Alcohol and Mental Health: How Alcohol Affects Your Mental Health?

Introduction: Alcohol and Mental Health

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterised by problematic alcohol consumption that leads to significant distress or impairment. It affects a substantial portion of the global population, with widespread implications for mental health. The research indicates a strong correlation between alcohol consumption and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and interpersonal challenges. 

Alcohol and Mental Health Statistics

In India, alcohol consumption affects about 14.6% of the population, with 2.6% experiencing alcohol use disorder (AUD). In the US, 85.6% of adults consume alcohol, and 5.8% suffer from AUD.

Globally, alcohol use contributes to 3 million deaths annually, accounting for 5.1% of the global burden of disease. According to a 2024 report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 37% of people who abuse alcohol also have at least one serious mental illness, such as depression or anxiety.

WHO’s 2024 report states, around 2.6 million deaths worldwide were caused by alcohol consumption in 2019. Of these, 1.6 million deaths were from noncommunicable diseases, 700,000 deaths from injuries, and 300,000 deaths from infectious diseases. In 2019, alcohol-attributable mortality was heaviest among men, accounting for 2 million deaths compared to 600,000 deaths among women. 

An estimated 400 million people, or 7% of the world’s population aged 15 years and older, live with alcohol use disorders (AUD). Of this, 209 million people (3.7% of the adult world population) lived with alcohol dependence.

Alcohol is an established carcinogen and is associated with risks of developing non-communicable diseases: liver diseases, heart diseases, and various forms of cancer, as well as mental health and behavioural conditions: depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorders.

Why Do We Drink Alcohol? 

Many people drink alcohol as a personal preference, during social activities, or as a part of cultural and religious practices. People who choose not to drink make that choice for the same reasons. Knowing your risk based on your habits can help you make the best decision.

People drink alcohol for various reasons, including socialising, celebrating, and relaxing with others. It can reduce stress, provide short-term relaxation, and make individuals feel more mature.

Teens often experiment with alcohol out of curiosity. While some use it to relieve symptoms of mental health concerns like depression and anxiety, this can lead to a cycle of dependence. Alcohol is also used to mark significant life events, from birth to death, and peer pressure can influence drinking behaviour at any age.

Mental Health Symptoms Caused by Excessive Drinking

Excessive drinking is detrimental to mental health as the chemical changes in your brain can soon lead to increased negative feelings of anger, depression, or anxiety, irrespective of your mood. Alcohol also slows down how your brain processes information, making it harder to determine what you're feeling and the possible consequences of your actions. According to the DSM-5, individuals consuming alcohol for the past year may display symptoms ranging from mild to severe alcohol use disorder (AUD). 

Based on the DSM-5’s criteria, ask yourself the following 11 questions to determine if you may be struggling with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD): 

1. Have times when you ended up drinking more, or longer than you intended?

2. More than once wanted to cut down or stop drinking, or tried to, but couldn’t?

3. Have you spent a lot of time drinking? Or being sick or getting over other aftereffects?

4. Wanted a drink so badly you couldn’t think of anything else?

5. Found that drinking—or being sick from drinking—often interfered with taking care of your home or family? Or caused job troubles? Or school problems?

6. Continued to drink even though it was causing trouble with your family or friends

7. Have you given up or cut back on activities that were important or interesting to you, or gave you pleasure, to drink?

8. Have you more than once, gotten into situations while or after drinking that increased your chances of getting hurt (such as driving, swimming, using machinery, walking in a dangerous area, or having unsafe sex)?

9. Continued to drink even though it was making you feel depressed or anxious or adding to another health problem? Or after having had a memory blackout?

10. Had to drink much more than you once did to get the effect you want? Or did you find that your usual number of drinks had much less effect than before?

11. Found that when the effects of alcohol were wearing off, you had withdrawal symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, restlessness, nausea, sweating, a racing heart, or a seizure, or sensed things that were off.

