Alcohol and Mental Health: Understanding the Connection

Alcohol is deeply embedded in many social cultures. Whether it’s a glass of wine with dinner or a celebratory drink with friends, it’s often seen as a way to relax or have fun. However, while moderate drinking may seem harmless to some, the relationship between alcohol, the physical health and mental health is complex and, at times, deeply problematic.

The Impact of Alcohol on the Brain

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, meaning it slows down brain activity. In small amounts, it can initially create feelings of euphoria or relaxation by increasing the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). However, this short-term ‘feel-good’ effect is followed by a rebound of increased anxiety and low mood as the alcohol wears off. You can learn more about alcohol here

Heavy or frequent drinking can alter brain chemistry over time, leading to imbalances in serotonin and dopamine, two neurotransmitters heavily involved in mood regulation. This can increase the risk of developing or exacerbating mental health issues such as:

Depression
Anxiety disorders
Sleep disturbances
Irritability and mood swings

Alcohol and Depression: A Vicious Cycle

Depression and alcohol misuse are strongly linked. People struggling with low mood may turn to alcohol to cope or numb emotional pain, but alcohol is a depressant, which can deepen feelings of sadness or hopelessness. This creates a feedback loop where alcohol worsens mental health, which in turn may lead to more drinking.

According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, people with depression are twice as likely to have problems with alcohol, and those who misuse alcohol are more likely to develop depression.

Alcohol and Anxiety

Many people drink to feel more confident in social situations or to relieve stress. Initially, alcohol may reduce inhibition and ease anxious thoughts. But over time, it can actually worsen anxiety, especially as the body becomes dependent on alcohol to feel calm.

Alcohol-induced anxiety is particularly common the day after drinking (sometimes referred to as ‘hangxiety’), where symptoms of worry, guilt, and panic emerge as the alcohol wears off and brain chemistry shifts.

The Risk of Alcohol Dependency

Regular, heavy drinking can lead to alcohol dependence. This condition affects both physical health and mental wellbeing. Dependence can:

Cause withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and even hallucinations
Lead to poor decision-making, relationship problems, and job loss
Increase the risk of self-harm or suicide, especially in those already struggling with mental illness

Alcohol and Psychiatric Conditions

For individuals with diagnosed mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, PTSD, or schizophrenia, alcohol can interfere with medications and worsen symptoms. It may also impair judgement, increase impulsivity, and raise the likelihood of risky behaviour.

Recognising When Alcohol Is a Problem

Some signs that alcohol is negatively impacting your mental health include:

Using alcohol to cope with stress or emotions
Feeling anxious, depressed, or irritable after drinking
Experiencing memory blackouts or sleep problems
Neglecting responsibilities due to drinking
Struggling to cut down or stop

If any of these sound familiar, it may be time to reassess your relationship with alcohol.

Taking Steps Towards Change

Improving mental health often starts with reducing or eliminating alcohol. Even a short break, such as Dry January or Sober October, can provide insight into how alcohol affects mood, energy, and clarity of thought. Support is available through:

GPs or mental health professionals: for diagnosis and treatment plans
Therapy or counselling: especially cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Support groups: like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or SMART Recovery
Apps and digital tools: to track drinking and build healthier habits