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Wine and health have the potential to support heart health — but your heart isn’t the only part that benefits from a cup of red liquor.

 

The red liquor has long been associated with numerous health benefits when consumed in moderation. There’s a lot of it than more than meets the eye.

This article aims to provide an accessible overview of how the liquor can play a role in a healthy lifestyle, highlighting key components responsible for its benefits, recommended consumption levels, and considerations for certain individuals.

The History Of Wine As A Medicine

Diving into the history of wine as medicine, we find a rich world history that stretches back to the dawn of civilization. Before science even got into the picture, our ancestors were onto something special with wine. Imagine, from the ancient Egyptians, through the Greeks and Romans, wine wasn’t just for having a good time or celebrating. It was also about feeling better—kind of like an early health hack.

The Egyptians, who were pretty ahead of their time with health, wellness, and medicine business stuff, used wine to clean wounds because it could kill germs. They were also into mixing wine with herbs to sort out all sorts of health and wellness problems. Then there’s Hippocrates, the big guy in medicine, who was all about using wine to help with fever, recovery, and even a bit of a health and wellness boost. He really believed wine could help keep the body in check.

Jump ahead to the events of the Middle Ages, and wine’s still in the wellness game. Monasteries, which were the centers of learning and medicine at the time, cultivated vineyards. They produced wine not only for religious ceremonies but also as a medicine for the monks and their local communities. The organic wines were often fortified with herbs, spices, and other substances believed to enhance their healing properties.

In more recent times, scientific research has begun to unravel the mysteries our ancestors intuited about wine. Studies have highlighted the benefits of moderate wine consumption on heart health and wellness, attributing these effects to the antioxidants found in wine, such as resveratrol, which can help prevent heart disease and certain cancers.

As we raise our glasses today, it’s worth reflecting on the long and fascinating history of wine as medicine. It’s a reminder of the continuity of human curiosity and our ongoing quest for wellness goals. Just as our ancestors blended tradition with what might be considered an early form of pharmacology, we continue to explore the balance between enjoyment and health, guided by both ancient wisdom and modern science.

The Heart Of The Matter

Wine 101: Wine’s Benefits

One of the most celebrated benefits of wine is its contribution to heart health and wellness. This benefit is primarily attributed to antioxidants found in wines and even beer, such as resveratrol, flavonoids, and tannins, which help protect the lining of blood vessels in the heart.

A moderate intake of red wine is associated with a reduced risk of developing heart disease, partly due to these compounds’ ability to increase levels of “good” HDL cholesterol and decrease the likelihood of blood clot formation.

It’s important to note that most of these benefits are associated with moderate consumption. Excessive consumption can negate these benefits and lead to serious health and wellness issues, including increased risk of certain cancers, liver disease, and addiction. Always consult with a healthcare professional to understand how wine consumption fits into your personal health and wellness profile.

Heart Health

Wine is best known for its role in heart health and wellness. Moderate consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, partly due to antioxidants like resveratrol that protect the lining of blood vessels. It may also increase levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol, which can help protect against artery damage.

Wine Antioxidant Effects

Wine contains antioxidants, such as resveratrol, flavonoids, and tannins, which can combat oxidative stress in the body. This reduction in oxidative stress can lower the risk of chronic diseases, including certain types of cancer.

Wine Anti-Inflammatory Properties

The compounds found in wine, particularly resveratrol, have anti-inflammatory effects. Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for many diseases, so reducing inflammation can contribute to overall health and wellness.

Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Regulation

Some studies suggest that moderate wine consumption may help lower blood pressure in those with high blood pressure and improve insulin sensitivity, potentially reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Brain Health

Moderate wine consumption has been linked to a lower risk of dementia and cognitive decline, possibly due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of compounds in wine.

Longevity

Some research suggests that moderate wine consumption is associated with a longer lifespan, possibly due to its cardiovascular benefits and its role in reducing the risk of certain diseases.

Key Components Of Wine

Several key components in wine have been studied for their potential health and wellness benefits, particularly those found in red wine, due to its higher concentration of certain compounds compared to white wine. These components include:

Resveratrol

A type of polyphenol found in the skin of grapes, resveratrol has gained attention for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s associated with heart health benefits, such as protecting the lining of blood vessels and lowering the risk of blood clot formation. Resveratrol may also have positive effects on longevity and reduce the risk of certain diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer’s.

Flavonoids

This group of polyphenolic compounds includes catechins, quercetin, and anthocyanins, among others. Flavonoids contribute to the antioxidant capacity of wine and have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease by improving vascular function and lowering blood pressure.

However, these aren’t the only important compounds in wine that can benefit your health and wellness. Some other components are:

Tannins

Found in the skins, seeds, and stems of grapes, tannins have antioxidant properties and may help to reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Anthocyanins

Anthocyanins may help protect against cardiovascular disease and improve cognitive function.

Phenolic Acids

These compounds have antioxidant properties and contribute to the potential health benefits of wine, such as reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Proanthocyanidins

These may help to reduce oxidative damage in the body and support heart health by improving arterial flexibility and reducing inflammation.

Wine 101: Wine Moderation Importance

For wine, this typically means up to one glass per day for women and up to two glasses per day for men. Exceeding these amounts can lead to negative health effects, including an increased risk for certain cancers, liver disease, and addiction issues.

While a moderate amount of red wine might offer health benefits, excessive consumption can lead to serious health and social consequences. Here’s why moderation matters:

Alcohol Sensitivity

People have varying levels of sensitivity to alcohol. Moderate consumption takes these differences into account to minimize adverse effects.

Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases

Excessive drinking can lead to an increased risk of heart problems, liver disease, and certain types of cancer.

Mental Health

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. High levels of consumption can lead to addiction, depression, and anxiety disorders.

Weight Management

Wine contains calories that can add up quickly when consumed in large amounts, contributing to weight gain. Moderation helps manage food calorie intake. Consider fruits, vegetables, or vegan meat instead of cocktails.

