By: Strategy Achievers LLC
Alcohol is one of the most accepted and normalized drugs in society. Wine is a common accompaniment for a savory meal. After a long, stressful day at work, some people prefer to calm their nerves with a shot of whisky at home. Some head down to the pub to take one for the road with a colleague as they catch up about life since they don’t have adequate time at the office.
Liquor is the main catalyst for making social events “fun” and an accepted way to loosen up in party cultures.
But did you know that what often begins as social drinking or occasional use can quickly escalate into dependency, fueled by factors such as genetics, environment, and psychological stressors?
Alcohol dependence is a pervasive issue affecting millions of individuals worldwide, with adverse effects on both physical and mental health.
The statistics are staggering. A National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows that in recent times, 29.5 million people in the United States have Alcohol Use Disorder.
“Addressing alcohol dependency is essential for promoting overall well-being and reducing the risk of heart disease,” emphasizes Christa Camarillo, health and wellness coach and founder of Retrain LLC.
Christa is well-equipped to address alcohol misuse and its relationship to overall well-being. She has an extensive background in the healthcare and wellness industry, particularly specializing in cardiac rehabilitation and stress management.
As part of the solution, Christa advocates for a holistic approach to health and wellness that prioritizes self-care and self-awareness.
Breaking the Cycle
One of the detriments of excessive alcohol use is its effects on heart health. It can lead to life-changing effects on the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart-related ailments such as hypertension, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, and stroke.
Chronic alcohol abuse can also contribute to the development of obesity, diabetes, and other risk factors for heart disease.
Most of the time, alcohol dependence is a result of underlying emotional issues, trauma, and stress.
Christa Camarillo suggests that one of the critical steps to breaking the chains of alcohol dependence is addressing the root causes of those underlying issues. This can be through self-reflection and professional support like coaching or therapy.
Personal resolve to kick the habit also plays a key role. Once someone is willing to live a better life, they can make a lifestyle change, like incorporating movement, which is medicine for the mind, body, and spirit, into their daily routine.
Engaging in regular physical activity not only promotes a positive self-image and increased fitness but also puts you in a good mood, provides a healthy outlet for emotions, and helps reduce stress.
It all boils down to a choice: choosing to live a healthier, addiction-free life. Movement helps build resilience and can reduce the risk of a relapse.
Environments also matter. If you don’t change the environment that encourages you to abuse alcohol, breaking free might be difficult. A supportive community of like-minded individuals encouraging a healthier lifestyle and willing to talk or hold your hand in your attempts to recover can be influential in breaking the chains.
Doing Something About It
Christa has, in the past, self-medicated with alcohol to deal with sleep deprivation and work burnout. She was trying to cope with stress and trauma from when life seemed to be overwhelming.
Her firsthand experience taught her how, little by little, one can slip into alcohol misuse. However, she managed to break the habit and is now at the forefront, helping others embrace lifestyle change.
Apart from being a champion of movement as medicine, Christa Camarillo also helps people change their relationship with alcohol.
She consults for Reframe, an alcohol reduction app, and hosts speaking engagements and coaching through Christa’s Website, providing a supportive space for individuals and groups seeking to change their relationship with alcohol.
Published By: Aize Perez
