Alcohol is a common factor in social gatherings and celebrations. While moderate drinking may seem harmless to the casual observer, the impact of alcohol on mental health can be overwhelming.

How Does Alcohol Affect Your Mental Health?

Let’s take a look at how alcohol affects your mental well-being in simplified terms.

·       Alcohol and Brain Chemistry

Alcohol directly affects the chemicals in your brain, such as those that may affect your mood and behavior. It depresses the action of the central nervous system, inducing relaxation. Long-term use of alcohol can change the balance of some neurotransmitters, which may affect regulating your mood, such as serotonin and dopamine. This could contribute to mood swings, anxiety, and depression.

·       Short-Term Mental Health Effects

The immediate effects of alcohol may be a feeling of increased confidence and/or a decrease in stress. However, the substance also has the ability to impair judgment, lower inhibitions, and even cause memory lapses. Too much drinking can result in blackouts, confusion, and difficulties in concentrating. Though these short-term effects seem temporary, they will have long-lasting results when drinking becomes habitual.

·       Long-Term Mental Health Impact

Prolonged dependence on alcohol increases the chances of disorders in mental health. Anxiety, depression, and even suicidal tendencies are related to heavy drinking. Alcohol dependence leads to these conditions and creates a vicious circle where one drinks for not feeling bad while alcohol is a contributor to mental distress.

·       Alcohol and Anxiety

Most people resort to alcohol as a way of dealing with stress and anxiety. The truth is that alcohol will only temporarily relieve one from stress and anxiety. Anxiety worsens when the effects of alcohol wear off. With time, one may develop a condition called alcohol-induced anxiety, whereby one feels anxious even when they are not drinking.

·       Alcohol and Depression

Alcohol is a depressant, and though at times it may temporarily alleviate problems, in the long run it can contribute to feelings of sadness. Severe drinking may affect the brain’s ability to process emotions properly and could lead to major depression over time.

Conclusion

Alcohol has a great effect on the mind. While it may not be harmful to drink occasionally, regular consumption or heavy drinking can cause anxiety and depression, among other mental health disorders. Being in control of how much you drink will help keep your mind healthy.

Dr. Rahul Mathur
Consultant Neuropsychiatris