Boozers live better
Can true happiness be found in the bottom of a liquor bottle? Probably not -- but it won't hurt you to look there. After all, a new study found that we moderate drinkers are much less likely to experience anxiety and depression than those sad-sack non- drinkers.
I can certainly understand why -- I know I might be a little down if I couldn't enjoy a glass or two of my favorite beer at night. But it turns out the problems aren't just limited to ex-drinkers and recovering alcoholics who miss their booze: Even teetotalers who have never been drinkers experience higher rates of anxiety and depression.
Overall, 17 percent of abstainers reported anxiety, while 16 percent of them battle depression. Heavy drinkers also experienced these problems, but not as much as the teetotalers. On the other hand, people who had two drinks per week had the lowest risk for anxiety and depression. You have my permission to drink more than that -- just keep it in moderation and you'll not only be fine, you'll flourish.
I've already told you about some of the other great benefits of moderate drinking. Recent studies have shown that those of us who enjoy our beverage of choice without going overboard are smarter, healthier, and more likely to live longer.
With all those great benefits, no wonder we're less likely to be depressed and anxious -- we have no reason to be!
So break out the beer, pop the bubbly, or mix yourself a gin and tonic. Just know when to put the cork back in, and you'll be healthier AND happier.
Bottoms up,
William Campbell Douglass II, M.D.
