April marks National Alcohol Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing public understanding about alcohol use disorder and raising awareness about the impact of alcohol on individuals, families, and communities. This annual observance offers communities a chance to gain more understanding of how individuals struggle with alcohol use and provides resources and support for those affected Samhsa.
At Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center, we recognize the complex relationship between alcohol and mental health. While many people use alcohol as a way to temporarily relieve stress, anxiety, or depression, the long-term effects of alcohol on mental health can be significant and potentially harmful. As we observe Alcohol Awareness Month, we want to highlight the importance of understanding this relationship and the resources available for those seeking help.
Understanding the Relationship Between Alcohol and Mental Health
How Alcohol Affects the Brain
Alcohol is classified as a depressant drug, which means it suppresses the central nervous system and affects the way we think, feel, and behave. Our brains rely on a fine balance of chemicals and processes to regulate mood and emotions. Over time, alcohol use can lead to the depletion of chemicals that play an important role in maintaining mental health and naturally reducing anxiety Alcohol Think Again.
When you consume alcohol, it initially acts as a stimulant, releasing dopamine – the chemical responsible for pleasure – which is why you might feel more relaxed, sociable, or confident after a drink. However, these effects are temporary, and as they wear off, alcohol’s depressant properties begin to take over.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol affects multiple neurotransmitter systems in the brain, including GABA, glutamate, and serotonin, all of which play crucial roles in regulating mood and anxiety levels.
The Cycle of Alcohol Use and Mental Health Issues
For many people, drinking alcohol socially can lighten their mood and reduce stress temporarily. However, persistent desire for these short-term effects can lead to heavy drinking over time, which can have negative consequences on mental health, such as worsening depression or anxiety The Jed Foundation.
This creates a dangerous cycle: people may drink to self-medicate mental health symptoms, but over time, alcohol can exacerbate these very conditions, leading to increased consumption as they seek relief, further worsening their mental health.
Research published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found that this pattern of self-medication with alcohol is particularly common among individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions.
Common Mental Health Conditions Affected by Alcohol
Depression and Alcohol
Depression and heavy drinking have a mutually reinforcing relationship – meaning that either condition can increase a person’s chances of experiencing the other Alcohol Change UK. Research shows that people who struggle with depression may turn to alcohol to numb their feelings or improve their mood. However, alcohol’s depressant effects can actually intensify feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and fatigue.
Studies have found that individuals with common mental disorders such as depression are twice as likely to report an alcohol use disorder compared to those without these conditions Nih. This highlights the importance of addressing both conditions simultaneously when seeking treatment.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that long-term alcohol misuse is a risk factor for developing major depressive disorder.
Anxiety and Alcohol
Many people use alcohol to reduce feelings of anxiety in social situations or to help them relax after a stressful day. While alcohol may temporarily reduce anxiety symptoms, it often leads to increased anxiety once the effects wear off.
Alcohol can create a short-lived feeling of relaxation, but this quickly disappears, leading to more negative feelings as alcohol withdrawal affects the brain and body Mentalhealth. This phenomenon is sometimes called “hangxiety” and can be particularly intense for those who already struggle with anxiety disorders.
A study in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found that up to 50% of individuals receiving treatment for alcohol use disorder also meet the criteria for one or more anxiety disorders.
Other Mental Health Conditions
By far, the most common mental health conditions that co-occur with alcohol use disorder are depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma- and stress-related disorders, other substance use disorders, and sleep disorders Nih. The relationship between alcohol and these conditions is complex and often bidirectional, meaning they can influence and worsen each other.
This co-occurrence of conditions, known as dual diagnosis, requires specialized treatment approaches that address both the substance use and mental health aspects simultaneously.
Warning Signs That Alcohol Is Affecting Your Mental Health
If you’re concerned that your alcohol use might be negatively impacting your mental health, here are some warning signs to look out for:
- Using alcohol to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression
- Needing to drink more to achieve the same effects (increased tolerance)
- Experiencing more severe or frequent symptoms of anxiety or depression
- Noticing mood swings that coincide with drinking or sobering up
- Feeling worse mentally in the days following alcohol consumption
- Experiencing disrupted sleep patterns after drinking
- Withdrawing from social activities, hobbies, or responsibilities due to drinking
- Having trouble cutting down or stopping alcohol use despite negative effects on mental health
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides resources to help identify these warning signs and understand the complex relationship between substance use and mental health disorders.
How Reducing Alcohol Consumption Can Improve Mental Health
Generally, cutting down or stopping drinking can have a positive effect on mental health. If drinking has been making you feel bad, after a few weeks of not drinking you might start to feel better physically and mentally www.rcpsych.ac.uk.
