Alcohol, depression and anxiety

How alcohol impacts the body

Alcohol affects many different bodily systems, including the brain, heart, sleep patterns, and sexual functions. These impacts can have both short-term and long-term consequences on a person’s physical and emotional health. Let’s look at some of the ways alcohol influences our bodies:

• Brain: Affects cognitive function, memory, and mood
• Liver: Can cause liver damage when consumed excessively
• Digestive system: Irritates stomach lining and interferes with nutrient absorption
• Heart: Raises blood pressure and heart rate, may weaken heart muscle
• Pancreas: Can cause inflammation and pancreatitis
• Immune system: Weakens immune response, increasing susceptibility to infections
• Sleep: Disrupts sleep cycles and reduces REM sleep quality
• Sexual function & fertility: Impacts hormone production, libido, and fertility
• Weight gain: High in calories, contributing to weight gain and related health issues.

Remember, moderation is key when it comes to alcohol consumption. Alcohol tolerance occurs when a person needs to drink more to receive the same sensation that fewer drinks used to provide. A high tolerance for alcohol means the drinker will seek more and more in order to achieve their desired condition. Enjoying a drink now and then is usually fine, but excessive drinking can lead to a host of physical health problems.

Self-medicating with alcohol: a vicious cycle

People experiencing depression or anxiety may resort to alcohol to self-medicate and alleviate symptoms temporarily, without realising the potential long-term damage. Unfortunately, this coping mechanism can create a vicious cycle, as alcohol can worsen underlying mental health issues, leading to increased reliance on substances for relief. Drinking does more than cause you to fall down or slur your words.

Self-medicating with alcohol for mental health issues can have many negative impacts:

• Worsening symptoms: Alcohol might provide temporary relief, but it can ultimately worsen symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions.
• Dependence: Regular use of alcohol as a coping mechanism can lead to psychological or physical dependence, making it difficult to function without it.
• Impaired judgment: Alcohol impairs cognitive function and decision-making, potentially leading to risky behaviours that could worsen mental health.
• Interference with treatment: Alcohol can interfere with prescribed medications, reducing their effectiveness or causing harmful interactions.
• Social isolation: Excessive alcohol use can strain relationships, resulting in social isolation and increased feelings of loneliness or depression.
• Sleep disruption: Alcohol negatively affects sleep quality, and poor sleep can worsen mental health symptoms.

The science behind alcohol’s effects on mood

Our brains rely on a delicate balance of chemicals and processes to function well. Alcohol, as a depressant, disrupts this balance by interfering with the parts responsible for mood regulation. Why? Because drinking alcohol causes a drop in serotonin and norepinephrine levels, which our brains use to regulate our mood. This means decreased levels can increase feelings of depression and anxiety for some people.

Alcohol’s impact on sleep quality

Another way alcohol can negatively impact our mental health and increase feelings of anxiety and depression is through poor quality sleep. Alcohol changes our body’s sleep schedule and stops the important REM sleep, which helps our minds and emotions recover. Even though drinking can sometimes make you fall asleep quicker, it often leads to a rough and unrefreshing night, disrupted by needing to use the toilet more or feeling thirsty throughout the night. Poor sleep can make mental health issues like depression and anxiety worse.

Developing healthier habits and breaking the cycle

Breaking unhealthy habits can be challenging but reducing your alcohol consumption is achievable by forming new routines. Consider trying these strategies to help you start new habits which will lead to positive changes:

• Avoid keeping alcohol at home to reduce temptation
• Refrain from drinking alone, and establish a supportive social circle
• Limit drinking to mealtimes or special occasions
• Journal instances when you notice your thoughts are turning to alcohol. An awareness of triggers may lead to positive actions to avoid temptation
• Talk to your friends or family about trying activities that don’t involve alcohol
• Use exercise, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques to manage stress
• Seek professional help, such as counselling or support groups.

If you need to talk to someone, give one of our MensLine Australia counsellors a call on 1300 78 99 78 or access online chat.