On this page
- The connection between alcohol and mental health
- Social and cultural relationships with drinking
- Alcohol use, alcohol misuse, and alcohol abuse
- The harmful cycle between alcohol and mental health issues
- The effects of alcohol on anxiety and depression
- Alcohol and our physical health
- Low-risk guidelines for drinking and early warning signs
- Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD): Signs and symptoms
The connection between alcohol and mental health
For many Australians, alcohol feels as ingrained in our culture as backyard barbecues and weekend sports. It’s often a go-to for celebrating victories, softening the sting of setbacks, or simply unwinding after a long day. But have you ever paused to reflect on how alcohol truly affects your brain, body, and mental health?
From the discomfort of a sore head to the deeper impacts on our emotional and physical wellbeing, many of us remain unaware of alcohol’s strong link to mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Even occasional drinks can affect us more than we realise, subtly shaping our mood, energy, and wellbeing.
Our mental health helps us respond to the challenges of everyday life. It’s about maintaining balance, building resilience, and feeling a sense of purpose and connection with others. Taking care of our mental health allows us to navigate life’s ups and downs while fostering a positive outlook and emotional health.
Many of us have heard phrases like, “alcohol helps me relax” or “it’s a good way to unwind.” While these beliefs are common, they only tell part of the story and often skip over how our wellbeing can be impacted. Alcohol can negatively impact our mental health, adding to feelings of anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Its impact depends on factors like how much we drink, how often, and the patterns of consumption. Its effects are also influenced by drinking habits and our body’s ability to process it.
From the discomfort of a sore head to the deeper impacts on our emotional and physical wellbeing, many of us remain unaware of alcohol’s strong link to mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Even occasional drinks can affect us more than we realise, subtly shaping our mood, energy, and wellbeing.
Our mental health helps us respond to the challenges of everyday life. It’s about maintaining balance, building resilience, and feeling a sense of purpose and connection with others. Taking care of our mental health allows us to navigate life’s ups and downs while fostering a positive outlook and emotional health.
Many of us have heard phrases like, “alcohol helps me relax” or “it’s a good way to unwind.” While these beliefs are common, they only tell part of the story and often skip over how our wellbeing can be impacted. Alcohol can negatively impact our mental health, adding to feelings of anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Its impact depends on factors like how much we drink, how often, and the patterns of consumption. Its effects are also influenced by drinking habits and our body’s ability to process it.
Alcohol's impact on the brain
A drink might seem like a good idea at the time, but alcohol is absorbed quickly into your bloodstream. It travels throughout your body, affecting everything from your brain to vital organs. While it may offer temporary relief, its impact goes far beyond the initial buzz.
Alcohol alters brain chemistry and function. As a depressant, it slows down the brain and nervous system, even after just one drink. It also disrupts neurotransmitters: the chemical messengers that regulate mood and emotions. Initially, this may create feelings of relaxation or confidence, but the disruption can worsen feelings of anxiety or depression, making it harder to maintain emotional stability.
One of these chemicals is serotonin, which helps stabilise our mood. Alcohol temporarily increases serotonin levels, leading to brief feelings of happiness or calm. However, as alcohol’s effects wear off, serotonin levels drop, leaving many of us feeling irritable, anxious, or sad. These changes can make it harder to regulate emotions and may lead to:
Alcohol alters brain chemistry and function. As a depressant, it slows down the brain and nervous system, even after just one drink. It also disrupts neurotransmitters: the chemical messengers that regulate mood and emotions. Initially, this may create feelings of relaxation or confidence, but the disruption can worsen feelings of anxiety or depression, making it harder to maintain emotional stability.
One of these chemicals is serotonin, which helps stabilise our mood. Alcohol temporarily increases serotonin levels, leading to brief feelings of happiness or calm. However, as alcohol’s effects wear off, serotonin levels drop, leaving many of us feeling irritable, anxious, or sad. These changes can make it harder to regulate emotions and may lead to:
- Mood swings: Alcohol disrupts brain chemicals, making it harder to regulate emotions and increasing the likelihood of mood swings.
- Increased anxiety: While alcohol may initially calm your nerves, it often leads to heightened anxiety later, especially the next day. This is often known as "hangxiety."
- Sleep disruption: Alcohol may help you fall asleep quickly but disrupts deep, restorative sleep. Poor-quality sleep can worsen stress and emotional regulation.
