Psychiatrist warns of alcohol addiction risks following holiday periods

Psychiatry expert Dr. Alptekin Çetin of Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Hospital has warned about the risks of increased alcohol consumption during holiday periods. Changes in daily routines, sleep, and nutrition during vacations can lead to higher consumption levels.

Dr. Çetin noted that the mindset of ‘I am on holiday, it is okay’ can lead to frequent and high-volume drinking, which may alter an individual's relationship with alcohol. Key indicators of risky use include consuming alcohol every day, increasing the amount consumed, and feeling unable to have fun without it.

Furthermore, using alcohol as a tool to regulate emotions—such as coping with stress, anxiety, boredom, or difficulty sleeping—increases the risk of addiction. The development of tolerance, where more alcohol is required to achieve the same sense of relaxation or pleasure, is also a significant concern.