While consuming alcohol is never particularly “safe”, governments establish guidelines around “safe drinking.” These guidelines refer to levels of consumption that minimize risks to your long-term health and other alcohol-related harms.  

According to Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines: 

• Women should limit alcohol to no more than 10 drinks per week, with no more than 2 drinks a day most days 
• Men should limit alcohol to no more than 15 drinks per week, with no more than 3 drinks a day most days 

Alcohol is sometimes consumed as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or depression. While it may provide a sense of relief in the short term, it can negatively affect your mental health in the long run. Increased alcohol consumption leads to greater tolerance, which means that over time it takes more alcohol to achieve the same effect. And alcohol is a depressant, which means that increased use tends to make anxiety and depression worse over time.  

This program is for individuals looking to change their relationship with alcohol. This includes individuals who regularly consume alcohol above the amounts recommended by Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines. This program is not for individuals for whom  alcohol use interferes with daily activities or who have a physical dependence on alcohol, which would require the support of a physician or other medical expert. 

You get your own therapist, who will be dedicated to you throughout your care, and who will tailor your program from start to finish. MindBeacon therapists are registered mental health professionals who are experienced in providing CBT treatment online.  

Your therapist will tailor a course of therapy based on your unique needs, selecting readings and activities that will help you develop new skills. As you work through the activities, your therapist will review your progress, provide encouragement and advice, as well as new perspectives to consider. You interact with your therapist via secure messaging through the MindBeacon digital therapy platform, and they will always respond within two business days.  

Changing your relationship with alcohol can take time and hard work. For many, particularly during the first year of reducing alcohol consumption, challenges can arise that lead to a lapse (temporary setback) or a relapse (full return to previous drinking patterns). In either case, it is important to recognize triggers, cope with the emotional impact, and plan to get back on track. The skills taught in MindBeacon’s Managing Alcohol Use program can be used in cases of lapses and relapse.