It is common to utilize alcohol and other substances to manage stress and life in general. While if occasional this is not likely detrimental, but if done regularly there are many adverse effects that may not be noticed. Sleep for one is adversely affected by alcohol consumption, especially in close proximity to bed. I have seen in many cases how when foundational health is optimized, the need for these substances goes down, and so does the utilization. Stress management, a good diet, and adequate sleep all result in a lessened need to dampen stress by artificial means.
One patient, in particular, had been through very stressful times, losing a family member, and also battling an infection with prolonged antibiotic courses. We worked on repairing the damage done by the antibiotics, implemented the Bulletproof diet, supported the system with targeted supplementation, but she was still not experiencing the weight loss desired. She was feeling great most of the time but the weight was stressing her a bit. We kept on the program and after a while, she admitted there was still heavy alcohol consumption, a bottle or more of wine nightly. While that may help feel like winding down for the evening, it is adding calories, triggering fat storage, and disrupting sleep (which also causes weight issues by itself). She bravely worked thru skipping the wine and adding some sleeping supplements and has managed to keep the wine consumption to occasional.
As total health moves toward optimization, detrimental usage of alcohol and other substances lose their place in appearing as a necessity. Prescriptive Optimization involves adding in mindfulness and other stress-relieving activities presented in the Bulletproof Human Potential Coach training.