Many Drink to Manage Stress

During Christmas and New Year, a considerable amount of alcohol will be consumed in Swedish households. A new survey reveals that many people use alcohol to reduce stress and relax.

According to Systembolaget’s survey, the main reason for drinking alcohol is to reward oneself, with 28 percent citing this. In second place, at 18 percent, is calming nerves/relaxing/reducing stress. Five percent use alcohol to manage anxiety.

– Many probably feel that a glass of wine after a stressful day helps them to unwind, but research shows that it is a short-term solution that often actually makes your well-being, including levels of stress, worse as soon as the next day. Alcohol—especially heavy drinking—increases both in short and long term, stress, worry, and low mood, says Olga Perski, researcher in health psychology at Stockholm University.

– If you find that out of habit you’re using alcohol to cope with stress, it’s good to use other proven strategies to reduce your stress. There are also free and effective evidence-based digital support tools available.

Only eight percent of those who have used alcohol to handle physical or psychological issues have sought professional help in the past year. More women than men, and more young people than older, have sought help.

Increases Stress

More than half say they’re aware that alcohol can increase stress.

– When so many lack knowledge that alcohol can increase stress levels, there is a risk that many continue drinking to handle stress even though it often worsens the situation. Therefore, it is important to shine a light on this issue, especially before Christmas when stress is high for many, says Karolina Dahlbeck Nobel, head of public health at Systembolaget.

Karolina Dahlbeck Nobel. Photo: Rickard Sund

The List – Why People Drink

Reward myself: 28%
Calm the nerves/relax/reduce stress: 18%
Get the courage to participate in social situations: 6%
Alleviate low mood or grief: 6%
Manage anxiety: 5%
Handle worry: 5%
Be able to fall asleep: 3%
Ease feelings of loneliness: 3%
Alleviate physical problems: 2%