Alcohol Use and Coping with Grief

While in grief, many people turn to things that can comfort or distract them. It is not uncommon for some people to reach for alcohol in this way. For many people, alcohol can serve as a way to avoid the pain of loss or numb feelings of grief. However, alcohol is a problematic tool for avoidance. Abusing alcohol can be dangerous to your health, and to others as well. During grieving periods, people are especially susceptible to picking up unhealthy drinking habits that provide temporary solutions to grief. This article will discuss mindfulness around alcohol, and ways to avoid alcohol abuse. 

Alcohol Use and Grief

Alcohol use while dealing with grief can be a dangerous and slippery slope. While some people may celebrate the life of the deceased with drinks during the repast, it is important to understand when drinking goes too far. Repeatedly getting drunk to avoid the pain of loss is not healthy, for many reasons. For one, high amounts of alcohol can be damaging to the body. But, alcohol use to numb the pain isn’t helping you work through your grief. Rather, it prevents you from processing it. Grief isn’t fun, but running away from the pain isn’t the solution. Even if you need to take baby steps, acknowledging and facing your grief is a lot more healthy than drowning it in a bottle of liquor. 

Mindfulness and Drinking Through Grief

Occasional alcohol use is OK. However, it is important to be mindful of how much alcohol you are consuming. Binge drinking frequently is not healthy. But, while grieving it can be even more dangerous. If you continue drinking, try to be self-aware of your consumption. Do your best to curb your drinking while grieving. Consider tracking how much you drink each time you do. There are even apps for tracking alcohol content, similar to calorie counters. Tracking your alcohol consumption can help you be more mindful of how much you are drinking. Overall, it can help you curb it. 

Identifying the Triggers of Your Drinking Habits

What is causing you to reach for a bottle? Are their triggers reminding you of your loved one? Are there people in your life causing you further grief? Or perhaps there are people around you enabling this behavior? Identifying triggers can help you better adjust or address your drinking habits. Consider discussing with loved ones about alcohol use during your grief. Consider asking them to help you be mindful of your drinking habits. Accountability can be important in curbing excessive drinking. It is understandable to want to spend time with friends after the loss of a loved one, but it doesn’t always have to be at a bar. 

Managing Sobriety While Grieving

Sobriety can be a challenge to uphold in general. But feelings of grief can make it harder to resist vices. While numbing the pain away with alcohol can be enticing, it is important to remember the pains that you went through to seek sobriety in the first place. Be sure to speak with your sobriety group and/or your sponsor about the struggles you are having during this difficult time in your life. If you are not in a sobriety group, work with a trusted loved one to help keep you on track. Choosing a loved one who is also sober can make it easier to keep each other on track. 

Seeking Help With Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse and alcoholism can be difficult habits to break. Unfortunately, there aren’t cut-and-dry solutions for everyone. Managing sobriety can be difficult when you begin to rely on a substance to cope. Bingeing or frequent drinking can come with health risks. To visit the NYC Health Department’s page on alcohol use, which includes treatment services and resources, click here.

The author of this post is not a professional therapist or counselor. For assistance in finding a grief counselor that is right for you, there are several resources. For our Grief Resource Center, written by Dr. Bill Webster, click here. 
For over 50 years, Matthew Funeral Home has been serving the Staten Island community. We can help with almost every aspect of your loved one’s memorial service. Our family is here to serve yours, every step of the way.