A number of intriguing observations and speculations have been made about the interrelationships between stress and alcohol consumption. Some people drink to excess because they are under stress, while others are stressed out because they drink too much. Like the chicken and the egg, it may be hard to tell which came ยฎrst, especially when evaluating a conยฎrmed, chronic alcoholic. Individuals who are driven to drink because they perceive they are under a great deal of stress tend to drink alone, or anywhere, and at any time of day. Others may consume just as much alcohol, but their reasons and surroundings are quite dierent. They look forward to a few cocktails at parties, or before dinner with friends, which could also include several glasses of wine, brandy, or other after dinner drink. They follow G. K. Chesterton's advice, `Drink because you are happy , but never because you are miserable'. Some authorities also believe that it's not that you drink, but rather why, that is important.
There are other surprising similarities and connections. Stress can be the spice of life or the kiss of death. A little stress now and then makes life exciting, but too much can kill you ร and the same can be said for alcohol. Increased stress increases productivity, and the pleasure of pride of accomplishment, but things quickly go downhill if it is excessive and beyond your limit of tolerance. That's also true for booze. Many ยฎnd that a drink or two at the end of a day of grueling work improves their mood more rapidly and eectively than taking a tranquilizer. And they are further encouraged to continue this practice because of putative physical, as well as mental health beneยฎts. A few glasses of wine a day has been found to reduce risk for a heart attack in several studies, and grain alcohol and beer are also allegedly cardioprotective. At the other extreme, excessive alcohol intake can lead to a life of despondency, despair, and distress, not only for the alcoholic, but friends and family as well.
People can become addicted to stress as well as alcohol, and susceptibility and sensitivity varies