Alcohol and Your Brain: What FIFO Workers Need to Know.
FIFO life can be tough—long shifts, isolation, and the urge to switch off with a drink. But is alcohol actually helping, or making things harder? In this blog, we dive into how alcohol affects your brain, mood, and relationships, and what you can do instead to manage stress in a way that works for you. If drinking has become your go-to after every shift, it might be time to rethink the habit. Read more for practical strategies and support from Steady Seas Counselling.
The Post-Shift Ritual: Is Alcohol Helping or Hurting?
"What a day. I need a drink." "I just need to switch off and escape for a bit. Beer time."
Sound familiar? If you work FIFO, you’ve probably had these thoughts after knocking off. Long shifts, mental exhaustion, missing home, it can be a lot. That first drink feels like a well-earned reward. And yeah, it works… for a bit.
But here’s the thing: while alcohol helps take the edge off in the short term, it can also stir up emotions and make stress feel even bigger. So, if drinking has become your go-to after every shift, it’s worth thinking about how it’s affecting you.
Why Do You Drink?
I’m not here to lecture you about drinking. I’m here to help you figure out why you’re drinking and what it’s doing for you.
Are you drinking to celebrate and unwind? Or are you using it to escape feeling stressed, lonely, or frustrated? Your reason matters because alcohol plays tricks on your brain, and not always in the way you think.
What Happens in Your Brain When You Drink?
Alcohol changes brain chemistry in a couple of key ways:
1. The Dopamine Hit 💕 Feels Good, Fades Fast
Alcohol spikes dopamine, the brain’s pleasure chemical. This is the "Ahh, that’s better" feeling, kind of like when you smash a burger after a long shift or hear your favourite song come on. Your brain remembers that feeling, so next time you’re stressed, it nudges you: "Hey, remember that drink? Let’s do that again."
But here’s the catch: this high is short-lived. Once the dopamine drops, your brain craves that buzz again, leading to more drinking. Over time, alcohol starts feeling less like a treat and more like something you need to feel normal.
2. Brain Fog 🧠 Twisting Your Perspective
Alcohol also messes with neurons, which are the brain’s messengers that help you process what’s going on around you. This slowdown is why alcohol makes you feel relaxed at first, but it also amplifies whatever mood you’re in.
If you’ve had a solid day and are celebrating with mates, alcohol can make the good vibes stronger. But if you’re feeling frustrated or lonely? It magnifies those feelings, too. What started as a way to take the edge off can leave you stewing in stress, self-doubt, or anger.
When Alcohol Starts Taking More Than It Gives.
FIFO life is no joke; It can include long swings, missing birthdays, and constant readjusting between site and home. If alcohol is your main way to handle the pressure, it might be time to check in with yourself.
Ask yourself:
Am I struggling to sleep, waking up a lot or lying awake for hours?
Do I feel exhausted all the time, even on days off?
Is my mood lower than usual, or do I feel more irritable?
Do I feel more anxious in social situations than I used to be comfortable in?
Am I thinking about drinking even when I’m not on site?
Are my mates or family hinting that I drink too much?
If a few of these sound familiar, it might be worth taking a step back and reassessing your relationship with alcohol.
What Can You Do Instead?
If drinking has become your go-to, try swapping it out now and then with something that genuinely helps you recharge:
Move your body: Go for a walk, hit the gym, or do something active to clear your head.
Stay connected: Call a mate, FaceTime family, or catch up with someone who actually listens.
Switch off differently: Watch a comedy, get into a good podcast, or pick up a hobby that doesn’t leave you with a hangover.
Prioritise sleep: A solid night’s rest is underrated—it can do more for your stress levels than a six-pack ever will.
When to Reach Out
If you’re starting to feel like alcohol is running the show, talking to someone can make a world of difference. Whether it’s through your EAP or someone who actually gets FIFO life, getting support isn’t about quitting cold turkey; it’s about figuring out what works for you.
At Steady Seas Counselling, I help FIFO workers who want to cut back, take a break, or change their drinking habits without judgment. If you’re curious about what that could look like for you, let’s chat.
Look After Yourself. For You and the People Who Matter
Your health, your energy, your relationships, they all take a hit when drinking becomes the main way you switch off. You might feel fine now, but over time, alcohol can mess with your sleep, your mood, and how you show up for the people who matter most.
Taking a step back from drinking isn’t about missing out, it’s about making sure you’re at your best, for yourself and those who rely on you.
If you’re ready to make a change, I’m here to help. Book a session at Steady Seas Counselling, and let’s figure out a plan that works for your life.