When it comes to alcohol and sports, the two tend to be linked. While many of today’s top athletes, like those playing in March Madness, have precision health regimens and intense workouts, there are many levels of play where drugs and alcohol use are commonly linked. That can lead to long-term illness and damage, including damaging career chances. At Georgia Addiction Treatment Center, our team can offer the support you need to rebuild your life. And if you tend to overindulge in alcohol while watching the big game, finding new ways to spend time with friends cheering on your favorite team can help you maintain sobriety.

What Is the Connection Between Alcohol and Sports?

There is a lot of competition to perform at the highest level in many levels of sports. Some people reach out to drugs to help with improving performance. Others battle the intensity of sports using alcohol, aiming to take the edge off from depression or anxiety. In either case, these substances are dangerous to a person’s health.

Pop culture often makes alcohol seem okay to consume. A drink after the big game or celebrating a win by binge drinking seems like the normal thing to do. Yet, these actions put a person at risk for alcohol abuse, often causing significant health risks along the way. Peer pressure, pop culture references, and even drinking at home with parents are all risk factors for teens and young adults in the development of alcohol abuse.

Celebrating March Madness with Alcohol?

During March Madness, many people get together with friends to cheer on their favorite teams. However, many of these get-togethers involve alcohol. For those in recovery, being around others who are drinking can be a trigger for relapse. Or, if you’re struggling with your drinking habits and have not been through treatment, it can be difficult to know whether your use of alcohol has crossed the line into abuse. Some of the signs that you would benefit from a treatment program include:

  • It’s impossible to manage how much is being consumed.
  • Drinking is more about stress relief and anxiety improvement than celebrating.
  • You drink alcohol daily or numerous times a week.
  • Not drinking creates muscle and bone pain, headaches, anxiety, and mood swings.
  • You find reasons to drink alcohol even when there is not a sports game on.

Recognizing the signs of addiction in yourself or someone you love can seem scary. Over time, it is likely to worsen, leading to health complications. Whether it is binge drinking a few times a month or drinking every day, many people find themselves simply unable to stop. Dependence makes it hard to put down a drink. Yet, there is help available.

Alcohol and Sports in Teens and Young Adults

Those engaging in alcohol abuse (or routine consumption) at a young age are poised to struggle with addiction complications for years to come. Even in teens, the brain is not fully formed. Alcohol influences and changes a person’s ability to fully develop. This can lead to cognition problems, mental health disorders, and difficulty with behavior. When everyone else is drinking after a game or when watching the big game, it’s hard to say no, even knowing these risks. Engaging makes it more likely a teen will suffer additional complications with addiction later in life.

Getting Help for Alcohol Abuse at Georgia Addiction Treatment Center

No matter the cause, alcohol abuse treatment is necessary and possible. Our team can offer the tools necessary to make that happen. That includes treatment programs designed to provide comprehensive therapy to help people to start the healing process. Consider the value of therapy programs such as:

Alcohol and sports do not have to be linked in your life. If you are facing addiction and unsure what to do, our team at Georgia Addiction Treatment Center can offer help. Do not put off giving us a call to learn how we can help you. Call [Direct] or reach out to us online now.

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