FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Ditching the drinks can be good for both your physical and mental health.<\/p>\n
“Many people use alcohol to relax, to be more social, to try to sleep better,” says Dr. Jesus Rodriguez with Kaiser Permanente. “Actually, it could do the opposite. It’s really important to people, for people to take note of that.”<\/p>\n
Dry January is a period where people try to let go of the liquor for the month.<\/p>\n
Dr. Rodriguez explains that drinking alcohol can be both socially and chemically addicting.<\/p>\n
“There are receptors in our brain that actually like the alcohol hormone,” he said. “When people try to stop it, they feel bad because they don’t have that stimulation from the alcohol.”<\/p>\n
Health experts warn that too much alcohol is not only addictive, but can also have long-term, harmful health effects, such as heart disease, stroke, a weaker immune system and even digestive problems.<\/p>\n
It can also impact relationships with families and friends.<\/p>\n
“Early signs to look out for in family members are that they’re more irritable, more moody,” Dr. Rodriguez said. “Maybe they’re not doing their usual routine in terms of their work. Maybe they’re being late to work. They’re not showing up to family functions on time.”<\/p>\n
Dr. Rodriguez adds that women who drink alcohol are at a 15 percent higher risk of getting breast cancer.<\/p>\n
Doctors say there are steps to get over the addiction and to recognize when help is necessary.<\/p>\n
“It is important to have that conversation with your doctor if there is a suspected problem with alcohol, and there is a lot of help,” Dr. Rodriguez said. “There’s a lot of therapy, there’s medications even to help with that process of stopping alcohol consumption.”<\/p>\n
Doctors say the best way to stay healthy is avoid drinking altogether.<\/p>\n
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