Sleep Quality

While a small amount of wine might help some individuals relax before bed, excessive consumption can disrupt sleep patterns and affect sleep quality.

Medication Interactions

Alcohol can interact with various medications, either reducing their effectiveness or intensifying their effects.

 

Mindful Wine Drinking Practices

Embracing wine as part of your wellness journey calls for a touch of meditation mindfulness—a conscious effort to appreciate each sip and ensure that it enriches your path to well-being. Here are some strategies for mindful drinking that can enhance your experience, making sure every glass of wine is a step towards balance and health:

1. Savor the Moment: Before taking your first sip, take a moment to really look at your wine. Notice the color, the way it catches the light. Swirl it gently, letting the aromas rise. This simple act of observation can help ground you in the present and make the experience more enriching.
2. Engage Your Senses: Pay attention to the aroma before you engage in tastings and winemaking. What scents can you detect? When you take a sip, try to identify the different flavors. Engaging your senses fully can transform the nature of drinking wine from a mere act of consumption to a deeply sensory experience.
3. Reflect on Your Experience: After sipping, take a moment to reflect. How does the wine taste? What feelings or memories does it evoke? This reflection isn’t just about critiquing the wine but about connecting with it and how it interacts with your senses and emotions.
4. Moderation is Key: Mindfulness means being aware of how much you’re drinking in a week or in a day. Enjoying a bottle of wine in moderation allows you to appreciate it more deeply and ensures it remains a positive part of your wellness journey.
5. Share the Experience: Wine often tastes better when shared. Drinking organic wine with friends or loved ones can create a shared experience of mindfulness, where you can discuss the flavors, aromas, and joy of the idea of the moment together.

Health And Wine

Wine recipes made by winemakers, when enjoyed in moderation, can be part of a healthy diet and lifestyle for many individuals. You can buy any of it in the market. Like yoga, its benefits, particularly for heart health, are linked to its antioxidant content. However, it’s crucial to approach wine consumption with mindfulness, relaxation, and a sense of awareness of one’s own health needs and risks.

As with any dietary component, balance and moderation are key to maximizing benefits while minimizing the risk of harm to your health. Always focus on your health context and consult with healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about including wine sustainability in your wellness journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is Wellness And Wine?

How Does Wine Have Health Benefits?

Why does wine make you feel better?

How do you drink wine and stay healthy?

What is the purpose of wine?

What is a wellness drink?

How healthy is drinking wine every day?

Which wine is best for health?

What is the healthiest wine to drink?

Why is wellness important?

What is wellness and its benefits?

What is good for wellness?

Why do people drink wine every day?

What is the best time to drink wine?

What is the healthiest red wine?

Wine has been in the spotlight for its possible wellness perks or wine benefits, like better heart condition and a sharper mind, thanks to natural compounds like resveratrol. This is an amazing component. But there’s a fine line between enjoying these gains and facing the downsides of drinking too much alcohol or hard liquor—such as wellness risks and addiction. This article dives into how sipping wine in moderation can be good for you while also highlighting when it might do more harm than good.

With this article, let’s take a closer look at how you should consume your daily dose of liquor and understand how it can impact your overall health when not in moderation.

Nutritional Profile

Liquor, particularly red wine, stands out for its complex composition, offering a variety of nutrients and bioactive compounds that contribute to its health-promoting properties.

 

 

Resveratrol

One of the most notable components of red wine is resveratrol, a polyphenol found in the skins of grapes. Current information points to resveratrol having powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help improve heart health and prevent coronary artery disease. Some studies also point to resveratrol contributing to longevity.

Polyphenols

On top of resveratrol supplements, wine contains other polyphenols like flavonoids and tannins that also boost its role as a source of antioxidants. These compounds reduce oxidative stress and the risk of chronic diseases by eliminating free radicals in your system.

Minor Essential Minerals

Wine also has small amounts of essential minerals, which help your body maintain heart health, prevent coronary artery disease, reduce high blood pressure,  help ensure proper muscle function, and sometimes take care of other health problems. It also contains vitamins in trace amounts, contributing to the overall nutritional value of alcoholic beverages.

Heart Health

Numerous studies suggest that moderate alcohol consumption may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease while also having several other benefits for heart health. Polyphenols, known as antioxidants, present in red wine, have been found to potentially safeguard the heart’s blood vessel lining. Of particular interest is resveratrol, a polyphenol component of red wine, renowned for its health benefits.

Each of these benefits contributes to the protective effects of moderate alcoholic drinks on heart health, highlighting the importance of moderation and dietary guidelines and context in reaping these potential benefits.

• Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: Moderate consumption has been linked to a lower risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, as the polyphenols in the liquor can help protect the heart’s blood vessels.
• Decrease in Bad Cholesterol (LDL): Wine, especially red wine, can contribute to a reduction in levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, known as “bad” cholesterol, which is a key factor in the development of heart disease.
• Increase in Good Cholesterol (HDL): Drinking alcohol or wine in moderation can also boost levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, commonly known as the “good” cholesterol. HDL cholesterol aids in the removal of other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream, promoting a more restorative cardiovascular system.
• Improved Blood Vessel Function: The antioxidants in the liquor, such as resveratrol, may improve the function of the endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels, enhancing blood flow and reducing the risk of artery constriction.
• Anti-inflammatory Effects: Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for heart disease, and the anti-inflammatory properties of the liquor can help reduce this risk, contributing to overall cardiovascular condition.
• Blood Pressure Regulation: Moderate consumption has been associated with beneficial effects on blood pressure, particularly in the context of a balanced diet on an evening meal, like the Mediterranean diet, which includes moderate wine drinking.
• Blood Clot Prevention: The compounds in wine can help prevent the formation of blood clots, reducing the risk of strokes and heart attacks, which are often caused by clotting.

