Ever felt that post-sober-party urge to reward yourself with a drink?

Ever felt that post-sober-party urge to reward yourself with a drink?  That's relief drinking.

It's the idea of using alcohol as a reward or to relieve the anxiety of getting through a challenging event without it. But here's the twist: while it might feel like a momentary reward, is it really a reward if it makes you feel awful the next day? Relief drinking is also used to lower anxiety after getting through those early alcohol-free-firsts. But here's why drinking alcohol is actually pouring gasoline on the fire... 

1. Alcohol decreases serotonin, our mood-elevating neurotransmitter. So, while you might feel a temporary high, the aftermath is a depleted mood.  

2. The sedative effects of alcohol are fleeting. We often chase that numbing sensation, leading us to drink more. 

3. Add a hangover to your existing anxiety. Now, you're battling headaches, nausea, dehydration, and low blood sugar. 

4. Alcohol disrupts REM sleep. If you're a regular drinker, you're likely missing out on this deep, restorative sleep, amplifying feelings of exhaustion and anxiety. 

5. Impaired judgment from drinking can lead to actions we later regret, adding shame, guilt, and heightened anxiety to the mix. 

6. Drinking spikes stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which linger in our system, making subsequent days more challenging. In essence, while we might think of alcohol as a reward or relief, it's often exacerbating the very feelings we're trying to escape. Have you had a relief drink?