When you have a long day at work or the kids are stressing you out, you might feel tempted to grab a glass of beer or wine to take the edge off. Many people use alcohol to relax, and some even drink to numb symptoms of anxiety or depression. The problem is that although alcohol can make you forget about your problems for a while, the effects are temporary—your problems will be right there waiting for you when you sober up, and your mental health will start to suffer. Learn more about this and other long-term effects of alcohol so you can make informed decisions for your future well-being.
If you are having difficulty coping with overwhelming alcohol and mental health challenges, you may be a good candidate for residential treatment at Promises Brazos Valley. Our inpatient programs offer the highest level of structure and support to help you overcome severe alcohol dependence and co-occurring mental health conditions.
What to know about alcohol and mental health
Alcohol can undoubtedly affect your mental health, so why do people dealing with anxiety or depression often turn to drinking for relief? The reality is that some individuals with untreated mental health conditions find alcohol to be a quick and easy way to boost their mood or relax when they are feeling stressed or anxious.
What are alcohol’s effects on the brain?
What they don’t realize is that alcohol disrupts the delicate balance of neurotransmitters in the brain that correlate with one’s mood, making it more difficult for feel-good hormones to function optimally. The person may feel great after a drink or two—energetic, sociable, and happy—then, when the effects wear off, feelings of depression, apathy, and irritability return, often worse than they were to begin with. This is what usually prompts people to drink more, to reclaim positive feelings once again, instigating the cycle of alcohol misuse and addiction.
What are the long-term effects of alcohol on mental health?
Chronic alcohol consumption can have long-term effects on your mental health. Continuing to drink over a long period can:
- Trigger or worsen existing mental health conditions, like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Make it more difficult to treat existing mental health conditions
- Impair cognitive function, interfering with your memory and ability to learn
- Disrupt your sleep, contributing to low mood and fatigue
- Increase the risk of self-harm and suicidal thoughts
The above long-term effects can make you feel as though you are stuck in a rut. Of course, the solution is to cut back or quit drinking, but that is often easier said than done, especially if you have developed a dependence on alcohol.
Treatment for alcohol use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions
The most effective treatment option for mental health and co-occurring alcohol use disorder is known as dual diagnosis treatment. This specialized program is designed to address these concerns at the same time, using a customized combination of therapies and medications.
Medication
Medication can be beneficial for both withdrawal symptoms and mental health treatment. Certain medications reduce alcohol cravings, while others are aimed specifically at managing anxiety or depression. By easing physical and mental discomfort while you heal, medications can help you stay focused on your sobriety goals.
Therapy
Although medication can help you feel more comfortable, it is not adequate on its own for long-term recovery. It is important to get to the root of substance misuse to effect lasting change, so attending therapy sessions should be considered non-negotiable if you are determined to achieve lifelong recovery.
Call Promises Brazos Valley to sign up for residential alcohol addiction treatment today
Enrolling in residential treatment at Promises Brazos Valley puts a sober lifestyle within reach. To learn more about our inpatient treatment options and how they can support your recovery journey, call us at 979.426.0086 or fill out our online form today.