Alcohol and Mental Health

Some people believe that they cannot relax or be social without alcohol in their system. While it can increase our confidence and peace of mind, using alcohol regularly can negatively impact our mental health, both in the short and long term.

The first two drinks may leave you feeling more at ease, but this doesn’t last long. Alcohol interferes with the chemical processes in our brain that are vital for our mental health.

As you drink over time, the immediate relief lessens. Hangovers get worse, with depression and anxiety supplementing the typical headache and nausea. Eventually, depression and anxiety become the norm when you’re sober and alcohol becomes the only way to escape that norm.

Depression is one of the most common mental health issues facing this country. Depression and heavy drinking often go hand-in-hand; having one condition increases a person’s chances of developing the other.

Hence, monitoring your drinking is a way of keeping your mental health in check, lowering your risk of becoming depressed. If you or anyone you know is feeling depressed, cutting down on alcohol may help manage symptoms.

Further Information

Find out more about alcohol dependence at: https://codurhamrecovery.co.uk/advice/alcohol-dependence/

Learn more about alcohol units, and how to calculate how to stay in your limit at https://codurhamrecovery.co.uk/advice/understanding-alcohol-units/

Find out more about DrinkCoach, and how it can help you to learn more about your own drinking, and how you can make changes: https://codurhamrecovery.co.uk/advice/drinkcoach/

Worried about your drinking? We’re here for you.

Call us on 03000 266 666, email cddars.adult@waythrough.org.uk, or make an online referral through our secure form.