Choose Your Poison!

A Health Coach’s Perspective on Alcohol

As a health coach, my role isn’t to dictate your choices or strip away the joy you find in socialising with a drink in hand.  However, many of my friends and clients have expressed concerns about their alcohol consumption and desire to reduce their intake.

It’s a tricky area.  In the UK, especially among those over a certain age, social gatherings often revolve around alcohol – be it in pubs, restaurants or at home.  Declining a drink can feel socially awkward, even if that’s what you truly want.  For habitual drinkers, reasons for not drinking are seldom acknowledged unless you’re pregnant, driving or participating in events like Dry January.    

Understanding the Risks

I’ve recently done a deep dive into the effects of alcohol on our bodies.  The World Health Organisation classifies alcohol as “a toxic, psychoactive substance” and states “there is no safe amount that does not affect health”.  While we may be aware of this, it’s easy to overlook.

Alcohol can lead to: 

Immediate Effects: Loss of inhibitions and judgement, hangovers, dehydration and headaches. 

Disrupted Sleep: Impacting both quality and duration.

Metabolic Issues: Affecting sugar metabolism and triggering cravings.

Long-term Health Risks: Including liver and kidney issues, various cancers, impaired brain function and high blood pressure.

A Personalised Approach to Change

As your health coach, we will explore how your drinking habits influence your wellbeing.  Together we will examine the underlying reasons for drinking alcohol and discuss your motivations for wanting to cut back – be it improving sleep, aiding weight loss, or general health benefits. 

We’ll develop strategies which fit with your life, enabling you to enjoy a drink when you want to while reaping the benefits of reduced alcohol intake.

Reducing alcohol consumption is a personal journey.  I am here to support you.  Every step towards moderation is a positive move for your health.