Using alcohol to self-medicate

According to findings from a American Nurses Foundation Mental Health and Wellness survey, 66% of nurses reported feeling stressed, while 50% felt overwhelmed and 43% reported being burned out. Furthermore, 26% of nurses experienced feelings of depression.

Alcohol is widely available and a common method of self-medication. It may be used to alleviate the stress, depression, or anxiety felt from work or home obligations. But alcohol is a depressant and will likely make symptoms worse.

Common ways alcohol may be used to self-medicate include:

• To alleviate stress from work, family or school
• To avoid challenging situations such as seeing family members who don’t get along or having to be around someone that caused previous pain or was abusive
• To avoid difficult emotions
• To decrease anxiety in social settings
• To sleep
• To unwind after stressful days at work

Don’t jeopardize progress or your career

Although it might provide temporary relief, using alcohol to self-medicate often complicates matters in the long run by potentially jeopardizing someone’s recovery progress.

Health care professionals who self-medicate with alcohol are not only putting their own health (and careers) at risk but also endangering the health and well-being of their patients.

Getting Help

It’s possible to adopt healthier coping mechanisms that will ultimately benefit your overall emotional and mental health. Don't wait to get help! If you or a health care professional you know is experiencing an alcohol or substance-use disorder, it’s important to receive support immediately.

Please reach out to the NE LAP at(800) 851-2336 or (402) 354-8055 to begin the recovery process.