Does Alcohol Get a Free Pass in Our Society? Grief Therapy in Vancouver

Grief Therapy in Vancouver

Even though alcohol is readily available and considered a norm in our society, it doesn’t make it safe. In reality, it’s responsible for countless deaths, injuries, and illnesses all around the world. Regardless of its dangers, alcohol is still advertised on major media outlets and it’s done so in a way that would never be accepted with drugs that are illegal. From supermarkets and restaurants to sporting events and concerts, the world’s favorite alcoholic drinks are available nearly everywhere. 

But if alcohol carries so many health risks, why is there still so much pressure to drink it?

Constant Bombardment 

For example, the vast availability and social pressures of alcohol make it incredibly difficult for recovering alcoholics to continue on their recovery as they are still grieving a loss, in a way. In rehabilitation, individuals are urged to cut ties with triggers – that is, people, places, and things that could trigger a relapse. This can mean lessening stress and other negative or challenging emotions. It can also mean decreasing the chances of sensing the substance of the addiction or having a supportive friend at parties where a chance of relapse is high.

While many situations are avoidable, especially when it comes to drugs, they’re not so avoidable with alcohol. Why? Because temptation is everywhere. It’s on television, the internet, the radio, at restaurants; it’s everywhere. It’s encouraged in romantic, professional, and casual settings, and leaving the house usually equates to getting at least one glimpse of alcohol. This makes it challenging for recovering addicts to maintain a healthy distance and design a life for themselves where alcohol rarely comes into contact. 

For these individuals, life transition therapy, or grief therapy in Vancouver can serve as an additional support system to AA. 

The Truth 

At the end of the day, alcohol is a drug that alters your state of mind and is both addictive and dangerous.  According to a study reported by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), there were 258 health conditions per 100,000 people in 2019, entirely caused by alcohol which lead to as many hospitalizations as heart attacks: 241 per 100,000 in 2019. 

According to CIHI, “every day, around 8 Canadians die in hospitals from conditions entirely caused by alcohol.” 

These alarming numbers would seem to represent a silent epidemic, but this only speaks to the direct effect on the physical health of the individual using alcohol and says nothing about the far-reaching negative impact that alcohol has on the children, spouses, and other family members/friends of those who abuse alcohol. 

It’s All About Marketing 

Regardless of the dangers it holds, alcohol is still heavily advertised. For one, it’s taxed at a high rate, so restaurants often make more money off of alcohol sales than they do from food sales. A concert venue might also profit more from bar sales than ticket sales or the concert itself. To think how many establishments could potentially go out of business if alcohol was to be socially demonized out of the blue is alarming. And companies are finding more and more creative ways to continue advertising alcohol as a product that can get you what you want: friends, relationships, acceptance, fun, and sex. This societal acceptance and even encouragement, continue to make people turn a blind eye to alcohol’s dangers. 

Finding Balance & Managing Pressures 

What can be challenging for many people, is knowing when to stop. Just as with anything, however, balance is key. Too much of anything is never a good thing. A drink here and there for anyone who has a healthy relationship with alcohol can be okay, but regardless, should be done so with caution and awareness. 

If you have struggled with alcohol, no matter how it fits into your life, speaking with a professional can help. Whether someone you love has problems with drinking or you yourself are a recovering addict, my grief therapy in Vancouver can help. I also offer life transition therapy to help you move on to a healthier, more fulfilled life. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me to learn more about how I work.