If you have answered yes to at least two of the questions, it is likely that you are struggling with your mental health and are drinking excessively. Consider contacting a healthcare provider to get the support you deserve and understand treatment options. 

The Impact of Alcohol on Mental Health

Research indicates people who drink alcohol are more likely to develop mental health concerns. Those with existing mental health problems experience worsening symptoms. 

How Alcohol Affects Your Body?

In the short term, excessive drinking can cause alcohol poisoning, sleep problems, an upset stomach, bloating, and migraines, and may lead to reckless or aggressive behaviour, accidents, or violence. Long-term alcohol misuse raises the risk of serious health conditions like heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, liver disease, and cancer. 

How Alcohol Affects Your Brain?

Is Alcohol a Depressant?

Alcohol is a depressant that disrupts the balance of neurotransmitters in your brain, affecting your feelings, thoughts, and behaviour. Initially, alcohol lowers inhibition, making you feel relaxed, less anxious, and more confident, but these effects are short-lived.

The resulting chemical changes can lead to negative emotions like anger, depression, or anxiety. Alcohol also slows brain processing, impairing your ability to understand your true feelings and the consequences of your actions.

Long-term, alcohol depletes neurotransmitters needed to prevent anxiety and depression, potentially leading to a cycle of dependence as you drink more to alleviate these feelings.

How Alcohol Worsens Other Mental Health Conditions?

Excess alcohol consumption leads to a decline in physical and mental health, poorer life quality, and social problems such as relationship issues, break-ups, unemployment, financial difficulties, and homelessness along with debt and housing issues, which can significantly increase the risk of mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.

1. Alcohol and Depression: Can alcohol cause depression?

Regular heavy drinking is linked to symptoms of depression. People with depression often feel better within a few weeks of stopping drinking, indicating alcohol may be the cause. If symptoms persist, consult your GP. Drinking while on antidepressants is not recommended, as alcohol can worsen depression and amplify side effects. Some antidepressants may increase the risk of relapse when trying to reduce or quit drinking.

Does Depression After Quitting Drinking?

2. Alcohol and Anxiety: Can alcohol cause anxiety?

Alcohol can provide brief relaxation for those with anxiety, but this effect quickly fades. Relying on alcohol to manage stress can lead to increased consumption and eventual dependence. Additionally, hangovers can worsen anxiety. Instead of using alcohol to unwind, consider alternatives like meditation, yoga, exercise, or engaging in activities you enjoy.

3. Alcohol and Psychosis

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to psychosis, characterised by hallucinations and delusions, impairing one's ability to distinguish reality. Chronic alcohol abuse can cause alcohol-induced psychotic disorder, exacerbating symptoms like paranoia and disorganised thinking. Early intervention and treatment are crucial to manage and reduce the impact of alcohol-related psychosis.

4. Alcohol and Relationships

Alcohol significantly impacts relationships by numbing emotions, making people more emotional, influencing anger, and affecting self-esteem. It depresses the central nervous system, dulling emotional responses and making it difficult to process feelings. Initially lowering inhibitions, alcohol can lead to heightened emotions such as sadness, anger, or anxiety as its effects wear off. It impairs judgment and reduces self-control, making individuals more prone to anger and aggressive behaviour. Additionally, while alcohol might temporarily boost confidence, its misuse can lead to poor decisions and relationship problems, further damaging self-esteem and creating a cycle of dependence and emotional instability.

5. Alcohol and Stress

Alcohol may initially reduce stress by creating a temporary sense of relaxation, but this effect is short-lived and can lead to increased anxiety and stress in the long run. Chronic alcohol use disrupts the balance of stress hormones, exacerbating stress levels. Relying on alcohol to manage stress can create a harmful cycle of dependence and heightened stress.

