Does Alcohol Cause Depression And Mental Health Problems?

Does alcohol cause depression?

Alcohol misuse can worsen depressive symptoms that are already present. Alcohol also affects mood and brain chemistry quite directly, so regularly drinking alcohol is considered one of the risk factors for developing depression. The effects of chronic, heavy alcohol intake on physical health can also make depression worse.

Studies in general psychiatry link binge drinking to an increased risk of long-term mood disturbances. Those who are drinking heavily are more likely to develop depressive disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Over time, alcohol can affect the central nervous system, making it harder to recover from depressive symptoms.

Research shows that people who start drinking at an early age are more likely to feel the effects of alcohol on their mental health. Some individuals are more vulnerable due to genetic factors, especially when there is a family history of mood disorders. Alcohol affects the brain’s reward and stress systems, contributing to negative feelings that linger even when not drinking. People who are genetically susceptible to mood disorders may find that alcohol worsens their condition over time. Individuals with low socioeconomic status often face higher exposure to risk factors like substance misuse and untreated depression.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5  (DSM-5) includes alcohol use disorder as a mental health condition due to its deep psychological impact. The connection between substance use and mental disorders is strong, and alcohol is often the gateway substance.

What are the symptoms of depression?

According to the DSM-5, a manual detailing the diagnostic criteria for various mental disorders, considers the following to be symptomatic of major depression: 

Symptoms of depression

• Depressed mood

• Anhedonia

• Significant appetite or weight changes

• Undersleeping or oversleeping

• Physical agitation or malaise

• Fatigue or decreased productivity

• Strong, negative feelings of guilt or worthlessness

• Impaired cognition

• Recurring suicidal ideation

Note that there are multiple types of depression, each with its own criteria. In PMDD, for instance, these depressive symptoms only occur during the luteal phase of one’s menstrual cycle. In dysthymia, there are less severe symptoms that persist for several months to years at a time. Depression also frequently co-occurs with anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety and social phobia.

People diagnosed with major depressive disorder may struggle with concentration, self-care, and consistent emotional regulation. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual outlines both physical and cognitive symptoms to help professionals identify depressive disorders.

General psychiatry literature often emphasizes how sleep disturbance is a core symptom of many mental disorders. Research shows that individuals with a family history of mood conditions may present more intense depressive disorders. Those from lower socioeconomic status backgrounds may face additional barriers in recognizing and treating depressive disorders.

Is drinking too much considered a form of substance misuse?

Yes, alcohol use disorder is a condition. It is characterized by compulsive, heavy drinking that a person can’t stop, and a physical alcohol dependence that can make unmonitored detoxing life-threatening. It frequently leads to serious health conditions like heart disease, liver disease, or alcohol poisoning. Alcohol misuse is also a risk factor for self-harm and suicide.

Excessive alcohol use is often linked to substance misuse, which can increase the severity of both physical and psychological problems. Studies in clinical and experimental research have explored how chronic alcohol and substance use interact to affect mood, cognition, and decision-making.

People with undiagnosed bipolar disorder may be especially vulnerable when drinking heavily, as alcohol can intensify manic or depressive episodes. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, co-occurring conditions like mental disorders and substance misuse require integrated treatment plans.

What are the symptoms of alcoholism?

The American Psychiatric Association recognizes the following as being symptomatic of alcohol use disorder:

• Drinking heavily over a long period of time

• Urge to drink, even at the expense of other responsibilities (family, work, etc.)

• Giving up important activities because of one’s drinking habits

• Needing more alcohol to get the same effect, over time

• Performing hazardous acts while under the influence of alcohol, such as operating a vehicle

• Undergoing withdrawal symptoms when one stops drinking

• Being unable to reduce or eliminate alcohol use

Self-medication with alcoholic beverages can worsen depression over time, as well as make it more difficult to treat with pharmacologic treatments, therapies, or other options.

Some people turn to alcohol when dealing with depressive disorders, but this can lead to a worse prognosis if left untreated. While pharmacological treatments may help, combining them with therapy and support often leads to better results. Those with mental disorders might find that alcohol interferes with their medication or therapy progress. In some cases, alternative support systems like SMART Recovery or Alcoholics Anonymous can help individuals build healthier coping habits.

How does alcoholism cause mental health problems?