- Nervous system effects: Regular drinking can impair judgment, memory, and coordination. Over time, heavy drinking may cause lasting damage to brain function.
- Symptoms of depression: Low or depleted serotonin levels are considered to play a role in depression. You may experience feelings of sadness, loneliness, or irritability.
Alcohol use, alcohol misuse, and alcohol abuse
Understanding the difference between alcohol use, misuse, and abuse can help make sense of how drinking affects our mental health. Not all alcohol consumption is harmful, but knowing where the line is (and when it’s being crossed) can be an important step toward recognising unhealthy patterns and getting the right support early.
Alcohol misuse occurs when drinking begins to negatively affect a person’s life or well-being. This might include drinking to cope with stress, exceeding recommended limits, or making unsafe choices while intoxicated. Misuse can worsen mental health symptoms and increase the risk of developing more serious alcohol-related issues over time.
Alcohol abuse involves a pattern of excessive or harmful drinking that leads to significant distress or impairment. It often includes drinking despite negative consequences, neglecting responsibilities, or struggling to stop. In the context of mental health, alcohol abuse can both mask and worsen conditions like depression, anxiety, and emotional instability.
Alcohol use
Alcohol use refers to the consumption of alcoholic beverages, ranging from occasional social drinking to regular intake. For many, it causes no harm. However, even moderate use can impact mental health depending on individual circumstances, such as existing anxiety, depression, or the reasons behind drinking.
Alcohol misuse
Alcohol misuse occurs when drinking begins to negatively affect a person’s life or well-being. This might include drinking to cope with stress, exceeding recommended limits, or making unsafe choices while intoxicated. Misuse can worsen mental health symptoms and increase the risk of developing more serious alcohol-related issues over time.
Alcohol abuse
Alcohol abuse involves a pattern of excessive or harmful drinking that leads to significant distress or impairment. It often includes drinking despite negative consequences, neglecting responsibilities, or struggling to stop. In the context of mental health, alcohol abuse can both mask and worsen conditions like depression, anxiety, and emotional instability.The harmful cycle between alcohol and mental health issues
Alcohol and mental health are deeply interconnected. This becomes clear when we look at common mental health challenges, and how alcohol can act as fuel for these struggles:
Alcohol can have a significant impact on stress levels, often exacerbating the very emotions it's used to cope with. While drinking may provide short-term relief, it impairs your ability to effectively manage stress and make clear decisions.
Over time, this can lead to heightened levels of anxiety, as the alcohol wears off and the stress returns, often more intense than before. This creates a cycle where alcohol is used to avoid dealing with stress, only to find that it makes the situation worse in the long run.
For those of us with a history of trauma, alcohol can become a way to temporarily numb the pain or suppress difficult memories. While it may offer a brief escape, it is not a solution. In fact, using alcohol to cope with trauma often deepens emotional wounds and can prevent healing.
The more alcohol is relied upon, the more disconnected we may become from the emotions we need to face in order to heal. This can make trauma symptoms worse, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and difficulty forming healthy relationships.
The impact of alcohol use isn't limited to the individual; it can affect relationships with family, friends, and loved ones. When alcohol changes our behaviour, it can lead to conflicts, misunderstandings, and strained relationships.
Family members and close friends may feel frustrated, hurt, or powerless. Which can increase feelings of isolation and guilt for the person struggling with alcohol use. As relationships become strained, isolation often increases, making it more difficult to heal and manage mental health challenges.
We understand that these cycles can be incredibly difficult to break, and the longer they continue, the harder it can be to regain control. It’s common to feel like you're facing this alone, but there is real strength in connecting with others.
Dealing with stress
Alcohol can have a significant impact on stress levels, often exacerbating the very emotions it's used to cope with. While drinking may provide short-term relief, it impairs your ability to effectively manage stress and make clear decisions.Over time, this can lead to heightened levels of anxiety, as the alcohol wears off and the stress returns, often more intense than before. This creates a cycle where alcohol is used to avoid dealing with stress, only to find that it makes the situation worse in the long run.
Trauma response
For those of us with a history of trauma, alcohol can become a way to temporarily numb the pain or suppress difficult memories. While it may offer a brief escape, it is not a solution. In fact, using alcohol to cope with trauma often deepens emotional wounds and can prevent healing.The more alcohol is relied upon, the more disconnected we may become from the emotions we need to face in order to heal. This can make trauma symptoms worse, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and difficulty forming healthy relationships.
