Alcohol consumption is often associated with celebration and relaxation, but over time, heavy drinking can have harmful effects on mental health. Many people use alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress or emotional issues, which can lead to a dangerous emotional rollercoaster of highs and lows.
Excessive alcohol use and depression are closely connected, as alcohol disrupts the serotonin and dopamine in the brain, causing low mood, sleep issues, and increased anxiety.
The Link Between Alcohol Abuse and Depression
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and depression are among the most prevalent co-occurring mental health conditions. Alcohol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that slows down activity in the brain and nervous system. This is what leads to the relaxing and sedative effects of alcohol. Over time, someone who may be drinking alcohol to relieve anxiety or stress may experience more profound emotional challenges, including depression.
Heavy and prolonged alcohol consumption fuels a destructive cycle of emotional instability and depression. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) can contribute to major depressive disorder (MDD) as a result of the disruption of neurotransmitters, sleep disturbances, and higher anxiety levels from heavy drinking.
Neurotransmitter Disruption
Alcohol disrupts the balance of serotonin and dopamine, the brain’s neurotransmitters responsible for mood stability and pleasure. Chronic heavy drinking depletes dopamine and serotonin in the brain, making it harder to experience joy or motivation. This neurotransmitter disruption fuels alcohol dependence and addiction as users begin to consume more alcohol to achieve these effects.
Sleep Disturbances
Heavy drinking, especially at night, interferes with rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. While alcohol acts as a sedative, it interferes with several neurotransmitter systems responsible for sleep regulation. Alcohol abuse contributes to chronic sleep disturbance, more rapid eye movement (REM) sleep than usual, fatigue, and increased emotional instability.
Increased Anxiety
The effects of heavy drinking can bring up feelings of anxiety or panic, especially the next day. Alcohol’s depressant effects slow brain function, which can trigger feelings of worry and hopelessness.
While many engage in alcohol use to relieve stressful and anxious emotions, heavy drinking can, in turn, exacerbate them. Hangover anxiety, also called “hangxiety,” is a term used to describe the extreme psychological side effects of a hangover.
Many individuals, after a night of drinking, wake up the next day feeling regretful, nauseous, and lazy. These emotions can lead to social isolation, panic, and depression.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Alcohol Misuse and Abuse
Heavy drinkers often experience mood swings from alcohol’s effects on brain chemistry. The emotional rollercoaster of alcohol abuse and depression typically follows this pattern:
- The High
- The Crash
- The Withdrawal
- The Craving
The high is the initial effects of alcohol use, such as feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and happiness. As alcohol heightens dopamine levels, people often feel more social and confident after a few drinks. The crash occurs when alcohol leaves the system, and dopamine levels drop. The comedown from alcohol’s effects can trigger irritability, sadness, or even aggression.
The day after heavy alcohol consumption, individuals often experience physical and psychological symptoms of a hangover. These symptoms, such as anxiety, nausea, brain fog, headaches, and extreme fatigue, can mimic or exacerbate depression. To escape the negative emotions experienced when not drinking, many individuals turn to alcohol. As the cycle continues, both alcohol abuse and depression continue to worsen.
The Long-Term Effects of Heavy Drinking on Mental Health
While occasional drinking may not have long-term implications, regular heavy drinking negatively impacts mental health and well-being. Heavy drinking and binge drinking are often normalized in social settings, but they can lead to a range of health complications.
Chronic Depression
Individuals who drink heavily and have alcohol use disorder (AUD) are at the highest risk of depressive disorders compared to other psychiatric disorders. Heavy alcohol abuse can contribute to the development or exacerbation of depressive disorders. People who struggle with existing depression experience worsened depressive symptoms and episodes when drinking heavily.
Suicidal Thoughts
Chronic alcohol abuse is a significant risk factor for suicidal ideation, thoughts, and behaviors. Individuals who struggle with co-occurring alcohol use disorder (AUD) and depression are at a higher risk for suicidal tendencies. Alcohol’s depressant effects amplify impulsivity and hopelessness, making it a significant risk factor for suicidal tendencies.
Social Isolation
Alcohol use disorder (AUD), for those with and without existing depressive disorders, can cause individuals to isolate themselves. Many heavy drinkers tend to withdraw themselves from social situations and support systems to avoid confrontation. Social isolation can lead to heavy drinking at home, causing feelings of loneliness, depression, and a more profound sense of despair.
Treating Co-Occurring Alcohol Abuse and Depression
Individuals who struggle with heavy drinking often meet the criteria for an alcohol use disorder (AUD). When alcohol consumption surpasses mild or moderate drinking habits, it becomes more challenging to quit without professional support. Dual diagnosis treatment, ongoing therapy, healthy coping mechanisms, and a strong support system are a few steps to regain emotional stability in recovery.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
When major depressive disorder (MDD) and AUD coexist, dual diagnosis programs are tailored to treat both conditions simultaneously. These programs incorporate therapeutic techniques, addiction treatments, and holistic practices that help individuals heal physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Coastal Detox offers dual diagnosis programs in Stuart, FL, for those struggling with co-occurring disorders.
Adopt Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Maintaining healthy habits and coping strategies helps reduce depressive symptoms in alcohol recovery. Regular exercise, mindfulness practices, a nutritional diet, and creative outlets can all help manage stress without needing alcohol.
Build a Support System
Individuals who struggle with depression and alcohol abuse often lack a strong support system or isolate themselves. Social isolation is what keeps so many individuals stuck in alcohol abuse and depression. Surrounding yourself with supportive friends, family members, support groups, and other communities can help facilitate recovery and prevent relapse.
If you or a loved one is struggling with heavy drinking and depression, reach out today. Help is available. You don’t have to do this alone.
References:
- Alcohol Research, 2019. Alcohol Use Disorder and Depressive Disorders.
- WebMD, 2024. Alcohol and Depression.
- Verywell Mind, 2023. Is Alcohol a Depressant?
- Handbook of Clinical Neurology, 2014. Chapter 24 – Alcohol and the sleeping brain.
- Cleveland Clinic, 2022. Anxiety and Alcohol: Does Drinking Worsen Symptoms?
- Healthline, 2023. How to Manage the Dreaded “Hangxiety” After a Night Out.
- International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2010. Suicidal Behavior and Alcohol Abuse.
- National Institutes of Health, 2024. Research in Context: Treating depression.