Alcohol and mental health are closely related. Research shows people who drink alcohol excessively are more likely to develop mental health problems. Also people with mental ill-health are more likely to have alcohol problems. Sometimes it can be difficult to separate cause and effect but it is clear that alcohol affects chemicals in the body responsible for regulating mood.
While the effects of alcohol can sometimes have a short term positive influence on our mood, the effect is only temporary. As alcohol wears off, people often feel worse because of how alcohol withdrawal affects our brain and body. In the long term it can cause problems for mental health. Drinking alcohol is linked to a range of mental health issues from depression, anxiety, and memory loss, to suicide.
Regular, heavy drinking interferes with chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters) that are vital for good mental health. The brain relies on a delicate balance of chemicals and processes. Alcohol is a depressant drug, and therefore can disrupt this balance, affecting thoughts, feelings and behaviour, sometimes contributing to long-term mental health problems.
Alcohol suppresses the part of the brain that is associated with inhibition, so after couple of drinks we may feel relaxed, less anxious and more confident. For someone going through difficult feelings, alcohol may temporarily numb them. These effects are temporary and quickly wear off. As we drink more, the impact on the brain function increases. The chemical changes in the brain can soon produce more negative feelings such as anger, depression or anxiety – regardless of the mood we are in – leading to negative impact on mental health.
Alcohol also slows down how your brain processes information, making it harder to work out what you’re really feeling and the possible consequences of your actions.
In the long-term, alcohol uses up and reduces the amount of neurotransmitters in our brains, but we need a certain level to ward off anxiety and depression. This can make you want to drink more to relieve these difficult feelings – which can start a cycle of dependence.
Alcohol & depression – a vicious cycle
Regular excessive drinking is associated with depression, alcohol affects several neurotransmitters important in regulating our mood. Research shows that reducing or stopping drinking can improve symptoms of depression within the first few weeks. It is not recommended to drink when taking antidepressants. Alcohol can make depression worse and increase the side-effects of some antidepressant medication. Some anti-depressants can increase the risk of relapse to heavy drinking in people trying to reduce or abstain from consumption of alcohol, therefore antidepressants should be only taken with great caution and only when prescribed.
Alcohol and anxiety 
People with anxiety can experience a very short-lived feeling of relaxation after drinking alcohol – but this quickly wears off. Relying on alcohol to help with anxiety may lead to excessive drinking and alcohol dependence. Hangovers also make anxiety worse, plus you may experience a nagging worry that you did or said something you shouldn’t have or you may feel angry or disappointed in yourself for drinking too much.
If you use alcohol to reduce anxiety, try and explore other methods of relaxation, such as meditation, yoga, exercise or making time for things/activities you enjoy.
Alcohol and psychosis
It is possible for alcohol to cause psychosis, which is a severe mental illness where hallucinations and delusions can occur. Psychoses can be triggered by both acute alcohol intoxication as well as abrupt alcohol withdrawal.
Alcohol, suicide and self-harm
Alcohol affects inhibition and leads to impulsive behaviour, which can result in actions that otherwise would not have happened, such as self-harm or suicide. Heavy drinking is associated with suicidal thoughts and attempts.
Getting help
Please visit our page on where to get support. 
If you are suffering with mental health problems and alcohol or drug dependence, please see our page on dual diagnosis for more information.
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Disclaimer – Please note we are 3rd year pharmacy students. We are not qualified to provide medical advice. This blog is for information only. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice.