The term “stress” often is used to describe the subjective feeling of pressure or tension. There is little evidence that stress leads to the development of true alcohol dependency or alcoholism. Because both drinking behavior and an individual’s response to stress are determined by multiple genetic and environmental factors, studying the link between alcohol consumption and stress may further our understanding of drinking behavior. Stress is usually thought of as harmful; but when the stress response is acute and transient, homeostasis is maintained and no adverse effects result. Under chronic stress, however, when the body either fails to compensate or when it overcompensates, damage can occur. A person who is under a lot of stress may experience a greater level of irritability. Alcohol actually induces the stress response by stimulating hormone release by the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands.

Danger signals for abuse of alcohol in reaction to stress

• Prior history of unhealthy or abusive drinking.
• Experiencing the stress as severe or unavoidable without the aid of alcohol.
• Lacking social support.
• Family history of drinking in response to stress.