Drinking Alcohol to Ease Stress Can Lead to Addiction, Psychiatrist Warns
A Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Sunday Amosu, at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has cautioned that drinking alcohol to cope with stress, frustration, or emotional challenges often worsens problems and can lead to addiction.
Despite economic pressures, Nigerians continue to spend heavily on alcoholic drinks. Data from The PUNCH shows that in the first nine months of 2025, major breweries in Nigeria, including Nigerian Breweries Plc, International Breweries Plc, and Champion Breweries Plc, earned over ₦1.54 trillion from beer and other beverages.
Many consumers told reporters they turn to alcohol to relieve stress from harsh living conditions. But Dr. Amosu explained that such habits often hide growing dependence on alcohol. He said addiction usually starts slowly—from experimentation to regular drinking, then harmful use, and finally dependence. By the time people justify their drinking, addiction may already be entrenched.
“The idea of using alcohol as a coping mechanism is often an excuse masking addiction. Many people start with experimentation, move to regular use, then to harmful use, and finally to dependence or addiction. By the time excuses are given, addiction has already set in,” he said.
Dr. Amosu warned that alcohol dependence carries serious long-term effects. He said alcohol does not solve problems but often makes them worse. People who rely on it risk losing control over their health, family life, and work performance.
“Family life is deeply affected. Marriages can break down, children may be neglected, and basic responsibilities go undone. Productivity at work declines sharply, and frequent hospital visits further reduce contribution to the economy and organisations,” he said.
He also highlighted the effect of alcohol dependence on intimate relationships. Emotional and physical neglect can follow, leading to deeper stress and conflict in households.
Dr. Amosu advised people to seek professional help rather than relying on alcohol. “There are medical solutions, counselling, and safer coping strategies. Alcohol only leads to loss of health, family, dignity, and life,” he added.
Public Health Physician Prof. Adebayo Onajole also noted the health risks of prolonged alcohol use. He explained that repeated alcohol consumption can cause liver damage, including cirrhosis, which affects the organ’s ability to function and can result in malnutrition. This not only impacts the individual but also the family, reducing the ability to provide financially or meet household responsibilities.
Experts agree that healthier alternatives—such as professional support, counselling, therapy, and medical care—are the safer and more sustainable ways to cope with stress and emotional challenges. Alcohol may offer temporary relief, but it carries long-term physical, mental, and social risks.
