Alcohol and your health: Risks, benefits, and controversies

Many people experiencing an alcohol use disorder claim that their use helps alleviate symptoms of certain mental health conditions or mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety. Long term heavy drinking seems to reduce GABA levels in the brain, which research suggests can ultimately make depression worse. Decreased GABA levels may also lead to increased anxiety, which can increase feelings of depression as well. Our compassionate team proudly provides advanced therapy options to treat both substance abuse and mental health issues. We also offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to relieve withdrawal symptoms, decrease the risk of overdose, and provide overall support to the addiction recovery process. There is a lot that we still need to understand about the link between alcohol and depression, and this is an emerging area of research.

The Road to Recovery

By contrast, another 2023 study found similar rates of death between nondrinkers and light to moderate drinkers. The platform provides reliable resources, accessible services, and nurturing communities. Its purpose is to educate, support, and empower people in their pursuit of well-being.

High-Intensity Drinking: When “Going Hard” Goes Too Far

“Alcohol makes us feel drunk and confused because alcohol makes the cells drunk and nonfunctional.” Because of this shared connection, treatment for both should include a diet to improve gut function and reduce endotoxin load that contributes to neuroinflammation. Following a Mediterranean diet rich in omega-3s, for example, might be one recommendation. Individuals diagnosed with clinical depression should be extremely cautious when it comes to using substances such as alcohol.

Mounting evidence links alcohol with cancer. Defining a “safe” amount of drinking is tricky — and controversial.

The anticipation of that same thing will raise your dopamine levels in the future. It’s why smelling Thanksgiving dinner from the living room can be such a maddening experience. You can expect to hear about more research, debate, and controversy in the near future regarding the potential risks and benefits of drinking, and how much — if any — is ideal.

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• There are many reasons why a person does not seek help for their depression.
• The hard truth is anyone who drinks wine, whiskey, beer or any other alcoholic beverages can experience a negative effect on mood.
• The contribution of social support to depression and alcohol use is likely nuanced and requires further examination.

Types of Substance Abuse Treatment Programs

In rare cases, some of these drugs can make depression much worse. It appears that depression and alcohol have a complicated relationship, and may actually reinforce each other. Below, we’ll cover the reasons why, and what you can do to take care of yourself if you suffer from either or both conditions. Ria Health offers several FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder. When combined with counseling, this approach is proven highly effective.

Findings such as these call into question the subjective statements of https://northiowatoday.com/2025/01/27/sober-house-rules-what-you-should-know-before-moving-in/ people’s experiences with alcohol and depression. Many studies have found that alcohol dependence is closely linked to depression. When it comes to diagnosing an alcohol use disorder and a major depressive disorder, it’s important to address them simultaneously, as they can significantly impact your recovery. However, alleviating depression does not resolve the alcohol use disorder.

• ” self-assessment below if you think you or someone you love might be struggling with an alcohol use disorder (AUD).
• Science tells us that self-medicating with alcohol actually makes our mental health worse, so we expect to find relief in sobriety.
• On the other hand, both conditions also share certain risk factors, such as genetics and social isolation.
• This continual state of “high alert” can also affect your serotonin levels, increasing depression.
• Drinking a lot may worsen these feelings, which may actually drive further drinking.
• If you have a history of depression or anxiety disorders and used to self-medicate with alcohol, your symptoms will likely increase when you quit.

The good news is that there is help available and millions of people have been able to break the harmful patterns of alcohol and depression. People who consume alcohol to cope with painful feelings have limited opportunities to learn healthier coping strategies. The more they become reliant on alcohol to cope with those feelings, the stronger those feelings may become. The depressant effects of alcohol on the brain initially cause reduced feelings of anxiety. These effects also reduce inhibitions, impulse control, and other critical thinking skills.

Treating both problems at once with a combination of medication and therapy has shown very positive results. This is especially true when treatment is flexible to the unique needs of the individual. Drinking can seem like an easy way to cope with difficult emotions in the moment, but it’s generally not effective in the long run.

But even two people who drink the same amount may be affected differently, depending on their genes and other risk factors. Acetaldehyde is “very toxic to a lot of different tissues,” says Dr. Sarah Wakeman, senior medical director for substance-use disorder at Mass General Brigham. It can damage body parts that are directly involved in alcohol metabolism, such as the liver, pancreas, and brain, as well as DNA itself.

Depression is different to anxiety (a feeling of worry or fear about what might happen, inability to concentrate and – for some people – panic attacks). But depression and anxiety sometimes go together – feeling anxious and worrying constantly can make you feel low. This probably won’t happen as quickly as you like, but give your brain some time. Medical professionals will say it takes about 90 days for your brain’s dopamine production to sober house return to pre-drinking levels.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

It’s a vicious pairing that can be difficult to overcome; however, treatment can be effective. With over 20 years of proven experience, Clearview can help you or a loved one on the path to recovery and well-being. Naltrexone, Acamprosate, and disulfiram are also FDA-approved medications that can help curb alcohol cravings.

All procedures were approved by the researchers’ on-site institutional review boards. For the present study, only baseline data are reported, which included the following measures, in addition to age, ethno-racial group, and homelessness. Some research suggests that part of the way alcohol use may reduce the risk of heart attacks is the impacts it has on the limbic system, such as limiting stress signals in the brain. But there are less risky ways to achieve that same goal, Tawakol said, such as exercise that comes with multiple benefits.