The impact alcohol has on one’s health and body, including on crucial brain chemical messengers like serotonin, is generally negative, especially over the long term. It is frequently used as a coping mechanism because it can make someone feel good in the short term, but over the long term, alcohol can actually make depression and anxiety worse. Its use also puts one at an increased risk of several neurological disorders and physical disorders that put someone at a further increased risk for psychological conditions.

According to recent clinical and experimental research, alcohol's long-term effects on mood can lead to lasting emotional instability. Individuals with a medical condition like chronic pain may be more likely to self-medicate with alcohol, complicating their mental health further. Research shows that combining alcohol with certain medications can worsen side effects and reduce treatment effectiveness. In some cases, underlying bipolar disorder may be triggered or worsened by prolonged alcohol use, especially when left undiagnosed.

Can mental health therapy help alcoholics?

Psychotherapy can alleviate symptoms in those who struggle with alcohol misuse and/or experience depressive symptoms, especially when taking antidepressant medications or other prescriptions isn’t possible.

Some individuals with alcohol use issues may also meet the following symptoms of a co-occurring mood disorder. A licensed healthcare professional can assess both physical and mental needs to recommend proper treatment options. People who feel depressed often benefit from support systems that address both emotional distress and alcohol dependency. Building a stable social life could also be important, as isolation may worsen drinking habits and overall mental well-being.

How can I help an alcoholic?

One of the best ways you can help someone with a substance use disorder is to provide them with emotional and pragmatic support toward the goal of no longer misusing the substance. In the case of excessive alcohol use, you might recommend support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, offer to drive them to a rehabilitation clinic, or help them secure medical care appointments and medications for physical or mental health conditions. Joining them in pursuing individual and social activities that benefit mental well-being can also be helpful.

Importantly, note that when someone has been struggling with long-term alcohol misuse, they’ll need a medically supervised detox. With long-term alcohol use, the brain becomes physically dependent on the substance. Consequently, if someone with alcoholism quits drinking cold turkey, they’ll start experiencing withdrawal symptoms, and some alcohol withdrawal symptoms are life-threatening.

If someone is ready to get help, suggesting groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery can be a good start. A healthcare professional can check if they also have another condition. Exploring different treatment options that fit their needs may help them recover. Restoring a healthy social life can also give structure and connection during healing.

Can therapy improve mental health conditions?

Yes, therapy can improve various mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and more.

Therapists sometimes draw from general psychiatry approaches to guide treatment planning. Support may also depend on a person’s socioeconomic status, which can affect whether or not they receive therapy or healthcare. Individuals with a medical condition or history of substance use might benefit from integrated mental health services. Research shows that personalized therapy programs are especially helpful for those with complex or overlapping issues.

Is it true that drinking alcohol can cause depression and anxiety in a person?

Yes, alcohol affects our brains. Studies show that people who drink alcohol more often are more likely to develop mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.

For some people, drinking alcohol at an early age increases their risk of developing mental disorders later in life. Because of genetic factors, those who are genetically susceptible may experience more intense emotional effects from drinking. Heavy alcohol use combined with a family history of depression may worsen long-term outcomes.

Does alcohol addiction and substance abuse make you feel depressed?

Yes, alcohol can cause depression, or vice versa. Moreover, AUD and depression can co-occur, and each disorder can worsen the other, regardless of which one came first.

People who feel depressed may turn to alcohol to cope, but this often deepens emotional struggles. Ongoing drug misuse can make it harder to recover from low mood and fatigue. In some cases, untreated depressive disorders may worsen due to alcohol’s impact. According to experts in general psychiatry, substance misuse is often both a cause and a consequence of mood instability.

What is the most popular treatment for alcoholism?

The most popular treatments for alcoholism are behavioral treatment, medications, and support groups.

For individuals with major depressive disorder, treating both depression and alcohol use together is often more effective. Some people with depressive disorders may need ongoing support even after reducing alcohol intake. Alcoholism is often linked to underlying risk factors like trauma, genetics, or untreated mental health issues. Experts warn that if left unaddressed, alcohol can make depression worse, especially in people already at risk. Long-term substance misuse can also interfere with recovery, requiring a more integrated approach to treatment.

Major depressive disorder can cause deep sadness, tiredness, and trouble focusing. Some depressive disorders happen slowly, while others are linked to risk factors like stress or past trauma. Learning about different depressive disorders can help people find the right support.