Dr. Fadul
- Initially it helps us to relax and calm anxiety. Eventually the benefits flip and starting the next day our anxiety rebounds. Our mood is depressed relative to where it would be without alcohol and that effect can last up to 3 weeks after your last drink. Alcohol also interferes with the effectiveness of antidepressants.
- The French paradox tells us that they drink wine in excess and eat lots of saturated fats yet have lower rates of heart disease. Certain types of alcohol can increase your 'good' cholesterol and has antioxidants, but long term use leads to increased blood pressure with higher rates of stroke.
- Drinking your calories doesn't just makeweight impossible to lose. Frequent alcohol use increases the risk for Diabetes. Alcohol interferes with our hormones which can affect every phase of our life, having us feel just 'Off.'
- A glass or two of wine makes us feel sleepy but it totally undermines the quality of that sleep, corrupting our ability to repair and restore our body and mind from the day’s challenges.
- Up to 50% of dementia cases can be tied back to moderate alcohol use. Regular drinking can impact brain structure and function leading to permanent damage.
While I enjoy alcohol, the older I get the harder it gets. I generally limit myself to 4 drinks per week and no more than 2 in a day. Setting a daily or weekly “drink budget” will help keep you on track. When you drink, splurge on the good stuff. Higher quality top shelf alcohol will have less impurities and will be its own reward.
Medical Director
Dr. Zaid Fadul is an esteemed leader with a Medical Doctorate from Ross University School of Medicine and further education from Harvard University and Georgetown University. Dr. Fadul's remarkable journey includes serving as a Flight Surgeon in the US Air Force, where his skills in aeronautic and wilderness medicine are invaluable. This role, coupled with his extensive clinical experience across various medical settings, underscores his multifaceted proficiency and dedication to excellence in healthcare. He is board certified in both family practice and addiction medicine, a testament to his deep commitment to comprehensive patient care.