Mental Health Benefits

Wine can play a role in stress management, with moderate consumption being associated with relaxation and a decrease in anxiety levels. Emerging research indicates that moderate wine consumption may protect against cognitive decline with age, potentially due to its antioxidant properties. According to Brian Bushard of Forbes, “Light and moderate drinking could reduce the risk of long-term heart disease by lowering stress levels in the brain.”

However, wine also has other mental health benefits. These benefits highlight the potential of alcohol consumption as part of a balanced lifestyle to positively impact mental well-being, underscoring the importance of moderation to avoid the negative effects associated with excessive alcohol intake.

Stress Reduction

Wine can act as a relaxant, helping to lower stress levels and induce a sense of calm after a long day.

Mood Improvement

Moderate wine consumption has been associated with an uplift in mood, potentially due to its social context and biochemical effects on the brain.

Cognitive Health

Emerging research suggests that moderate wine intake might slow cognitive decline with age, thanks to the antioxidant properties of compounds like resveratrol.

Sleep Quality

For some, a small amount of wine in the evening can improve sleep quality due to its relaxing effects, though this can vary significantly among individuals.

Anxiety Reduction

The calming effect of moderate wine consumption may also contribute to a reduction in anxiety levels, offering a momentary respite from the stresses of daily life.

Wine Antioxidant Health Effects

Fighting Free Radicals

Like eating grapes, the antioxidants in wine, especially resveratrol, are effective in combating free radicals, which are harmful molecules that can lead to cell damage.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

According to more research by experts of the National Institute, chronic inflammation is a root cause of many diseases, and the anti-inflammatory effects of the antioxidants in other alcoholic drinks may contribute to reduced risk of certain conditions.

Weight Management

Moderate wine consumption is often part of a Mediterranean diet, which has been associated with healthy weight management and reduced obesity risk.

Relationship Between Longevity And Wine

When people start drinking alcohol, the elixir of life may not be a myth after all, at least when it comes to wine. For ages, wine hasn’t just been about the taste or is the life of the party; it’s also got this rep for being kind of a health booster, especially when we talk about living longer. The secret sauce in wine, especially the red kind, is this bunch of antioxidants like resveratrol, quercetin, and catechins. These guys are like the superheroes fighting off the bad guys—oxidative stress and inflammation—which are big reasons we deal with chronic illnesses and why we age.

Resveratrol is the one antioxidant that’s gotten a lot of attention because it seems to have a cool trick up its sleeve. It can kickstart certain genes in our bodies that are all about living longer. These genes, called sirtuins, are key players in fixing up our cells and keeping our metabolism in check. It’s kind of like they do what eating less (without the hunger part) does for our lifespan, which is pretty neat.

The moderate consumption of glass of red wine, therefore, might offer a delicious way to activate these longevity genes, offering a toast to a longer life.

Additionally, the Mediterranean diet, which includes wine as a staple component, is renowned for its association with increased life expectancy and lower rates of heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. The synergy between the diet’s components—rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and other foods alongside moderate wine consumption—illustrates how lifestyle factors can significantly impact our health and longevity.

However, it’s crucial to approach wine consumption with balance and mindfulness. The line between beneficial moderation and harmful excess is fine, and crossing it can negate the potential health benefits, leading to adverse effects instead. Responsible enjoyment of a glass of wine, paired with a balanced diet and active lifestyle, might be one of the pleasurable pathways to a long and healthy life.

Few Risks And Considerations

It’s important to note that excessive wine consumption can lead to negative health effects, including an increased risk of alcohol dependency, liver disease, and certain cancers. Moderating your wine consumption is important if you’d like to gain the health benefits of wine.

Understanding these risks is crucial in promoting responsible drinking habits and ensuring that the enjoyment of wine does not compromise one’s health and well-being:

Chronic Diseases: Increased Risk

Heavy drinking can lead to an elevated risk of liver disease, certain types of cancer, and cardiovascular problems.

Addiction

Excessive wine consumption can lead to alcohol dependence, affecting mental, emotional, and physical health.

Mental Health Issues

Overconsumption of alcohol, including wine, can exacerbate or contribute to the development of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and even alcohol use disorder.

Weight Gain

Wine is calorie-dense, and drinking it in large quantities can contribute to weight gain and obesity-related health issues.

Negative Impact On Cognitive Function

Long-term overconsumption of wine can impair cognitive functions, leading to memory issues and decreased brain function.

Interference With Medications

Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of certain medications and increase the risk of adverse side effects.

Increased Risk Of Accidents And Injuries

Excessive wine consumption impairs judgment and coordination, leading to a higher risk of accidents and injuries. Consider the one to two drinks limit.

Choosing The Right Wine

For maximum health benefits of wine, opting for red wine is generally recommended due to its higher content of beneficial antioxidants. However, personal preference and tolerance should guide your choice.

Wine, when enjoyed in moderation, can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Its rich history and complex composition make it a fascinating subject for both connoisseurs and health enthusiasts alike. Remember, the key to reaping wine’s health benefits lies in moderation and making informed choices about consumption. Seek help from human services or healthcare professionals if you have to.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Are The Vino Drinking Advantages?

Is It Healthy To Have Vino Daily?

What Is The Healthiest Wine To Drink?

What Does Liquor Do To The Body?

What Is The Healthiest Red Wine?

What Is The Best Time To Drink Red Vino?

How Many Vino Glasses A Day Is OK?

Is Wine Healthy For Your Liver?

What Color Wine Is Healthiest?

What Is The Proper Way To Drink Liquor?

What Are The Red Vino Disadvantages?

Does Wine Help You Sleep?

Does Wine Increase Cholesterol?

What Are The Benefits Of Drinking Red Wine Before Bed?

Wine plays an important role in religious, cultural, and social events all over the world. For some, it is a symbol of status and luxury. For others, wine is for relaxing after a long day. Whatever meaning you associate with wine, this particular drink can surely bring positive feelings.

