Demi Lovato has taken the brave step of releasing a heartfelt song that many believe mirrors her own personal battle with alcohol.
In her single SOBER Demi sings: “I don’t know why I do it every time”, and acknowledges she turns to drinking “only when I’m lonely”.
Many people who drink due to loneliness discover that the drink they take to make them feel better about their lives, only increases the feelings of loneliness and leads to further isolation, as family and friends, fed up with their drunken behaviour turn away. Leading to a spiral of more drinking and feelings of self-loathing and helplessness.
Recognising the triggers of why we drink is half the battle, the other half is being able to address them constructively without returning to alcohol.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), is one of the therapies offered here at GEAAP. Supporting individuals to look at the here and now. Thinking through the consequences of having even one drink. Seeking to identify the triggers that lead us to drink and although It’s not always possible to avoid these things, by knowing our own triggers we can try and minimise the risks and understand what is happening to us.
Have a listen to Demi’s song and next time you get lonely or stressed out with life, don’t reach for a drink – talk to someone instead.