Feelings of isolation
The impact of alcohol use isn't limited to the individual; it can affect relationships with family, friends, and loved ones. When alcohol changes our behaviour, it can lead to conflicts, misunderstandings, and strained relationships.Family members and close friends may feel frustrated, hurt, or powerless. Which can increase feelings of isolation and guilt for the person struggling with alcohol use. As relationships become strained, isolation often increases, making it more difficult to heal and manage mental health challenges.
We understand that these cycles can be incredibly difficult to break, and the longer they continue, the harder it can be to regain control. It’s common to feel like you're facing this alone, but there is real strength in connecting with others.
The effects of alcohol on anxiety and depression
Alcohol can disrupt the delicate balance of brain chemicals that help regulate mood and emotions. Over time, this can make feelings of anxiety or depression more challenging to manage, affecting your overall emotional stability.
Alcohol is a depressant, which can slow down brain function; particularly as its effects wear off. While alcohol might seem like a temporary way to escape, it can often lead to a cycle that worsens anxiety and depression.
It's also important to be aware that alcohol misuse can reduce the effectiveness of prescribed medications, including antidepressants. This can make it harder to manage these conditions and cause greater mental health challenges.
Alcohol is a depressant, which can slow down brain function; particularly as its effects wear off. While alcohol might seem like a temporary way to escape, it can often lead to a cycle that worsens anxiety and depression.
It's also important to be aware that alcohol misuse can reduce the effectiveness of prescribed medications, including antidepressants. This can make it harder to manage these conditions and cause greater mental health challenges.
Alcohol and anxiety
Alcohol’s effects on anxiety are complex and often counterproductive. Alcohol impairs the brain’s ability to regulate emotions, which can lead to increased irritability, nervousness, or panic the day after or during drinking.
Prolonged alcohol use can disrupt our brain’s chemistry, making it harder to maintain emotional stability. Over time, this imbalance can contribute to or worsen symptoms of anxiety, including:
Prolonged alcohol use can disrupt our brain’s chemistry, making it harder to maintain emotional stability. Over time, this imbalance can contribute to or worsen symptoms of anxiety, including:
- feeling very worried or scared most of the time
- unable to regulate your emotions and thoughts, or
- difficulty concentrating or feeling tired.
You may also find alcohol makes symptoms of anxiety more intense and noticeable. Especially if you have previous experience of anxiety.
- reducing your intake,
- opting for alcohol-free activities, or
- taking a break from drinking.
"It did the trick initially. It would knock me out for a couple of hours. Then around 2am, I would wake up with heart palpitations, drenched in sweat.”
- Richard
Alcohol and depression
For individuals struggling with depression, alcohol can act as both a trigger and an intensifier. Alcohol disrupts the brain's natural balance of chemicals like serotonin, a neurotransmitter crucial for regulating mood. Over time, this can lead to:
- sadness or hopelessness
- guilt, shame, or low self-worth, and
- withdrawing from friends and family.
While it may initially feel like an escape, alcohol’s depressive effects can take a significant toll on your mental health. There is also a well-documented link between chronic alcohol use and the worsening of existing conditions such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia which can be aggravated by alcohol use.
If you feel like you’re relying on alcohol to manage feelings of overwhelm, sadness, or similar. First, know that you’re not alone, and second, there’s always support available.
If you feel like you’re relying on alcohol to manage feelings of overwhelm, sadness, or similar. First, know that you’re not alone, and second, there’s always support available.
Alcohol and our physical health
Alcohol’s effects extend beyond the immediate buzz. It slows down the central nervous system and disrupts nearly every major system in the body. In the short term, it can impair judgment and thinking. By understanding how alcohol affects our physical and emotional wellbeing, we can make more informed choices about its role in our lives.
Immune system
Alcohol can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections and illnesses. Being unwell often means missing work or social activities, which can lead to feelings of disappointment or loneliness, affecting self-esteem and mental health.
Heart and blood pressure
Drinking too much alcohol can increase blood pressure and lead to an irregular heartbeat. These physical sensations, such as a racing heart, can mimic feelings of anxiety, making it a potential trigger. Long-term alcohol use also raises the risk of serious heart conditions like stroke and heart disease.