Did you know that drinking wine can be beneficial for your body? Researchers have extensively studied wine for its health benefits. And by health benefits, we mean your physical and mental well-being. Studies suggest that wine is beneficial for you, both physically and mentally. 

If you’re curious how wine can do all these, read everything you need to know about wine therapy.

Drinking Wine For Physical And Mental Wellness

Wine is made from fermenting crushed grapes. This particular fruit is rich in antioxidants, which can help prevent chronic illnesses. Antioxidants work by fighting off free radicals that bring damage to our cells and organs. In addition, wine can help lower blood cholesterol and, thus, keep your heart healthy. It can also assist in lowering your blood sugar and reducing the risk of cancer. To top it all off, wine can even prevent obesity due to its ability to support weight loss.

Research also shows that wine contains nutrients that can address some ailments. Drinking wine can even help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, wine can help keep your memory sharp and your brain healthy. 

It has also been found that people who drink wine are less likely to be depressed than people who don’t. Depression is a serious disorder that can affect your life. It can change the way you think and go about your daily activities. Wine helps fight depression with Resveratrol, a compound found in grapes. 

Overall, wine can help boost your body’s defenses. With its myriad physical and mental benefits, drinking wine can be a therapy of its own. However, keep in mind that you should still keep track of your alcohol consumption.

How Much Wine You Can Drink

Challenges in life can sometimes lead a person to drink. Some people may turn to alcohol to avoid problems, such as bullying, financial troubles, relationship issues, and more. In the LGBTQ+ community, alcoholism is a serious problem. 

People may think that drowning their sorrows in alcohol can help dull the pain. However, high alcohol dependency does more harm than good. As beneficial as wine is, excessive consumption is still harmful. 

Too much alcohol in your body can lead to alcohol poisoning. Without immediate medical attention, it can lead to pressing medical conditions. Excessive drinking can also weaken your immune system. You may develop ailments such as:

• high blood pressure, 
• cancer, 
• heart disease, and 
• liver problems. 

It can also lead to behavioral problems, such as 

• violence, 
• slurred speech, 
• poor memory, and 
• unstable moods.

To reap the health benefits of wine, you should enjoy it as a recreational activity. If you wish to incorporate wine into your daily routine, a glass or two is the best amount for drinking consumption. 

As you can see, there are good and bad consequences. As long as you keep your consumption to a healthy amount, there’s nothing to worry about. So, take note of how many glasses you drink!

Now, let’s talk about the external benefits of wine—specifically, the benefits of wine for your skin. Read on to find out how wine can affect your skin.

Wine As A Form Of Therapy

Wine therapy is formally known as vinotherapy. It is a beauty treatment that highlights wine-based products. This procedure mainly targets the skin. Nowadays, vinotherapy is becoming a popular form of treatment. Currently, many spas and establishments now offer this service.

Vinotherapy uses grape seeds, pips, and juice to cleanse and nourish the skin. Grapes are known to have anti-aging benefits. By infusing wine products during treatments, your skin can benefit from the nutrients found in these items. Among these effects include 

• improving skin elasticity, 
• boosting capillary health and 
• quelling inflammation. 

Overall, wine therapy can assist in maintaining your skin’s health and youth. 

How Vinotherapy Works

Spas offer vinotherapy in different ways. Depending on their specializations, your wine therapy experience may differ from place to place. But they still follow the same principles.

The treatment will usually start with exfoliation. Using crushed grape seed extract, your therapist will perform a body exfoliation. Through this, your skin will be rid of the built-up dead cells. This will help soften the skin. Exfoliation will also prep your skin to absorb the next products in the treatment better.

Next, your therapist may lead you to a bath. For the next half hour or so, you can enjoy a bath filled with grape pulp, grape seed extract, and other nourishing products. Since your skin is newly exfoliated, it can soak in active nutrients and vitamins much faster. You can even sit back and relax with a glass of the drink while you’re technically bathing in wine. 

After rinsing, your therapist may indulge you with a body massage. It is the ultimate form of relaxation. Another option you may encounter is a body wrap. This is a body mask made from grapes. The body wrap assists in boosting collagen responsible for the elasticity in your body.

Oxidation and sun damage are the top causes of skin aging. If you notice your skin becoming drier, try pampering yourself with vinotherapy. This procedure reinvigorates, revitalizes, and ultimately reveals supple and young-looking skin. It is completely satisfying to treat your skin from time to time.

To Wrap Up

Wine is a drink that our bodies can benefit from inside and out. There’s nothing better than feeling your best, physically and mentally. Even more, it’s always nice when you look your best. 

Wine and wellness are definitely linked — drinking wine can definitely help you look and feel good. With just the right amount of wine consumption, all the good benefits are for you to enjoy. You reap what you sow. In this case, the amount of wine you drink and use will reflect on your health.

If you’re still hesitant to try out wine therapy, you can start by exploring grape-based products at home. You can test out wine-infused beauty products, like oils, moisturizers, lotions, and more. Once you see how your skin benefits from these products, consider stepping up a notch and indulging in vinotherapy. 

What is journey counseling? This is the story of my life and my healing experience. Having Italian parents who traveled in Napa Valley could help me gain friends. This fact could make anyone popular. Let’s continue reading and be inspired.

Before The “Service” In My Journey

A lot of kids, even adults in high school, would go, “Wow! You must have tasted wine so young!” Others would say, “It must have been awesome to spend your childhood days seeing grapevines on end.”

I longed for when I could travel to Malibu. The reality is that life is a journey, and there was a time when I used to hate living in my family’s vineyard even though we have good family dynamics. My parents could only work hard, so they expected nothing less from their kids. As soon as we could hold stuff firmly in our hands, they would provide us with chores to participate in and out of the house. Our parents support us with proper guidance around the house. We were all kind to one another and didn’t need anger management therapy at all. No relationship issues whatsoever. But I always had this feeling of breaking free from the vineyard.

