A recent video on the YouTube channel 'It's Because I'm Geu-ru' features actress Han Geu-ru candidly sharing her difficult experiences following her divorce. In the video, Han Geu-ru engages in a heartfelt conversation with her friends, actresses Kyung Soo-jin and Han Chae-ah, reflecting on her past.

The Period of Relying on Alcohol After Divorce

Han Geu-ru recalled her past reliance on alcohol after her divorce, beginning her story with the title, "The First Time in My Life I Relied on Alcohol." Han Chae-ah shared how difficult that period was, confessing, "I drank every night after putting the kids to bed." She revealed the pain of those times, saying, "I couldn't sleep, so I drank a bottle of soju, and when I got drunk, I just slept."

Hearing this, Kyung Soo-jin reacted, "It seems like that was the hardest time for you." Han Chae-ah, tearing up at Han Geu-ru's story, said, "It wasn't a failure, but it was part of the journey you were walking." Han Geu-ru conveyed her current recovered state through the subtitle, "I'm okay now. It's all in the past."

The Dangers of Alcohol and Mental Health

Many people tend to turn to alcohol when experiencing severe stress. It's common to feel relaxed and better after drinking. However, these effects are temporary, and repeated drinking can place a significant burden on both physical and mental health. When alcohol enters the body, it increases the activity of GABA, which regulates the stress response, leading to dopamine release. But in the long run, this can worsen feelings of depression and stress.

The Risks of Alcohol Dependence

If the habit of drinking daily continues, it can develop into alcohol dependence. This is a state where one's ability to control drinking diminishes. Even if the amount consumed is small, if alcohol is sought every time stress arises, the brain learns this pattern, and eventually, the urge to drink becomes uncontrollable. Therefore, managing the frequency and amount of alcohol consumption is crucial.

• It's advisable to limit drinking occasions to less than three times a week.
• It's recommended for men to limit intake to less than half a bottle of soju and for women to less than a quarter bottle.

Exercise and Meditation as Alternatives

Instead of alcohol, it's beneficial to develop habits of relieving stress through other methods like exercise or meditation. Exercise, in particular, is effective for stress relief. Physical activity releases endorphins, which enhance mood, and reduces the secretion of the stress hormone cortisol, leading to psychological stability.

Han Geu-ru's story, her journey of overcoming her past reliance on alcohol after a difficult period following her divorce, can offer hope to many. We hope this serves as an opportunity to reflect once again on how important it is to find healthy ways to manage stress during challenging times.