About 75 percent of women suffer from premenstrual syndrome. Some feel irritable and experience depression, anxiety and mood swings. Others have sugar cravings and retain water. Then there are those unlucky ladies who experience all of the above.
But the thing that many people don’t realize is that the drink you reach for to feel better may be having the opposite effect.
Alcohol and Feeling Low
It’s tempting to reach for a glass of wine when you’re feeling crummy, but doing so is kind of like adding fuel to the PMS fire.
That’s because alcohol is really just a loan on good feelings. It may perk you up at first, but—ultimately—alcohol is a depressant. It’s also been linked to feelings of anxiety.
Alcohol and Bloating
Drinking can do more than make you feel bad; it can also make you look less than your best. That’s due to the fact that drinking can cause water retention, especially when your beverage of choice contains high amounts of sugar.
And what do many of us do when having a drink? We reach for the bar peanuts or a bag of chips. Alcohol and PMS is a bad enough combination, but the booze bloat is even worse when you throw salty snacks into the mix.
Alcohol and Sleep Disturbances
According to a National Sleep Foundation poll, 33 percent of women say their sleep is disturbed during their menstrual cycles.
A few days before starting their period, both estrogen and progesterone levels drop. For many women, the result is insomnia.
Alcohol is known to have a similar effect. Sure, you may crash quickly, but alcohol also leads to a reduction in REM sleep, which leaves you feeling worn-out in the morning.
Healing at The Raleigh House
If alcohol is affecting your life negatively—and yet you can’t seem to cut back or stop—then it may be time to seek help and get your life going in the direction you want it to.
At The Raleigh House, we know that your situation isn’t the same as anyone else’s. That’s why we take an individualized approach to recovery. We work with you to help you recover psychologically, mentally, spiritually and socially, as well. Rehab isn’t about giving something up; it’s about getting your life back. Fill out our form or contact us today to learn more about the alcohol addiction treatment program at The Raleigh House.