Digestive health
Regular drinking can irritate the digestive tract, damage the stomach lining, and interfere with nutrient absorption, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal issues. Physical discomfort from these effects can leave you feeling sluggish or low, sometimes mimicking early signs of depression.
If you’re looking to support your mental wellbeing, consider adding regular exercise, practicing mindfulness, or reaching out to someone you trust to your routine.
Low-risk guidelines for drinking and early warning signs
Understanding the effects of alcohol and how to manage your intake is essential for maintaining both physical and mental wellbeing. By being aware of low-risk drinking guidelines and recognising early signs of problematic drinking, you can take steps to protect your health and seek help when needed.
Australian standard drink recommendations
The less you drink, the less risk of harm from alcohol. Anyone under 18 should not drink alcohol to reduce the risks of harm. For adults (those over 18) the Australian Alcohol Guidelines suggest drinking no more than:
10 standard drinks per week, or
4 standard drinks on any single occasion.
Keep in mind that drink sizes in pubs, bars, or restaurants may exceed standard measurements. Staying within these guidelines is an important way to minimise health risks. But, it’s just as important to listen to your body and mind to recognise when alcohol may be affecting you negatively. Because each drink varies and it can be tricky to keep track. You can use the DrinkWise Calculator to work out your alcohol intake.
Early indicators of drinking in excess
Problems with drinking don’t always happen overnight. It can develop gradually and subtly. Here are some early warning signs to look out for:
An increased reliance on alcohol. Using alcohol to manage stress, emotions, or social situations.
Regularly drinking more than planned and exceeding your intended limit or finding it difficult to stop.
Experiencing mood swings, irritability, or withdrawing from loved ones.
Neglecting responsibilities at work, home, or school due to drinking.
Regular hangovers, sleep disturbances, or needing more alcohol to feel its effects.
Friends or family are expressing worry about your drinking habits.
If you’ve noticed any of these patterns, consider your relationship with alcohol and reaching out for support.
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD): Signs and symptoms
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a health condition that defines what is commonly known as ‘alcoholism’. It’s identified by an inability to control or stop drinking despite negative consequences, and is often associated with alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction, and negative alcohol withdrawal.
- Experiencing nausea, sweating, shakiness, or anxiety when not drinking.
- Needing more and more alcohol to achieve the same effect.
- Developing issues such as liver damage, high blood pressure, or a weakened immune system.
While not everyone who drinks regularly develops AUD, there are certain patterns that can signal this condition. These include binge drinking, excessive drinking, or problem drinking. These types of drinking go beyond occasional or social use and may involve drinking large amounts in a short time or regularly drinking more than intended.
Other possible signs of AUD include:
Other possible signs of AUD include:
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop drinking.
- Spending significant time drinking or recovering from its effects.
- Continuing to drink despite problems in relationships or worsening health issues.
- Cravings for alcohol or a strong urge to drink.
- Feeling guilt, shame, or defensiveness about drinking habits.
AUD is a treatable condition, and with the right support, recovery is possible. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, reaching out to a GP or medical professional. They can provide the guidance needed to take the next steps toward healing.
Social and cultural relationships with drinking
Australia’s drinking culture norms
Binge drinking
Binge drinking is one such behaviour, with many Australians consuming large quantities of alcohol in short periods. This can take a toll not only on physical health but also on emotional wellbeing. Drinking large amounts in a short time can often leave us with feelings of shame, regret, or heightened anxiety.
What might start as a social norm, can quickly escalate into unhealthy patterns.
After-work drinks
After-work drinks are another integral part of Australian social life, providing an opportunity to unwind with colleagues and friends. While these moments of relaxation can help build connections. They can also create a sense of dependency, where alcohol becomes the go-to for social bonding.
It's important to check in with yourself to see whether the after-work drink at the pub is impacting your wellbeing and mental health. Remember, it's not about having to stop these social activities, but rather finding a balanced approach.
Drinking as a way to cope
Beyond social occasions, many people turn to alcohol to cope with stress or emotional pain. While it may provide temporary relief, relying on alcohol to manage difficult emotions can lead to unhealthy habits. The longer we use alcohol in this way, the more challenging it can become to address the root cause.
- Samantha
Challenging the norms