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THE N WORD
Dear Les,
I almost always drink one or two glasses of wine to relax when I get home from work—it’s usually the first thing I do when I walk in the door. My roommate says that I have a drinking problem because I’ve fallen into this pattern. I think she’s jealous because I’m able to unwind at the end of the day and she has trouble relaxing. What do you think?
Thanks,
Liz
Dear Liz,
I think you might answer this question: do you need the wine to relax?
Need is almost always a four letter word when you’re talking about chemicals and relaxation. Physiologically speaking, wine and other drinks with alcohol are excellent relaxants because they depress the central nervous system. However, they can also lead to increasing use, weight gain, sloppy decisions, addiction and other unhealthy results if they are required for stress reduction. If the n word isn’t mixed in with your wine, and if you use other stress reducers that don’t involve fermentation, it doesn’t sound like your post-work cork popping is a problem.
One way to more accurately assess the nature of your drinking is to stop for a day or two during the week to see if you can wind down with some of the suggestions here, and without cocktail cravings. If need is a factor for you, try switching to equally effective strain relievers like exercise, yoga and naps. If you think you need help figuring out your relationship with wine, or making a transition from alcohol to healthier alternatives, there are lots of options including counselors and other healthcare providers who may be available through your employer or school.
Let’s not forget your roommate. Maybe the two of you can help each other calm down by talking about your days, cooking dinner, or even stomping a few grapes.
Les
5/07
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