Well, all my five brothers would fabulously dig the soil, cart grapes to and from the plantation, and even run around the entire vineyard to ensure that all the sprinklers could work. Boys would always be boys, and the work was nothing but fun for them, especially if they could do it together. As support, the father provided excellent guidance to the boys. As far as he’s concerned, they learned from the best.

Leaving The Vineyard

My brothers went on to take up specialized degrees that could help them run the vineyard more successfully and learn coping skills in running a vineyard. Mom and Dad never had an issue about it and counted on them to do that – they did it because they couldn’t go outside. Of course, their decisions delighted our parents, who thought they could someday have a small empire. So, they gave their all-out support.

When I entered high school, everyone counted on me to think of the vineyard like my brothers. They said that I was a woman, I had access to a vast vineyard, so the job of a wine sommelier could be perfect for me. However, my family could not get that I wanted to do nothing with our vineyard. To my parent’s surprise, I decided to study Fine Arts at UCLA.

While my brothers could study online, I had to go out of the vineyard and get an apartment close to the campus. Mom and Dad could only try subtly talking me out of it, but I courageously told them that I wanted this, so they shut up. I feel like I had been in the vineyard for too long in my life and needed the growth and to get outside my world for myself.

Life In College: Gaining Independence And Problems

Attending UCLA as an aspiring artist gave me more freedom and hope than I ever imagined. I only lived for a semester in an apartment my parents got for me because I eventually met a group of students who invited me to live with them in a mansion.

Little did I know, that’s the beginning of my problems.

It was fun getting to know strangers and staying under the same roof. I thought those Fine Arts students were the most remarkable people I would ever know. But then, as our relationship got deeper, I realized that they had been doing questionable things that they did not show me initially on purpose (perhaps to lure me into their circle better).

You see, my newfound friends happened to grow marijuana in one of the many rooms in that mansion. I never asked about that room before, but I came upon it during a party we threw. Though the pots of growing weeds filling the room surprised me, I went back to the party – but only to get more surprised when I saw my friends selling and using weeds with the guests and some couples. Fear started to envelop me. I didn’t want to be in any kind of trouble, especially after how I convinced my family to let me take my own path.

Watching what’s happening in my supposedly new home sobered me up. I had to ask my friends the day after, and they practically told me that it was cool and that their weed business was funding the mansion we all lived in. Then, they asked me to do something crazy: sell it.

That was the fastest I packed my bags, hopped in my car, and fled to the only place I ever knew: our family vineyard.

How I Found My Way Back

Going Back To My Roots With Family Therapy And Journey Counseling

My short experience with weed dealers and users was enough to traumatize me and change and affect my mental health. As soon as I reached the vineyard, I cried to my mom about it as I felt both scared and shocked. She consoled me as best as possible, but I could not shake off my struggling anxiety and fear for days. I needed the guidance of journey counseling to process what took place, enabling me to address my emotional fears and prioritize my mental health for this ongoing journey called life. Anger management has also played a crucial role.

One morning, I woke up earlier than everyone else and found myself walking toward the vineyard site. It was the harvesting season, so all the vines were filled with grapes. Walking among them helped me remember the simplicity of my experience in therapy before I tried to uproot myself.

This type of therapy offers a wide range of services to give their clients psychological treatment and assistance. These services include but are not limited to contact information for area resources, professional referrals, and educational materials. In addition, a licensed professional counselor can offer many tools to help their clients learn more about themselves and the world around them, such as sand therapy and read therapy.

I did not see how fortunate I was to live in such a vast and prosperous land in my rebellious phase. Those kids who assumed I had a fantastic childhood were not far from the truth – it was genuinely great to be able to roam around the vineyard without worrying about incoming cars or having to lend my time to strangers. There was nothing that the vineyard could not provide. It even gave me spiritual direction, but I still found a reason to despise it for many years. That’s when I thought this method might help. Traveling away from the vineyard was my therapy, I thought.

Suddenly, I felt ashamed of how I treated the only area where I could be myself. In a time of uncertainty, counseling became the anchor on my life’s journey, the one place I could turn to for solace and support, even from the comfort of my home. Its services have been invaluable.

Journey Frequently Asked Questions

What is a therapeutic experience?

What are the three therapy approaches?

What are the six methods?

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Which is the most effective approach?

What is the most effective form of therapy?

What kind of therapy is best for anxiety?

What is the newest form of therapy?

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I started drinking when I was 13 years old.

I know; I started very young. My parents assumed that I did that when I was already in high school, but they were very wrong. They also did not know me that well; that’s why I started drinking.

My Story

I grew up in a pretty well-off family. There were only three of us in the house, but we had several helpers on the property, and each one of us had a driver. My parents sent me to a private school and hired a full-time tutor who also lived on the property. It was not because I was dumb; it was more because they did not want me to ask them if I did not understand a lesson.

If you must know, Mom had a modeling agency. She was one of those people in California that fashion designers would call to do a show and needed models to walk on the runway. As for my dad, he had a tech company that created CCTV cameras for businesses. My parents’ wealth over the years ensured that I would be secure in this lifetime even if I did not work, but they also never had time for me.

I remembered a massive disappointment that I experienced at school that prompted me to start drinking.

The Day I Became An Alcoholic

I was heavily involved in the theater back then. Every year, there was a Christmas performance at my school. When I found out that I would play the lead role for Barbie and the Nutcracker at the beginning of the year, I told my parents about it at once. The reason was that if I told them months early, they would be able to make time for it, regardless of how busy their schedules were.

Of course, I was happy when they said, “Sure, honey, we will be there.” Still, to keep my parents from forgetting about my play, I kept mentioning it almost every week. So, when the Christmas performance came, I looked forward to my parents being in those seats that I saved for them. I even called them two hours before the show to make sure they could come and know where to go. And they still answered the same.

You can imagine my disappointment when I met my nanny backstage, and she was the only one holding a bouquet of congratulatory flowers for me.

“Thank you, but where are mom and dad?” I asked although I knew the answer already.

