As two of the most popular intoxicants, alcohol and cannabis are often consumed by individuals looking to unwind and relax. There’s nothing quite like coming home from a stressful day at work, enjoying a glass of wine or a cannabis gummy, and taking some time to relax.
Do cannabis and alcohol really relieve stress though? And if so, what soothing properties do they offer that promote relaxation?
Will explore both of these questions and both of these substances in this article on alcohol vs. cannabis for stress relief.
Cannabis for Stress Relief
For thousands of years, cannabis has been used in natural medicine to promote relaxation, capitalizing on its many soothing properties. It’s still commonly used to relieve stress today. Medical marijuana programs recognize that cannabis is effective in treating anxiety.
The soothing effects of cannabis are in large part due to its interactions with the endocannabinoid system. Cannabinoids cause uplifting effects by impacting endocannabinoid receptors in the brain and nervous system that regulate stress and mood. Cannabis can also
Cannabis can also provide relief from ailments like pain, nausea, and sleep problems, all of which can cause stress when left untreated. By helping you feel better, it equips you better for dealing with stress.
However, if you overindulge in cannabis, taking too high a dose of THC, it can cause feelings of anxiety and paranoia, doing the opposite of what you intended it to do. Be sure to start low and go slow when you consume THC products.
Alcohol for Stress Relief
The uplifting and euphoric effects of alcohol can also reduce stress. If you drink moderately.
Drinking large amounts of alcohol often comes at a cost, with stress and anxiety returning with a vengeance as the effects wear off, leading to a slew of negative emotions the morning after drinking. This encourages a vicious cycle of emotional dependence on alcohol.
Getting drunk also impairs your ability to make rational decisions, resulting in problems or even injuries that can exacerbate the stress you’re experiencing. Not to mention, excessive drinking also increases your risk of stressful ailments like heart trouble, liver disease, and cancer.
More Tips for Reducing Stress
Along with consuming cannabis and alcohol, there are plenty of easy ways to reduce your stress.
- Practice mindfulness. Meditation, deep breathing, and yoga are excellent ways to reduce stress and foster emotional well-being.
- Maintain a balanced lifestyle. To manage stress effectively over the long run, eat nutritious food, get regular exercise, and get enough sleep. Staying healthy and well-rested enables your body to handle stress better. And physical activity releases endorphins that improve your mood.
- Avoid causes of stress. Intuitively, you can prevent stress by avoiding stressful situations. This may mean setting boundaries in personal and professional relationships, paying less attention to negative news or social media, and doing what you can to avoid situations that you tend to find overwhelming.
Whether you consume alcohol or cannabis to reduce stress, it’s important to keep in mind that moderation is key. You can use these other tips to limit stress, increasing your relaxation and enjoyment in life!
