by Sandra Piddock

Created on: February 12, 2011   Last Updated: February 13, 2011

Everyone knows that excessive consumption of alcohol can have serious effects on the liver, but many people don't realise that alcohol can seriously compromise a number of bodily functions, including brain function. These are some of the ways in which alcohol can affect mental health.

Memory and brain function

Just a few drinks can impair memory and cause normal brain processes to slow down considerably. A heavy drinking session can lead to blackouts and short term memory problems. Many people have woken up with that dread feeling of not having a clue what they did the night before, and for long term heavy drinkers, there may be problems in remembering things from several years ago, as well as short term memory loss.*

As the brain continues to develop until the age of 18 or 19, teenage binge drinkers may be irrevocably damaging their brains in their attempts to match their peers drink for drink.

Depression

Alcohol is not a stimulant - it actually slows down brain function. Regular, heavy drinking decreases levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin helps to regulate moods and smooth out mood swings, so if you drink to combat depression, you could actually find yourself even more depressed in the long term. Conditions such as claustrophobia and agoraphobia and other anxiety-based disorders can also be worsened by excessive alcohol consumption.

Alcohol in excess can interfere with the normal ability to cope and deal with stressful situations. This in turn leads to feelings of low self esteem and even more depression.

Persistent alcohol abuse changes the chemistry in the brain, which in extreme cases can lead to suicide. It's estimated that alcohol is involved in up to 65% of suicides in the UK.* Alcohol removes inhibitions, meaning people are more likely to act on suicidal thoughts than when they are sober.

Psychosis

Prolonged heavy drinking - more than 30 units a day, or around a bottle of whisky daily - can lead to psychosis.* This is a severe form of mental illness where the sufferer is subject to hallucinations and a persecution complex. 8 - 10 units of alcohol a day can also affect brain function and mental capacity, although this is unlikely to result in psychosis.

Anger and aggression

Alcohol releases inhibitions by depressing the central nervous system, and this allows underlying feelings and resentments to surface. Feelings of anxiety are also enhanced by alcohol, and this can cause uncharacteristic aggressive behaviour.

Small amounts of alcohol can bring on feelings of relaxation and reduce stress, but it's frighteningly easy to become dependent on alcohol and use it as a crutch to get you through challenging situations. As with all things, moderation is the healthiest option.

Sources:

*http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/alcohol-and-you/health/a lcohol-and-mental-health

*http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/factsheets/alcohol -mental-health-and-wellbeing

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