Matthew Knight is a first-year nursing student in the 2nd Entry Program. He is interested in the fields of mental health, addiction and rural nursing.
We all go through struggles in life, and how we navigate them often depends on how we grew up, our experiences and the cultures we were raised in.
At one point in my life, I turned to alcohol to cope with overwhelming loneliness, hoping it would fill the emptiness I felt. Growing up, alcohol was always around me in some capacity, and I witnessed those around me using it to escape their struggles. I also watched TV shows and movies where characters often drank to numb the pain and avoid confronting their problems. I guess I really internalized those negative strategies. Was it the right choice? Absolutely not! My bank account took a hit and, instead of addressing the real issues, I only made things worse by avoiding them. As a result, my feelings of emptiness and frustration only deepened.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is more commonly known as alcoholism. It means that someone is unable to stop drinking even though it negatively impacts important areas of their life, such as their job, relationships with family and friends, education and other essential aspects.
This eventually brought me to a turning point, where I was forced to confront myself and acknowledge that change was necessary. I realized I owed it to myself and those I loved to be a more well-rounded person with better coping strategies. If you’re going through something similar, I encourage you to give yourself some grace and be kind to yourself as you navigate this journey.
AUD signs to look for
If you think that you may have AUD, here are some signs to look out for. Note: this is not meant to be a self-diagnosing tool and only a professional can properly diagnose you.
- Drinking more than you originally intended.
- Not fulfilling commitments because of alcohol use.
- Having a strong urge to drink alcohol.
- Continuing to use alcohol despite the negative impacts on various aspects of life.
- Going through withdrawal symptoms when drinking stops.
If you are not suffering from AUD but want to support someone who is, be empathetic and understanding. Learn to really listen to what that person is saying and be there for them when it seems like they cannot be there for themselves.
Ways to develop healthier coping strategies
1. Reflection. It’s important to self-reflect and find out why you are using alcohol and how to develop healthier responses to your triggers.
Student Counselling, Health & Well-being provides same-day walk-in and virtual counselling services to York students. All services are free and confidential. Good2Talk is another great free resource that will connect students in Ontario with a counsellor through phone, text or online chat 24/7.
2. Try new hobbies to change up your environment and to explore new things that you may enjoy. By trying new hobbies, I was able to take my mind off drinking and try out activities such as rock climbing, which I always wanted to do.
3. Keep alcohol out of your home. The alcohol in your home may act as a major form of temptation. Removing it can help you to stay on track with your goals.
4. Use support groups to connect with others with similar issues and talk in a non-judgmental space.
Ontario Healthline has information about many support groups. You can also access the Sunnybrook Family Navigation Team to help you find addiction and mental health resources.
5. Work on improving your relationship with alcohol so that you are able to drink responsibly.
DrinkSmart is a student led organization with great resources that are free to access, and they have amazing tips for when you do plan to drink.
If you are struggling with AUD, you are not any less worthy of love and understanding. You are a person on a journey of recovery and self-discovery.