Cortisol, Stress & Alcohol... what's the link?

 Understanding the Link Between Stress, Cortisol, and Alcohol Cravings

Today, I want to talk about stress, one of the most common triggers my clients face when it comes to alcohol cravings.

Maybe you can relate. I know I can! I remember many long days at work where I’d say to my coworkers, "I need a drink." We’d head to the bar or I’d pick up a bottle of wine on the way home. And from there, the rest is history.

As you might know, I work one-on-one with clients who are alcohol-free (or want to be) and are looking to understand the root causes behind their struggles with alcohol. One of the most important tests I often recommend is a cortisol test.

What is Cortisol?

Cortisol is known as the body’s stress hormone. It spikes when we’re under constant stress and can also increase due to trauma, environmental factors, and—surprisingly—even alcohol.

Even if you feel like you’re managing your stress well, your body might be telling a different story. Research shows that alcohol raises cortisol levels after just one night of drinking, and it can take up to seven days for your cortisol to return to normal. This means even if you drink once or twice a week, your stress hormones are still being affected long after.

How Cortisol Affects Your Alcohol-Free Goals

This is why I run cortisol tests for many of my clients. If cortisol is contributing to your stress or making it hard to resist cravings, we can take proactive steps—like personalized nutrition plans and supplements—to help support and manage your stress more effectively.

Balancing cortisol levels can lead to:

• ✨ Reduced stress and chaos
• ✨ Increased energy
• ✨ Better sleep
• ✨ Lower anxiety
• ✨ Fewer alcohol cravings
• ✨ Overall relaxation

Regulating cortisol has been the missing link for many when it comes to getting alcohol cravings under control.

Let’s Talk About Your Health

If you’ve been struggling to maintain your alcohol-free goals, it might be time to address your cortisol levels. I’m currently accepting new clients for one-on-one consultations, where we’ll dive deep into your health history, lifestyle, and goals to create a customized plan. We can also discuss lab testing to further tailor your care.

Book your initial consultation here >>