For many it’s the same old routine when it comes to the weekend; eat, sleep, drink, repeat. A night on the town followed by a night on the town. Perhaps a Sunday afternoon pint before a week back at work.
Alcohol, and beer in particular, plays a huge part in many people’s day to day life, without often thinking about the consequences. We’re all lured in by the fancy, fun adverts and the colourful cans and bottles – we’re cool.
But is it time to start asking the question, how much do you love beer?
Is it beer we love? Or is it the fact that it’s continually pumped down our throats from adverts? Perhaps it’s the fact that we associate beer with having fun and social occasions. But do we need beer to do that?
It is a question that for those who are using the substance heavily to really have a think about. During the pandemic the rise in people consuming alcohol has shot up significantly, and many have continued that path as we resume normal life. But what sort of effect is that having on us? And are we noticing it?
Risk of addiction
First and foremost, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a real risk of addiction that can have a huge impact on a person’s life. Not only will it lead to ill-health, but also your addiction can completely control your life, prioritising alcohol over loved ones, friends, family and even children.
Then there’s work, hobbies and so much more that all fall by the wayside due to alcohol addiction.
Physical health problems long term
While you can sleep off a hangover, you can’t sleep off the damage alcohol can do on your body over the long term. This is perhaps already well known to you, but it is worth reiterating if you’re not exactly taking notice of the fact that alcohol can lead to:
- Liver problems
- Digestion problems
- High blood pressure
- Cancer
As well as a host of other health problems that you may not think will catch up with you, but in England alone there were over 280,000 alcohol-related hospital admissions.
Drop in your mental health
Your mental health will also suffer. Short term, alcohol can lead to fatigue, tiredness and leaving you deficient of the dopamine you experienced while consuming beer the night before. Over the long-term and regular alcohol consumption, your mood can feel continually low, and that will have a massive impact not only on your own self-confidence, but also the people around you too.
