When stress and anxiety get out of control, millions of people have tendencies to turn to substances like alcohol, marijuana, nicotine, and other toxic substances to find mental relief.
While effective, these tactics are highly addictive, impair cognitive function, are not always socially acceptable, and often destroy our functional health. It is imperative there be an effective substance-free tool for stress and anxiety recovery.
This article aims to explain the differences between using substances for stress and anxiety relief vs. using VeRelief for the same purposes, and what type of people would most benefit from VeRelief.
Alcohol
Alcohol can provide temporary relief from stress by affecting the brain's neurotransmitters, which are responsible for regulating mood and emotions. When you drink alcohol, it activates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that can produce pleasurable sensations and feelings of relaxation.
Additionally, alcohol can also affect the brain's inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which can slow down the central nervous system, inducing a calming effect.
However, it's important to note that while alcohol can provide temporary stress relief, it is not a healthy coping mechanism and can lead to a range of negative physical and mental health consequences in the long run. Overuse of alcohol can also lead to addiction, which can worsen stress and anxiety over time.
Marijuana
Marijuana can help with stress relief due to the active chemical compounds found in the plant, known as cannabinoids. The two primary cannabinoids found in marijuana are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC can produce a psychoactive effect by binding to the brain's cannabinoid receptors, which can induce feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and stress relief. THC can also enhance the release of dopamine, which can lead to pleasurable sensations and mood improvement.
However, it's essential to note that marijuana can have adverse effects on mental health and cognition, and long-term use can lead to addiction, other health problems, and even exacerbation of anxiety symptoms.
Nicotine
Nicotine is a stimulant that can provide temporary stress relief by increasing the levels of dopamine and adrenaline in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is associated with feelings of pleasure and reward, while adrenaline is a hormone that is released during times of stress or excitement.
When you smoke or use nicotine, it can activate the release of dopamine, which can produce a temporary sense of pleasure and relaxation. Nicotine can also increase the levels of adrenaline in the body, which can induce a "fight or flight" response and temporarily reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
However, it's important to note that while nicotine can provide temporary stress relief, it is not a healthy coping mechanism and can lead to a range of negative physical and mental health consequences in the long run. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance, and regular use can lead to addiction, which can worsen stress and anxiety over time. Additionally, smoking or using nicotine can increase the risk of various health problems, including heart disease, lung disease, and cancer.
VeRelief Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation
VeRelief has similar effects on the brain as the methods listed above, but has no side effects, no risk of dependence, and has no cognitive impairment.
Studies have demonstrated that stimulating the auricular branch of the vagus nerve increases GABA, dopamine, and serotonin levels in the brain, resulting in a potent calming effect. It also helps the body shift out of a sympathetic state and into a parasympathetic state, causing a reduction heart rate (but not bradycardia) and increase in heart rate variability.
Unlike the methods described above, the VeRelief device can comfortably be used in any social environment or while on the go with no social repercussions. When one is experiencing travel anxiety, one cannot simply light up a joint, take a shot of liquor, or smoke a cigarette without causing a social disturbance.
Cost
One often overlooked and underestimated factor when it comes to using substances for stress and anxiety relief is cost. Those who are dependent on substances can spend over $100 per month on these substances, which adds up to $1,200 per year. Consistent use with VeRelief has an average cost of $200 per year. While it has a higher up-front cost, the annual cost can be 6x cheaper than the alternatives.
If you live a fast-paced and high-stress lifestyle and don’t want to deal with cognitive impairment, negative social repercussions, risk or dependence, and increased risk of physical health issues, VeRelief is an excellent option to consider. It offers a powerful calming sensation that substance users are looking for, but without any of the negative side effects.