The Impact of Alcohol on Mental Health
Most of us have had the odd drink (or two) with friends, to celebrate something special or had a drink whilst at an event. Drinking alcohol in Australia is regularly seen as the ‘norm’ – but is it affecting your mental health?
Alcohol and mental health are closely linked, and drinking too much can have a significant impact on your wellbeing. Some people may turn to alcohol to try and relieve symptoms of mental ill-health, but this often exacerbates the issues. Understanding the intricate relationship between alcohol and mental health is essential for making informed choices about drinking habits and seeking appropriate help when necessary.
Reasons People Drink
People drink for a variety of reasons: to celebrate, socialise, commiserate, or ‘drown their sorrows’. Some pick up a glass of wine after work to ‘wind-down’ and it becomes habitual. Alcohol is often used to alter mood, helping individuals feel more relaxed, courageous, or confident.
However, any positive effects of alcohol are only temporary. As the alcohol wears off, withdrawal symptoms can negatively affect both the brain and body, often making individuals feel worse. Known as a ‘hangover’ this can make people feel nauseous, drowsy, foggy and tired.
Alcohol as a Coping Mechanism
For some people, alcohol becomes a coping mechanism – a way to deal with depression, stress, anxiety, or other difficult feelings. There may be apprehension about what life would be like without alcohol, but relying on it for mental wellbeing can create additional problems. It’s important to recognise that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a step towards a healthier relationship with alcohol.
How Alcohol Affects Your Brain
Alcohol is a depressant, disrupting the balance of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain, which affects feelings, thoughts, and behaviours. It impacts the part of the brain that controls inhibition, causing temporary relaxation and increased confidence.
However, these effects are short-lived. As the brain processes alcohol, negative feelings such as anger, depression, or anxiety can arise. Long-term alcohol use depletes neurotransmitters necessary for positive mental health, potentially leading to dependence as individuals drink more to relieve these feelings.
How Alcohol Affects Your Body
In the short term, excessive drinking can lead to alcohol poisoning, sleep problems, stomach issues, bloating, and migraines. It may also result in reckless or aggressive behaviour, accidents, or becoming a victim of violence. Long-term alcohol misuse increases the risk of serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, liver disease, and cancer. Social issues such as relationship break-ups, unemployment, financial difficulties, and homelessness often accompany chronic alcohol abuse, further impacting mental health.
The Link Between Alcohol and Mental Ill Health
People who drink alcohol are more likely to develop mental health problems, and those with severe mental ill health are more likely to use alcohol to self-medicate, leading to a cycle of dependence and worsening mental health.
Many people who stop drinking often report feeling better in a few weeks, indicating that alcohol may be linked to anxiety and depression symptoms. It’s advised to avoid alcohol if taking antidepressants, as it can worsen depression and increase medication side effects. Alcohol may temporarily relax those with anxiety, but this effect quickly fades. Using alcohol to manage anxiety can lead to increased drinking and dependence. Heard of ‘hanxiety?’ Hangovers can worsen anxiety, creating a cycle of drinking and anxiety.
Alcohol lowers inhibitions, increasing impulsive behaviours such as self-harm or suicide attempts. Heavy drinking is linked to suicidal thoughts and behaviours. If experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings, it’s crucial to seek immediate help.
Signs Alcohol Could Be Affecting Your Mental Health
The signs that alcohol could be affecting your mental health include:
- Often feeling down or having a low mood
- Problems sleeping
- Feeling tired and hungover regularly
- Feeling worried and anxious in places and with people that you wouldn’t normally
- Feeling guilt or remorse after drinking
- Lack of energy and motivation to do everyday things
- Withdrawal from friends and activities
- Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
If you’re worried about your alcohol use or feel it’s affecting your mental health, it’s important to talk with a doctor or health professional. They can provide support, resources, and possible referrals to local support groups or therapists.
Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Adopting healthier coping mechanisms can help manage stress and mental health without relying on alcohol. Some effective coping strategies include:
- Talk to a professional: Seeking guidance from mental health professionals.
- Reach out to friends or family: Sharing concerns with trusted individuals.
- Exercise and stay active: Regular physical activity to improve mood and reduce stress.
- Practice mindfulness: Engaging in mindfulness and meditation for relaxation.
- Eat healthily: Improving diet to support overall well-being.
- Allow downtime: Taking time to relax and enjoy hobbies.
- Socialise: Maintaining social connections for emotional support.
Conclusion
Whilst alcohol can play a social and celebratory role in your life, it’s important to understand the effects that too much alcohol can have on your mental health.
Recognise if you are using alcohol as a coping mechanism. Talk to your friends about it – maybe try a month without alcohol to give your body a break. How does the break make you feel? Could you take a break more often? Your mental health will thank for you for it (and so will your wallet).
If you need help with alcohol or mental ill health, reaching out to a healthcare professional is a critical step towards recovery.
The information provided in this document is general in nature and is intended to be used for information purposes only. While we have tried to ensure the accuracy of the information published, no guarantee can be given that the information is free from error or omission or that it is accurate, current or complete.
The information published is not, and should not be relied on as, health or treatment advice. The diagnosis and treatment of any mental illness requires the attention of a physician or other properly qualified mental health professional. If you are seeking diagnosis or treatment of any other mental illness, you should consult a physician or mental health professional. You should not delay in seeking, or disregard, professional health advice because of something you have read in this document.
