23/01/2026
Has this week felt like a year? Maybe you're getting back into your usual routine after Christmas and New Year. Or maybe you didn't get a break at all. 😮💨
Whatever's happening in your life, the start of a new year can sometimes be stressful. This might tempt you to reach for alcohol to relax or cope, but it can make things worse.
Alcohol affects parts of the brain that release dopamine, a chemical that helps you feel good. This makes drinking feel pleasant at first, but the more alcohol you drink, the less dopamine your brain releases over time. It can leave you feeling low or sad for longer periods. You may also start to feel more anxious and stressed. 😬
So how can you deal with the rough days or weeks without alcohol? Here are some ideas.👇
You can also:
> set a few alcohol-free days per week
> avoid keeping alcohol in the house
> swap alcohol for non-alcoholic drinks like ginger ale (IYKYK😉).
Like with any habit, it can take time to break. Remember to go easy on yourself and keep trying. ❤️
ℹ️ Alcohol Think Again; Health Direct
