Untangling Alcohol and Anxiety: Dr. Adina Silvestri's Guide
Anxiety is a normal reaction to a stressful situation. It's a chemical alteration in your brain and increases the level of anxiety that we feel, and then it becomes a vicious cycle of drinking: panic attack, self-medication by drinking some more.
Anxiety and alcohol often go hand-in-hand, creating a cycle that's tough to break. In this episode of 'Atheists in Recovery', Dr. Adina Silvestri dives into this intricate relationship. She starts by discussing how the term 'anxiety' is thrown around too casually these days, making it hard to recognize when it becomes a disorder. She also talks about the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to anxiety disorders, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of the issue.
One of the highlights is the story of 'Brad', a client who recently relapsed due to undiagnosed anxiety stemming from childhood trauma and criticism from his partner. Dr. Silvestri shares how techniques like deep breathing helped Brad manage his anxiety and curb his drinking. She introduces listeners to the RAIN technique, which stands for Recognize, Acknowledge, Investigate, and Nurture. This method helps individuals identify their fears, investigate them, and nurture themselves with self-love. But that's not all. Dr.
Silvestri also talks about envisioning a 'future self' who offers guidance and reassurance, helping people detach from their egos and focus on long-term recovery. These practical tools and exercises provide a roadmap for anyone struggling with the dual challenges of anxiety and alcohol. If you're curious about how to break free from this vicious cycle, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable steps. Whether you're dealing with anxiety yourself or know someone who is, you'll find something useful here.