The Reasons Why We Drink and How Understanding Them Can Help Us Change

<p>Let&rsquo;s face it: conversations about alcohol often tread a fine line between casual acceptance and taboo. I believe it&rsquo;s high time we normalize talking about why we drink.</p> <p>Exactly a year ago, I quit drinking, managing to stay sober for 11 months. But then, life happened &mdash; I went through&nbsp;<a href="https://medium.com/@floorockers/how-disney-ended-my-fairytale-ecf228deb192" rel="noopener">a breakup</a>, and that glass of Aperol spritz started looking irresistible again.</p> <h2>The Urge Beneath the Booze</h2> <p>Before we label ourselves as &ldquo;bad&rdquo; or &ldquo;addicted,&rdquo; it&rsquo;s crucial to explore the urges that drive us to imbibe. Spoiler alert:<em>&nbsp;it&rsquo;s rarely about the drink itself.</em>&nbsp;Understanding these urges can help us discover healthier and more sustainable coping mechanisms.</p> <p>When my relationship ended, I found myself on the island of Corsica, a half-Italian paradise with an ample supply of Aperol spritz. The reason for my drinking was abundantly clear: I wanted to numb the emotional storm inside me. But what was meant to be a temporary coping mechanism lingered on, fueling a recurring pattern.</p> <h2>The Anatomy of Coping</h2> <p>Why do we resort to alcohol when times get tough? Our nervous system plays a significant role here. When it&rsquo;s triggered or dysregulated, we instinctively search for something to soothe ourselves. Alcohol is an easily accessible coping mechanism that promises immediate relief. My urge to drink extended beyond the post-breakup emotional rollercoaster; it became a way to handle the lingering tension in the house.</p> <p><a href="https://medium.com/@floorockers/the-reasons-why-we-drink-and-how-understanding-them-can-help-us-change-7a8fb22dd32a"><strong>Click Here</strong></a></p>