“Well,” my nanny said carefully, “Your parents had surprise visitors at home and could not go. They were so sorry about missing your performance, so they sent these flowers instead.”

“What am I gonna do with these? Let’s just go home,” I uttered.

As we entered the property, I could hear the loud music coming from the house. I see that my parents threw a party instead of seeing their only child perform, I thought bitterly.

As soon as the car stopped, I ran through the back door because I did not want anyone to see me. Then, I saw bottles of wine being chilled in the kitchen and snuck two of them into my room. I saw my parents drink that all the time, so I knew how to open them. But it would be the first time for me to drink an alcoholic beverage. I did it, hoping that I could fall asleep and forget about that day.

The more my parents disappointed me, though, the more I drank alcohol. No one seemed to notice because my parents happened to have a massive cellar in the basement. Even if I took a bottle every day, they might not have known about it.

At 15 years old, I was already an alcoholic. I could not let the day pass without having a drink. I started eating in my room as well because I wanted to eat while drinking. Still, no one bothered to ask why. My parents were just so happy that I stopped badgering them to do family things with them.

Facing My Addiction

I had my third DUI at 19 years old. The judge said that I was too young to go to jail, but I should still know that everything I did had a consequence. In this case, it was counseling and community service.

The latter was acceptable. I thought it was easy to get away with that by bringing some of our helpers and then only moving if a law enforcer passed by. However, I had qualms about counseling because it sounded like I would have to face my issues, and I had been in denial about them – specifically my alcohol addiction – forever.

To my surprise, the counselor advised me to go to a vineyard when I revealed that I could drink an entire case of wine every day if I were in the mood. It was shocking because, duh, that’s where my favorite alcoholic beverage came from. Still, she insisted on it, claiming that I might experience some realizations there.

Realizations

The counselor mainly told me to visit a small vineyard in Napa Valley. I did it for the wine tasting, but I got another surprise when I realized that the vineyard was making everything but wine. They had sorbets, jams, salads, desserts, and everything else.

I spent half a day learning how to make all of those things. I felt bored initially, but I began to enjoy it when we got to the sorbet part.

I realized that there’s more to grapes than wine after that. The temptation was still there, but I eventually managed to limit myself to a glass of wine once a month or only when there was a special occasion.

When I returned to my counselor six months later, she commended my progress. “Sometimes, you need to see the root of your problems in another light,” she uttered wisely.

A glass of wine after a long day is one good way to destress. There are scientific studies that can back up this claim. But even though wine can make you feel better, it is not an end-all-be-all solution. It may only provide temporary relief for stress and anxiety. If you constantly have irrational thoughts that you find hard to deal with, you may need to consider getting serious help other than wine. 

Although humans are blessed with reason, we often think and act in highly irrational ways. These irrational thoughts – about ourselves, other people, or the world in general – have material consequences that prevent us from leading full and satisfying lives. 

Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) is a form of psychotherapy that seeks to change these irrational beliefs. Albert Ellis, who developed this therapy, said that things don’t disturb people, but it’s their view of things that does.  

The main premise of REBT is that the way we feel greatly influences the way we think. It is not enough to be aware of the problem. We have to identify and actively change the beliefs at the root of our distress. 

REBT, which became the foundation of cognitive behavioral therapy, has a wide range of clinical applications. It includes depression, anxiety, addiction, and eating disorders. However, it is not limited to deep-seated psychological problems. 

Any individual who wants to process their emotions and change their behavior for the better can benefit from this therapy. Nearly everyone subscribes to an irrational belief. People usually think in absolutes, like “I should/must” or “I cannot.” 

For example, high-achievers tend to hold themselves to a rigid standard. When they fall short of that expectation or make a mistake, they may feel excessively upset. They then tend to engage in maladaptive behaviors. 

Everyday situations can act as triggers that bring these beliefs to the surface and cause emotional distress. It is essential to change these beliefs so that people can form emotionally healthy responses. In the high-achiever case, a therapist might use several cognitive techniques to help them realize that making mistakes is normal and encourage more rational ways of thinking.

If you want to learn more about how REBT can help you, read the most frequently asked questions below. 

What is rational emotive behavior therapy used for?

REBT is a form of psychotherapy that can be useful for individuals with affective mood disorders like depression and anxiety. It can also help those with addictive behaviors, eating disorders, phobias, sleep problems, and procrastination issues.

What are the three main beliefs of REBT?

Also known as the “three musts of irrational thinking,” these common beliefs result in negative emotions due to the expectations they impose on the person, other people, and the external environment. The first belief is, “I must do well.” The second is, “You/others must treat me well or do the right thing.” The third is “Life should be easy.”

What is the rational-emotive approach?

The rational-emotive approach emphasizes that a person’s thoughts or beliefs influence how they feel and behave. The proponents argue that humans are far from rational and hold on to irrational beliefs or assumptions. By disputing these beliefs and forming more useful ones, it’s possible to change how a person views and responds to a situation.

What is the difference between REBT and CBT?

Although both REBT and cognitive behavioral therapy are based on the complex interplay between a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior, there are critical differences between the two approaches. Unlike CBT, which classifies an irrational thought as a cognitive distortion, REBT examines the emotional disturbance’s root cause.

Once the underlying cause of these irrational beliefs has been identified, REBT recommends an unconditional acceptance of your mistakes and failings. Additionally, REBT acknowledges secondary disturbances or worrying about worrying, a factor that often contributes to depression and severe anxiety.

What are the ABCs of REBT?

REBT dissects a situation using its ABC framework, where the A stands for an activating event or scenario that triggers emotional distress. B refers to beliefs in response to the activating event. C stands for the emotional consequences of those thoughts or beliefs like anger, sorrow, shame, or guilt.

For instance, you have a high-stakes job interview tomorrow (activating event), and you believe that you might fail or embarrass yourself (belief). As a result, you will likely feel anxious or nervous (consequence).

