol only serves to continue a cycle of harm.

With more individuals choosing a sober lifestyle and choosing to do the necessary inner work to look at what was having them reach for these substances in the first place (the root causes), there is hope for creating a deeper and more connected future. It is vital for everyone to critically examine the narratives surrounding alcohol and to pursue healthier alternatives for the sake of personal growth and community wellness.

The journey toward sobriety is about much more than just quitting alcohol; it's about healing the nervous system and integrating past traumas, clearing limiting beliefs and stuck emotions, reclaiming your life (remembering who you truly are = The True Self (the divine being) vs the False Self (the wounded ego)) and forging meaningful and authentic connections with others that encourage you to express the real you and live your best life. By challenging societal norms, we not only improve our own lives but also contribute to a healthier and more beautiful world.

Let’s foster a spirit of inquiry and self-awareness as we reinterpret what it means to truly live happily and healthily. Together, we can empower ourselves and each other to rise above societal pressures and prioritize our health and well-being and be great examples for our children to do the same.

With love,

Melissa

#Sobriety #MentalHealth #SelfAwareness #BreakingTheNorm #HealTrauma