Alcohol and Mental Health: How Alcohol Effects Anxiety and Depression

Thrive • January 24, 2025

You’ve probably heard of “Dry January” or are even participating yourself. More and more people seem to be experimenting with or embracing sobriety from alcohol, but what benefits are there from abstaining? In this article, we’ll explore alcohol’s effects on mental health, the symptoms of alcohol use disorder (AUD), and the benefits of cutting back on drinking.

Alcohol's Effects on Mental Health

Commonly consumed as a way to relax after a long day or to lighten up in social interactions, alcohol is a widely used and culturally accepted drug despite warnings of its dangers by health experts . When a person regularly drinks, it can result in a slew of complications for their physical and mental health. Although often consumed in an attempt to escape stress, sadness, or other unpleasant emotions, alcohol itself is a depressant that can contribute to negative feelings and exacerbate existing mental health conditions, especially with prolonged use.

Alcohol influences thoughts, mood, and behaviors by impacting the central nervous system in a way that slows the communication between the brain and the body. Without the ability to process information effectively, the brain isn't able to regulate emotions and consider consequences effectively which may promote unhealthy behaviors, including drinking to excess.

Ways that alcohol can affect cognitive functioning include:

Lowering inhibitions
Contributing to poor judgment
Causing confusion
Causing lapses in memory
Disrupting sleep
Contributing to shifts in mood

Alcohol and Mental Disorders

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, 37% of people with alcohol use disorders also have at least one serious mental illness. Furthermore, alcohol abuse commonly occurs alongside depression and anxiety. Research has shown that those with major depressive disorder and those with generalized anxiety disorder were more likely to report life‐time moderate to severe alcohol use disorder than those without these conditions. Frequently, individuals struggling with depression or anxiety self-medicate by drinking alcohol. Although alcohol may provide temporary relief, it expends the chemicals in the brain which help ward off anxiety and depression. When the initial effects of the drug fade, individuals are typically left feeling more depressed or anxious than they did before they began drinking.

Alcohol Use and Depression

The slowed functioning of the brain caused by alcohol can allow individuals to numb to their suffering. As such, those experiencing depression may be inclined to drink to avoid the sadness, pain, and hopelessness associated with depression. This maladaptive coping behavior is so prevalent that research shows a clear relationship between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and major depression. Using alcohol while depressed can be extremely dangerous. Not only can alcohol negatively interact with antidepressants, but it can also place individuals experiencing depression at an increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior . If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors, you can reach the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Alcohol Use and Anxiety

According to a study on anxiety and AUD , a person with an anxiety disorder is two to three times more likely to develop an alcohol abuse disorder. When individuals with anxiety drink alcohol, they may feel an initial alleviation of their symptoms as well as a sense of euphoria. However, the symptoms of hangovers and alcohol withdrawal following heavy drinking can heighten feelings of anxiousness and interfere with ones daily obligations, contributing to even more agitation. This feeling of dread and anxiety associated with a hangover is commonly referred to as "hangxiety," but for those with existing anxiety conditions, this side effect of drinking can feel unbearable. Individuals with anxiety may be driven to drink more to tamper their stress and re-establish the sense of euphoria, resulting in a dangerous cycle of alcohol abuse.

Unhealthy Drinking Behaviors and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

Most who regularly drink alcohol don't have AUD, which develops when addiction is present. However, alcohol-related side-effects on mental health are still common, and they may still benefit from mental health support .

Signs of unhealthy alcohol use include:

Feeling a need to consume alcohol to make it through the day
Feeling unable to stop consuming alcohol
Progressively feeling a need to increase consumption of alcohol
Drinking to prevent or alleviate symptoms of hangover or withdrawal
Feeling ashamed of ones alcohol consumption
Having loved ones express concern over drinking habits

AUD is a condition that is often driven by genetics, abuse, trauma, or unhealthy family dynamics. Healing from AUD is possible and it can be treated with the help of mental health professionals and a dedicated treatment plan.

Signs of AUD include:

Alcohol use that interferes with the ability to carry out daily activities
Drinking despite the behaviors adverse effects on their life
Often drinking more or for a longer period of time than intended
Persistent desire and unsuccessful attempts to curb alcohol use
Revolving their schedule around drinking
Experiencing strong cravings for alcohol
Continuing to drink despite experiencing recurring illness or social issues as a result of alcohol use
Giving up activities one used to enjoy in favor of drinking
Using alcohol during situations where its physically hazardous to be impaired
Continuing to use alcohol despite knowing that it exacerbates a known existing health condition
Developing a tolerance for alcohol, or needing more alcohol to feel the same effects
Experiencing alcohol withdrawal or drinking more to avoid withdrawal

What are the Mental Health Benefits of Going Sober or Drinking Less Alcohol?

Reducing or eliminating your alcohol consumption can lead to a variety of mental health benefits, improving your overall quality of life. When going sober or cutting back on your alcohol consumption, some of the benefits you can look forward to are:

Improved mood stability, including reduced feelings of depression and anxiety
Improved sleep quality
Enhanced cognitive function
Increased energy levels
Improved concentration and productivity
Increased self-esteem
More authentic social interactions
Improved relationships

Limiting your alcohol consumption has the capability to change your life for the better, as it can help you establish a healthier mental environment, build better connections, and improve your physical health.

Support for Alcohol Abuse and its Mental Health Impacts

As humans, it can be uncomfortable for us to process difficult experiences and feel intense emotions. Therapy can help heal the source of your struggles driving alcohol abuse, while also guiding you in implementing healthy strategies for processing painful emotions. Through professional mental health support, you can be empowered to embrace life without having to rely on alcohol. Thrive offers outpatient therapy for substance abuse struggles in addition to other mental and behavioral health conditions. Reach out to learn more.

Additional Resources

SAMHSAs National Helpline: A free, confidential, and 24/7 service for individuals and families facing mental health conditions and/or substance use disorders, reachable by calling 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or texting 435748 (HELP4U).

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholisms (NIAAA) Treatment for Alcohol Problems : A guide for individuals and their loved ones who are looking for options to address struggles with alcohol use.

The post Alcohol and Mental Health: How Alcohol Use Contributes to Anxiety and Depression first appeared on Thrive Wellness on April 22, 2022.

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