What are the major principles of REBT?

Drawing on the ABC framework, REBT supposes that an irrational belief triggers negative emotions instead of the activating event. These beliefs are based on irrational expectations/demands of ourselves, other people, and the world. Once you can identify and challenge these beliefs, it’s possible to form ones that are more grounded in reality.

What are emotive techniques?

In an REBT session, your therapist may use several emotive techniques to help you identify and dispute irrational beliefs resulting in emotional distress. You may be asked to write these beliefs and dissect them, or your therapist may use humor/irony, guided imagery, or songs to help you form healthier habits.

Your therapist may also recommend meditation, relaxation, or hypnosis so you can manage negative emotions that arise from these thoughts.

Who can benefit from REBT therapy?

REBT can help patients with severe mental health issues, phobias, eating disorders, and addictions. However, it can also be useful for individuals seeking healthier ways to cope with negative emotions or respond to life’s setbacks.

What is disputing in REBT?

To dispute in REBT means to put an irrational belief under scrutiny and look for evidence that challenges that belief. For instance, the first major belief, “I must do well,” might cause you to set rigid and unrealistic standards about your performance at work.

To dispute this thought requires you to examine whether the belief is sensible by looking for supporting evidence. It might also help to ask about the worst and best outcomes that might happen if you maintain that belief.

What do REBT therapists call an unhelpful thought?

An unhelpful thought is one that results in unhealthy emotions and self-destructive behaviors. The “three major must’s” and their sub-beliefs form the basis of unhelpful thoughts. For instance, the belief that “Life should treat me well” begets the thought that we should not experience any hardship or difficulty.

When a person experiences the disparity between their beliefs and reality, it may result in emotional consequences of frustration, depression, and anxiety or self-sabotaging behaviors like substance abuse.

How long does Rebt last?

REBT is a short-term therapy that typically takes 10-20 sessions, with each session lasting around 30-50 minutes. Unlike some therapy approaches that require a deep and lasting relationship with the provider, REBT focuses on equipping individuals with the practical tools to tackle life’s problems and help them become self-reliant.

Although REBT can be highly effective, it’s not rare for clients to have a hard time during treatment. After all, it asks to identify and change deeply-held beliefs, including those you have carried for a long time. These years-old thinking patterns are already grooved into your neural pathways. Although these beliefs may have served you at some point, it’s time to put them to rest if they are no longer useful.  

In some cases, a therapist may take a blunt and confrontational approach to push a client in the right direction. If you’ve been tending to a poisonous tree, it might require force to uproot it to plant something more nurturing as a replacement. They will dispute your irrational beliefs until you become open to alternatives. Through this, you can develop more rational ways of looking at the world.

In the high-achievers earlier case, a therapist may probe or even find fault in their absolutist belief. Since it’s impossible to be successful all the time, they may point out that holding themselves to such a punishing standard will only inflict more damage in the long run. 

Keep in mind that the results are not instant. Since REBT is a short-term therapy, you may have to continue the therapeutic practices long after the treatment is over. You can recite a daily mantra or keep a journal until change starts to set in. 

Ultimately, the goal of REBT is to shift your consciousness in small but meaningful ways. It aims to change from a self-defeating view to a more realistic perspective. In the end, you become more compassionate to yourself, others, and the world. A more rational way of thinking encourages healthy emotional expression and promotes productive behavior to meet your life goals. 

Alcohol and Mental Health – The impact of alcohol abuse on a person can sometimes be positive regarding our mood, but in the long term, it can potentially result in problems with our mental health. In fact, there is a significant link between mental health and alcohol use.

Consuming alcohol is associated with various mental illnesses or mental health conditions, including memory loss, depression, and even suicide.

Regularly drinking alcohol in large amounts disrupts the chemicals in one’s brain that are important for mental health. So, people might feel good after a few drinks, but eventually, long-term alcohol drinking will have an evident effect on cognitive wellness that will ultimately contribute to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress.

Alcohol And Brain Chemistry

The brain is dependent on the balance between chemicals and their different processes. Alcohol is technically a depressant, and this means that it can interfere with that balance. It could affect our actions, feelings, thoughts, and often our mental health. This is due partly to the brain’s neurotransmitters, which are substances that help convey signals from one neuron to another. For instance, the calm feeling that we experience when we drink is because of the chemical alternations that alcohol has caused in our brains. A few glasses of liquor can make a person feel cooler and more self-confident as the alcohol starts to overwhelm the portion of the brain linked with inhibition. Not knowing that the health conditions can begin in the short term process.

However, as we consume more and more alcohol, the effect it has on the brain increases, and whether or not we are in a bad or good mood, with the heightened excessive liquor consumption, the negative thoughts and emotions may soon take over, ultimately causing a negative effect on our mental health. Like substance abuse, alcohol is also associated with violence, and people have often reported becoming aggressive, depressed, angry, or anxious when they’ve had too much to drink.

Alcohol And Depression

There is a relationship between alcohol and mental health problems (i.e., bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc.) Regular heavy drinking has been linked to symptoms of anxiety disorders and depression, although it is quite hard to distinguish cause and effect. This substance abuse implies that it is unknown whether consuming alcohol can truly cause an individual to have depressive symptoms. What is documented is that liquor affects various nerve-chemical synapses within the body that are crucial in mood disorder regulation. Studies have shown that depression may follow heavy alcohol drinking and that decreasing or stopping it can immediately improve one’s mood.

According to a cognitive wellness services expert, prescriptions given for depression must not be combined with alcohol problems. Some known antidepressants tend to heighten the risk of reversion to heavy drinking in individuals struggling to abstain from alcohol. Thus, antidepressants must only be taken when they are recommended and officially prescribed by their doctor.

Alcohol And Mental Health

For individuals who experience mental disorders such as fear and anxiety, drinking might initially help them feel more relaxed. However, this feeling is short. The ‘relaxed’ feeling that someone might experience after drinking is because of the chemical alterations that it does in the brain. These effects of alcohol soon wear off, and depending on alcohol to conceal anxiety or fear can also result in a greater liquor dependence on it to achieve relaxation.

Anxiety can occur when a person has a hangover, too. As he processes alcohol, he begins to experience psychological indicators like feeling irritated or depressed. For others, they don’t experience almost anything. But if being anxious is already a problem, the hangover can worsen the symptoms.

A diagnostic and statistical manual expert believes that consuming liquor can also increase feelings of anxiety in specific situations. When you drink, you don’t often react to all the hints around you. If you’re vulnerable to being anxious and feel something that might be construed as dangerous, there is an inclination to concentrate on that something and miss out on the things that are less dangerous or neutral. To eliminate or decrease anxiety without liquor, practice relaxation techniques, such as yoga, breathing, or meditation. Talking to someone you trust about how you feel is also a wise thing to do.

Alcohol, Self-Harm, And Suicide

Intoxicating liquor causes people to forget about their reservations and behave rather spontaneously, which sometimes leads them to do things they would not have done if they were sober. This includes self-harm and, worse, suicide. There is a strong connection between heavy drinking and suicide attempts and death secondary to suicide.

Severe drinking of alcohol – as in consuming over 30 units daily for weeks – can often lead to psychosis, a severe mental health condition that involves delusions and hallucinations. Mental illness, particularly psychosis, can be due to severe intoxication and alcohol withdrawal and is more common in drinkers who are reliant on alcohol-related habits and then abruptly stop drinking.

Being In Control

Experts agree that to support treatment and eliminate the mental health hazards from liquor consumption or alcohol dependence to a lower level, people must not drink liquor over 14 units in a week. This is equal to 6 pints of beer or six medium glasses of moderately strong wine. If you keep drinking as much as this, it would be safe if you spread consumption over three or four days or even more.

The danger of developing severe physical health and mental health problems and issues heightens the more you consume liquor regularly. A smart way to lessen your drinking and enjoy the benefits of wine and wellness is to have some liquor-free days per week and, of course, not to binge drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of coping mechanism is drinking?

What are three mental skills impaired by alcohol use disorders?

What is the unhealthy mix between alcohol and mental health?

Are there serious mental health ramifications for long-term alcohol users?

What are the four types of drinking behaviors?

Which Behaviour therapy is most commonly used for treating alcoholism?

What are the four coping mechanisms?

What defense mechanism do alcoholics commonly use?

What is maladaptive drinking?

What is the psychological theory of drinking?

Why do people drink when stressed?

Why is drinking an unhealthy coping mechanism?

What are the three three coping mechanisms?

What can I do instead of drinking to cope?

Does alcohol make anxiety worse?

 

 

Source: pixabay.com 

The country’s $30 billion wine manufacturing business is expected to lose almost $6 billion this year. The smaller wineries are incurring the biggest losses, of course, those producing between 1000 and 5000 cases a year. According to reports, these wineries could lose more than 45% of their profits in 2020 because of the restaurant and tasting room shutdowns. Those producing below 5000, unfortunately, could expect a dropdown of up to 66%.

Despite the economic downfall and the plunging of wine sales across the globe, a lot of wineries have considered something that they’ve resisted before – they’re bringing their business into the digital realm, combining the conventional ways with the internet way of things when it comes to winemaking and selling. Wine entrepreneurs agree that theirs is the last industry not to be influenced by the web in a significant way. Now, wineries are learning and gaining so much from it.

Customers from Acquiesce, a wine company, state that they didn’t purchase wines from the brand before, and now they’re loading up through their online wine shop. In 2019, it made up 3% of e-commerce sales. This year, so far, it has upped by 10%. Sommeliers who usually make wine pairing suggestions in the tasting rooms are now doing YouTube videos and doing the pairing online. Instagram Live hosts Tipton trying her hand at wine mixing. Marketing firms, too, are helping the winery industry utilize Google ads and Facebook. Money normally spent on tastings, wine clubs, and parties is now exhausted into digital platforms.

Source: flickr.com

Quarantined at home, people are catching up with friends online with wine glasses in their hands or cooking up a delicious new meal to feel some positivity amidst the pandemic. On other sites, homeschooling wine glasses are booming, owing to the popularity of distance learning. This is the same for so many of life’s other comforts that are indeterminately postponed.

Shopping carts are overflowing at wine vendors and on Instacart, Drizly, and other mobile applications. Shoppers are also choosing their favorite wineries or exploring new brands. Apparently, this could be the trend for a while, as many people are staying home and keeping safe while raising their wine glasses during family dinners.

Buying Wine Online

According to the Nielsen research firm, sales of wine for the first weeks of May increased by more than 250% year over year. With the current lockdowns, more wine enthusiasts are buying various spirits online from the comfort of their homes. What’s best is that the wines are conveniently and safely delivered on their doorstep. The spokesperson of Naked Wines reported of the company’s remarkable growth of wine sales, and it’s not going to change for the long term, even when the coronavirus subsides or disappears. At Wine.com, profits have increased up to four times its sales in March. Revenues in April grew to $40 million and are expected to bring in another million dollars this quarter. In fact, companies are hiring more people as their marketing spend has tripled.

Source: pxfuel.com

Truth be told, some wine companies have prepared for this abrupt change to online purchasing. Online trading was rooting for the wine industry, whether the wine industry is ready to welcome it or not. The virus outbreak just catalyzed it. These wineries that were ready to make the shift to digital selling have done well in COVID-19, and they undoubtedly will do better after this.

One of the wine companies that were poised to do well is Wente. The Wente Family does virtual wine tastings using Google Home or Alexa and invites people to savor the wine and each other, not the screen. Other brands tell stories about the best wineries in the world, vineyards, and winemaking strategies. After that, they get to choose among a line of wines that they have onscreen and buy them online – from the comfort and safety of their bedrooms, in their pajamas.