Benefits of reducing alcohol consumption may include:
- Improved mood stability
- Reduced anxiety symptoms
- Better sleep quality
- Increased energy levels
- Improved concentration and memory
- Enhanced effectiveness of mental health medications
- Better overall physical health, which can positively affect mental wellbeing
Research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption led to significant improvements in mental health outcomes for many individuals, particularly those with depression or anxiety disorders.
Strategies for Healthier Coping
Instead of turning to alcohol to manage stress, anxiety, or depression, consider these healthier alternatives:
- Physical activity: Regular exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Mindfulness and meditation: These practices can help manage stress and improve emotional regulation
- Therapeutic support: Talking to a therapist can provide effective coping strategies for mental health challenges
- Social connection: Spending time with supportive friends and family can improve mood and reduce isolation
- Sleep hygiene: Establishing healthy sleep patterns is crucial for mental health
- Balanced nutrition: What you eat can affect your mood and energy levels
- Creative expression: Activities like art, music, or writing can provide emotional outlets
- Volunteering: Helping others can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of purpose
Our holistic therapy programs incorporate many of these strategies to provide comprehensive support for recovery.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you find that your alcohol use is affecting your mental health or that you’re using alcohol to cope with mental health symptoms, it may be time to seek professional help. Some signs that professional treatment might be beneficial include:
- Being unable to cut down or stop drinking despite trying
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you don’t drink
- Continuing to drink despite negative consequences to your mental health
- Using alcohol to self-medicate symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions
- Having both a diagnosed mental health condition and concerns about alcohol use
The American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for understanding when alcohol use has become problematic and when professional help may be necessary.
Treatment Options at Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center
At Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center, we understand the complex relationship between alcohol use and mental health. Our approach to treatment addresses both concerns simultaneously, recognizing that treating one without the other often leads to poorer outcomes.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Our dual diagnosis program is specifically designed for individuals who are experiencing both substance use disorders and mental health conditions. This integrated approach ensures that all aspects of a person’s health are addressed in treatment.
Comprehensive Assessment
Treatment begins with a thorough psychological evaluation and diagnosis to identify all mental health and substance use concerns. This helps our team develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to each individual’s specific needs.
Evidence-Based Therapies
We utilize a variety of evidence-based therapies to address both alcohol use and mental health, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
- Individual and group therapy
- Family therapy
- Holistic approaches (mindfulness, yoga, art therapy)
Continuing Care
Recovery is an ongoing process. Our continuing care program provides the support needed to maintain sobriety and mental health improvements after the initial treatment phase.
Help Is Available
At Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center, we’re committed to helping individuals achieve lasting recovery and improved mental health. Our team of compassionate professionals understands the challenges of dual diagnosis and provides the comprehensive care needed for healing.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
During this Alcohol Awareness Month, we encourage you to reflect on your relationship with alcohol and its impact on your mental health. Whether you’re concerned about your own drinking or worried about a loved one, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Contact Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center today at 949-284-7325 to speak with our admissions team about how our programs can help you or your loved one begin the journey to recovery. We accept most major insurance plans and can verify your benefits quickly.
Your path to improved mental health and freedom from alcohol dependence can begin today.
References:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2025). Alcohol Awareness Month. https://www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/alcohol-awareness-month
- Mental Health Foundation. (n.d.). Alcohol and Mental Health. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/alcohol-and-mental-health
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). (2025). April is Alcohol Awareness Month. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/news-events/announcement/april-alcohol-awareness-month
- Alcohol Change UK. (2023). Alcohol and Mental Health – Fact Sheet. https://alcoholchange.org.uk/alcohol-facts/fact-sheets/alcohol-and-mental-health
- JED Foundation. (2024). Understanding the Mental Health and Drinking Connection. https://jedfoundation.org/resource/understanding-the-mental-health-and-drinking-connection/
- Alcohol Think Again. (n.d.). Effects Of Alcohol On Mental Health. https://alcoholthinkagain.com.au/alcohol-and-your-health/alcohol-and-mental-health
- Royal College of Psychiatrists. (n.d.). Alcohol, Mental Health and the Brain. https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/mental-illnesses-and-mental-health-problems/alcohol-mental-health-and-the-brain
- Grant, B. F., et al. (2015). Epidemiology of DSM-5 Alcohol Use Disorder: Results From the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions III. JAMA Psychiatry, 72(8), 757-766.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Alcohol and Public Health. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/index.htm
- World Health Organization. (2023). Alcohol, Drugs and Addictive Behaviours. https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/alcohol-drugs-and-addictive-behaviours