6. Alcohol, Self-Harm, and Suicidal Thoughts

Alcohol can exacerbate self-harm and suicidal thoughts by impairing judgment and intensifying feelings of hopelessness and depression. It lowers inhibitions, making individuals more likely to act on harmful impulses. Chronic alcohol abuse is strongly linked to an increased risk of suicidal behaviour and self-harm.

Coping Skills and Seeking Help

10 Coping Skills to Help Yourself or Someone with Alcoholism and Mental Illness

1. Seek Professional Help: Consult a mental health professional for comprehensive treatment plans, including therapy and medication.
2. Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who encourage sobriety and mental wellness.
3. Create a Structured Routine: Establish a daily schedule with healthy activities like exercise, hobbies, and regular meals to provide stability.
4. Join Support Groups: Participate in groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or mental health support meetings for shared experiences and encouragement.
5. Practice Stress-Relief Techniques: Engage in meditation, yoga, and deep-breathing exercises to manage stress and anxiety.
6. Avoid Triggers: Identify and avoid situations or environments that prompt alcohol use or exacerbate mental health issues.
7. Stay Educated: Learn about the relationship between mental health and alcoholism to better understand and manage your condition.
8. Set Realistic Goals: Break down recovery into manageable steps and celebrate small victories to stay motivated.
9. Encourage Open Communication: Maintain an honest and open dialogue with loved ones about struggles and progress.
10. Prioritise Self-Care: Focus on maintaining physical health through proper sleep, nutrition, and regular exercise.

Seeking Professional Help

Seeking professional treatment is crucial for effectively managing both alcohol abuse and mental health conditions. Professional help ensures a comprehensive approach, addressing the underlying causes and providing evidence-based interventions. It can significantly improve the chances of recovery and long-term well-being.

Importance of Professional Treatment

• Integrated Care: Professionals offer integrated care that addresses mental health and substance abuse, ensuring all aspects of the individual's health are treated.
• Personalised Treatment Plans: Treatment is tailored to the specific needs of the individual, considering their unique circumstances and health status.
• Support and Monitoring: Continuous support and monitoring by healthcare professionals help manage symptoms, prevent relapse, and adjust treatment as needed.
• Access to Medications: Professionals can prescribe and manage medications that help reduce cravings and manage mental health symptoms.

Available Resources and Treatment Options in India

1. Hospitals and Rehabilitation Centers
   • NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences), Bangalore: A leading centre for mental health and neurological disorders offering comprehensive treatment.
   • AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences), New Delhi: Provides specialised care for substance abuse and mental health issues.
   • The Hope Trust, Hyderabad: Known for its rehabilitation programs for addiction and co-occurring mental disorders.
   • Tulasi Healthcare, New Delhi: Offers detoxification, rehabilitation, and psychiatric care.
2. Outpatient Services
   • CADABAMS Hospitals, Bangalore: Provides outpatient mental health and addiction treatment.
   • VIMHANS (Vidya Sagar Institute of Mental Health, Neuro & Allied Sciences), New Delhi: Offers outpatient consultation and treatment for various psychiatric conditions.
3. Support Groups and Helplines
   • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) India: A fellowship offering support and guidance for individuals struggling with alcoholism.
   • Nasha Mukti Kendras: Various government and NGO-run centres offering de-addiction services.
   • iCALL: A mental health helpline offering free telephonic counselling and information services (022-25521111).
4. Online Resources
   • 1mg, Practo, and Lybrate: Platforms for finding and consulting with mental health professionals and addiction specialists online.

Conclusion

Alcohol consumption has profound negative effects on mental health, leading to issues such as depression, anxiety, anger, psychosis, and low self-esteem. It disrupts neurotransmitter balance, impairs judgment, and can lead to emotional dependence. The interplay between alcohol abuse and mental health disorders exacerbates both conditions, creating a harmful cycle that impacts personal relationships and overall well-being. Seeking professional treatment is crucial for addressing these challenges effectively. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse or mental health issues, reach out for professional help to start the journey towards recovery and improved mental health.

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